The co-founder of Australian Fresh Leaf Herbs has received the 2016 Rabobank Emerging Leader Award.
Jan Vydra, executive director of Australian Fresh Leaf Herbs, was presented the trans-Tasman award at the annual Rabobank Leadership Dinner in Sydney.
The 2016 Rabobank Emerging Leader Award recognises exceptional up-and-coming leadership in Australia and New Zealand’s food and agribusiness industries.
Rabobank Australia and New Zealand Group managing director Peter Knoblanche described Jan Vydra as a “trail-blazer” in the food and agri industry.
Vydra and his business partner William Pham starting the fresh herb company nine years ago, and the company is now one of Australia’s leading producers of fresh leaf greens, culinary herbs, micro-greens and edible flowers.
Knoblanche said under Vydra’s leadership, Australian Fresh Leaf Herbs had grown from a hydroponic operation producing 2000 bunches of herbs per week to now supplying up to 180,000 bunches each week to consumers across much of Australia.
“During Jan’s relatively short tenure in the industry, the change he has brought not only to his business, but the industry, has been formidable,” Knoblanche said. “And this is really a tribute to his focus on sustainability, innovation and technology.”
