A Glimpse into the Camelot Saga: Meet Stewart and Pamela Burns
Unveiling the Visionaries Behind the Orchard Magic
Nestled in the heart of the Twyford fruit growing area west of Hastings, Camelot Fresh Fruit Company stands as a testament to generations of dedication and love for the land. At the helm of this horticultural empire are Stewart and Pamela Burns, the visionary minds who have crafted Forged Camelot's enduring heritage.
The Family Roots of Camelot
Camelot began as a humble 12-hectare property, cultivated by Stewart's parents, Neale and Janice Burns. Alongside other family members - Lew, Terry, and Margaret Burns - they embarked on individual orchard ventures on the ancestral land once nurtured by Charles and Joyce Burns.
A Love Story Blossoms
Stewart and Pamela's love story unfolded amidst the Royal Gala and Braeburn harvest in 2003 when they tied the knot, uniting their families into a vibrant, blended ensemble. With three children each, their household was a hub of activity, and by 2013, their children had grown, with two sons marrying.
Stewart's Fruitful Journey
Over the past 25 years, Stewart has immersed himself in all facets of fruit growing. Since Camelot's inception in 2003, he has held the position of Managing Director, channeling his passion into the pursuit of healthy and fresh fruit production.
Pamela's Role
Pamela has been the steady anchor in Stewart's leadership at Camelot. She deftly navigated the teenage years with their six children while pursuing further education. Her counseling skills now play a pivotal role in developing pastoral care within the company, fostering communication skills among the staff.
The Team Behind the Scenes
Today, Camelot thrives with the support of a dedicated team of 10 staff who manage the expansive summerfruit and pipfruit growing and packing operation. This team has transformed what was once a family orchard into a thriving enterprise.
Community and Global Engagement
Camelot is not just about business; it's a force for good. The company employs 50 seasonal staff for harvesting and packaging, including 12 staff from Vanuatu who are part of the New Zealand Government's Recognized Seasonal Employer program. This partnership not only benefits Camelot but also contributes significantly to community and family projects in Vanuatu.
The Camelot Commitment
Camelot Fresh Fruit Company's mission is clear: to be a blessing to the local community, nation, and world through fruit growing. The Burns family and their team are passionate, positive, and pragmatic, embodying the values of teamwork, honor, and growth.
A Quest for Quality
Camelot's focus is on delivering the best possible fruit to customers. They prioritize high-nutrient, high-flavor, and healthy fruit production. This commitment involves going the extra mile to improve quality and safety while reducing chemical use.
A Stand Against GMOs
Camelot is firmly opposed to GMO food production and advocates for GM-free New Zealand and country of origin labeling. Organic fruit growing, however, is not a fit for their environment and practices.
A Bright Future
Every day at Camelot feels like a fresh start, especially in the vibrant season of spring when they embark on the journey to produce their year's marvelous crop. The common words heard in Camelot are "team," "best practice," "love," "honor," "environmental sustainability," "getting it right," "customer focus," "R&D," "above the line," and "awesome."
What Customers Say
Customers often describe Camelot as "flexible" and "consistent," highlighting their innovative approach.
Fun Facts About Camelot
The Passion of Camelot
Camelot's passion revolves around producing exceptional fruit and fostering a thriving working environment and culture.
Camelot's Personality
In three words, Camelot's culture can be summed up as "teamwork," "honor," and "growth." Their enterprise is a living entity that produces healthy fruit from fertile soils, nurtured by healthy and connected people.
Notable Achievements