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Hort Connections 2023

Opening night!
Opening night!
Time to start the networking
Time to start the networking
..and catch up with friends and clients
..and catch up with friends and clients
Fantastic display of fresh produce at the Coles stand
Fantastic display of fresh produce at the Coles stand
A small break for the guys at reception, who'd been kept busy all evening.
A small break for the guys at reception, who'd been kept busy all evening.
The crowds gather for the first tradeshow day.
The crowds gather for the first tradeshow day.
PC Automation have seen good growth as the industry turns to automation to counter labour inefficiencies, the were promoting the carton handling line and palletiser at the show. Rae Stewart and Haden Stewart
PC Automation have seen good growth as the industry turns to automation to counter labour inefficiencies, the were promoting the carton handling line and palletiser at the show. Rae Stewart and Haden Stewart
Shannon Lovet and Thomas Axisa were at the show with Copeland’s Go Global tracker which gives real-time info on temperature and humidity, there is also an internal probe to measure fruit temperatures. Emerson recently sold the climate division, which is now Copeland.
Shannon Lovet and Thomas Axisa were at the show with Copeland’s Go Global tracker which gives real-time info on temperature and humidity, there is also an internal probe to measure fruit temperatures. Emerson recently sold the climate division, which is now Copeland.
Sensitech had their Geo real-time monitors at the show, these give updates every 15-30 minutes. Noel Shang and Ian Lauder were at the stand.
Sensitech had their Geo real-time monitors at the show, these give updates every 15-30 minutes. Noel Shang and Ian Lauder were at the stand.
Sharon Chapman founder of ABC Software gave a presentation on using information automation to grow your knowledge and business.
Sharon Chapman founder of ABC Software gave a presentation on using information automation to grow your knowledge and business.
TOMRA have added a software update to the Spectrim optical grading platform. This upgrade provides improved blemish sizing and counting accuracy using advanced templated grade maps via an intuitive and simplified user interface, allowing customers to reach peak performance of their sorting line faster and easier. Sam Webster and Sarah Liversage were at the stand.
TOMRA have added a software update to the Spectrim optical grading platform. This upgrade provides improved blemish sizing and counting accuracy using advanced templated grade maps via an intuitive and simplified user interface, allowing customers to reach peak performance of their sorting line faster and easier. Sam Webster and Sarah Liversage were at the stand.
CPS offers case packing systems for, amongst others bags, punnets and flow wraps into cartons and crates, reducing the need for labour and improving accuracy. David and Tania Griffin were at the stand.
CPS offers case packing systems for, amongst others bags, punnets and flow wraps into cartons and crates, reducing the need for labour and improving accuracy. David and Tania Griffin were at the stand.
Hectre have an Integrated Orchard Management System which also measures fruit count, size and colour. Naldo Theron and Matty Blomfield.
Hectre have an Integrated Orchard Management System which also measures fruit count, size and colour. Naldo Theron and Matty Blomfield.
Dick van de Kop was on hand at the Greefa stand, he said that more and people are investing in robotics to gain increased efficiency and be less reliant on labour. Greefa has three new types of robots, the automatic tray packer, can pack 160 pieces of fruit per minute.
Dick van de Kop was on hand at the Greefa stand, he said that more and people are investing in robotics to gain increased efficiency and be less reliant on labour. Greefa has three new types of robots, the automatic tray packer, can pack 160 pieces of fruit per minute.
Bret Vidakovic from GP Graders was visiting the show.
Bret Vidakovic from GP Graders was visiting the show.
James Betram from Rijk Zwaan was promoting a new culinary nutrition course developed by the University of Newcastle. This is used by medical professionals to help them educate patients.
James Betram from Rijk Zwaan was promoting a new culinary nutrition course developed by the University of Newcastle. This is used by medical professionals to help them educate patients.
Disruptive Packaging had an impressive display of boxes. They have a new line in export pallets and are supplying Coles with boxes for ‘Swap a box’ initiative. The new Unicool thermally insulated container will replace polystyrene boxes for broccoli. Nathan Hall was at the stand.
Disruptive Packaging had an impressive display of boxes. They have a new line in export pallets and are supplying Coles with boxes for ‘Swap a box’ initiative. The new Unicool thermally insulated container will replace polystyrene boxes for broccoli. Nathan Hall was at the stand.
Rod Arnold, Andrew Smith and Colin Shield from Butler Market Gardens.
Rod Arnold, Andrew Smith and Colin Shield from Butler Market Gardens.
Fruit from Australia's market was on show.
Fruit from Australia's market was on show.
and so was the veg!
and so was the veg!
Andfresh brought their mobile showroom along, to show their weighing, data collection and end of line inspection products. Kate Jenner and Julian Horsley.
Andfresh brought their mobile showroom along, to show their weighing, data collection and end of line inspection products. Kate Jenner and Julian Horsley.
Elders has a big input into the horticulture sector carrying out testing, validation and other services to growers. Andrew Phelan and Emma Goodall were just part of the team on the stand.
Elders has a big input into the horticulture sector carrying out testing, validation and other services to growers. Andrew Phelan and Emma Goodall were just part of the team on the stand.
Joining the team on the Elders stand was Vidyanath Gurujan from UK company Harvest Eye. Elders is the Australian dealer for Harvest Eye which is a camera system to look at crops such as potatoes and onions, giving growers insights into the crop before it is harvested. Abe Montano was with Vidyanath.
Joining the team on the Elders stand was Vidyanath Gurujan from UK company Harvest Eye. Elders is the Australian dealer for Harvest Eye which is a camera system to look at crops such as potatoes and onions, giving growers insights into the crop before it is harvested. Abe Montano was with Vidyanath.
Detpak are focussed on replacing plastic in supermarkets, their packaging is curb side recyclable. The paper grape bag holds moisture and looks great. Laura Murphy, Ken Lu and Christian Bell were on the stand.
Detpak are focussed on replacing plastic in supermarkets, their packaging is curb side recyclable. The paper grape bag holds moisture and looks great. Laura Murphy, Ken Lu and Christian Bell were on the stand.
Ken Lu with the beautiful boxes from Detpak.
Ken Lu with the beautiful boxes from Detpak.
Detpak's grape bags
Detpak's grape bags
Sue Baker from Perth Markets and Inci Humberstone from West Markets.
Sue Baker from Perth Markets and Inci Humberstone from West Markets.
The team at the Coles stand were turning produce into something delicious!
The team at the Coles stand were turning produce into something delicious!
Tania Chapman from Nutrano was visiting the show.
Tania Chapman from Nutrano was visiting the show.
Innovation in irrigation and growing more with less are the slogans Netafin and Gakon. Bjorn Baker and Corey Clifford.
Innovation in irrigation and growing more with less are the slogans Netafin and Gakon. Bjorn Baker and Corey Clifford.
Retailers want to get rid of plastic to Visy have developed a range of paper and cardboard products, Aldi are already using the paper carrier bag from the company.
Retailers want to get rid of plastic to Visy have developed a range of paper and cardboard products, Aldi are already using the paper carrier bag from the company.
Wayne Prose from Fresh Intelligence was at the show.
Wayne Prose from Fresh Intelligence was at the show.
Jim Ertler – Premium Fresh, Mathew Roberts – Nutrano and Luke Clarke – Premium Fresh.
Jim Ertler – Premium Fresh, Mathew Roberts – Nutrano and Luke Clarke – Premium Fresh.
Unitec have robotic solutions which can be integrated into sorting lines and used for all kinds of fruit. Jack Milton and Francesco Brancato were at the Unitec stand.
Unitec have robotic solutions which can be integrated into sorting lines and used for all kinds of fruit. Jack Milton and Francesco Brancato were at the Unitec stand.
The team at CHEP - The Wave bin, so called due to the wavy side which give it strength. It has vented side which help reduce filed heat and the bottom part comes away to make it stackable.
The team at CHEP - The Wave bin, so called due to the wavy side which give it strength. It has vented side which help reduce filed heat and the bottom part comes away to make it stackable.
JBT had the three-tier berry packing line on display, it can be used in glasshouses to deliver the tray with the punnet. Scott Templeton, Nathan Spowart, Simon Di Benedetto and Andrea Strong.
JBT had the three-tier berry packing line on display, it can be used in glasshouses to deliver the tray with the punnet. Scott Templeton, Nathan Spowart, Simon Di Benedetto and Andrea Strong.
Oji have a large range of fibre products from product trays to retail punnets, fibre packaging is a growing trend but the transition is slow.
Oji have a large range of fibre products from product trays to retail punnets, fibre packaging is a growing trend but the transition is slow.
Tim, Alison and Paris Jones from Wandin Valley Farms with Libby Fleming from Graham’s Factree.
Tim, Alison and Paris Jones from Wandin Valley Farms with Libby Fleming from Graham’s Factree.
The former PMA organisation merged with United Fresh last year to become the International Fresh Produce Association, Chairman Richard Byllaardt said there has been a period of consolidation, and they are now looking to get a foothold in SE Asia where currently have no representation.
The former PMA organisation merged with United Fresh last year to become the International Fresh Produce Association, Chairman Richard Byllaardt said there has been a period of consolidation, and they are now looking to get a foothold in SE Asia where currently have no representation.
The robotic system from MAF Oceania gives an end to end solution for post-harvest processes,  focussing labour saving Chris Bray, Frederick Scellier and Dean Trembath.
The robotic system from MAF Oceania gives an end to end solution for post-harvest processes,  focussing labour saving Chris Bray, Frederick Scellier and Dean Trembath.
Gill Amber was promoting the Uvasys sulphur pad for grapes and the Berrisys for blueberries. The pads are made by Tessara.
Gill Amber was promoting the Uvasys sulphur pad for grapes and the Berrisys for blueberries. The pads are made by Tessara.
Redox is the Australian importer and distributor for Tessara, they also deal in fertilizer, which has been a tough market first it was very scarce but now there is an abundance. Troy Lorenz and Diago Farias
Redox is the Australian importer and distributor for Tessara, they also deal in fertilizer, which has been a tough market first it was very scarce but now there is an abundance. Troy Lorenz and Diago Farias
Wyma provide water treatment solutions which do not use chemicals. These are used in packhouses and help to recycle the water giving less waste. Ricky Tiong and John Roest from Wyma, Jeroen Zandman from Manter, Gordon Wood from BW Packaging and Ian Serra from Wyma.
Wyma provide water treatment solutions which do not use chemicals. These are used in packhouses and help to recycle the water giving less waste. Ricky Tiong and John Roest from Wyma, Jeroen Zandman from Manter, Gordon Wood from BW Packaging and Ian Serra from Wyma.
Sharon Molony and Charlie MacCallum from recruitment agency Rimfire.
Sharon Molony and Charlie MacCallum from recruitment agency Rimfire.
AndFresh were promoting monitors which detect CO2 levels in containers. Pamela and Allan Anderson were on the stand.
AndFresh were promoting monitors which detect CO2 levels in containers. Pamela and Allan Anderson were on the stand.
Opal had beautiful fibre and carton packaging using cellulose windows so consumers can see the produce, also open top packs with a paper wrap.
Opal had beautiful fibre and carton packaging using cellulose windows so consumers can see the produce, also open top packs with a paper wrap.
Packaging from Opal
Packaging from Opal
Investment in frost fans is increasing as the climate becomes more extreme, growers are investing to save crops. Rob Wheatley, David Waldon, Jason miller and Ian Mason at AU Frost Fans.
Investment in frost fans is increasing as the climate becomes more extreme, growers are investing to save crops. Rob Wheatley, David Waldon, Jason miller and Ian Mason at AU Frost Fans.
Penny Reidy from SA Markets
Penny Reidy from SA Markets
David Camera, Jesse-James and Cossy Natale from Sunvale Produce which produce grapes and avocados
David Camera, Jesse-James and Cossy Natale from Sunvale Produce which produce grapes and avocados
Kit Crawford was at AgPick promoting their systems to manage labour, hand picking and piece rates.
Kit Crawford was at AgPick promoting their systems to manage labour, hand picking and piece rates.
Nathan Bischa from Harvest Moon was visiting the show.
Nathan Bischa from Harvest Moon was visiting the show.
Trackers from Escavox can track containers in the port nad on their journey, this information can be shared with customers, the company is also launching a retuns hub, this has always been done domestically but now they are rolling it out in New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Vietnam. Nici Sanderson and Pru Powell.
Trackers from Escavox can track containers in the port nad on their journey, this information can be shared with customers, the company is also launching a retuns hub, this has always been done domestically but now they are rolling it out in New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Vietnam. Nici Sanderson and Pru Powell.
DNL supply, install and maintain post-harvest automation systems from European suppliers, if they can’t source it they will make them selves in New Zealand. Simon Musson and Nigel Hollis from DNL and Brett Crayson from Moon Rocks.
DNL supply, install and maintain post-harvest automation systems from European suppliers, if they can’t source it they will make them selves in New Zealand. Simon Musson and Nigel Hollis from DNL and Brett Crayson from Moon Rocks.
Food Processing Machinery supplies fully automated optical sorting and grading equipment for potatoes and carrots. FPM is the agent for Visar in Australia. Dirk van der Kerckhove- FPM and Patrick Pitton from Visar.
Food Processing Machinery supplies fully automated optical sorting and grading equipment for potatoes and carrots. FPM is the agent for Visar in Australia. Dirk van der Kerckhove- FPM and Patrick Pitton from Visar.
The team at Perfection Fresh.
The team at Perfection Fresh.
G2 Netting supplies the Austranian, New Zealand US markets with a wide range of netting for hail and bird protection as inclusion and exclusion and to prevent water evaporation, structures can be altered to customer’s needs. They are seeing an increase in demand as weather becomes more extreme. Nina Rondello and Kyle Lamont.
G2 Netting supplies the Austranian, New Zealand US markets with a wide range of netting for hail and bird protection as inclusion and exclusion and to prevent water evaporation, structures can be altered to customer’s needs. They are seeing an increase in demand as weather becomes more extreme. Nina Rondello and Kyle Lamont.
Erin Hart was visiting the show with Joe, Jack and Max Napoleon from Rich Red Fruits.
Erin Hart was visiting the show with Joe, Jack and Max Napoleon from Rich Red Fruits.
ProPak Industries was showcasing some new products including the pallet wrapper with wrap which weighs as little as 60g per pallet, the company has upgraded the box sealer to give the operator more information on material usage.
ProPak Industries was showcasing some new products including the pallet wrapper with wrap which weighs as little as 60g per pallet, the company has upgraded the box sealer to give the operator more information on material usage.
Bon Pty supplies climate control and lighting systems for greenhouses and packing sheds. Ben Bonomi.
Bon Pty supplies climate control and lighting systems for greenhouses and packing sheds. Ben Bonomi.
Bede Miller was on at hand Cravo.
Bede Miller was on at hand Cravo.
The team from Boomeroo.
The team from Boomeroo.
EDP produce packing, grading and palletising machinery Craig Heddles was at the stand.
EDP produce packing, grading and palletising machinery Craig Heddles was at the stand.
On the Dobmac stand were Len Dixon – Field Capacity, Wayne Elphinstone – Dobmac, Chase Kidd – IVI and Mark Dobson.
On the Dobmac stand were Len Dixon – Field Capacity, Wayne Elphinstone – Dobmac, Chase Kidd – IVI and Mark Dobson.
Corex supply reusable, recyclable and returnable packaging for the fresh produce industry, Phil Rottveel was on the stand.
Corex supply reusable, recyclable and returnable packaging for the fresh produce industry, Phil Rottveel was on the stand.
Garware provide nets and shading protection, Amit Kularni was on hand at the stand.
Garware provide nets and shading protection, Amit Kularni was on hand at the stand.
Toro provide wireless irrigation control systems which can controlled remotely, Hamish Lloyd was at the stand.
Toro provide wireless irrigation control systems which can controlled remotely, Hamish Lloyd was at the stand.
Fresh Chain is a digital traceability and providence platform for enhancing food safety and consumer engagement – Greg Calvert.
Fresh Chain is a digital traceability and providence platform for enhancing food safety and consumer engagement – Greg Calvert.
Scott Morton from Bio Bag was promoting bio-degradable weed matting.
Scott Morton from Bio Bag was promoting bio-degradable weed matting.
Bill Bulmer  – CEO at AusVeg, Denzil Tong – Reactive and Roy Lemmen – Sormac.
Bill Bulmer  – CEO at AusVeg, Denzil Tong – Reactive and Roy Lemmen – Sormac.
Rhima provide washing equipment for range of industries, they provide crate and bin washers for the fresh produce sector, Mark Hollingworth was at the stand.
Rhima provide washing equipment for range of industries, they provide crate and bin washers for the fresh produce sector, Mark Hollingworth was at the stand.
Contrack supply folding bins to Australian standard size which are 100% food grade for the fresh produce sector. John Judd.
Contrack supply folding bins to Australian standard size which are 100% food grade for the fresh produce sector. John Judd.
Chris De Crom was promoting a peeling machine and also machines for automatic filling of trays for food service from Food Automation.
Chris De Crom was promoting a peeling machine and also machines for automatic filling of trays for food service from Food Automation.
Kevin Harper and Roei Jakobi from Tie Up Farming.
Kevin Harper and Roei Jakobi from Tie Up Farming.
Arman Ektesabi, Julio Melo at Nord Drive Systems provide geared motors for conveyor belts on sorting and packing lines.
Arman Ektesabi, Julio Melo at Nord Drive Systems provide geared motors for conveyor belts on sorting and packing lines.
Ronan Maguire and Matt Moras at JRC Packing Solutions produce bins and export products.
Ronan Maguire and Matt Moras at JRC Packing Solutions produce bins and export products.
Brett Fifield - CEO at Hort Innovation
Brett Fifield - CEO at Hort Innovation
Hon David Littleproud - Leader of the Federal National Party, Member for Maranoa
Hon David Littleproud - Leader of the Federal National Party, Member for Maranoa
Ben Hoodless - Interim CEO IFPA
Ben Hoodless - Interim CEO IFPA
Paul Turner - Commercial Director Fruit & Veg, Woolworths, Katie de Villiers - Head of Customer Experience, One Harvest, Martin Kneebone - Director, Freshlogic, Max Teplitski - Chief Science Officer, International Fresh Produce Association
Paul Turner - Commercial Director Fruit & Veg, Woolworths, Katie de Villiers - Head of Customer Experience, One Harvest, Martin Kneebone - Director, Freshlogic, Max Teplitski - Chief Science Officer, International Fresh Produce Association
Adam Cuming at Radfords which was recently acquired by Acadia. Adam said this will help them upscale the business.
Adam Cuming at Radfords which was recently acquired by Acadia. Adam said this will help them upscale the business.
Tie Up Farming 
Tie Up Farming 
Rhys Robinson and Lee Duffy at EE Muir & Sons
Rhys Robinson and Lee Duffy at EE Muir & Sons
Cameron Carter from Seeka was visiting the show
Cameron Carter from Seeka was visiting the show
The EcoMark laser printer is here! It prints directly onto fruit and veg without using any ink. Michael Dosser, Paul Rushton and Val Skyba.
The EcoMark laser printer is here! It prints directly onto fruit and veg without using any ink. Michael Dosser, Paul Rushton and Val Skyba.
The team from The Avolution who are sending the first trial shipment of Australian avocados to India next week.
The team from The Avolution who are sending the first trial shipment of Australian avocados to India next week.
Jordan Le and Martin Kneebone at FreshLogis who bundle information to give insights for importers to better size the market.
Jordan Le and Martin Kneebone at FreshLogis who bundle information to give insights for importers to better size the market.
Emily Hing, Sally McKay, Belinda Wilson and Amanda Higgin
Emily Hing, Sally McKay, Belinda Wilson and Amanda Higgin
Jeff Scott - ATGA with Dumi Mhlanga - Hort Innovation
Jeff Scott - ATGA with Dumi Mhlanga - Hort Innovation
Alistair Bayer and Darren Alexander at Bayer
Alistair Bayer and Darren Alexander at Bayer
J-Tech Systems procude automation, packaging and fruit stickers Jamie Dockray and Matthew Williams
J-Tech Systems procude automation, packaging and fruit stickers Jamie Dockray and Matthew Williams
Tom McLaughlin from Sinclair
Tom McLaughlin from Sinclair
Ben Meadows - Vison AU and Cesar van Kerchove - AWETA
Ben Meadows - Vison AU and Cesar van Kerchove - AWETA
Daniel Thorpe, Jessica Loader and Tyler O'Neill from Woolworths
Daniel Thorpe, Jessica Loader and Tyler O'Neill from Woolworths
Matty Bloomfield from Hectare demystifying AI
Matty Bloomfield from Hectare demystifying AI
Delegates arriving for the Gala dinner
Delegates arriving for the Gala dinner