"To say that 2020 has been a year of unprecedented uncertainty and disruption feels like a huge understatement", the board with TomatoesNZ says. "However, I believe that fresh tomato growers can take huge pride in the way they responded to the challenges of 2020 with innovation and resilience."
"Throughout the year and despite the lockdowns, growers adapted their production and sales to keep providing essential, healthy, high quality tomatoes for New Zealanders to enjoy; they kept employing people; and they kept contributing to the economy.
"The challenges and frustrations of operating under the threat of covid-19 have not yet disappeared. Border restriction mean lower seasonal labour supply and greatly reduced opportunities to export; costs of operating have increased; and there is still the possibility of further lockdowns affecting business in the future.
"At TomatoesNZ we are continuing to work closely with the other horticultural product groups and Horticulture NZ to do everything possible to support growers. That includes speaking at least weekly with government officials to talk to them about the policy and other settings that growers need to succeed and prosper. These range from conversations about future energy solutions, to the types of R&D and innovation needed to take the industry forward.
"It is our privilege and pleasure to do this work in Wellington for all of NZ’s fresh tomato growers.
TomatoesNZ is looking into further research to understand why tomatoes are less appealing to younger shoppers and families with young children. This will guide how to address barriers to purchase whilst keeping our core buyers happy.
If you would like to receive the Nielsen report please contact Karen Orr call 04 494 9984.
For more information:
TomatoesNZ
www.tomatoesnz.co.nz