A New Zealand company has developed a pruning system that has been described as a revolutionary step in mechanising and revolutionising viticulture.
Marlborough based KLIMA developed the world’s first cane pruner, a machine that cuts, strips and mulches grapevines – jobs that until now have always been carried out by hand. In addition to giving grape growers better control over vine quality, The KLIMA cane pruner reduces labour costs associated with pruning by around 50 percent.
KLIMA managing director Marcus Wickham says the KLIMA pruning system and machine have proven popular because they take the pain out of pruning, substantially reduce grape growers’ pruning costs and provide a rapid return on their investment.
Since launching The KLIMA Cane Pruner in 2010, KLIMA has made impressive inroads into the New Zealand, Australian, French, Italian, German and Austrian markets. Significant interest is being shown by many other large international markets, with new markets to be announced later this year.
KLIMA’s offshore success has been assisted by a strategic partnership with German vineyard machinery manufacturer and distributor, ERO Weinbau.
The companies have joined forces to jointly develop and commercialise the KLIMA technology around the globe. KLIMA provides innovative technology and viticultural knowledge, and ERO supplies the manufacturing excellence, distribution networks, brands (ERO and Binger) and industry credibility – which is particularly in the important European markets.
“It’s a case of Kiwi No. 8 wire meets German manufacturing perfection to maximise cane pruner’s value to customers,” says Mr Wickham.
Mr Wickham says The KLIMA Cane Pruner was already selling well in Europe before the two wins and sales have continued to climb, with more than 35 sales for the machines since November.
KLIMA also produces a range of other products designed to help viticulturalists improve grape pruning efficiencies. The company was established in 2008 with the aim of developing innovative products that make grape growers’ businesses more profitable and their lives easier.
As an innovator, KLIMA wants to move its business beyond its traditional focus on machines and manufacturing, and is exploring a range of opportunities to grow its product offering.
“Grape growing is an integral, yet sometimes under-rated part of the winemaking process. As grape growers ourselves, we appreciate how many challenges this profession faces – from taking care of all of the usual administrative matters associated with running a successful business, to successfully managing the additional biological layer of complexity involved in growing high quality grapes,” says Mr Wickham.
“KLIMA has other innovative products in the pipeline to help ease grape growers’ burdens and we will always continue looking for new and innovative ways to help them do more with less.”
For more information:
Visit: www.klima.co.nz
