Meadow Mushrooms Announces Expansion Plans

Meadow Mushrooms Announces Expansion Plans

An expansion project at Meadow Mushrooms’ Christchurch facility will add a further 60 jobs to one of New Zealand’s largest horticultural enterprises.

The $12 million investment into the extension of the company’s mushroom farm in Hornby, on the outskirts of the city, will increase production by 37,000 kilograms of fresh white mushrooms a week. The additional mushrooms will come on stream in July 2014.

This project follows the $45 million production facility expansion undertaken by the company on site in 2011.

“This development demonstrates Meadow Mushrooms’ confidence in the future market and our commitment to the industry,” said John Barnes, CEO of Meadow Mushrooms.

“The 25% increase in output will ensure that we can continue to meet New Zealand’s insatiable demand for mushrooms.

“The certainty of increased supply will allow us to guarantee supply and improve service to our customers,” he said.

Meadow Mushrooms currently employs 480 staff in five locations and produces on average 150,000 kilograms of freshly hand-picked mushrooms every week.

The company is confident that the annual growth of sales that has been a consistent achievement since the launch of Meadow Mushrooms in New Zealand in the early 1970s will continue into the future.

“New Zealanders currently consume an average of 2kg of mushrooms per person, each year,” said John Barnes.

“In Australia, average annual consumption is approximately 3kg per person.

“New Zealand consumers recognise the nutritional value of mushrooms, their versatility and their importance to a wide range of menu options so we are confident of continuing growth of demand,” he said.

Fresh mushrooms are the 3rd highest selling vegetable in New Zealand and the 6th highest amongst all New Zealand fruit and vegetable sales.

ENDS

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