Compac has announced the development of new technology to overcome the traditional issues associated with grading and sorting cherries.
End View is the new cherry grading technology that utilizes learnings from Compac’s Spectrim platform to improve outcomes for cherry-specific produce lines. End View will be available as a modular upgrade for existing customers, and as part of Compac’s cherry inspection solution InVision 7-View.
Due to their size and shape, cherries can be difficult to properly grade using existing cameras and technology. However, End View utilizes new cameras and software to detect and grade nose and stem defects such as rain cracks and mildew, while keeping current production speeds.
Embracing innovative technology has become more important for cherry growers as newly planted trees continue to come into production, pressuring existing plant capacities. With changing weather patterns growers are also trying to reduce the impact of unseasonal rain events, which are the main contributor to previously undetectable nose cracks.
Compac CEO Mike Riley said the importance of sorting cherries accurately is imperative in protecting batches from spoilage and providing high-quality exportable products for international consumers.
“One bad cherry can ruin a box. Our customers rely on our technology to maintain the quality of their product and protect their reputation and brand.
“We’re always striving to be on the cutting edge of grading and sorting technology development. As the fresh produce and agriculture sector continues to evolve, keeping up with demand and expectation will be key.”
The new End View solution also utilizes Compac’s latest artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities. SmartMapTM and SmartSkinTM AI provides improved defect detection and categorization, and ease of use.
Recently, Compac partnered with Pure Pac in New Zealand’s South Island to outfit the operation with the most advanced, gentle and food safe best-of-breed sorting solution including the End View technology. As the company plans to begin exporting its premium product internationally in 2017/2018, accurate sizing and grading, including detection of stem and nose defects were important parts of Compac’s proposal.
The End View prototype was tested in New Zealand, America and Canada. Director of Panmure Orchards in New Zealand saw immediate benefits from the technology. “In terms of End Views which include improved optics and software, the machine can now see the whole fruit allowing additional classification of fruit surface which improves the quality of pack. A secondary benefit is the increase in packhouse throughput on nose cracked batches whilst still maintaining the quality of the pack.”
Riley says Compac is dedicated to continual investment into cherries, directly improving performance and adding capabilities to advance yields and boost the quality of produce globally.
“We were receiving such strong global demand for a next generation cherry grading solution that we decided to accelerate our Inspection Systems roadmap to focus on this. We’re absolutely thrilled with the result and feedback from our development customers has been superb. We can’t wait to see this product in packhouses across the world.”
End View will officially be launched later this year at PMA Fresh Summit in New Orleans, with roll out to begin in 2018 across the globe.
| A Compac release || September 2017 |||
Auckland Airport | As part of its major upgrade of the international departure experience, Auckland Airport has opened a new $4 million, 185-seat lounge for international passengers, known as the “Strata Lounge”.
Richard Barker, Auckland Airport’s general manager retail and commercial, says, “the Strata Lounge is an exciting part of the upgrade of Auckland Airport’s international departure area – which creates a new and uniquely New Zealand departure experience.”
“We have already opened the first stages of our new and expanded security screening and processing area for all passengers, as well as part of the new stores for our two duty free operators. The rest of the international departure area upgrade – including a reconfigured landside farewell portal, a new retail hub and a new passenger lounge – will be unveiled over the coming 12 months.”
“Auckland Airport’s new Strata Lounge replaces our Emperor Lounge and provides a comfortable and relaxed space for travellers who do not belong to an airline lounge programme and 13 airlines that choose to use the lounge to accommodate their premium passengers prior to boarding.”
“Our new Strata Lounge means that no matter which international airline or class you are flying, before boarding your flight you can enjoy a modern lounge – with a fresh range of international food, beverages, work stations, shower facilities and a separate children’s space for families to use. In the future the lounge will also have sleeping pods and a beauty spa.”
International passengers can purchase entry into the Auckland Airport owned and operated Strata Lounge for $49 online or $55 on the door. The Strata Lounge also welcomes members of Diners Club International, DragonPass, Lounge Key and Priority Pass.
The Strata Lounge was designed by Ignite architects and constructed and fitted-out by Alaska.
| An AucklandAirport release with MSCNewsWire || September 6, 2017 |||
World changing Kiwi innovations finalists have been named for the big annual New Zealand Innovation Awards.
The finalists represent game-changing innovation from every corner of the country, with new ventures, products and services from a broad range of industries and business disciplines, the New Zealand Innovation Council’s founder and chief executive Louise Webster says.
“They all demonstrate in their own way that Kiwi innovation has come a long way with a vibrant and active innovation in the business community.
“Included in the finalists are an exciting range of entries such as quiet drones, solar-powered cow collars, smart trampolines, Te Reo Maori smartphones and ethical corporate workwear. Spoilt for choice with this year’s entries – these are truly world changing innovations.
“The seventh annual innovation award winners will be named at the awards evening in Auckland on October 19. The awards night is now established as New Zealand’s most iconic innovation event. It’s great to have seen the innovation ecosystem grow and develop over this time and simply humbling to talk to so many fantastic business innovators.
“Since the awards began we have seen a shift away from businesses developing new products and services for the New Zealand market to a strong focus on export markets with many businesses going global from day one,” she says.
Bayer New Zealand managing director Derek Bartlett says Bayer are committed to helping Kiwi companies be the best that they can be.
“We have innovation at the heart of everything we do and take pride in supporting such a great initiative to celebrate and profile innovation across New Zealand,” he says.
Last year, ARANZ Medical won the Bayer Supreme New Zealand Innovation prize at the annual New Zealand Innovation awards. ARANZ Medical’s advanced scanning technology, silhouette, measures wound healing and ensures the right treatment is being used to promote faster healing and more accurate diagnosis.
The 2017 New Zealand Innovation Awards finalists are:
INNOVATION IN AGRIBUSINESS & ENVIRONMENT - Sponsored by Bayer NZ● Alliance Group - The Omega Lamb Project● Halter● Levno - Sensor and Data Technology● Marine Flex - Elastic Mooring● SPATnz (Shellfish Production and Technology New Zealand) - Next Generation Shellfish● Spring Sheep Milk Co. - New Zealand's Gentlest Milk● Squawk Squad INNOVATION IN DESIGN & ENGINEERING - Sponsored by James & Wells● ARANZ Geo - Leapfrog 3D Geological Modelling Software● Dotterel Technologies● Fisher & Paykel Healthcare - Optiflow Junior 2● Onguard Group - Seismic Systems● Rocket Lab● SolarBright - DATAeye● Springfree Trampoline - Smart Trampoline● Tectonus - Resilient Slip Friction Joint INNOVATION IN EDUCATION, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT - Sponsored by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand● CORE Education - iNVENTIONATOR● Crimson Education● EdPotential● Fulton Hogan - Virtual Reality Training● Kami● Linewize - Classwize● Massey University Wellington - The Design+Democracy Project● Osnova - Amy INNOVATION IN FINANCIAL, PROFESSIONAL & PUBLIC SERVICES - Sponsored by Equifax● Cream● Department of Internal Affairs - SmartStart● FluentIQ - Test Center● McCarthyFinch● Simplicity● Simply Payroll● StockX - A Smarter Exchange INNOVATION IN HEALTH & SCIENCE - Sponsored by Chorus● Avalia Immunotherapies - Synthetic Vaccines● BFW Innovations - The Original Mattress Elevator● CoLiberate - Nourish Your Mind● Fisher & Paykel Healthcare - Optiflow Junior 2● FlexiMap● MARS Bioimaging● Myovolt - Wearable Vibration Therapy● Precision Driven Health INNOVATION IN FOOD & BEVERAGE - Sponsored by Plant & Food Research● Alliance Group - The Omega Lamb Project● Anteater - Premium Edible Insects● Fix & Fogg - World’s Best Peanut Butter● Fonterra Co-operative Group - Protein Ingredient (MPC4867)● Green Spot Technologies● Imake - The Grainfather INNOVATION IN TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS - Sponsored by Jade Software Corporation● Air New Zealand - Customer Innovation Programme● ARANZ Geo - Leapfrog 3D Geological Modelling Software● Corvecto - Virtual Reality Training Solutions● fulcrum - The fulcrum HUB● Moxion● Onguard Group - Seismic Systems● The Social Club● Vector - Glen Innes Substation● WaterOutlook INNOVATION SYSTEMS & PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT - Sponsored by Westpac NZ & the NZ Government● Fonterra Co-operative Group - Vitamin D Measurement● Forsite● Halter● High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) - Innovation Programme● Revisia - Industrial 3D Innovation● Soar Printing - Evolution through Innovation● Vigilance - Financial Risk Management● Waitemata District Health Board - Leapfrog Programme INNOVATION IN MEDIA, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS - Sponsored by StopPress● 2degrees - Data Hunt● AttitudeLive● Corvecto - Virtual Reality Training Solutions● Fire and Emergency New Zealand - Escape My House● Fisher & Paykel Healthcare - Optiflow Junior - Therapy Growth and Product Preference● Shuttlerock● Spring Sheep Milk Co. - New Zealand's Gentlest Milk● Workhere New Zealand - LookSee Wellington● Zavy INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABILITY & RENEWABLE ENERGY - Sponsored by NZ Innovation Council● EcobagsNZ - No to Plastic Bags, yes to Compostable● ecostore● Green Spot Technologies● Little Yellow Bird - Ethically Made Corporate Workwear● Marine Flex - Elastic Mooring● Organic Initiative (Oi)● solarcity New Zealand - solarZero energy service● Yealands Wine Group - Harnessing the power of the sun INNOVATION IN TOURISM & ENTERTAINMENT - Sponsored by Idealog● GeoZone● Haka Tourism Group - An Innovative Business Model● Modern Maori Quartet● Off The Beaten Track● Pop-up Globe Auckland● Sonnar Interactive - Audio Games● Tourism Holdings (THL) - Mighway● Wherewolf INNOVATION IN MAORI DEVELOPMENT - Sponsored by KPMG● Hiakai● Huawei New Zealand - Te Reo Maori Smartphone● Metia Interactive - Takaro● Plink Software - Tipu Te Reo Maori● Punarau Media - Pipi Ma EXPORT INNOVATION OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE)● Alliance Group - The Omega Lamb Project● ARANZ Geo - Leapfrog 3D Geological Modelling Software● Fisher & Paykel Healthcare - Optiflow Junior 2● fulcrum - The fulcrum HUB● Moxion● Onguard Group - Seismic Systems● Shuttlerock● Timely EXCELLENCE IN SOCIAL INNOVATION - Sponsored by Sovereign● AttitudeLive - Attitude● Fire and Emergency New Zealand - Escape My House● Organic Initiative (Oi)● Plink Software - Tipu Te Reo Maori● Te Whare Hukahuka - Growing Maori Social Enterprise● Te Whare Hukahuka - Ka Eke Poutama● Massey University Wellington - The Design+Democracy Project● The Taranaki Retreat INNOVATION EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH● Alliance Group - The Omega Lamb Project● Avalia Immunotherapies - Synthetic Vaccines● Dotterel Technologies● Halter● Myovolt - Wearable Vibration Therapy● mango teQ - REYEDR HUD● Sonnar Interactive - Audio Games START-UP INNOVATION OF THE YEAR● Anteater - Premium Edible Insects● Burnsafe NZ - Disposal of Landmines & Unexploded Ordnance● Firstcheck● Hiakai● Mevo - Electric Vehicles On Demand● Moxion● Previously Unavailable - Toothcrush● SolarBright - DATAeye EMERGING NEW ZEALAND INNOVATION - Sponsored by Regus● Cream● Kami● Marine Flex - Elastic Mooring● MARS Bioimaging● Simply Payroll● StockX - A Smarter Exchange● WaterOutlook● Zavy DISRUPTIVE & BREAKTHROUGH INNOVATION - Sponsored by Westpac NZ and the NZ Government● ARANZ Geo - Leapfrog 3D Geological Modelling Software● Avalia Immunotherapies - Synthetic Vaccines● Fisher & Paykel Healthcare - Optiflow Junior 2● Flick Electric Co.● Halter● MARS Bioimaging● Moxion● Rocket Lab● SolarBright - DATAeye YOUNG NEW ZEALAND INNOVATOR - Sponsored by MOTAT● Erik Zydervelt - Mevo● Henry Lane - Corvecto● Jarek Beksa - Sonnar Interactive● Jody Burrell, Bop Murdock, Sarah Tuck - CoLiberate● Samantha Jones - Little Yellow Bird● Shay Wright - Te Whare Hukahuka MOST INSPIRING INDIVIDUAL - Sponsored by 3M● Asantha Wijeyeratne (Peter) - Simply Payroll● Helen Robinson - Organic Initiative● Katie Hinsen - Blue Collar Post Collective● Peter Beck - Rocket Lab BAYER SUPREME NEW ZEALAND INNOVATION - Sponsored by Bayer New ZealandWinner to be announced on the night. THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD - Sponsored by RadioLIVE● All finalists - public voting open from September 12 via www.innovationawards.org.nz
| A New Zealand Innovation Council release with MakeLemonade || September 4, 2017 |||
The export value of New Zealand wine has reached a record high according to the 2017 Annual Report of New Zealand Winegrowers. Now valued at $1.66 billion, up 6% in June year end 2017, wine now stands as New Zealand’s fifth largest goods export.
Over the past two decades the wine industry has achieved average annual export growth of 17% a year states the Report. “With diversified markets and a strong upward trajectory, the industry is in good shape to achieve $2 billion of exports by 2020” said Steve Green, Chair of New Zealand Winegrowers.
According to the Report exports to the USA have lead the strong growth, passing $500 million for the first time (up 12%). New Zealand wine became the third most valuable wine import into the USA, behind only France and Italy.
Mr Green highlighted that in order to achieve continuing value growth, it is critical for the industry to maintain focus on protecting and enhancing its reputation as a distinctive, quality product. “Our premium reputation remains the greatest collective asset for New Zealand wine, and underlies the high average price our wine commands in global trade”.
Improved protection of New Zealand’s regional identities through the Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act, and initiatives such as the launch of the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand Continuous Improvement extension programme will help enhance the world-class reputation of New Zealand wine as a premium and sustainable product, said Mr Green.
The 2017 Annual Report can be accessed here: https://www.nzwine.com/en/news-media/statistics-reports/new-zealand-winegrowers-annual-report/
| An NZWinegrowers release || August 28, 2017 |||
Sick of those cramped, seemingly ancient economy airline cabins? Well, we’ve got good news. Today Qantas announced a whole lotta’ cabin upgrade plans for its fleet of 12 Airbus A380s.
Why?
To improve passenger comfort obviously – especially on those 26-hour flights to Europe every single young Aussie takes each winter.
The announcement was made alongside a Melbourne Domestic Lounge and an evaluation of new ultra-long range Qantas International aircraft in Qantas’ full-year results this morning.
The results also showed that Qantas’ performance was down over eight per cent from last year – but that didn’t stop them from making a tidy underlying profit of over $1 billion before tax.
The multi-million dollar A380 upgrade will make all your wildest airline dreams come true: upping the premium economy seat count as well as removing some regular ol’ economy seats to put more of the aircraft space to more effective use.
This change-up in the seats on the super jumbos is set to meet increased customer demand for premium cabins. This is specifically on flights to the US, Europe and Asia – because more and more Aussies want more leg room and comfier seats if they have to be on a plane for more than five hours.
On the upper deck, a crew workstation and some partitions will be rearranged – making room for six more business class seats and increasing premium economy seating by 27 per cent (25 seats).
Take a look at the full list of the A380 refurbishment program, straight from Qantas itself:
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the upgrade was a major investment, but that customers loved the A380.
“We’re seeing increased demand for Premium Economy and Business Class on the long haul routes that the A380 operates, including from people using their Qantas points to upgrade. When more travellers experience these new seats, we expect that demand will keep rising,” he said.
“Working with Airbus we’ve been able to achieve a very efficient layout on the upper deck. Using this space to increase the proportion of premium seating improves the revenue potential and the overall economics of the aircraft,” he added of the new upgrades.
Qantas is also continuing its efforts to try and eventually offer super-fast Wi-Fi on it’s international routes – and intends to be the first Aussie airline to do so.
The A380s will also be flying more regular routes to Asia – with some elements of the upgrade due to be rolled out later this year.
| A TravelWeekly release || August 25, 2017 |||
Fiji Airways has launched Bula Bid, an auction tool that allows Economy Class customers to bid for upgrades to Business Class on international flights. Passengers can bid for an upgrade between seven days and 24 hours before their scheduled flight departure.
Bids can be made at www.bulabid.com using the Upgrade Now auction system. Successful bidders are notified through a confirmation email 24 hours before their scheduled flight and unsuccessful bidders will not be charged. The quantity of successful bids is dependent on a number of factors, including seat availability and the number of offers for each flight.
Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO, said: “This new product is designed to give our Economy Class guests the chance to enjoy our renowned Business Class experience. Interest among guests for Bula Bid has been extremely high during the soft-launch period, and we are delighted to roll it out formally now across our international networks.”
Successful bidders will experience Fiji Airways’ Business Class product as well as the Business Class airport experience.
As FTE reported last year, upgrade auction tools are becoming an increasingly popular way for airlines to monetise unsold premium seats.
| An FTE release || August 17, 2017 |||
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is expanding its ability to ship alcohol, wine and beer to consumers around the world. Using one of the UPS Express™ shipping services, wine connoisseurs can have their favorite cases of wine shipped directly from the vineyards to their home.
UPS is helping wineries reach consumers living in 24 of the top 35 wine importing countries, and distilleries in 9 of the top 25 spirit importing countries. Depending on the destination, orders can arrive at the business or consumer’s home within 3 days. All alcohol shipments require an adult signature upon delivery.
According to the International Organization of Vine and Wine, 43% of all wine is consumed in a country other than where it is produced. The global wine market is expected to reach $380 billion by 2022.[1] The countries producing and exporting the most wine include Italy, Spain, France, Chile, Australia, South Africa and the United States. [2]
Europe is the market leader in wine production and consumption. UPS will ship to 23 countries in Europe including these primary markets: Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Wine consumption is growing rapidly in Asian markets. By 2020, China is expected to surpass the U.S. as the world’s third-largest largest wine importer.[3] The fast growing middle class is driving the demand for premium alcohol. Last year, China imported $890 million worth of spirits globally.[4]
UPS will now ship wine, beer and liquor to consumers and businesses in 11 countries throughout Asia Pacific including: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. In Malaysia, only businesses can import wine and beer.
Mexico is earning its place at the table of major wine countries, as consumption has increased by more than 40% in the last 10 years.[5] UPS is shipping wine to Mexico, Argentina and the Dominican Republic. Mexicans are also thirsty for America’s beer, importing $187 million worth in 2016.[6]
Canada and the U.S. are key trade partners and as more Canadians buy products online they’re also adding alcohol to their shopping carts. With the expansion, UPS can deliver to 5 of the Canadian Provinces covering 95% of all alcohol imports.[7] The Provinces include Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.
Boeger, a small family-owned winery in Northern California, recently started global shipping. “It was hard telling our international visitors they couldn’t have our wine because we couldn’t get it to them,” said Tara De La Rosa, hospitality and logistics manager. “We are always looking for ways to expand globally and have our wines on tables around the world.”
De La Rosa and her team use Paperless™ Invoice to simplify customs clearance. The UPS shipping system helps wineries, breweries and distilleries avoid delays by uploading all of the required alcohol-related documentation for each country electronically.
UPS provides automatic tracking and visibility allowing the consumer to follow an order on its global journey. Boeger winery visitors will receive an email notification, in their own language, the day before the scheduled delivery.
The UPS Express shipping portfolio features three unique service levels: UPS Worldwide Express Plus™ for early morning delivery, UPS Express for midday deliveries and UPS Express Saver™ for end-of-day deliveries.
For more information, visit the UPS International Alcohol Shipping Guide.
It is the shipper's responsibility to know and comply with all applicable international laws and regulations
Alcohol Shipments Can Be Delivered to the Following CountriesArgentina* Finland* Macau SingaporeAustria* France* Malta* Slovenia*Belgium* Greece* Mexico* South Africa***Bulgaria* Hong Kong Monaco* South KoreaCanada** Hungary* Netherlands* Sweden*China India** New Zealand Switzerland*Cyprus* Italy* Norway* TaiwanCzech Republic* Japan Philippines ThailandDenmark* Liechtenstein* Portugal* United Kingdom*Dominican Republic Luxembourg* Romania*
*Only accepts Wine
**Some areas are restricted
*** Only accepts Wine and Beer
| A UPS release || July 31, 2017 |||
Palace of the Alhambra, Spain
By: Charles Nathaniel Worsley (1862-1923)
From the collection of Sir Heaton Rhodes
Oil on canvas - 118cm x 162cm
Valued $12,000 - $18,000
Offers invited over $9,000
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242
Mount Egmont with Lake
By: John Philemon Backhouse (1845-1908)
Oil on Sea Shell - 13cm x 14cm
Valued $2,000-$3,000
Offers invited over $1,500
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242