You have been in the fresh produce industry for more than a decade now. Please give us a brief overview of your career to date.
BB: I have been in the industry for 12 years. My first job at Zespri was as market manager for the Benelux and Nordic countries in 2000. I moved on to become sales manager for Europe and then on to my current role as general manager. Before fresh produce I was in retail.
What is the most important thing you have learnt about the industry in that time?
BB: I have learnt about its dynamism and the special skills of all the people working in it. There are always people who are looking for new opportunities. There is always a fight for the product and for the customer.
What do you enjoy most about your current position?
BB: The ability to be in contact with so many people in all aspects of the business.
What are the greatest challenges?
BB: At Zespri we work for the grower by getting them a decent long-term return. The challenge is to do this whilst trying to overcome realities like price fluctuations, promotion and marketing budgets. And, of course, the current economic situation and declining fruit and vegetable consumption rate in Europe have an effect on this.
In a parallel life, what career would you be in?
BB: It could be human resources or it could be anything really. I do enjoy what I’m doing at the moment so I haven’t really thought of it. Rugby is an interest of mine – it’s great fun but I couldn’t do it as a career!
Who in the industry do you most admire or respect?
BB: Not one person in particular, but in general all people who worked their way up as a grower or in the commercial part of the business. There is real passion in this industry, not to mention drive and commitment. It is one of the most passionate sectors I have ever worked in. And, yes, I share this passion.
Where do you see the industry moving in the future?
BB: There will be even more planning and programming across the supply chain when it comes to cost and retail requirements. This is based on what I have observed moving forward in the last year. I cannot say if I believe this to be overtly either positive or negative.
Do you have any advice for people entering the industry?
BB: If you have passion to do the job, then watch out – because you will keep on doing it for a long time!
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