Women in Business Coffee Morning with Sharon Kirk

Join us for our July Wanaka Women in Business Coffee Morning with Sharon Kirk, Hortinvest

Sharon is an experienced horticulturalist and export marketing professional who has played a leading role in developing the profile of New Zealand premium fruit on the world stage since the early 1990s.

During her international career, Sharon has established the export function and elevated the brand profile for multiple leading New Zealand fresh produce companies. She has also developed and operated her own businesses, including Southern Kowhai Exports.

In 2016, Sharon and orchardist husband Ross Kirk combined their expertise to establish horticultural investment company Hortinvest Management Ltd with the vision of becoming New Zealand’s leading cherry producers. Hortinvest collaborates with investors to establish orchards and packhouses to produce fruit for global export. Four significant orchard developments are underway in Central Otago.

Sharon is co-founder, director and sales and marketing manager at Hortinvest. She also holds multiple positions on Hortinvest partner companies and boards. She is co-founder and chief executive officer of cherry producer and investment company Deep Creek Fruits NZ LP; international sales and marketing manager of cherry producer Tarras Cherry Corp NZ; and co-founder and director of apricot and cherry producer Ardgour Valley Orchards.

Sharon and Ross’s passion for horticulture has inspired their children, Christie and Liam Kirk to enter the industry, with both now working at Hortinvest.

Sharon has a Horticultural Science Degree from Massey University and a Diploma in Management from the Institute of Management.