Resilience in Our Roots, Growth in Our Future
SOUTH PACIFIC GROWERS (SPG) IS A PREMIUM APPLE PRODUCER BASED IN HAWKE’S BAY, NEW ZEALAND, FOCUSED ON EXPORT EXCELLENCE, SUSTAINABILITY, AND DISCIPLINED GROWTH.
South Pacific Growers (SPG) is a premium apple growing business based in Hawke’s Bay, the heart of New Zealand’s apple industry. Founded and led by Rob Sykes, a third-generation grower with more than 40 years of sector experience, SPG combines generational knowledge with a sharp focus on operational excellence, sustainability, and global market demand.
SPG’s operations are built around a capital-light model designed for flexibility, growth, and resilience. The company currently manages 190 canopy hectares which will be fully matured by 2027. This structure allows for continual reinvestment into premium varieties, high-performance orchard management systems, and a strong, experienced team.
Our focus is on cultivating premium apple varieties such as Dazzle™, Fuji (Diva™), Rockit™, and Envy™ to meet evolving consumer preferences across key export markets including China, South East Asia and the Middle East. SPG is proud to supply some of the most respected names in the industry, including Mr. Apple and T&G Global, ensuring our fruit consistently reaches premium retail destinations worldwide.
The company’s response to Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 demonstrated its operational resilience, determination and ability to protect core value drivers under pressure. Recovery efforts strengthened SPG’s long-term planning, reinforced team culture, and deepened its commitment to sustainable growing practices.
Sustainability, innovation, and quality underpin everything we do. Our orchard practices align closely with low-emissions outcomes and traceability standards, while technology is integrated across operations to drive precision, efficiency, and quality control.
At SPG, our strength lies in our people.
From strategic leadership through to hands-on orchard management, our team’s depth of experience and commitment to excellence enable us to deliver consistent quality and adapt to the evolving demands of the global apple industry.
Looking ahead, SPG is well-positioned to continue building a trusted, premium brand that creates long-term value for our partners, investors, and the communities we work within.
Our Values
EXCELLENCE IN EVERY ORCHARD
We pursue quality without compromise, investing in premium varieties, precision management, and world-class orchard practices.
SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE FUTURE
We are committed to lower-carbon farming, smarter resource use, and building orchards that will thrive for generations.
PARTNERSHIPS THAT TRULY MATTER
We believe strong relationships create strong outcomes. We work closely with exporters, suppliers, and property partners to grow value.
FOUNDER OF SOUTH PACIFIC GROWERS
Meet Rob Sykes
I'm Rob Sykes, and orcharding has been my life’s work. Growing up in a family of growers, I've learned from the best. My grandfather, father, and uncle. Who all instilled in me a deep respect for the land and a relentless pursuit of quality. Over the years, I've witnessed firsthand how the industry evolves. I founded South Pacific Growers (SPG) to reflect those changes: innovative, resilient, and focused on premium quality.
With over 40 years of experience in the industry, I've turned my passion for apples into a thriving business that’s not just about growing fruit but about building partnerships, developing sustainable practices, and investing in the future of the industry. We've always focused on delivering the best product possible, and I'm proud to lead SPG as we continue to grow and innovate in the global market.
Our business is built around people. Our skilled team and the property partners we work with. Together, we’re creating a sustainable future for the apple industry while delivering world-class fruit that meets the demands of a dynamic global market.
Our Team
AT SOUTH PACIFIC GROWERS, OUR SUCCESS IS DRIVEN BY THE KNOWLEDGE AND DEDICATION OF OUR TEAM.
Led by founder Rob Sykes, we combine industry veterans and orchard specialists who are committed to producing the highest quality apples and meeting global standards.
Our team’s combined expertise ensures SPG is not just a business, but a community dedicated to producing world-class fruit and shaping a sustainable future for the apple industry.
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With over 40 years in horticulture, Rob Sykes brings invaluable insight to SPG. His experience, including senior roles at Mr. Apple, positions us to stay at the forefront of industry developments.
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Our efficient administrative team manages payroll, compliance, insurance, and reporting, ensuring smooth operations as we scale.
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Our skilled foremen, with decades of experience, oversee daily orchard operations, maintaining the high standards our markets expect.
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Long-standing relationships with staff, contractors, and landowners provide stability and support for our continued growth and innovation.
NEW ZEALAND APPLE GROWER
Premium Apples for a Global Market
Our growth is fuelled by the maturation of our orchards and a commitment to cultivating premium apple varieties like Dazzle™, Fuji (Diva™), Rockit™ and Envy™. These varieties are specifically chosen for their exceptional quality, sweet flavour, and strong demand in high-value Asian markets.
While our focus remains on premium apples that meet the highest export standards, we also grow a diverse range of varieties to support market flexibility, meet customer preferences across regions, and ensure consistent supply throughout the season.
HAWKE’S BAY CAREERS
Be Part of Our Growth
Based in Hawke’s Bay, we offer a dynamic work environment where skill development and progression are genuinely supported. Our flexible, compliant workforce model includes partnerships with MSD and RSE-certified labour contractors during peak seasons, while our focus on local internal development ensures strong pathways for those looking to build a long-term future in horticulture.
Whether you're returning season after season or stepping into your first role, there's opportunity here.