New Zealand vegetable exporter Harvest Fresh is celebrating 20 years in business as its 2026 New Zealand export season starts to wind down and Europe-to-Asia marketing ramps up.

Established by Guy Hilson and Hawke’s Bay growers Apatu Farms, Harvest Fresh is now widely recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading fresh produce exporters, supplying onions to customers across Europe, Scandinavia, the UK, South Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Australia, alongside selected carrot and potato programmes.

The company also manages onion supply from Europe and Australia into priority Asian markets.

© Harvest Fresh

“We’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside a fantastic group of growers, customers and suppliers over the past 20 years,” managing director Guy Hilson said.

“Many of those relationships are just as strong today as when we first started, and we’re genuinely grateful for the loyalty, trust and friendships we’ve built over the years.”

Hilson said Harvest Fresh’s exclusive partnership with well-known Southland carrot growers Pypers had also brought valuable diversity to the business.

Since its first shipments, Harvest Fresh has exported more than 550,000 metric tonnes of onions, carrots and potatoes.

Changing export landscape
Reflecting on the changes over the past two decades, general manager Michael Croft said the global export landscape had shifted significantly.

“Transit times to Europe have almost doubled due to geopolitical disruption, and the Middle East market has been closed to our carrot exports this season as a direct result of the conflict there,” Croft said.

© Harvest Fresh

“At the same time, we’ve seen a structural shift in demand, with Southeast Asia becoming an increasingly important growth market.”

Croft said European demand in 2026 had been softer than in previous years as countries placed a greater emphasis on domestic supply.

Production patterns within New Zealand had also evolved.

“Pukekohe plantings have likely halved over the past 20 years, reflecting changes in land use and wider industry dynamics,” he said.

Long-term relationships
Hilson said Harvest Fresh’s success had always been built on long-term relationships and the dedication of its people.

“We’ve been fortunate to have a loyal and experienced team behind us from day one. Michael Croft joined us in the early years and has played a huge part in building the business. His leadership, along with his deep understanding of growers, markets and customers, has been invaluable.

“We’re also incredibly thankful to the growers, customers, suppliers and staff who have backed us over the past two decades, particularly our current key staff, CFO Abbie Baird and logistics manager Nicky Waldrom. Reaching 20 years is something we’re immensely proud of, and it’s a milestone we certainly haven’t achieved on our own. We look forward to continuing those partnerships for many years to come.”

For more information:
Kate de Lautour
Harvest Fresh
Tel: +64 27 4323087
Email: [email protected]
www.harvestfresh.co.nz