A passion for continuous improvement has been the driving force behind Gary’s career.
Gary Wright grew up in New Zealand on his family kiwi fruit farm. His father encouraged an early interest in horticulture. As a young man Gary spent a few years travelling, in Australia and the USA. After a few years back on the family farm, Gary relocated to Australia, establishing a kiwi fruit and nashi orchard in Shepparton and then commencing work at what is now the berry category of CostaExchange in January 1986. At that time the farm consisted of 62 hectares of blueberries and 30 hectares of macadamias and stone fruit.
A passion for continuous improvement has been the driving force behind Gary’s career. In July 2011 he and CostaExchange Berry Category celebrated 25 years. Early on in the piece Gary was researching ways to improve processes and varieties. This led him to contact with breeders in the USA who had been developing warm climate blueberries. A long standing relationship with the University of Florida was formed as Gary became increasingly interested in genetics.
Today CostaExchange, under the guidance of Gary, has an international reputation for its early season blueberries (Kirra and Marya varieties) that are sought after world wide.
Peter McPherson, General Manager of the Berry Category, says of Gary: “His grounding, knowledge and experience underpin all production within the berry category, but especially blueberries. He develops great relationships with people at all levels of experience and expertise.”
Gary now manages 270 hectares of blueberries and 25 hectares of raspberries and blackberries at the Corindi farm. In his role as manager he seeks to bring out the best in people. His approach is down to earth and modest. “I enjoy improving horticulture practices and innovating. The reward is always found in achieving improvements.”
Gary lives with his wife (whom he met in the USA) and has a son and a daughter in their twenties. He enjoys anything to do with the ocean, including fishing and diving. He also has an abiding interest in rugby (having used to play), supporting his native team, the All Blacks – but we won’t hold that against him!