Media Release Certainty for customers a prime advantage
Hong Kong, September 3rd - New Zealand company BBC Technologies will be consolidating business operations in Asia this week as the company
matches its world-leading capability in solutions for the horticulture industry with spiralling demand in the fast
growing region.
BBC, the world’s leading supplier of blueberry sorting and packing machinery, is demonstrating its commitment to the
Asian region by, for the first time, joining the New Zealand country pavilion at Asia Fruit Logistica 2014. The
family-owned business has previously been an observer at the show, which will be held in Hong Kong from 3 – 5 September.
Asia Fruit Logistica is Asia’s leading trade show for the fresh produce trade, attracting more than 460 exhibitors from
38 countries. The sell-out show features innovative new varieties, the latest technologies and commentary on market
trends from international experts and influencers.
As well as exhibiting its cutting-edge sorting and packing solutions, BBC will leverage off the momentum generated at
Asia Fruit Logistica, by bringing together, in Hong Kong, a selection of key partners and current and new customers from
different parts of the world.
The initiative, says CEO Geoff Furniss, illustrates BBC’s approach, which is “customer-centric, keen to draw lessons
from a wide range of range of associates and markets and strong on continuous learning”.
BBC is on a growth curve in Asia. It sold its first blueberry sorting machine five years ago to a company which is now
part of Joyvio Group, the largest end-to-end fruit company of its kind in China. Joyvio and the New Zealand company have
forged a strong working relationship with BBC continuing to supply processing equipment to support Joyvioi’s blueberry
operation.
BBC gained a second customer in 2010 and several more in the last year as testimonials about the company are passed
through word-of-mouth. These customers are in China and Korea.
Furniss says BBC’s reputation for innovation and its “consistent and significant” investment in research and development
are key strengths in Asia. “Our track record for working closely with customers and continually evolving and adapting
our offering, in response to what customers tell us they want, gives BBC a point of difference in a highly competitive
marketplace.
“This goes for blueberry processing technology, of course, but also for other small fruit we specialise in such as
cherries and small tomatoes.
“Our focus is on giving customers certainty,” says Furniss. “They need to know they have robust packaging and
processing, the best possible fruit quality, extended shelf life and lower costs so they, in turn, can give consumers a
high quality eating experience.”
Visitors to the New Zealand pavilion will have the opportunity to learn about BBC’s full range of equipment and its
ability to develop turnkey solutions that are specifically designed to meet the needs of individual customers.
This includes BBC’s Fresh Tracker traceability software which can track individual products from harvesting and
processing through to packaging and point of sale. This is a particular advantage in China, says Furniss, where safety
and integrity of the food chain is of paramount importance.
Blueberries have been the first focus for the company in Asia but BBC also sees opportunities to provide its equipment
to producers of cherries and cherry tomatoes.
BBC will have a team of senior executives on its stand at Asia Fruit Logistic—including International Sales and
Marketing Manager Jason Walker, the company’s European Sales Manager, Fred Douven, and Stanley Lim, BBC’s Sales and
Service Manager for China and other parts of Asia.
“We are strongly committed to the market in Asia,” says Jason Walker. “We are investing in training and preparing a larger team of people to be on the ground, to provide our renowned level
of superior service to companies using our equipment.”
BBC has deep roots in the horticulture sector, both as a grower of blueberries and a developer of innovative processing
solutions. It has been selling its technology in the United States for 13 years and also has established markets in
Europe, South America and Australasia.
Fruit Logistica takes place from 3 – 5 September. Find out more at: http://www.asiafruitlogistica.com/en/
The New Zealand Pavilion is located in Hall 3.
About BBC Technologies
BBC Technologies are specialists in the manufacturing and development of Advanced Processing Technology. The New
Zealand-based company has a track record of investing in research and development to provide innovative solutions to the
horticulture industry globally. Its equipment is sold and serviced throughout North America, South America, Europe,
Australia and New Zealand. BBC Technologies has a strong commitment to service and all its products are backed by
industry-leading support. Find out more at: www.bbctechnologies.com