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Greenhouse History |
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New Zealand Greenhouse History
Commercial glasshouse growing, particularly for tomatoes, has been happening in New Zealand since the 1930s and earlier. In those days it was largely a family concern with the business being handed down to the next generation.
Strong Family History
The Tregidga family, lead then by Percy, was one such family that from the 1930's
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Above left:
Percy Tregidga 1940's
Above:
Baby Mark Tregidga
in front of first
Tregidga glasshouse.
1940's
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From left:
George Tregidga
Graeme Tregidga
Mark Tregidga
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lead the way in innovative greenhouse cropping through PTO Growers Ltd. Percy was followed in the business by two of his sons, Mark and George who are still actively involved to this day, as are some of Percy's grandchildren. This close and committed family, together with a number of other generational families, such as the Becrofts, have been actively involved in spear heading the industry, as we know it today
New Century - Major Industry Changes
Since the early '90's, the industry has changed dramatically. These changes have danced alongside the increasing supermarket demand for streamlined 365 day of the year supply (domestic and export),as well as the availability of world advanced computerised techniques and technologies that create state-of-the-art environmentally controlled growing conditions inside glasshouses.
Glasshouses too have changed dramatically in design and structure since the mid 90's in tandem with the changing technologies. In keeping with the trends, family businesses have also changed and merged to support the worldwide trends. For example, PTO growers Ltd merged with Status Produce Ltd . In turn Status Produce Ltd, although remaining a separate company in its own right, is now owned byTurners & Growers Fresh Ltd. Turners and Growers Ltd. Likewise Beekist the country's leading tomato brand, is now leased to Status Produce Ltd. Thus consolidating supply and offering expansion opportunities
Prior to the 90's
Prior to the 90's, the majority of tomato sales came from approximately 600 individual growers who marketed their own produce through the varying market systems such as Turners & Growers Fresh Ltd.. Today, between 60 and 70% of the production comes in New Zealand out of 3 or 4 packing/growing operations of which the merged business of Status Produce Ltd, leads the way.
Changes Create New Opportunities
Owing to the changing face of the industry, the smaller individual growers have either gone out of business, or have re built to become entrepreneurial pioneers in the specialisation of new and existing varieties - varieties which are sent to the large packing operations, like Status, for inclusion into innovative branded pre-packed ranges.
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