Premier Fresh Australia becomes 100 per cent Australian-owned

Premier Fresh Australia has become a 100 per cent Australian-owned company following an update in ownership.

Current shareholders, Premier Group chief executive and director, Anthony Di Pietro; and director, Mark Lo Giudice, have acquired the shares held by majority shareholder Market Gardeners (MG Group), according to a statement released by the company.

Departing Premier chairman and current MG Group chief executive, Peter Hendry said the decision will provide the opportunity for both MG Group and Premier to support a mutual goal of expanding their footprint in their respective domestic market.

“This is a win-win situation, with the MG Group able to have a sharper focus on our New Zealand operations, while our long-term business partners, Anthony Di Pietro, and Mark Lo Giudice, get to take full ownership of the business they know well,” said Hendry.

“On behalf of everyone across the MG Group, I’d like to thank Anthony, Mark and the wider team at Premier Fresh Australia for their many years of commitment to our co-operative. While our formal business partnership is coming to an end, we remain friends in the industry.”

Speaking about the change of ownership, Di Pietro, said the decision to acquire the MG Group shareholding was mutually beneficial, allowing both Premier and MG Group to commit to a common goal to foster strategic growth and innovation within their respective markets.

“We recognise the challenges inherent in the fresh produce industry, yet with the experience, resolve and energy of our people, we are excited about our readiness to continue to lead and grow nationally and internationally,” said Di Pietro.

“Day-to-day operations will continue uninterrupted. Our executive management team and organisational structure will remain unchanged, with a continued focus on delivering service excellence and maintaining the stability that all our stakeholders, grower partners and customers, rely on.”

“MG Group has played a crucial role in our journey, and we are extremely grateful for their trust and support that laid the foundations and platform for the growth that we have today.”

Di Pietro expressed his appreciation of the departing MG Group director representatives on behalf of the entire organisation. 

”Their dedication, contribution and guidance has been instrumental throughout our journey; current chairman Peter Hendry (MG Group chief executive); Bruce Irvine (MG Group chairman); Duncan Pryor (company secretary); Trevor Burt (director); and Mark O’Connor (director); and a special thank you to former long-serving chairman, Brian Gargiulo,” he said.

“We are so excited about this new era in Premier’s journey, and we will maintain our commitment to growing for future generations.”