New Zealand Frost Fans Limited and its associated entities (together, “NZFF”) is expanding its global footprint of FrostBoss® distributors with a focus on European markets.
An increasingly important driver of demand, particularly in Europe, is climate change. According to a recent NZ Trade and Enterprise report on European horticulture, climate change is bringing forward the start of the vegetation period faster than the date of the last spring frost. The report notes that this will lead to “… an increase of frost events during the growing season. Sudden spring frosts during the growing season will compromise many harvests.”
NZFF is the leading supplier of frost fans in Australia and New Zealand and has a “top 3” position worldwide. Since 2020, FrostBoss® sales in Europe have grown rapidly with distributors appointed in Bulgaria, France, northern Italy, Portugal and eastern Spain.
As part of a managed growth strategy, NZFF is now looking to further bolster its European network by building long-term distribution partnerships in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, central Italy, northwest Spain around León and southeast Spain to cover Valencia.
“We have experienced significant growth in Europe over the last couple of years”, explains Chris Kay, NZFF’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We are seeing greater demand for frost fans after spring frosts last year lead to “historically low” output levels. In addition, ongoing issues with drought are driving demand for active frost protection methods, which are not reliant on water for overhead spraying.”
NZFF explained that an ideal FrostBoss® distribution partner will already have excellent relationships with growers across the horticulture and viticulture sectors. They must also have the ability to go beyond the initial FrostBoss® sale by managing the installation process and providing ongoing service support.
“With our business growing internationally in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, we’re increasing capacity to ensure we continue to meet demand. We’re currently building a new composite blade factory alongside our existing manufacturing facility. This new factory will increase our ability to make our premium blades, ensuring we continue to deliver on time. The new factory will use state-of-the-art robots from Italy automating some of the tasks and allow us to work around the clock.”
“We’re on an exciting journey, which is set to continue.”
For more information:
Chris Kay
New Zealand Frost Fans
Tel: +64 21 594 298
Email: chris.kay@nzfrostfans.com
www.nzfrostfans.com