Zespri general manager marketing and innovation Carol Ward.
The inaugural Kiwifruit Innovation Symposium kicks off today. The Land takes a look at the speakers and what they'll be discussing with growers and industry representatives.
Zespri i marketing and innovation general manager Carol Ward said it invested over $15 million a year in kiwifruit innovation science and the symposium was a chance for people to see the latest developments.
"Innovation has given our growers the world's leading kiwifruit varieties and the tools to grow the best kiwifruit in the world, as well as a world-class supply chain. We want to show the industry how we're building on this for the future and supporting the strong growth ahead," says Ms Ward.
The event at the ASB Arena at Mount Maunganui would be followed by the Hayward Medal dinner.
Workshops and speakers include:
The Great Unknown
Covers the impact of Psa since its incursion in 2010 - one of the biggest biosecurity incidences in New Zealand. Psa has been present in other parts of the world, including Italy and had already severely impacted the kiwifruit industry. As a consequence, the industry had invested in research to understand the bacteria and its control. However, the New Zealand incursion and ensuing research over the next few years highlighted the gaps in knowledge, including understanding the pathway of Psa movement.
Led by Zespri crop Protection and biosecurity innovation leader Dr Elaine Gould, speakers NZ Avocado biosecurity and programme manager Brad Siebert, Kiwifruit Vine Health biosecurity analyst Matt Dyck and Kiwifruit Vine Health biosecurity programmes manager Andrew Harrison talk on latest developments.
Health - Do Consumers Really Care?
Targeted at how health fits in with research, including benefits of Vitamin C from kiwifruit for optimal benefits. Through market research "Zespri has learnt through market research in Europe and Asia is that the more consumers know about the health benefits of kiwifruit, the more they buy. Zespri's super-consumer is motivated by health".
Led by Zespri health and nutrition innovation leader Dr Juliet Ansell with guest speaker Otago University principal investigator, Centre for Free Radical research associate dean Dr Margreet Vissers.
Optimising Knowledge Transfer
As the pace of global competition quickens knowledge transfer has become one of the most critical activities in assisting organisations to innovate and remain competitive. The New Zealand kiwifruit industry invests $20 million dollars a year in acquiring knowledge but it's of limited value if not shared effectively. It's important the industry develops a capacity for the efficient exchange of ideas.
Led by Zespri innovation leader Matt Adkins as the first step in developing a knowledge exchange system.
Beyond Hayward- The Future of the Green Category
The development of new kiwifruit cultivars has had an incredible impact on the New Zealand industry in the last 20 years. Zespri Gold opened up a whole new market subcategory and delivered over $4 billion in export earnings for New Zealand. It demonstrated that future growth would come from bringing new and exciting products to market.
Led by Zespri innovation operations manager Bryan Parkes with guest speakers Zespri chief executive Lain Jager, Zespri marketing and innovation general manager Carol Ward, kiwifruit grower Richard Glenn and Apata Group chief executive Stuart Weston.
Taste: Where to next?
Exploring flavour, what it means and how it could be ignited to provide a marketable point of difference.
Led by Dr Greg Clark guest speaker Viticulture general manager Tony Hoksbergen and Yealands Estate winery manager and senior wine maker Jeff Fyfe.
Productivity, how much is too much
Fifteen years ago the industry was averaging 6500 to 7000 trays/ha and now yields of over 20,000 trays/ha aren't unheard of. But productivity does not just cover fruit volumes the industry needed great fruit as well. The workshop would explore "what we can hang on the vines using examples from other crops which have transformed productivity".
Led by Zespri on-orchard productivity and market access innovation leader Dr David Armour, guest speakers Dr Adam Friend and Dr Annette Richardson from Plant& Food Research.