Freshmax chairman David Smith
The merger between Hawkes Bay-based pipfruit grower-packer-exporter, Crasborn Bros, and Australasian fresh produce giant Freshmax has officially been completed, after approval was granted by New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Office.
The deal caps off a busy 12 months for Freshmax, who have invested in the Valley Fresh Group in Australia and North America, along with opening offices in Peru and South Africa.
Uppon announcing the settlement of the Crasborn merger today (8 December), Freshmax chairman David Smith said planning was now underway for the group’s future development, although he hinted further expansion may be a way off.
“The Group is enjoying growth from its international purchases, in particular Energie Apple export business, along with our California office of Valley Fresh North America with exports to Asia and Middle East,” Smith explained. “With these global moves, coupled with the acquisition of Murrawee Farms and further expansions to farming joint ventures in Shepparton, the group has had a big year. Whilst a number of interesting businesses continue to be offered to us, we see next year as a year of consolidation and organic growth.
Crasborn’s and Freshmax have enjoyed a longstanding relationship spanning over 10 years in packing and joint venture farming operations in the Hawkes Bay. Smith said a greater range of vertically integrated services from nursery work to production packing, prepacking, coolstorage and “direct to market” services can now be offered to customers.
