NZ New Zealand apples

United Fresh New Zealand Incorporation can add Plant & Food Research to its list of members, with the pan-produce organisation now having 86 members from across the fresh produce supply chain.

“United Fresh has worked closely with Plant & Food Research over the years, developing nutritional information and health claims for fresh fruit and vegetables,” said United Fresh GM Paula Dudley in a company release. “[Its] expertise and guidance in these areas have been invaluable for United Fresh members and the industry as a whole. Now, as our members look to increase the value and production of the horticultural industry, we believe Plant & Food Research will play an important role in helping us achieve this.”

“Plant & Food Research aims to add value to the food industry and to food consumers,” said Bruce Campbell, Plant & Food Research COO. “As a pan-industry organisation, United Fresh offers a unique insight into the whole fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain. We are looking forward to working closely with their members to better understand their issues and to support them in understanding how research can address their needs and the needs of food consumers.”

New Zealand’s horticultural sector is now valued at more than NZ$7bn, with exports increasing 7 per cent to NZ$3.9bn in 2014 compared to the previous year.