MOVERS, SHAKERS AND WINNERS FT008 42 www.foodtechnology.co.nz CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY DISTINGUISHES THL AS THE RELIABLE CHOICE THL offers the very latest options in plastic modular conveyor belt technology, and modern high-speed industries rely on THL to keep business moving. THL carries the largest stock range in modular belt componentry in New Zealand. As well as instant, accurate and reliable service for existing conveyors or new projects, we offer turnkey solutions including our extensive range of powered transmission units, variable speed drives and associated conveyor components. With the new Motovario food & anti corrosive range of products which is an affordable option to combat highly corrosive & heavy washdown areas. Meat, seafood and chicken have hygiene issues, and drainage airflow and temperature are important considerations in food handling. Uni PEI (impact resistant polyethylene) material is rated for temperatures as low as -58 °F (-50 °C) and can withstand impact associated with whole birds and bones dropping on the belt. The Uni MPB 22% open has large evenly distributed holes to allow for excellent drainage/airflow, and the unique moulded lock pin system on the Uni MPB belt makes belt assembly/ disassembly very easy. The pin can be removed from one side of the belt and reused for re-assembly. Down-time and maintenance time is greatly reduced by this locking system. More load is possible with Uni MPB than with competitor’s belts because of the unique sprocket engagement system (more positive angle of engagement) and pin diameter. For critical hygiene areas we also have homogenous conveyor belting, which is positively tracked and driven for superior performance. Sir Brian Elwood has been awarded the 2015 Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal in recognition of the leadership he has displayed as chairman of industry regulator Kiwifruit New Zealand in the past decade. Sir Brian, who spent eight years as Chief Ombudsman and 14 years as mayor of Palmerston North, has during his tenure considered more than 300 collaborative marketing applications, with 93 per cent of them approved over the past five years. Rabobank has announced Tim Hunt as the new head of Food and Agri Research, who takes on the role in Australia and New Zealand after five years for the bank in New York. A professional economist with more than 15 years’ experience in the agri sector, Hunt will head 10 specialist analysts to provide Rabobank clients with comprehensive reports on sector and commodity outlooks, latest market trends and future developments. He replaces Luke Chandler, who has taken up a role in the United States. Viticulturalist Caleb Dennis has won the Young Horticulturalist of the Year award for 2015. Competing against five other finalists involved in landscaping, nursery and garden, amenity horticulture and vegetable, fruit and flower growing, Caleb hopes to travel to California and Bordeaux this year to learn about the various viticultural practices and challenges in those regions. The competition included a business plan for a new product, with Caleb’s entry involving a wine cellaring app, along with interviews, a budgeting exam, speech and testing on sustainability, HR, plant disease and pruning. Chris Claridge, the founder of dairy export company Carrickmore, has been appointed chief executive of Potatoes NZ. Claridge has an extensive business and academic background, and helped establish the New Zealand Infant Formula Exporters Association. He is a member of the Royal Society and the NZ Institute of Food Science and Technology, and a passionate advocate of horticulture. Fonterra has announced the appointment of Leon Clement to the role of managing director Fonterra Brands New Zealand, effective from this month. Clement, formerly in the same position in Sir Lanka and the Indian subcontinent, has held a number of roles in the consumer business locally and in South East Asia. Clement takes over from acting managing director Jonathon Box. For the 10th consecutive year, Breville has clinched the Supplier of the Year for Portable Appliances at the Wares Awards. Food thinking, innovation and investment in product development helped the company win, alongside the appointment of globally renowned chef Heston Blumenthal as global ambassador. The company is about to offer new Breville co-branded Nespresso machines to the industry. If you have any significant staff additions or award-winners in your business, let us know so everyone else can find out. Send details to kcalvert@hayleymedia.com. Chris Claridge Heston Blumenthal Tim Hunt
FT FEB2016-HR
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