Rockit Global Positioned for International Growth
Rockit Global Limited Positioned for Significant
International Growth
Havelock North Fruit Company (HNFC),
home of delicious, miniature Rockit™ apple snacks, today
announced exciting and significant company changes.
Effective immediately, the Hawke’s Bay based company will
begin trading as Rockit Global Limited. Two experienced
growth equity investors have taken a significant stake in
the new company and Austin Mortimer has been appointed as
its Chief Executive Officer.
“Over the past few years
HNFC has been on a rapid international growth path.
Rockit™ apple snacks are now grown in 7 countries and sold
through our highly-valued international partners in 22
countries. With only 3% of Rockit™ apple snacks sold in
New Zealand our sales & marketing focus is on key
international markets,” said Chairman, John Loughlin.
“In 2016, the company exported 77 containers of fruit and
earned its maiden profit. We have strong growth plans for
2017 and the years ahead.”
Mr Loughlin announced that
entities associated with Pioneer Capital and Oriens Capital,
New Zealand private equity growth investors, have purchased
the ownership interests of Phil Alison (HNFC founder and
former Managing Director), becoming significant shareholders
in the new company.
Phil Alison has sold all his
Rockit™ related interests and will no longer be involved
with the company, its subsidiaries, or related orchard
suppliers of fruit. “Phil made a huge contribution in
recognising the potential of the fruit, then establishing
and leading the business toward building the Rockit™
global brand. We will always be greatly appreciative of the
work he put in to creating the international platform for
the business” said Mr Loughlin. [Mr Loughlin said that
the value of the transactions remains confidential to the
parties.]
The Rockit Global Limited Board of Directors
will include four members of the previous HNFC Board; John
Loughlin (Chair), Murray Denyer, Steve Saunders and Neil
Craig. They will be joined by James Beale (Oriens Capital)
and Craig Styris (Pioneer Capital). “It is very positive
that growth equity investors of this calibre, from outside
the pip fruit industry, are recognising the tremendous
potential in Rockit Global Limited and the industry,” said
John Loughlin. “The new shareholders have experience in
growing New Zealand export businesses. They will contribute
governance expertise and additional capital to help the
company deliver on its ambitious growth
plans.”
HNFC’s Acting Chief Executive Austin Mortimer
has been appointed Chief Executive, Rockit Global Limited.
Austin will lead the local team focusing on growing a
premium product and developing international markets.
“Rockit Global Limited is a significant New Zealand
success story. It clearly demonstrates how high-quality
fruit can be positioned as a premium, value-added product
through a robust brand strategy,” said Austin Mortimer.
“Rockit Global Limited is now well positioned to continue
its rapid growth and capitalise on the substantial grab and
go, healthy snack market.”
END.