Our People

Ashley Berrysmith – Director

Ashley Berrysmith is the founder of the NZ Fresh Cuts (NZFC) group of companies and is widely recognised as a pioneer in the New Zealand fresh cut industry. After studying horticulture at Massey University, Ashley founded the Sprout House in 1980, which over the past 27 years, under Ashley’s leadership, has evolved into NZFC - New Zealand’s dominant provider of fresh cut foods - with one dedicated growing and processing company, several product development companies and a growing number of popular consumer brands.

A long-time committed vegetarian and advocate for healthy eating, Ashley is well regarded internationally for the many processing and marketing innovations he has successfully introduced into the industry, and for his commitment to stay at the forefront of global best practice and trends. In 1989 Ashley served as the inaugural Vice President of the US-based International Sprout Growers Association (ISGA), and today is an active member of United Fresh, which was previously known as the International Fresh-Cut Produce Association (IFPA).

Chris Butler – Farm Operations Manager

Chris Butler joined NZ Fresh Cuts (NZFC) in February 2006 to take over the running of the company’s 80-hectare Rangiriri model farm, which he had previously helped manage as a contractor. Chris is a third generation horticulturalist and grew up on the family fruit farm in South Canterbury. He went on to study vegetable production at Lincoln University and has dedicated his entire career to sustainable produce production. Over the course of his career, Chris has held numerous production and management roles with some of New Zealand’s leading market gardens and orchards, producing all types of fruit and vegetables for the domestic market and export markets in Europe and Asia.

On joining NZFC Chris played a key role in the selection, purchase and commissioning of machinery to develop the benchmark model farm for New Zealand baby leaf production, based on the leading European and American systems. Chris is responsible for managing all areas of the NZFC farming operation, and is committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the surrounding environment and the company’s quality, service and soils.

Linda Feng – Operations Manager

Linda Feng has managed operations for the NZ Fresh Cuts group of companies for the past ten years, and has played a key role in maximising efficiencies in the processing plant. Linda holds tertiary degrees in both engineering and commerce, and has successfully combined her two fields of expertise for more than a decade to ensure that premium quality fresh cut product is consistently produced at NZFC on time and at minimal cost, in accordance with agreed production schedules.

As NZFC operations manager Linda is responsible for ensuring that that all areas of the plant are operating efficiently, product specifications are met, strict hygiene standards are maintained, and there is always enough raw materials, packaging and staff available to meet the production requirements. Linda is also charged with motivating and training the production staff, and ensuring NZFC remains at the forefront of international best production practice by continually evaluating the performance and suitability of equipment, processes, production methods and material handling procedures.

Steve Cammish – Independent Director

Steve is a Partner at BDO Spicers, a leading international accounting firm that specialises in corporate finance and business advisory services. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance from Auckland University, and full Chartered Accountant qualification and a Certificate of Public Practice with the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. Steve has held a number of technical roles within BDO Spicers, most recently being the National Technical Director of Corporate Finance. Steve acts for a wide variety of clients whose activities include property development, manufacturing, business and financial services, and distribution.

Steve has been the financial advisor to NZFC since 1998 and has been closely involved with the development of the business over the past ten years. Steve’s role with NZFC is to ensure that the business maintains sound corporate governance whilst also ensuring the integrity of the business’s financial systems and financial reporting.