“How is business going for you at the moment?” We enjoy checking in with our grower customers across the nation. More importantly, if we keep our finger on the pulse, we’re able to meet any challenges (and opportunities) head-on with tailored products, competitive pricing and stock certainty.
So here’s a quick rundown on what we’re hearing, what’s driving demand, and how we’re supporting growers through another challenging season. Let us know how things are going for you – we’ve made it our business to help you grow smarter and we’d be honoured to help you achieve your nursery goals.
What are growers investing in right now and who’s busy?
Larger growers are investing in nursery automation to help with productivity and streamline manual tasks in the nursery and/or greenhouse.
Across the board, growers are looking at ways to prepare for weather unpredictability. Water management remains a priority, with smart irrigation systems becoming important as droughts become more frequent.
Commercial forestry nurseries still seem to be busy. Native revegetation has slowed down, but there are a lot more subdivisions coming onto the market, and a sense of positivity in the air for the revegetation nurseries around some of the bigger infrastructure projects coming up – roading contracts etc.
Forestry trays, fertilisers, coir growing media, ground covers (especially 100% natural jute matting), and automation solutions are all in high demand
What are the current challenges raised by nursery customers and how are we supporting them?
Currently, nurseries are not getting as many big contracts now for forward orders, so they’re not as certain on what to grow. They’re growing on spec more. Without the big contracts the confidence drops, and forecasting becomes a challenge. But for some this is beneficial, and their sales are good because they’ve got flexibility and plants readily available.
Consumer demand is still sluggish, making things tight for those nurseries supplying into garden centres. Vegetable seedlings still appear busy, but ornamental trees and shrubs (or fancier plants) are finding it tough.
Less of a concern is labour shortage, we’re told it’s more around finding quality staff.
We’re supporting nurseries with volume buying deals, and expert advice on automation and substrate options. We’re also helping customers avoid any delays by forecasting early and ensuring we can provide stock certainty. For machinery, our spare parts and drill bits inventory is very good, and our aftersales care, including service and maintenance, remains a strong focus to ensure growers can keep the wheels turning smoothly.
Any regional differences in how nurseries are performing?
Currently, the South Island nurseries are possibly performing better, Central Otago and Wanaka seem buoyant. Perhaps because its less congested with nurseries in the South, so more room for success. Whereas in the North Island there have been many government-funded nurseries set up, which is proving challenging for commercial nurseries.
That said, demand remains solid across regions for plants that support revegetation, subdivision, roading, and landscape planting projects.
Any industry bright spots at the moment?
Absolutely, there’s more optimism in the air. As mentioned earlier, revegetation, regional council projects, and infrastructure planting continue to create steady demand for our customers. There’s also growing interest in smarter production systems through nursery automation. For growers who are adapting and streamlining, there’s good momentum heading into the season.
We’re delighted to support about 80% of NZ growers with the tools, nursery supplies, and automation to grow smarter.
Let us help your business make the most of what’s ahead – for expert advice talk to us today.
