THE HOME OF FRESH SINCE 1885
Fresh Direct, Our Story.
Since 1885, the Turner family has been involved in New Zealand's produce journey.
At Fresh Direct, we continue this tradition by partnering with dedicated growers and serving our valued customers with fresh, healthy produce.
Our Family Timeline
Our New Zealand history in produce, from 1885 to today.
1885
Turner arrived in NZ, following at least 200 years of continuous family involvement in fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers in Cambridge, England.
1885 - 1895 that strong produce connection continued with Edward running fruit shops in Karangahape Road, Auckland and an Orchard at Huia.
Produce in New Zealand
1895
Edward Turner moved into the wholesale sector of the industry, operating as Turner’s Mart in Auckland’s City Markets in Queen Street.
Turners Mart, Queen Street
1899
The business commenced trading as Edward Turner.
Edward took part in New Zealand’s first Trade Mission to the Pacific Islands.
Our First Pacific Trade
1908
1908: Name changed to E Turner & Sons.
1912: E Turner & Sons Limited is established by Edward’s four eldest sons and the family commence apple exports to the UK.
First NZ Apples to UK
1912
Turners & Growers (T&G) formed with Turner family and grower suppliers holding shares. Edward’s third son, Harvey, took a leading role in the business and in developing key export markets for a number of products including onions and strawberries.
Turners & Growers
1918
Customs Street, Auckland
E Turner and Sons move from Queen Street to Customs Street West.
1959
Harvey’s son Jack Turner (JP) comes up with Kiwifruit as the new name for Chinese Gooseberries and continued pioneering new export products including stonefruit and squash.
Kiwifruit Named
1994
Overseas ownership gained control of T&G. Jack Turner’s sons, Jeffery and Peter formed J&P Turner Ltd.
J&P Turner Group
1995
Fresh Direct is established to make a healthy difference, supporting growers and buyers with quality fresh produce.
Fresh Direct
2005
JP Exports Ltd is launched as J&P Turner’s export business focussed on the supply of fresh New Zealand grown fruit and vegetables to the world.
JP Exports
2020
Fresh Direct’s packhouse becomes its own company, specialising in packing and processing produce into retail-ready packaging.
Quality Produce Packers
2025
Fresh Direct Hamilton is established, our newest branch focused on serving the Waikato region.
Hamilton Branch
OUR MISSION
Make a Healthy Difference, Every day.
We value the relationships we build with our customers, growers, and colleagues, treating everyone with respect and kindness.
By nurturing both our products and partnerships, we strive to create positive and lasting impacts in every aspect of our work.
A member of the J&P Turner Group.
FRESH DIRECT
PUREFRESH ORGANIC
JP EXPORTS
TURNERS INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
FRESH DIRECT FLORAL
TURNERS FLORAL
WILLOW TREE PRODUCE
JP ORCHARD MANAGEMENT
QUALITY PRODUCE PACKERS
CENTRALPAC
JP CHERRIES
CENTRAL ORCHARD MANAGEMENT