Our Team

At the heart of the ocean

Aiming to build on the ongoing success of Fresh Produce Group (FPG), our directors decided to diversify the business and Sea Fresh Trading Co. was launched in 2016. 

Our focus is simple – we want to work closely with New Zealand seafood companies to build long-lasting relationships and market the very best of New Zealand premium seafood to customers worldwide.  We aim to provide a seamless service to both our suppliers and customers, deliver quality, and become your number one choice of seafood exporter in New Zealand.

The establishment of Sea Fresh Trading Co. complements FPG and is strengthened by utilising FPG’s well established business operations and networks.  Whilst Sea Fresh Trading Co. may be a new business it is being supported by a wealth of experience.  The business is being driven by Duncan Rutherford who has over 12 years’ experience exporting both produce and seafood.

Sea Fresh Trading Co. is located in Tauranga, the economic hub of the Bay of Plenty and one of New Zealand’s fastest growing cities; it is also home to the Port of Tauranga, the country’s largest export port. 

 

Meet the Team

Russell Faulkner

Russell Faulkner

Managing Director

Russell is the Managing Director of Fresh Produce Group and Sea Fresh Trading Co. and has over 27 years of international produce trading experience based in USA, Australia and New Zealand.

Born and bred in Canterbury on mixed cropping farm, Russell graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and Management from Lincoln University.

Russell lives in Tauranga with wife Morag and three children, Benjamin, Alexandra and Isabella. In his spare time he tries to fit in some running and swimming, with the aim of doing a triathlon soon. He also enjoys watching rugby and supporting his family in their chosen sports.

mobile: +64 21 489 995

email: russell@freshproducegroup.co.nz

skype: russellfaulkner

Duncan Rutherford

Duncan Rutherford

Export / Import Marketing Manager

Duncan is the driving force behind Sea Fresh Trading Co. responsible for developing the business, and acquiring new customers and suppliers.  He is also responsible for global sales and growing new business in our key markets for Fresh Produce Group. 

He has over 13 years’ experience marketing both produce and seafood in New Zealand and overseas. 

Whilst the majority of his life has been spent in Auckland, Duncan moved from Auckland to Tauranga with his wife Kristy and three children (Sarah, Olivia and Isabel) in January 2016 and hasn’t looked back!  When he’s not working, Duncan enjoys spending time with his family or playing (the occasional game of) golf.

mobile: +64 21 881 892

email: duncan@seafreshtrading.co.nz

skype: drutherfordfpg

Ben Shen

Ben Shen

International Trade

Ben is responsible for developing Asia markets and supporting Sales and Logistics for some of our key markets. He has over 10 years’ experience in the fresh produce trade in New Zealand.

Ben graduated from Waikato University with a Bachelor of Marketing and lives in Auckland with wife Jenny. As a parent of two young kids (Chiya and Lachie), Ben doesn’t have too much time for hobbies right now but he is committed to getting back to snowboarding and other water activities when the kids are older.

mobile: +64 21 070 8650

email: ben@freshproducegroup.co.nz

wechat: wealltry

Caryl Combe

Shipping and Administration/Accounts

Caryl is responsible for the shipping and administration/accounts aspect of our business.

Her career started in the banking industry, initially in customer service roles before specialising in the trade finance (importing and exporting) sector.  After living and working in Auckland, then Christchurch, Caryl took some time out to focus on her family and raise her two young children, Ebony and Janelle.  After spending time in Sydney, Caryl and her family returned to live in Auckland, and soon after returned to work in accounts and administration roles.

Caryl is now settled in Greenhithe with husband Phil.  Her now adult children – one from North Harbour and the other a Cantabrian definitely make the rugby season interesting!  Spare time is spent doing crafts, socialising or visiting the girls, who are currently based in Timaru and Hamilton.

mobile: +64 27 296 4617

email: admin@freshproducegroup.co.nz

Ross Moffat

Director

Ross is a chartered accountant and director of Fresh Produce Group with over 26 years business experience.  Ross also has a number of other business interests with his focus being the financial and risk management aspects of those businesses.

Ross has spent most of his life in Canterbury where he lives with his family.  His school aged children keep him busy most of the time with biking, swimming, basketball, horses, motorbiking, snow skiing, boating, you name it they are into it.

Mark Tavendale

Director

Mark is the founding partner of Tavendale and Partners who is highly regarded for his strategic advice.

Mark is highly experienced in all aspects of commercial law, his specific expertise is in the primary and agribusiness sectors with considerable expertise in the sale and purchase of large and complex farming operations, succession planning, New Zealand's overseas investment laws and high country tenure reviews.

He also owns, with his family, one of New Zealand’s largest blackcurrant growing operations.

Our Seafood

Our Seafood

We export a comprehensive range of premium New Zealand seafood.

View our seafood