Sauerkraut Reflections
My core competence revolves around Fresh Produce System Knowledge. There is nothing fresh about Sauerkraut which essentially is pickled cabbage. But Sauerkraut is an acquired taste that does not suit everyone - and therefore the ideal call sign for my musings and reflections related to the local and global fresh produce supply chains and anything else I care to comment on.
Mar 13, 2026
J Wattie Canneries Impact Reflection
Where the impact of processing facilities within the fresh produce supply chain is discussed, using J Wattie Canneries in New Zealand as exemplar.
Mar 09, 2026
Iran War - Cause & Consequence for Fresh Produce Sector
The Strait of Hormuz is closed. The oil storage facilities are full. Tankers can't get in or out. Oil production has reduced. In part due to production infrastructure being damaged or destroyed, in part because the storage facilities are already full. Better to leave oil in the ground. Immediate consequences are fuel shortages, price hikes,and supply chain disruptions. But wait there is more. Oil is needed for fertiliser production. Fertiliser prices are already on the way up. Shortages are looming. And the cost of fruit & veg production will steeply incline. Net result: consumers will have difficulties affording the retail price of fresh produce as the year progresses. Welcome to 2026.
Mar 08, 2026
Fact-based Produce Category Management
Where Fact-based Produce Category Management is discussed and analysed.
Mar 03, 2026
Fresh Produce Category Management
Where the origins of category management are discussed, as well as the challenges of fresh produce category management.
Feb 26, 2026
Fresh Produce Consistency
Where the importance of fresh produce consistency for consumer confidence is discussed.
Feb 19, 2026
Fresh Produce Commodities
The entire fresh produce system is fundamentally based on the reality of fruits and vegetables being classified as fresh produce commodities
Feb 19, 2026
Further accolades for Zespri
Zespri's sales performance continues to get very positive reviews in the international produce media. This further highlights the dominant position kiwifruit hold within Aoetearoa New Zealand's fresh produce export portfolio.
Feb 18, 2026
Why Do Prime Ministers Like to Hang Out in Produce Departments?
Let's face it. The fruit & vegetable range makes a colourful and diverse background for any dry political statement which, in this case, was also relevant, as the message dealt with strengthening the Canadian food economy in the face of adversity.
Continue reading "Why Do Prime Ministers Like to Hang Out in Produce Departments?"
Feb 17, 2026
Women in Horticulture
“The idea that women are simply supporting roles in farming is outdated and inaccurate,” says Stephanie Wrathall from Women in Horticulture New Zealand (WiH).“Women are leading businesses and making critical decisions right across the agrifood system — not just on farms, but across the horticulture industry.
Jan 29, 2026
Night 'n Day & the New Zealand supermarket duopoly
The Knowledge section of this site will, in the not-too-distant future, include a a page or two on the interaction between fresh produce and government regulatory efforts, concerning what is commonly known as New Zealand's supermarket duopoly.
In the meantime though, this statement by the General Manager of Night and Day, a 50+ stores franchised retail convenience network, stands out:"There’s not a lack of brands in New Zealand, it’s a commonality of ownership."
“If you had Pak’nSave, Fresh Choice, New World, Woolworths and Four Square all competing against each other, it would actually be quite a competitive marketplace and they’d all try and take each other’s market share."
Interested readers with a NZ Herald subscription can read a well-written article on this perennial topic at the link below.
Continue reading "Night 'n Day & the New Zealand supermarket duopoly"
Jan 28, 2026
Melbourne produce wholesale market opens to public on Saturdays
Well, the lines are definitely beginning to blur. Wholesale markets and "the public" are not normally two expressions that meet in the same sentence! What is this all about? Is this happening because of surplus produce lurking about after close of trade Friday? Is the Market Authority attempting to generate extra revenue? Or is the local authority not so keen any longer to truck produce that has not sold wholesale by Friday to the nearest landfill? Retailers who source from the markets are unlikely to be amused.
Continue reading "Melbourne produce wholesale market opens to public on Saturdays"
Jan 26, 2026
Cat Herder Required
Horticulture New Zealand is advertising its vacancy for a General Manager Policy. Applicants will have to deal with, amongst things, the bugger's muddle I discussed at https://www.fresh-produce-system-knowledge.com/Beehive-Buzz.html
Jan 26, 2026
The Sauerkraut File
Some years ago, when Head of Produce for a New Zealand supermarket chain, I needed to find a way to cut through the incessant noise level that prevented our branch managers from effectively guiding their produce managers. I decided the way to do it was to stop taking myself too serious. Making a play on my German heritage, I commissioned an indestructible ring-binder called the "Sauerkraut File - A Branch Manager's Essential Action Tool for easy Fresh Produce Profit".Guess what - it worked!