Summerfruit New Zealand's new chairman says the industry will push for huge growth, but there will be challenges along the way.
Last week the organisation announced the appointment of Tim Jones, of Cromwell, as its new chairman and Roger Brownlie, of Hawke's Bay, as its vice-chairman.
Former chairman Gary Bennetts, of Roxburgh, stepped down after eight years in the position. He will remain a director for the next three-year term.
Mr Jones said there were big plans for the industry, including growing annual sales from $120million to $250million by 2035.
"Gary has done a great job. He has left us in a healthy position.''
There were challenges ahead such as creating "viability'' on fruits such as peaches and apricots, he said.
"We have to prove to growers that there are opportunities for these fruits not just domestically, but in international markets.''
It also planned to introduce new growing systems which would produce more fruit per hectare, he said.
Mr Jones manages more than 150ha of cherry orchards in Cromwell and runs the largest cherry packhouse in the country.
He was deputy chairman of Summerfruit New Zealand for four years.
Mr Bennetts said Mr Jones had a range of skills and would be a great strategic planner.
"I'd had eight years and had a bit of bad health the year before, so it felt like it was a good time for someone to step up.''
