Apple sector veteran honoured for 'extraordinary contribution'
For over 50 years Mel Ewers has been supporting the apple sector navigate through compliance and quality assurance issues.
Gaining momentum from the global roll-out of its new brand in July, NZ fruit company Rockit has recently launched its biggest sales and marketing campaign.
From mainland China to the Middle East, Rockit says it is driving its back-to-school campaign into thousands of stores and homes in its key global markets, promoting the nutritional and health benefits of choosing Rockit as children head back to the classroom.
Julian Smith, general manager global marketing for Rockit Global, says Rockit - which is sold in 30 countries worldwide - is currently in the midst of a very sharp growth curve across its international markets with volume up 43% on 2020 figures. He says the back-to-school campaign uses multiple platforms and touchpoints to establish the fully mature, miniature apple as the right healthy snack for kids to fuel their day.
"This is the first time we've launched a global marketing campaign of this size and calibre into some of our most exciting markets like the UAE, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia."
He says consumers will be able to access a new interactive campaign microsite featuring downloadable activities, competitions and giveaways, as well as creative ideas to get everyone from kids to adults moving.
"Importantly, we're ramping up our social media and digital marketing in our key back-to-school markets with influencer content and collaborations, and delivering that content in traditional and simplified Chinese, and Arabic."
Smith says the campagin is another step in Rockit's journey towards sharing 400 million of its snack-sized apples with the world by 2025.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

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