International Business Awards winners revealed — Exporter Magazine

Forging deep relationships with partners, spending time to understand its customers and a well-thought-out market entry strategy are just some of the ingredients that have led to agri-tech company Tru-Test Group taking out this year’s Supreme Award at the New Zealand International Business Awards. The accolade was closely fought, with judges awarding a Special Commendation to Christchurch company ARANZ Geo – the first time in the history of the Awards such a gesture has been made. 

Tru-Test, who also took out the ‘ANZ Best Business Operating Internationally – Over $50million’ category, is a leading manufacturer of livestock scales, electronic identification products and milk metering equipment. It has a global network that spans the agricultural and security sectors in more than 100 countries. Over the past three years, the company has released 20 new products specifically aimed at expanding its position in overseas markets.

Judges described Tru-Test as a leading example of New Zealand’s agritech industry that displays a high degree of innovation and deep understanding of customers and channels, while ensuring its brand is represented and positioned correctly across different countries. “Its broad and diverse geographic presence and strategic outlook, together with its active and ongoing merger and acquisition activities, are equally valuable assets,” they said.

ARANZ Geo, developer of 3D geological modelling solutions for the mining, hydrogeology and geothermal industries, also took home the award for the ‘ANZ Best Business Operating Internationally – Under $10million’ category. Two years on from embarking on an aggressive three-year strategic plan, the company’s revenues, profitability and market share have grown 300% with further growth on target for year three. Its software licence numbers have tripled to 934, with user numbers in the thousands.

Judges noted that innovation is at the heart of ARANZ Geo’s success, describing the application of its technology to mining geology as revolutionary. “No other company is making similar software and after considerable scepticism ARANZ has now sold to all major global miners…its discipline speaks of a much bigger company and its Fort Knox client list is testament to that discipline. Its transformation has been nothing short of incredible”.

The Awards, run by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and Strategic Partner ANZ, celebrate the passion, vision and new approaches that New Zealand businesses are taking to achieve international success. 

Other New Zealand businesses recognised for exemplifying that passion and vision include Gentrack, Buckley Systems, and Auckland UniServices, with The New Zealand Merino Company and JUCY joint winners in their category.

New Zealand’s international business leaders were also acknowledged, with Brett Hewlett (Comvita) named ‘KPMG Outstanding International Business Leader’. Judges admired Brett’s commitment to Comvita’s founding values and to giving back to other businesses.

John Brakenridge (The New Zealand Merino Company) was named ‘KPMG Leader: Outstanding Contribution to International Business’, adding to the ‘Outstanding International Business Leader’ accolade he picked up in the 2010 New Zealand International Business Awards. Judges commended John for being resolute in his vision to move New Zealand merino out of the commodity basket and up the value chain.

NZTE Chief Executive Peter Chrisp said this year’s winners showcase the prized can-do attitude that enables the internationalisation of business, and ultimately, the growth of New Zealand’s economy. 

“Although Tru-test is already a leading manufacturer of livestock scales, electronic identification products and milk metering equipment, the company is constantly striving for growth and innovation and continues to invest in the development of new products. Constantly pushing the boundaries is an extremely valuable trait and it’s one Tru-Test and many other winners tonight have demonstrated.

“Growing a business is also about identifying market opportunities and having the strategic nous to pursue those opportunities, something ARANZ Geo has epitomised with its move into markets such as North and South America, South Africa, Europe, and Australia.”

David Green, Managing Director Institutional at ANZ New Zealand, said: “As the Strategic Partner for the New Zealand International Business Awards, ANZ is proud to recognise and celebrate our leading international businesses and the role they play in building a successful export sector. Their success creates jobs and growth in the New Zealand economy and delivers for their stakeholders.

“This year’s winners are world-class businesses and business leaders that have generated innovative ideas, identified market opportunities, through a commitment and skill that has carried them through to success on the global stage. In doing so they embody the outstanding qualities needed to compete and win in offshore markets, and provide an example for other businesses that aspire to international growth.”

Full profile information on each of the winners can be found at www.nzte.govt.nz/winners. Plus follow the winners on Twitter: @NZTEnews, #NZIBA, Facebook: facebook.com/NZtradeandenterprise; and check out photos from the Awards ceremony at www.flickr.com/photos/nztradeandenterprise

2013 NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS

JUDGES’ SUPREME AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Tru-Test Group

SPECIAL COMMENDATION

ARANZ Geo Ltd                                     

ANZ GENERAL CATEGORY WINNERS

ANZ Best Business Operating Internationally

Under $10million: ARANZ Geo Ltd          

$10m-$50million: Gentrack

Over $50million: Tru-Test Group    

SPECIAL CATEGORY WINNERS

Callaghan Innovation International Success through the Application of Innovation 

Buckley Systems Ltd                   

James & Wells Best Commercialisation of Intellectual Property in International Business

Auckland UniServices Ltd                       

AUT Business School Most Innovative Business Model in International Business 

Joint winner: JUCY and The New Zealand Merino Company 

Best Use of Design in International Business

3i Innovation Ltd                                                               

KPMG LEADERSHIP CATEGORY WINNERS

KPMG Outstanding International Business Leader

Brett Hewlett, CEO, Comvita

KPMG Leader: Outstanding Contribution to International Business

John Brakenridge, CEO, The New Zealand Merino Company Limited