The International Fresh Produce Association Australia–New Zealand (IFPA A-NZ) welcomed three senior industry leaders to its board of directors following member elections announced at the association’s Annual general meeting in May.

The appointments further strengthen the organisation’s leadership across the fresh produce and floral supply chain, bringing together expertise spanning retail, production, technology, category management and international market development.

The newly elected directors are:

• Christian Parsons, chief operating officer of Costa Group

• Kenneth (Kenny) MacLeod, business category manager for veg, salad and value-add at Coles Group

• Matthew Atley, head of fruit and veg and bakery buying teams of ALDI stores

IFPA A-NZ chair Dean Gall says the appointments reflect the increasing importance of collaborative leadership as the industry navigates an increasingly complex and globally connected operating environment.

“Robust governance and diverse industry representation are critical as we navigate evolving challenges and opportunities across supply chains, labour, sustainability, technology and consumer demand,” Dean explains.

“We are fortunate to have directors who bring deep operational knowledge, strategic capability and solid industry relationships from across the fresh produce and floral ecosystem,” he says.

“As our industry becomes increasingly globally connected, it is important our board reflects both local knowledge and an international lens across retail, supply chains, consumer trends and market dynamics.

“These appointments further bolster IFPA A-NZ’s ability to support members, advocate for industry priorities and continue positioning Australia and New Zealand as global leaders in fresh produce.”

IFPA A-NZ managing director Belinda Wilson says the organisation’s continued growth was underpinned by member engagement and aligned industry leadership.

“We are bringing the industry together – connecting members across the supply chain locally, while also creating meaningful global opportunities through IFPA’s international network,” she says.

“Our board remains focused on strengthening the operating environment for members while continuing to champion fresh produce as essential to health, wellbeing, sustainability and economic prosperity.”

Director profiles

Christian Parsons, chief operating officer of Costa Group

Christian brings extensive experience across fresh produce production, procurement and customer engagement, along with significant involvement in industry advocacy and government engagement.

“I look forward to contributing to the industry’s long-term growth, including initiatives that support increased fresh produce consumption and strengthen the sector’s operating environment,” he says.

Kenny MacLeod, business category manager – vegetables, salad and value-add at Coles Group

Kenny brings extensive domestic and international retail experience, including previous roles with Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom.

“I am keen to contribute my retail and category management experience to help address the challenges and opportunities facing the Australian fresh produce industry,” Kenny adds.

Matthew Atley, head of fruit, vegetables and bakery buying at ALDI

Matthew brings extensive experience in leadership, commercial strategy and navigating complex market conditions within the Australian retail sector.

“The fresh produce industry works best when all participants are commercially healthy and focused on sustainable long-term growth,” he says.

The association also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing directors Richard Byllaardt and Catherine Velisha, who have completed their respective terms on the board.

Former IFPA A-NZ chair and current Citrus Australia chair, Richard has made a significant contribution to the Australian citrus industry and broader fresh produce sector over many years.

Catherine, who is managing director of Velisha Farms, has been a strong advocate for industry education, workforce development and consumer engagement.