New Zealand
April 16, 2025

Pictured left to right: Jaime Heywood, General Manager; Jo Brady, Head of Marketing; and Jake Gardner, Head of Sales & Customer Service
The award recognises the innovation and efficiency gains from our new North Island seed facility in Te Rapa. Key contributors to the win include enhanced seed quality from our new cool store and the operational benefits of a centralised site.
Competing against many top-tier suppliers, this recognition is a significant achievement and a testament to the hard work and forward-thinking approach of the Barenbrug NZ team.
Competing against many top-tier suppliers, this recognition is a significant achievement and a testament to the hard work and innovation of the Barenbrug NZ team.
The cool store, which opened earlier this year, plays a critical role in protecting the live endophyte in ryegrass seed – much like a fridge protects animal vaccines. Heat and humidity can quickly damage endophyte viability, so storing seed in cool, dry conditions is essential to ensure it performs at its best once sown. This ensures farmers receive seed in peak condition, ready for autumn sowing.

The Waikato cool store is already full with autumn seed orders.