Rockit^TM apples were launched commercially in 2010 as a premium, on-the-go, fresh, healthy snack. This award-winning apple was the result of a natural breeding programme by New Zealand scientists. They are slightly larger than a golf ball and the apple has a distinctive sweet flavour and red colour.

Initially grown in Hawke’s Bay, RockitTM apples are now grown under licence internationally with intellectual property protection which assists in enabling year-round supply. John Loughlin, Chairman of Rockit Global Limited said, “RockitTM are the only miniature apple available globally. The apples were initially exported to Taiwan in 2013 and are now available in 27 countries. Fruitfed Supplies has been supporting us through our steep increase in production for the past seven years.”

As a pioneering company, Rockit Global do not place themselves in the apple market, they compete with snack foods. The innovative cylinder-shaped recyclable packaging conveniently allows the apples to be eaten directly from the container, without having to be washed. The packaging is designed to be stacked on any shop counter, allowing it to be sold alongside fast moving consumer foods in outlets other than supermarkets and grocery stores.

John said, “The past two to three years have seen huge growth taking place at 30-40% per annum. We are focusing on rapid growth by commercialising our product and investing ahead of the curve. Our new $50 million purpose-built head office, cool store, and packhouse is in development on the outskirts of Hastings and incorporates new innovations and technology.”

Fruitfed Supplies Technical Horticultural Representative (THR), Richard Griffiths, has been working alongside Rockit Management Services (RMS), the orchard arm of the business, since the beginning of the relationship. Richard works closely with RMS General Manager, Chris Hurrey, supporting him throughout the whole process, from the development of new blocks through to harvest assessments, as well as providing advice to help produce an export quality crop.

Richard makes recommendations to RMS managers regarding soil nutrition levels before trees are planted, delivers advice on chemical usage, and coordinates the supply of posts. As new development blocks come into production, Richard maps the area and uses GPS for the Orchard-Rite® wind machines to be placed and installed with the correct coverage area.

RMS are at the forefront of innovation and Richard has instigated demonstration days on their orchards with suppliers to Croplands (who manufacture and supply spray equipment, components and accessories for sustainable agriculture) to exhibit new technology to assist RMS achieve industry-leading, integrated and sustainable crop management practices. Richard says, “the relationship relies on our Fruitfed Supplies team being proactive and thinking about their requirements, especially during this rapid growth phase, as well as Chris having trust in our recommendations.”

Chris respects Richard’s knowledge as a THR and an orchardist and Chris knows that Richard will only recommend something that will add value to RMS. They have developed a personal relationship built on trust and Chris says, “Richard’s humble enough to admit if he doesn’t know something and he’ll find out the answer as he knows how accurate the information has to be. He provides the best service to us and looks after our needs so I can focus on what I have to do, I don’t have to go behind and check.”

Working with PGW

Richard Griffiths joined Fruitfed Supplies 10 years ago and is a THR servicing horticultural customers across Hawke’s Bay. Richard collaborates with the Fruitfed Supplies’ Technical Team. Members of this Research and Development team are all science degree-qualified and they have a clear appreciation of the realities of commercial horticulture. The Technical Team support our THRs and our customers with in depth expert advice in a range of subjects to increase orchard performance and productivity, and deliver better export quality produce to market.