Our structure

Our Supply Entity

DMS Progrowers Supply Entity Ltd is the vehicle that manages the contractual and commercial relationship between DMS growers and Zespri. It acts as the agent for our growers in relation to the supply of their crops to Zespri and signs a supply agreement with Zespri each year. The supply entity receives payments from Zespri for all fruit supplied which are then distributed to growers on a monthly basis according to a set of payment policies devised by the entity.

DMS Progrowers Ltd effectively contracts to the supply entity to provide packhouse and cool storage services to its growers. The two companies are commercially separated from one another.

The supply entity is governed by a board of directors which is made up of six growers and two representatives from DMS Progrowers Ltd. Directors are appointed by DMS growers for the express purpose of managing their collective commercial interests from the orchard to the point that Zespri takes ownership of the fruit.

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.

With your basket and my basket, we will sustain everyone.

Our Charitable Trust

Our kiwifruit and avocado industries have prospered enormously in recent years but that is not true for all New Zealanders. Many people in our communities require help from social agencies and support services.

The DMS Progrowers Charitable Trust was formed in 2018 in response to this need and aims to financially support local community organisations to carry out their valuable work.

Each year DMS kiwifruit and avocado growers have the opportunity to voluntarily contribute one or two cents per tray of fruit to the Trust. The money raised is then matched by DMS Progrowers Ltd, doubling the overall annual contribution to local charities across the Bay of Plenty and, with the Trustees approval, in other regions of New Zealand.

Five trustees (comprising growers and DMS Progrowers Ltd representatives) decide which organisations to donate money to. Our focus is on charities providing community care for all ages and demographics, as well as those who cater specifically for children and families in need. Our desire is to strengthen the communities our growers live and work in, and help break cycles that contribute to poverty and negative social outcomes.

Thanks to the generosity of our growers, over $250,000 is now distributed to worthy organisations each year such as Waipuna Hospice, Graeme Dingle Foundation, Katikati Community Centre, St John, Tauranga Community Foodbank, Good Neighbour, Te Aranui Youth Trust and Grief Support Services, among others.

COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on many of these organisations, curbing their ability to fundraise and find volunteers while trying to meet ever-growing demand for their services.

We are privileged to help in some small way and thank all contributing DMS growers for their ongoing support. Together, we can make a difference to the lives of others.