Fruitfed's highly-regarded Research & Development team

A key asset that sets Fruitfed Supplies apart from our competitors

The Research and Development (R&D) team at Fruitfed Supplies (formerly called the Technical team) is dedicated to bringing the most relevant, scientifically-proven crop protection technology and techniques to New Zealand's horticultural industry.

Working with manufacturers and distributors in the New Zealand market, our R&D team conducts a wide range of field trials each season in key horticultural crops to test the efficacy and environmental impact of new chemistry and products before they go on sale.

Accurate replication of field trials under a variety of conditions is an essential process and product testing can take months or, in some cases, years. This attention to detail ensures that our R&D team understands how a product works in commercial growing conditions. We can then make best use recommendations with confidence because we understand the product before we sell it.

Results and knowledge from these field trials are utilised in a number of ways to benefit Fruitfed Supplies’ customers around the country.

• Local trial results combined with the latest international research data enable the R&D team to formulate current best use recommendations and spray programmes specific to New Zealand conditions.
• Trial results and best use recommendations are shared with Fruitfed Supplies staff and customers via staff training sessions and grower meetings.
• Trial results are shared with the initiating manufacturer/distributor and may play a part in their product registration process for the New Zealand market.

Further information on our research trials and the members of the Research & Development team are profiled on the following pages.

“When I worked for Pyne Gould Guinness Horticulture, i.e. a competitor to Fruitfed Supplies at the time, I observed the fantastic resource that the Fruitfed Supplies field representatives had with their Technical Team. Now, Fruitfed Supplies is a division of PGG Wrightson, I know firsthand just what an asset the Technical Team is. It’s unmatched by any other business in this sector in the added value the Technical Team allows us, as field representatives, to bring to our relationships with growers.”
Blair McLean
Field representative
Fruitfed Supplies Blenheim