The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) ANZ Produce Executive Program (PEP), a leadership and business development program for the fresh produce industry, will make its New Zealand debut from 17-22 August.
Developed and presented by Streamwise Learning and the Institute of Food and Grocery Management, the program is for fresh produce industry leaders and high-performing emerging leaders and influencers from across the region’s fresh produce and floral supply chain.
After successfully coaching over 800 alumni over the past two decades of running the program in Australia, the PEP will leverage its experience to present a tailored New Zealand-focused curriculum supporting local industry needs.
The organisation stated participants will have the chance to elevate their leadership skills, business acumen, innovation capacity and personal resilience over six days at Rydges Formosa Golf Resort, Auckland.
Australian businesses with a footprint across the Tasman are also expected to send delegates.
Faculty presenters are program director and management consultant Tristan Kitchener; host and motivator, Lex Dwyer of Corporate Fitness; Emeritus Professor of food marketing, Professor David Hughes; Business Olympian Consulting director, Gavin Freeman; and Minds and Work facilitator, Lisa Smith.
Guest speakers include Seeka Ltd chief executive officer, Michael Franks; Forward Insight and Strategy global consumer insights director, Carlo Magni; JapanIQ consultant, Paul Kraft; Horticulture NZ chief executive, Kate Scott; Woolworths fruit and vegetables general manager, Ryan McMullen; innovation & AI expert Fiona Wilhelm; IFPA managing director ANZ, Belinda Wilson; Ag entrepreneur, Richard Vecqueray; and United Fresh president, Jerry Prendergast.
IFPA ANZ is also offering two 50 per cent co-funded scholarships to attend the program, aimed at supporting New Zealand growers and primary producers. To apply, candidates can contact IFPA head of membership experience ANZ, Tim Withers, at twithers@freshproduce.com. Further information and registrations are available at freshproduce.com.
IFPA managing director ANZ, Belinda Wilson, said participants would gain actionable strategies to support business growth, engage with thought leaders, explore global trends, and develop insights into domestic and export markets.
“A global export leader, New Zealand is renowned for producing premium fruit and vegetables,” said Wilson.
“This program will equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to secure and build on the future of their businesses including clarity around key drivers of domestic and export markets.”
IFPA ANZ has undergone several changes to its executive structure in 2025, appointing Wilson as its new managing director in January, and Premier Fresh Australia COO, Dean Gall, as the new chair, and the region’s representative on the global board, in March. Perfection Fresh Australia CCO, John Simonetta, and New Zealand’s Jenkins Group managing director, Cameron McInness joined the board in February, while Steritech fresh produce business manager, Ben Reilly, and Lynch Group Australia CEO, David Di Pietro, joined the board in May.
The organisation has also just announced the appointment of Jo Crawford-Wynd as its corporate affairs and policy manager, describing her as a seasoned government relations and communications specialist, to lead its corporate affairs, policy and advocacy efforts.
