Podcast: Lindsay Esler – New Zealand Truffle Co-operative
[ E05 ]In this episode of Co-op Leader Conversations, Lindsay Esler, CEO of the New Zealand Truffle Cooperative, shares why growers are forming a co-operative to unlock both domestic and export opportunities for one of the world’s most challenging specialty crops.
Lindsay explains why truffles are uniquely difficult to commercialise. Long lead times, highly variable yields, perishability and complex export requirements make it almost impossible for individual growers to supply restaurants, hotels or offshore buyers consistently. A co-operative, he argues, is the only viable way to aggregate supply, manage compliance and build reliable market relationships.
The conversation explores the co-op’s vision to grow domestic demand, develop secondary products and eventually build an export industry that New Zealand has so far missed. Lindsay reflects on the early challenges of engagement and mindset, noting that while a core group of committed growers is driving the work, others are understandably cautious.
A significant portion of the episode is devoted to practical advice for new co-operative founders. Lindsay encourages learning from existing co-ops, using established constitutions as reference points, and approaching advisors with a clear operating model to reduce cost and complexity. He also highlights the value of co-operation among co-operatives, drawing on insights shared by other specialty crop groups.
Throughout the discussion, Lindsay returns to the idea that co-operatives are inherently long-term. For intergenerational, whenua-based enterprises like truffles, the structure supports stewardship, shared risk and continuity beyond individual growers.
Conversation themes
Why specialty crops need co-operative scale
Long-cycle risk and intergenerational thinking
Early-stage engagement and governance
Practical guidance for co-op start-ups
Learning through co-operation among co-ops
Why this matters
This episode is highly relevant for founders, growers and advisors exploring new co-operative ventures. It offers grounded, practical insight into when the co-op model adds value and how to navigate the early stages with realism and discipline.
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