Friday, 11 December 2020 11:25

LeaderBrand firms down Pukekohe roots

Written by  Staff Reporters
LeaderBrand CEO Richard Burke (left) with John Sutherland. LeaderBrand CEO Richard Burke (left) with John Sutherland.

Horticulture business LeaderBrand has bought the remaining 50% of South Auckland-based Sutherland Produce.

Following a 50% purchase of the business in 2013, the deal to secure the remaining shareholding will mean ‘business as usual’ for the 60 full time staff, with continued input from the Sutherland family who have been farming fresh vegetables since 1977, LeaderBrand says.

Currently, Sutherland Produce grows lettuce, broccoli and silver beet from its base at 188 Mill Road, Bombay.

LeaderBrand chief executive officer Richard Burke says the investment is a natural extension of the company’s strategic plans, and says the relationship with the Sutherland family is a vital integrated supply partnership.

“Our initial deal in 2013 was really a step for us into the Pukekohe area, and we’re thrilled to be permanently putting down roots with the completion of the purchase seven years later,” said Burke.

“The Sutherland family has a legacy of quality growing, excellent systems and a very well run business, so we’re looking forward to continuing our great relationship with John and the team.”

Sutherland Produce’s John Sutherland says the united approach and access to scale and resources is a highlight of the working relationship with LeaderBrand.

“We’re absolutely passionate about growing quality vegetables and always knew that the vision for the Sutherland family and McPhail family to join forces, harnessing our combined knowledge and common interest in growing quality produce, was a very strong proposition for the industry,” he said.

While Sutherland will be stepping back from an active role in the business, he along with his daughters and nephew will remain involved in the business.

Established by Murray McPhail in 1975 and based in Gisborne, LeaderBrand specialises in lettuce, broccoli, asparagus, sweetcorn and fresh salads.

More like this

Corn makes Christmas hit

Gisborne's record hot dry summer weather has produced rewards for one of the country's largest commercial growers based in the region - Leaderbrand.

Trials show promise for regenerative farming

Regenerative farming trials in Gisborne, in partnership with Woolworths, LeaderBrand, and Plant & Food Research, are uncovering promising opportunities for sustainable vegetable farming in New Zealand.

A leader among CEOs

Richard Burke, a leading CEO in the primary sector, has departed from a company he's played a huge part in developing into one of the best in the country.

Scientist bags hort's Bledisloe Cup

The days of being a simple vegetable grower are long gone and there is a need for highly skilled people in both the business and science side of any operation.

Featured

Nichol is new PGW chair

A day after the ouster of PGG Wrightson’s chair and his deputy, the listed rural trader’s board has appointed John Nichol as the new independent chair.

Fieldays to rebuild Mystery Creek services building

The iconic services building at National Fieldays' Mystery Creek site will be demolished to make way for a "contemporary replacement that better serves the needs of both the community and event organisers," says board chair Jenni Vernon.

National

Hort industry dishes out awards

Research and healthcare initiatives, leadership and dedication to the sector have been recognised in the 2025 Horticulture Industry Awards.

Machinery & Products

Yamaha acquires Robotics Plus

New Zealand based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired…

Ecorobotix announces NZ dealership

Swiss-based Ecorobotix has announced its entry into the New Zealand market through a strategic partnership with Canterbury-based New Zealand Tractors.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Quid prod quo?

OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…

Deadwood

OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter