South Auckland growers win supreme award with data-driven innovation

Peter and Michelle Pan of Healthy and Fresh were named Regional Supreme Winners. This family-owned company was established in 2008 and has grown into a major supplier of fresh produce and ethnic food to supermarkets across New Zealand. Peter and Michelle lead a team across two divisions - a distribution centre in Mangere and a farm division in Karaka.

The 28ha farm features 15 greenhouses that span 60,000 square metres. In 2020, the company embarked on an ambitious project to establish the largest hydroponic farm for leafy greens in New Zealand. This led to the implementation of a cutting-edge hydroponic nutrient film technique system that ensures efficient water and nutrient use.

Just 5% of the typical outdoor vegetable farming nutrient requirement is applied, while a highly efficient water reticulation water system recycles fluids and nutrients, enhancing plant growth while using a fraction of the water required for typical outdoor vegetable production systems.

Additionally, more than 100,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted along riparian areas, stablising the soil reducing erosion and supporting the sustainability of the broader ecosystem's waterways.

Judges also observed that Healthy and Fresh fosters a family-oriented work culture, prioritising employee well-being, retention and staff development.

Healthy and Fresh specialises in leafy greens and melons, cultivating 30 different varieties. Their precise planting formula ensures optimal crop numbers year-round, aligning with contract demands and market trends, and reflecting a strong understanding of global trends and domestic demand.

Driven by a strong interest in innovative agritechnologies, the team plans to further refine its sustainable farming model. Ultimately, their aim is to achieve a constant supply of safe and healthy vegetables that is less dependent on weather conditions. They believe this will enhance New Zealand's food security and contribute to a more sustainable food system.

In awarding the Regional Supreme Award, the judges identified Healthy and Fresh as a standout operation employing advanced growing techniques to mitigate climate risks, minimise waste and ensure a steady supply of high-quality produce.

"They embrace a continuous learning approach, using trends, data and science to tailor international knowledge to their local conditions and growing techniques, ensuring production efficiency and business success," the judges said.

Peter and Michelle also won the following awards:

• Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil and Nutrient Management Award
• Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award
• Hill Laboratories Agri-Science Award
• Norwood Farming Efficiency Award
• NZFET Innovation Award