Blueberries New Zealand Inc. (BBNZ) represents and seeks to further the interests of the New Zealand blueberry industry, inclusive of growers, packhouse groups, exporters, and associate members.

Objectives of BBNZ include technical upskilling of growers, export market access, maintenance and protection of current markets, ensuring industry compliance, providing up-to-date resources for industry members, and liaising with other entities (e.g. MPI, overseas commodity groups etc).

The blueberry industry has been established for over two decades in New Zealand and is currently in a phase of growth. This growth has been particularly encouraged by significant positive research about the health benefits of blueberries, and growing market opportunities.

Currently there are approximately 80 grower members, 6 exporter members and 5 associate members. There is around 400 hectares of blueberries currently planted or being planted at present. Traditionally most plantings have been in the Waikato and Hawkes Bay but new production sites are appearing all over New Zealand.

BBNZ consists of grower members, exporter members and associate members all of which pay an annual fee of $500+gst pro rata from 1st July to 30 June.

BBNZ is governed by an elected Executive consisting of:

• five grower members:

• two exporter members

• two representing exporters of frozen blueberries

All members of the Executive are elected for a period of two years.

The day-to-day business of BBNZ is carried out by:

Administrator, Samantha Thorburn - +6421 304 466 admin@blueberriesnz.co.nz

Program Manager, Rob Silberbauer +64211277328 rob@blueberriesnz.co.nz