NZ's avocado sector set up well for the future
Outgoing chief executive of New Zealand Avocado, Jen Scoular believes the sector is well set up despite a challenging environment for growers around the globe.
Scoular's resignation was announced late last month by association chair Linda Flegg.
She says Scoular has served the association tirelessly over the past 12 years, with many achievements along the way.
"When Jen took up the role after a four-year term as a trade diplomat in Hamburg, Germany, our industry was struggling and lacked engagement, communication and systems, which gave Jen a lot to focus on," says Flegg.
"Under her leadership, industry value has increased from $82m in 2011-12 to $213m in 2021, and the New Zealand market value from $19m to $62m in 2021-22. During her tenure, the industry successfully achieved market access for avocados into both the China and India market, joined the biosecurity partnership with the government and achieved the first horticulture primary growth partnership in 2014, which finished in December 2022."
Flegg says the 10th World Avocado Congress held in Auckland was a fitting finale for Scoular.
"With five years in the planning, against the odds of Covid and border closures, it was a phenomenal success."
Scoular will remain in the role until mid-August and will take the opportunity to farewell some of the 1,400 avocados growers across the growing regions.
Flegg says Scoular is leaving "a legacy that will require some big shoes to fill".
