Apata teams up with OMS

Bay of Plenty kiwifruit and avocado post-harvest operator, Apata Limited, is pleased to announce its new business commitment with kiwifruit orchard management providers, Oropi Management Services (OMS).

Steve Low, Apata CEO, says the opportunity this new partnership presents to growers is extremely beneficial.

“In bringing the strengths of Apata and OMS together, we will be able to offer growers more options. In fact, growers will be able to access a wrap-around service. OMS is experienced in orchard leasing and management of organic and conventional kiwifruit, which complements our post harvest services,” he says.
Mr Low says both companies are well-established and the decision to invest in 50 percent of OMS stems from a recent strategic review that identifies the need for Apata to develop capability in this area.

“OMS has similar industry values to the way Apata operates. Both companies believe in providing growers with a premium service, which results in excellent returns for growers,” says Mr Low.

Former Zespri chairman and OMS director, Doug Voss, says the new partnership creates a win-win situation.

“I feel absolutely positive about this new partnership. It gives Apata the capability of having an orchard management service while helping OMS grow into a bigger, stronger organisation. Together, we can provide a whole new range of services to growers.

According to Mr Voss, OMS is already a significant orchard management and contracting company in the Bay of Plenty, and the synergy with Apata will ensure future growth.

“We definitely share common values and beliefs with Apata and have known each other for a long time, which makes for a natural, easy, partnership. We operate our services in similar ways, like employing very experienced staff and implementing effective operational systems,” says Mr Voss.

In addition, OMS is BioGro-certified for organic kiwifruit, but Mr Voss says they offer total management services for both organic and conventional kiwifruit.

“The high level of expertise between our companies means we can put our heads together and look after everything a grower needs. For example, we can provide turn-key orchard management for growers, or we can modify a plan for a grower who might want to do the work themselves. Apata can become part of our management plan to include picking, packing, storing, and exporting grower fruit.

“OMS also offers a comprehensive spray programme including fertiliser application,” says Mr Voss.