EastPack, the largest post-harvest operator in the New Zealand kiwifruit industry and one of the country’s largest cooperatives, has been named Cooperative of the Year at the 2022 Cooperative Business NZ Awards.
EastPack Chief Executive Hamish Simson said: “We are delighted to be recognised as the 2022 Cooperative of the Year. The award reflects the hard work of many people including our loyal growers and committed staff.
“In what has been a challenging period for the industry, EastPack has delivered a strong performance for its growers, delivering above industry average orchard returns and low fruitloss, while at the same time delivering increased local employment and recording high staff engagement.
“As well as successfully responding to a range of challenges, we are preparing for growth. Over the next five years, kiwifruit volumes are set to grow significantly. To accommodate this growth in international demand, we will continue to expand our packing capacity to process the additional kiwifruit from our growers. Most of this growth is already planned and on its way.”
Earlier this month, EastPack announced a $30 million notes issue to meet the forecast growth in kiwifruit demand. The offer will close on 12 December 2022.
Cooperative Business NZ represents New Zealand’s member-owned businesses (cooperatives and mutuals). The Cooperative Business NZ Awards highlight the outstanding leadership and accomplishment of these businesses and their leaders.
EastPack is also a finalist in the Tauranga Business Awards 2022 being held on 2 December 2022.
ABOUT EASTPACK
EastPack was founded in 1983 and is New Zealand’s leading grower-owned Kiwifruit Post-Harvest company, providing services to more than a quarter of the industry’s Growers. EastPack plays an integral part of the kiwifruit supply chain; packing fruit to strict quality and packaging specifications and storing fruit to maximise shelf life and ensure a quality product is delivered to market. EastPack has approximately 380 permanent staff, with around 4000 seasonal workers during the kiwifruit season. With six sites across the Bay of Plenty, in Te Puke, Edgecumbe, Opotiki and Katikati, EastPack has a strong commitment to these local communities.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Any past performance information should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. This document may contain certain "forward-looking" statements about EastPack and the environment in which EastPack operates. No assurance can be given that actual outcomes or performance will not materially differ from any forward-looking statements and accordingly such forward-looking statements should not be relied upon in isolation.
