Our Story –

Established in 2014, The Fresh Berry Company is an integrated global supply company that’s leading the way in the development of the New Zealand berry sector. Part of the RD8 Fresh Produce Group (which also owns RD8, Berry Farms NZ, and Hoddys Fruit Co), we are the exclusive agent for Driscoll’s in New Zealand, and the only company in the country that offers the entire berry category.

The brainchild of RD8 owners Craig Hall and Dean Astill, The Fresh Berry Company was born from a shared desire to focus on the berry category domestically and internationally, and incorporate the global Driscoll’s brand and genetics. Spearheaded by a specialist team of agronomists and berry experts, and driven by an unwavering commitment to quality, we have fast become New Zealand’s leading berry marketing company.

Our fully integrated service means we are hands-on every step of the way, from growing and harvesting right through to logistics, sales and marketing. We source new growers of Driscoll’s berries in New Zealand, and offer invaluable grower support through our own agronomic advisory and the extensive global support network of the Driscoll’s brand.

Our philosophy –

Underpinned by the values of integrity, quality, innovation and continuous improvement, we aim to grow our customers’ business through category management, season extension, and continually upgrading our offer using new and better varieties.

Environmental
and Social
Responsibility –

Our growers are committed to a sustainable future and we do everything we can to ensure that our farming practices are gentle on our natural environment and support local communities. 

At The Fresh Berry Company, we define sustainability as “meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs”. True sustainability is an ongoing journey and we are committed to making continual progress towards waste reduction and improved care for the natural and social resources on which we depend. We achieve this through:

Water conservation – we work closely with our growing partners to drive sustainable change in water usage.

Risk management – we work with our farmers, supply chain partners and communities in which we operate to address the environmental risks to our business and our local communities.

Environmentally friendly packaging – our blueberry packaging is made from recycled PET, and packaging for all our other berry varieties is fully recyclable .

Commitment to sustainable practices – all the growers we work with are NZGAP or GLOBALG.A.P. certified producers, dedicated to responsible and sustainable farming practices, and ensuring the safe and sustainable production of their berries.

We care for our workers – all our growers will soon be GRASP certified, ensuring the ethical sourcing of labour.

Consistent high quality – The Fresh Berry Company is Supplier Excellence Programme Certified, ensuring a safe, consistent quality of produce.

Our Team –

Craig Hall –
Director

Craig brings a wealth of experience in export and produce sales and marketing. He launched RD8 Ltd in 2009, and five years later, established The Fresh Berry Company as a separate entity to drive future growth in the berry category. An exclusive partnership with Driscoll’s has enabled The Fresh Berry Company to establish itself as a key player in New Zealand’s berry industry. A hands-on and passionate director across the RD8 Fresh Produce Group, Craig continues to lead The Fresh Berry Company strategy.  

E craig@rd8.co.nz
M +64 21 645 868

Dean Astill –
Director

Award-winning fruit grower Dean has a horticultural production background and has been involved in the industry since 1994, in a diverse range of areas including hands-on production (pip fruit, stone fruit, kiwifruit and berries), technical/field service support roles, and supply chain management (export and domestic market). In 2005 he was named the New Zealand Young Horticulturalist of the Year.

E dean@rd8.co.nz
M +64 21 589 375

Simon Tallon –
General Manager

Simon joins FBC with over 19 years’ experience in the produce sector ranging from significant involvement within the wholesale markets, Key Account management, procurement and supply management and has held several governance roles within the industry. He is passionate about working with growers to provide sustainable, marketing solutions to suit both theirs and the industry requirements. The relationships Simon has fostered have been an integral part of what drives him – trying to achieve the best returns he can for growers and their product groups to provide a sustainable future for them and their families.  

E simon@freshberrycompany.co.nz
M +64 21 242 2255

Todd Whiffen –
Technical and Agronomy Manager

Todd has been in the horticultural industry since 1992, starting his career on an export cherry orchard in Young, New South Wales. He joined The Fresh Berry Company in October 2016 and utilises his extensive expertise to provide technical and agronomic advice to our growers. Todd is passionate about seeing New Zealand lead the world in supplying nutrient dense foods, and believes berries are a key part of this. 

E todd@freshberrycompany.co.nz
M +64 27 772 7087