Newspaper Article – Opening of NZ’s largest coolstore

Opening of NZ’s largest coolstore

The largest coolstore in New Zealand was opened at the Hastings branch of the New Zealand Apple and Pear Marketing Board yesterday.

The store, which has a capacity of 322,000 bushels, was named after Mr Neil Guymer, the Apple and Pear Marketing Board’s European manager, in recognition of his services to the industry.

The store was opened by the MP for Hawke’s Bay, Mr Dick Harrison, who said Mr Guymer’s work had ensured New Zealand’s place in the highly competitive European market was maintained.

Mr Guymer, who is based in London, said the New Zealand apple and pear industry succeeded in Britain and Europe because of its high standards.

He warned the industry against any tendency to “duo” culture which meant concentrating on only two or three varieties.

Many of New Zealand’s overseas competitors had fallen for this trap and their marketing was suffering, he said.

Mr Guymer said New Zealand should be careful to offer as wide a range of fruit as possible to ensure market coverage.

Mr Neil Guymer, the New Zealand Apple and Pear Board’s European manager, with his family at the opening of the board’s new coolstore which bears his name. Pictured with Mr and Mrs Guymer are daughters Bridget (left) and Anne.