August 1, 2025
The International Fresh Produce Association ANZ Produce Executive Program (PEP) - the premier fresh produce leadership and business development program in Australia and New Zealand - will make its New Zealand debut in August following a rich history in Australia.

The PEP will leverage two decades of running the program in Australia, to present a tailored New Zealand-focused curriculum supporting local industry needs. Participants will have the chance to elevate their leadership skills, business acumen, innovation capacity and personal resilience over six days at Rydges Formosa Golf Resort, Auckland from August 17-22.
Developed and presented by Streamwise Learning and the Institute of Food and Grocery Management, the program is for fresh produce industry leaders and high-performing emerging leaders and influencers from across the region’s fresh produce and floral supply chain.
Australian businesses with a footprint across the Tasman are also expected to send delegates.
IFPA managing director ANZ Belinda Wilson said participants would gain actionable strategies to support business growth, engage with thought leaders, explore global trends, and develop insights into domestic and export markets.
“A global export leader, New Zealand is renowned for producing premium fruit and vegetables. This program will equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to secure and build on the future of their businesses including clarity around key drivers of domestic and export markets,” she said.
Faculty presenters are program director and management consultant Tristan Kitchener; host and motivator, Lex Dwyer of Corporate Fitness; Emeritus Professor of food marketing Professor David Hughes; Business Olympian Consulting director Gavin Freeman and Minds and Work facilitator Lisa Smith.
Guest speakers are Seeka Ltd chief executive officer Michael Franks; Forward Insight and Strategy global consumer insights director Carlo Magni; JapanIQ consultant Paul Kraft; Horticulture NZ chief executive Kate Scott; Woolworths fruit and vegetables general manager Ryan McMullen; innovation, AI expert Fiona Wilhelm; IFPA managing director ANZ Belinda Wilson, Ag entrepreneur Richard Vecqueray and United Fresh president Jerry Prendergast.
IFPA ANZ is also offering two 50 per cent co-funded scholarships to attend the program, aimed at supporting New Zealand growers and primary producers. To apply, candidates can contact IFPA head of membership experience (ANZ) Tim Withers.
Past participants praise PEP
Nearly 800 alumni who have attended the PEP in the past 20 years have consistently rated the program highly.
A New Zealand participant at the Australian course run in May this year was Seeka general manager new business and marketing Jim Smith.
“The benefits were twofold. On the business side, the course was professionally run and coordinated, offering a fantastic suite of presenters and modules. On the personal side, I gained a deeper awareness of the importance of my wellbeing in relation to the business world and business life generally,” he said.
“For company leaders, it’s a great opportunity to refresh their approach to the dynamics of working with people and teams. The AI module was also enlightening, and it has already inspired us to implement some technology in our help-desk setting.
“Investing in the program is investing in yourself and your associated business and will have some semblance of payback for years.”
Samson’s Fruit and Vegetable Supply group general manager Mark Garratt, who received a scholarship to attend the 2024 program, said the experience of hearing respected industry achievers describe their journey and outline their keys to success as “second to none”.
“It taught me to look at every aspect of my business daily and see what learnings I could apply to help grow and become an effective leader,” Mr Garratt said.
Key information
- When: August 17-22
- Where: Rydges Formosa, Golf Resort, 110 Jack Lachlan Drive, Beachlands, Auckland
- Cost: $8,995NZ IFPA members; $9,995NZ non-IFPA members (includes instruction, accommodation, meals, books, supplies)
Attention media:
Interviews with IFPA managing director ANZ Belinda Wilson are available on request. Guest speaker images are available on request.




