Daniel Nicoletti joins the APAL Board of Directors
Board informationA third-generation apple grower from Queensland’s Granite Belt, Daniel has been managing the family business in Stanthorpe, Nicoletti Orchards, for over 26 years alongside his wife Toni.
Daniel Nicoletti
From its humble beginnings growing ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Gravenstein’ varieties along with some stone fruit, Daniel is motivated by continuing the legacy of the successful family business, started in the 1950s by his parents Guido and Anna Nicoletti. Today, the 40-hectare, 100-per-cent netted farm also includes an established cold storage facility and packing shed. They grow traditional varieties including ‘Cripps Pink’, ‘Rosy Glow’ and ‘Lady In Red’ which are marketed in Australia as Pink Lady, ‘Royal Gala’, ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Red Delicious’ and ‘Fuji’ apples, as well as branded varieties Bravo™, Kanzi®, Envy™, and Kalei™.
Daniel is passionate about the growth of Australian horticulture and was previously on the Executive Committee of the Granite Belt Growers Association. Prior to this, Daniel was involved with the Stanthorpe Apple Committee and was Chairperson from 2000–12.
With more than two decades of experience working full-time in the apple industry, Daniel intricately understands the day-to-day challenges and opportunities that come with managing a successful apple orchard business.
Quick 3 questions with Daniel:
1. How long have you been in the apple and pear industry?
I was born in Stanthorpe and grew up on our family orchard. I entered the industry to join my mother and father in business, and I’ve been managing the farm for 26 years now.
2. What experience/skills/expertise will you bring to the APAL Board?
With my 26 years of working full-time in the apple industry, I’m very familiar with the day-to-day issues of managing an apple orchard business. Over the years I have been involved in various local industry committees, which has given me skills that I can transfer and improve on with the APAL Board. I know the Queensland growers well and can communicate easily with them.
3. What are the biggest challenges you see for the industry?
One of the biggest challenges will be for growers and consumers to navigate the minefield of the many new varieties. Growers need their businesses to stay profitable, and the industry needs to ensure that when consumers eat an apple, they have a positive experience so that they want to go back for more.
This article was first published in the Summer 2022 edition of AFG.
