Bill Montague OAM, the innovative founder of Montague, passed away on 6 February. Starting his business at age 22 with a small carting operation and two market stalls, he grew his family business over seven decades to include packing, procurement, logistics, wholesale markets, marketing and exports to Asia, Middle East and Europe. Montague was renowned for introducing controlled atmosphere storage in Australia in 1967, waxing supplied fruit in 1977, and introducing apple labelling stickers in 1988. The company was also at the forefront of growing managed varieties such as Jazz™, Smitten™, Eve™, Envy™, SweeTango®, Yello®, Kissabel® and Ambrosia™.
In 2006, Bill was recognised “for his service to the fruit industry through the introduction of a range of innovations to improve the quality of market produce” with an Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. His philosophy of treating customers, suppliers and industry peers as part of the family circle was a key part of his success.
APAL CEO Phil Turnbull said: “From modest beginnings in the late 40s and early 50s, Bill’s tenacity led him to build the foundations of what has arguably become one of Australia’s most significant orchard operations. Bill dedicated himself to shaping a business that left an indelible mark, remaining actively involved in the company operations well into his 90s."
“Bill’s unwavering commitment and fierce dedication have had an extraordinary impact on our industry. His relentless pursuit of quality, embrace of operational efficiencies and cutting-edge technologies, and his advocacy for cultivating branded varieties of apples and other fruits are admirable pillars of the legacy he leaves. Inducted into the Australian Fresh Fruit Company Hall of Fame in 1999, Bill’s immense contributions to the apple industry are etched in our sector’s history, a testament to the gentleman he was and the lasting imprint he leaves behind.”
Source: apal.org.au