2017 – a year of challenges and growth
The last few months have been incredibly tough for growers as unseasonal heavy rain has badly affected crops. We acknowledge the hard work and perseverance of growers to keep the supply of fresh potatoes going. On the upside, this shortage gained significant media coverage, which provided great opportunities to spotlight the New Zealand potato industry.
Highlights this year have included the biannual conference in Pukekohe in July, the successful return of the Best Chip Shop Competition, renewal of the Chip Group training contract with the Ministry of Health, the November Means New Potatoes campaign, delivery of highly successful Health & Safety workshops, significant progress on biosecurity and GIA and the implementation of various procedures and processes to ensure standardisation and professionalism of the industry.
Relationships with strategic partners have gone from strength-to-strength, allowing us greater traction and following in the wider horticulture industry. There are too many strategic partners to mention by name (30+) so thank you for your efforts throughout the year. Thanks also to the Potatoes NZ staff and Board for their tireless efforts throughout the year.
We end the year in a strong position with the highest export volumes and values in the last few years, a growing industry worth $814 million and renewed public interest in potatoes and the potato industry.
Most importantly thanks to the growers, processors and everyone working in the New Zealand potato industry. Here’s to a great 2018.
– Chris Claridge, Chief Executive
Inspiration & Reading Materials
- Need some inspiration for how to cook potatoes to impress your guests? Visit www.potatoesnz.co.nz/inspiration.
- Short of reading material? Check out Niki Bezzant’s Potato Chat blogs.
Area Planted Survey
Reminder that the 2017 Area Planted Survey forms need to be filled in and returned by 26 January, 2018 – download the survey form.
Office Closed
The Potatoes New Zealand office will be closed on Friday 22nd December, reopening Monday 8th January.
Follow us on Social Media
- Instagram – potatoes_nz
- Facebook – Potatoes NZ
- Facebook – Chip Group
- Twitter – Potatoes NZ
- Twitter – Chris Claridge