When Ron and Fay Simpson started Simpson Farms in 1969, their focus was on family. Since then, not much – and yet, everything – has changed.
The original tomato and sugar cane farm near Bundaberg provided the space for the family and business to grow. Since the 1990s, following massive consolidation and development of the original 120 hectare orchard, Simpson Farms has emerged as one of Australia’s largest avocado growers and food product producers.
Today, Simpson Farms owns and manages more than 850 hectares of consolidated farming operations. This includes 770 hectares of avocados and 80 hectares of mangoes. Family is still our focus, with Ron and Fay’s four daughters and husbands managing the business.
Fresh Australian produce from Simpson Farms is enjoyed by people everywhere. Nestled into forested areas surrounding the orchards, our operations include food manufacturing and processing to deliver the highest quality, safest, most versatile foodservice products and fresh whole produce to customers across Australia and around the world. We invest heavily in research and development, and sustainable environmental practices across all our operations. Every step along our journey ensures we get better with age.
Over five decades, Simpson Farms has never stopped growing. As farming practices, environmental management and tastes have changed; so too has our business. With over 100 years’ combined experience in horticultural science, engineering, marketing, business management, finance and accounting, our team is focused on sustaining Simpson Farms through the opportunities and challenges of the next fifty years. Just like our family before us.
The day to day management of the Simpson Farms business is in the hands of Ron and Fay Simpsons four son in laws who draw on a depth of knowledge and experience to guide the business as it continues to grow.
The business has a depth and breadth of knowledge not usually found in a family run operation. With over 100 years combined experience and several degrees including Horticultural Science, Engineering, Marketing, Business Management, Finance and Accounting, this family company has the knowledge and experience to carry it successfully into the future.
The growing division is managed by Kris Gordon and Simon Grabbe
The packing and marketing division is managed by John Walsh and Tony Reading.
The manufacturing division is managed by John Walsh and Tony Reading.
Simpson Farms has well developed environmental management systems.
The operations are nestled into forested areas surrounding the orchards.
A long term sustainable approach is undertaken including irrigation scheduling and soil moisture monitoring, mulching, waste recycling, nutrition monitoring, Integrated Pest Management and groundwater and off site water monitoring to ensure that the farming operations are sustainable.
The incorporation of a composting facility further utilises raw materials that are by-products of the farming practices including mulched pruning and avocado skins and stones.
Simpson Farms undertakes ongoing research and development projects to ensure that there is a focus on continuous improvement within the business.
These include the evaluation of new technologies, systems and processes to ensure improvements in productivity and profitability.
