Business beat

Frank Nelson

Drones revolutionize Marlborough vineyards
Colin Aitchison believes drones will become an increasingly valuable tool for the grape-growing industry as the versatile aerial technology continues to evolve.

Aitchison, director and chief pilot for Waikawa-based Skyworks, says drones are already playing an important role in managing Marlborough vineyards by counting vines and monitoring growth, health, density, disease and other key factors.

With the aid of thermal sensors that map water transpiration, drones can also collect important data to help vineyard managers more accurately and economically target essentials like fertilizer, chemical spray and irrigation.

Aitchison notes the capabilities of drones are rapidly increasing, suggesting that in future, especially with drones harnessed to real-time AI, the sky really is the limit.

Williams Green Grocers expands
The new owner of Williams Green Grocers and Seafood, on Grove Road, has plans to expand the range of goods for sale, creating more of a one-stop shop along the lines of a mini mart.

Krunal Shah, who lives in Auckland and owns a handful of stores, says the Blenheim outlet will retain its strong emphasis on fresh fruit and vegetables, along with fresh seafood supplied by Guytons, in Nelson.

But he also intends adding other staples, including meat, eggs, sugar, butter, salt, milk, cheese, biscuits and Tip Top icecream.

Chef Toby Stuart opens luxury retreat
High end chef Toby Stuart worked at Rock Ferry, Harvest and Cloudy Bay after moving to Marlborough in 2018. Now he and his wife Sabina have opened Domu, an exclusive retreat in the hills between Kaiteriteri and Marahau.

While Toby prepares all the food, Sabina, who taught yoga in Marlborough, brings those skills to the new venture; clientele can also enjoy a spa, sauna and swimming pool, plus mountain and sea views.

Domu’s six bedrooms allow a maximum of 12 well-heeled guests at a time who will pay between $1750 and $2050 per couple per luxurious night, depending on the season and the room’s view.

Fresh Choice Picton joins Woolworths Everyday Rewards
When Woolworths recently announced that its nationwide customer loyalty card, Everyday Rewards, was being extended to subsidiary company Fresh Choice, it was music to the ears of Heide and Hamish Watson.

The owner/operators of Picton’s Fresh Choice for the past 11 years have long championed the need for such a move and Heide says they are “very excited it has finally happened.”

Customers at Fresh Choice can now swipe their cards to earn points every time they buy something. ”Once you earn 2000 points, you get a $15 voucher to spend in the store,” said Heide, adding that feedback from customers so far has been really positive.