Blackcurrant export agents

Press, 18 June 1982, Page 8

Blackcurrant export agents

Dalgety New Zealand, Ltd has been appointed sole export marketing agent for all frozen blackcurrants produced for export by the Canterbury Berryfruit Growers’ Co-op., Ltd, Ashburton.

About 50 per cent of New Zealand ' blackcurrants exported are produced by the Canterbury group which consists of 55 growers who operate in the North Otago, through Canterbury to Nelson region.

“We welcome this move because we believe it imperative that New Zealand export produce should be marketed professionally on a long-term basis,” said Mr R. V. McPhail, general manager of the Dalgety International Trading Division, announcing the appointment. “This approach ensures maximum returns for export, products and creates a stable situation which allows

growers to plan ahead with confidence.” Mr McPhail said his company has been a major exporter of blackcurrants over the last few years and he was confident that it would be able greatly to expand not only the number of markets served, but also the number of product users within the .markets.

Mr George Agnew, managing director of the Canterbury Berryfruit Growers’ Coop., Ltd, said that from the growers’ point of view the new agreement was a positive move toward rationalising the selling operation and enabling. overseas, buyers to deal with one organisation for substantial supplies of blackcurrants and other berryfruits. . “Under these conditions there should be greater stability in the market, and this should reflect in greater returns to dur members,” he added.