Hello once again from Healthy Happenings – where you can read all about the healthy and sustainable activities of Sun Sprout. www.sunsprout.co.nz  

We’ll introduce you to David Boulger, our Sales Manager and Jamie Briggs, Customer Services the friendly voice on the phones.

This winter is proving to be a difficult time for all produce growers and suppliers.  Unfortunately we have been experiencing some product shortages as a result of frost damage and the consistent heavy rain we have been experiencing.  A big thanks to all our valued customers for your patience through this trying winter period.  Currentlty however volumes are good and we will advise immediately of any shortages.

Winter Warmers!

The winter months are definitely upon us and at Sunsprout we launched our new exciting winter range consisting of Roasties and Soup Mix in May, a very favourable response by our customers.  A number of stores have quickly got on-board recognizing a point of difference in this range and the quality it represents.

We have developed a number of delicious flavours to warm the cockles of your heart!  The Roasties are perfect for that Sunday roast dinner with your favourite meat and gravy.  After a day on the sports field nothing tastes better that a lovely hot bowl of soup accompanied by a freshly baked bread roll.

Our winter range includes:

Roasties (1060gm) - potato, pumpkin, kumara, onion and carrots with a garlic herb dressing.  
Soup Mix (630gm) - broccoli stems, pumpkin, swede, parsnip and carrots.  

Watch out for them in your local supermarket.  For further information either contact your Sunsprout Sales Representative or call the office on 0800 1477 766.

Winter Recipe of the month!

This quick, cheerful and tasty recipe is simply a winter warmer which offers a combination of flavours that will surprise you, as well as looking colorful and inviting.  The ingredients are easily aquired from your local supermarket and the soup can easily be stored in your refrigerator for subsequent meals.

Ingredients:

1  packet of Fresh-a-Peel soup mix
1 small bowl of lentils
1 Tin of chopped tomatoes
3  Pints of water
2  tsp mixed spices
½ pint of Milk
Black Pepper & salt - seasoning


Boil the lentils for about 5 minutes, then add the Fresh-a-Peel soup mix to the water and boil for another 30 minutes.  Whilst boiling the vegetables, add the mixed spices then salt and black pepper to taste.  Blend the vegetables and spices (the longer you blend, the smoother the soup will be).  Then add the milk and tinned tomatoes to create a delicious creamy tomato and vegetable soup
.
Enjoy a bowl with some whole grain toast or cheesy garlic bread topped with rocket.

Tip: Put leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze ready for another weekend winter warmer!

World’s First – CarboNZero

Our big announcement this month is that N.Z Fresh Cuts Limited, our parent and growing and processing company (www.nzfreshcuts.co.nz) has obtained carboNZero status.  An exciting achievement for us, one that we have been working towards for 2 years now.

carboNZero is an internationally recognised certification emissions management and reduction scheme for organisations, products, services and events, offering optional mitigation strategies through the provision of credible and verified off sets. NZ Fresh Cuts Ltd meets these requirements of the carboNZero certification having measured and committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and mitigated its remaining unavoidable emissions in respect of its organisation and selected products.

NZFC have achieved this through a constant commitment to seek out and implement international best practice, and by playing an active role in the international industry. This has lead to NZFC becoming the world’s first fresh cuts salad processor to achieve carbon neutrality.

At NZFC the sustainability of our environment, our company and our people is a critical consideration in every decision we make. From company-wide recycling and energy efficiency initiatives to the deliberate selection of environmentally friendly economical cars – NZFC endeavour to operate a future focused business that is environmentally responsible and looks after the well being of our people and profits. Our delicate soils and waterways are carefully managed to ensure the long-term sustainability of our farming operation and the surrounding environment. Comprising of a dedicated growing and processing company, several product development companies, and a growing number of popular consumer brands - the NZFC group of companies has taken great pride in being the first to market with many innovations that have made a lasting and positive impact on the health of many New Zealanders.

By remaining at the forefront of fresh cut innovations we will continue to provide safe and nutritious fresh food choices that meet the market’s growing demand for quality, convenience and taste and through the carboNZero programme, robust and credible sustainability.

Russel Norman  Visit

NZFC had the pleasure to show Dr Russel Norman, the co-leader of the Green Party, around our operations. 

Dr Norman was at a function that Stephen Dench spoke at regarding NZFC’s carboNZero certification and he was very impressed with our leadership position on sustainability.  We were able to show Dr Norman our tractor fleet with auto steer which makes up our controlled traffic farming systems and our new inter row cultivator for mechanical week control rather than using herbicides. 

Dr Norman then visited our production site to look at our numerous energy and waste reduction initiatives that have been implemented over the last 12 months leading to a significant reduction in our carbon footprint.

Introducing...

Prior to working for Sunsprout, Jamie Briggs was a Customer Support Officer for Yellow Pages which was a stepping stone back into the working industry after taking a break from the workforce for a couple of months. Prior to that, she was a Credit Card Specialist for the National Bank for 6 years and her advice to all of you is not to be fooled - PLASTIC IS ‘NOT’ FANTASTIC!!!!!
 
Jamie is the youngest from a family of 9 children.  Her hobbies include taking photos, socialising with friends and listening to all types of music (except for Mariah Carey).  Jamie’s passion is organising parties and travelling the countryside in her spare time.
 
As for her favourite food, a Sunsprout salad with a sprinkling of balsamic dressing is definitely at the top of her list.  In all honestly, she loves anything that is quick and easy and doesn’t take long to chuck together.

Introducing...

A big welcome to David Boulger who joined the team in April as the Sales Manager for Sunsprout.  His background is 20 years in the flower industry and as part of that time an Auctioneer, owner and Sales Manager for various flower companies with his last 4 years for an export flower company.  
 
David has been married for 17 years to Petra and has his two kids, Savannah & Oscar.  David lives in Drury, South Auckland on a 2 ½ acre property.  David enjoys many hobbies with his most recent plantation of a 1 acre of Passionfruit with other  hobbies including cooking and growing plants.  David is interested in solar energy and wind power production and hopefully will be grid free one day.