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 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. George is still actively involved to this day. 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. What started in wooden framed glasshouses is today state of the art computer controlled. The Tregidga family pioneered many commercial growing techniques in New Zealand including:
- Trickle irrigation
- Thermostatically controlled warm air
- Nutrient film technique, NFT
- Colour fruit grader
New Century - Major Industry Changes
Since the early '90's, the industry has changed dramatically. These changes have danced alongside the increasing supermarket and foodsersvice sector demand for streamlined 365 day of the year supply. Glasshouses 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. Likewise Beekist the country's leading tomato brand, is now leased to Status Produce Ltd.
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.