As an eager 7-year-old roller skating around the Gisborne produce markets on the weekend, Brigit Corson would help check the ripeness of the bananas with her dad and count the sacks of potatoes. Corson never dreamed that her diverse career would lead her full circle to be at the helm of Foodstuffs North Island as Head of Merchandise Produce and Meat.
She initially ventured into quite a different career path, studying law and history at Canterbury University, and was later admitted to the bar.
"I realised pretty quickly after interning at a law firm in my summer break that I wanted to be closer to the decision-making rather than an advisor and knew it wasn't for me," said Corson.
After holding senior roles at BNZ, Yellow and AMP covering asset management and procurement, Corson began working at Foodstuffs North Island in 2012 as Commercial Services Manager.
Corson set up the indirect procurement team and led the Property Asset Management team, asset managing the Foodstuffs North Island property portfolio. She was then offered the role of Head of Merchandise, responsible for the replenishment and category management of meat and produce for Foodstuffs North Island in 2016.
"Going from indirect procurement to produce was quite a huge shift in career, and I think people across the industry would have been surprised and wondered, 'What is going on there?'"
Corson said she'd found her passion, and growing up around her family produce business, this role felt like coming home.
"It's all in your blood. I always remember my father advising me on the different business models of potatoes, onions and bananas, so that stays with you."
Corson loves working in the meat and produce side of the grocery sector as it's one the most dynamic parts of the supermarket industry.
She continued that it requires her to think on her feet and adapt quickly to what is happening, as peak buying season for customers for some produce may only last eight weeks.
Corson said it felt like the heart of the grocery experience was to ensure that the supermarket continually delivered high-quality meat and produce for customers.
Working with suppliers to bring those great deals in-store for customers is also hugely satisfying for Corson and her team.
"To be out on the farm in gumboots talking with growers and seeing items on the shelves is a gratifying part of the job."
One of the other aspects of Corson's role is being connected to the produce and meat industry, and she sits on the board of organisations like 5+ a Day, Beef and Lamb and United Fresh.
It's crucial to Corson that she can bring the Foodstuffs knowledge and understanding of the grocery sector and the customer experience perspective to the table and be that voice.
