MEDIA RELEASE: Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited
Marlborough growers first to see new-look Skeltons, now Farmlands Horticulture
Embargoed until 5.30pm on Monday July 22, 2013
Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited’s specialist horticulture division was launched into the South Island tonight
with a new name, a new look and a promise of continued quality advice, products and service.
Speaking at Marlborough’s Convention Centre tonight, Farmlands Chief Executive Officer Brent Esler introduced the
region’s growers to Farmlands Horticulture which replaces Skeltons, a brand which has been hugely successful in the
North Island.
This change will remove any confusion related to having two separate horticulture brands in the marketplace, and most
importantly provides a strong horticultural presence in all major areas says National Horticulture Manager, Luke Hansen.
“Farmlands Horticulture now has a dedicated team of nine horticultural specialists in the South Island, joining the team
of 26 already in place in the North Island,” says Mr Hansen.
“Growers nationwide were wanting to deal with the Skeltons team because of our excellent reputation, yet we were not
present in all of the areas we were needed. Now – as Farmlands Horticulture – we can share our technical expertise far
and wide.” Farmlands reach is indeed now nationwide, following the amalgamation of Farmlands and CRT in March this year,
creating a significant national entity. As a result of the merger Farmlands now has 54,000 members throughout New
Zealand, more than 1,000 staff, 47 farm supplies stores in the North Island and 31 in the South Island with combined
historic sales in excess of $2 billion a year.
The Skeltons rebrand and South Island launch is part of the wider national Farmlands brand alignment that will continue
in the coming months, now the merger process is complete.
At the Farmlands Horticulture launch the new brand was unveiled and the focus of discussion was on the direct benefits
for those in the South Island horticultural industry.
Farmlands Horticultural is now the country’s largest crop production specialist and works with commercial growers to
provide innovative, dependable advice, solutions and services. Direct benefits include in-field crop inspections, crop
protection programmes, organic production advice, soil and leaf testing and many other services. A comprehensive range
of horticultural products backs up the services available.
“Farmlands Horticulture will continue to provide everything growers need for smooth and effective horticulture
production from conveniently located Farmlands stores. Our motivation is to help our Shareholders grow, better quality
crops and a healthier bottom line,” said Mr Hansen.
“From a day-to-day business perspective, nothing will change for existing Shareholders, and things will only get better
for our new Shareholders.”
ENDS