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Bay of Plenty post-harvest and orchard management company DMS is celebrating another successful season that progressively delivered on its customer-driven goals, and looks to its priorities for 2026/2027.

DMS chief executive Derek Masters said the company packed a record 2026 crop of more than 21.5 million Class 1 trays packed over its two sites; DMS Te Puna and DMS Pukepack.

“All 26 CA Coolstores were filled in the optimal harvesting weeks to ensure favourable packouts later this year, which ultimately provides favourable returns for our growers.”

In their orchard division, DMS achieved exceptional yields per hectare, Masters said.

Their Gold average of 16,400 trays/ha in 2025 jumped to an average of 18,700 trays/ha in 2026 across the 560ha DMS gold-managed portfolio. “This included first-year orchards and those that don’t perform as well, so it’s a major achievement,” Masters said.

“Hayward yields were also higher than the industry average across DMS’ 240ha-managed portfolio. Our 2026 results highlight a clear advantage for growers partnering with DMS,” he said.

“These results reflect the consistency, expertise and dedication of the DMS Orchard Management team. In turn, our growers are extremely pleased with what DMS has achieved for them – which is delivering on our brand statement: ‘Increasing grower profit’.”

DMS has invested in cutting-edge automation systems to improve efficiency. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Masters said DMS invested in cutting-edge robotic automation in its Te Puke packhouse this season to improve post-harvest efficiency. Robotic upstacking and pallet stacking technology was manufactured by ElectroPak in Te Puke. “This automation was hugely successful and another two units will be installed ready for 2027’s season.”

Annually, in July, DMS undertakes a robust seasonal review where senior managers meet with staff and contractors. “We discuss what we set out to achieve, what went well, what didn’t go well, so we can reset for the next season and identify what we can improve upon,” Masters said. “It’s a costly exercise, but it’s a good investment for us as a business because our focus is on continuous improvement.”

Senior managers present their department reviews to the managing directors and executives “and we have a really robust discussion about our successes, and what our objectives are for next season”.

DMS chief executive Derek Masters. Photo / Supplied

Masters said DMS plans to upscale to cater for anticipated crop volume increases which will include building more Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage rooms for next season. “We currently have 26 CA rooms and we’re building another 16, so we’ll have 42 rooms available this coming harvest – all using the latest technology.”

DMS expansion plans also involve expanding its orchard team into the Gisborne region as it further develops in that area.