For further information please contact Sarah Race, Apata Commuications Manager on 07 552 0535 / 027 646 3369 or email sarah@apata.co.nz

12 April 2010 - Integrated Avocado Partnership Delivers Outstanding Results and Increases Export Share

The integrated orchard to customer supply and delivery system operated by leading post harvest service provider Apata and marketing exporter Primor has delivered another outstanding seasonal result for its Northland and Bay of Plenty avocado growers.

“Our partnership connects postharvest and marketing expertise and works to support growers get the most from their crop.  We have an unmatched, seamless orchard to customer chain tuned to deliver what the market needs when it needs it and that focus and responsiveness generates best net Orchard Gate Returns,” said Apata CEO, Todd Muller. 

Primor Produce Director, John Carroll said the integrated system the partners operate has proven its value year after year to grower suppliers and customers.

“We have a creditable record, returning consistently superior financial returns to growers for the past five to six years and we’ve retained customer loyalty by always ensuring they have the supply they need regardless of some pretty testing trading conditions.”

Primor became the biggest avocado exporter with 34 per cent of the export crop, equivalent to 760,000 trays, in 2009-10. Importantly, Primor contributed 46 per cent of the total volume NZ sent to the softer yet strategic markets of Japan and the USA. The bulk of the remainder was exported to the well established Australian customer base.

"With the final March 31 payment to growers, the partnership achieved average net orchard gate returns of an impressive $20.80 across all sizes. As other exporters look to finalise their seasonal pools, it will become clear just how strong these returns are,” Mr Carroll said.

He attributed good planning, growers’ commitment to quality, consistent supply throughout the season, individualised marketing, relationship management, attention to detail and preparedness to invest in nurturing markets as key contributors to the very strong results and for attracting a larger share of the export crop.

"Our long held vision is to continually strengthen our supply and marketing chain to provide truly excellent quality and value adding services to suppliers and customers and that also promote export growth for the New Zealand industry.  We've got the expertise, capacity and investment onshore and in the marketplace to handle bigger volumes and optimise the returns. It’s been a bonus to have come this far in growing exports for good returns, but the real value will be realised when we hit the large volumes our industry is surely capable of producing." 

Todd Muller said that Apata had a very competitive and attractive offer for growers in 2010-11, and also made it really easy to switch over. 

“Our results are standouts not just financially and operationally over one season but we can show there is lasting value in building a sustainable and profitable export industry for the long term,” Mr Muller said.  “Our growers tell us they like the way we work together from orchard through to market and see the value we return from this co-ordinated approach.”

19 November 2008 - Apata Pioneer Passes Away

The Apata Board, Executive and employees are shocked and saddened today at the news of the passing of kiwifruit grower Brian Earp. Our thoughts and condolences are with Brian’s family at this sad time.

Brian Earp was one of the founders of Apata in 1983, and was the inaugural Chairman. Brian served 17 years on the Board, and was the force behind building Apata into what it is today.

Apata Chairman Dave Goodwin has praised Brian’s massive contribution to the New Zealand Kiwifruit Industry.

“Brian has always been a passionate supporter of our industry and its focus on quality – driving the standards of growing, harvesting and packing of kiwifruit upwards,” said Dave.

“He has made a massive contribution to both our company and the New Zealand kiwifruit industry – he is one of our true pioneers.”

Apata CEO Todd Muller has paid tribute to Brian’s tenacious focus on quality and excellence.

“Brian’s values and commitment to excellence is the cornerstone of our company’s vision and goals today,” said Todd.

“It is because of Brian that we are where we are today as a company – and we are very proud of that fact.”   

Brian is the son of kiwifruit pioneers Roly and Irene Earp. Roly was the first Chairman of the New Zealand Kiwifruit Authority, serving as Chairman from 1978 – 1984. The Earp family has been instrumental in building New Zealand kiwifruit into a billion dollar export industry.

4 September 2008 - Apata AGM Focused on Operational Excellence

At Apata’s Annual General Meeting, held in Tauranga yesterday, Chairman Dave Goodwin highlighted Apata’s outstanding operational performance and best ever profitability result for 2007/08.

With a 27% increase in kiwifruit volume, 40% increase in avocado export volume, positive orchard gate returns and fruit loss well under the industry average, Apata’s full year results signal a focus on delivering powerful results for Apata growers, while much of the industry turns inwards and slows, waiting for signs of recovery.

“Apata’s reputation for operational excellence is achieved by focusing on delivering powerful results in inventory management, quality delivery to market and healthy grower returns,” said Mr Goodwin. 

“The strong financial results presented here are especially satisfying when we consider the significant structural changes the Company has been undertaking.”

Chief Executive Todd Muller updated shareholders on Apata’s comprehensive strategic review, which was implemented in 2007.

“Board and senior management have forged ahead with organisational, structural and performance-related initiatives, which has focused on investment in people and systems,” said Mr Muller.

“This has resulted in a strong operational performance for 2007/08, from which we will build to achieve tomorrow’s business reality. Our industry will be market led, our supply chain will consolidate, and Apata will be one of the leaders of New Zealand’s kiwifruit and avocado industries by maintaining our quality service delivery platform, with a focus on growing a business that delivers real value to growers and marketers,” said Mr Muller.

Mr Muller presented Apata’s targeted growth plans to shareholders, which includes continuing 10% compound growth each year and capital expenditure on coolstores, canopy space and equipment at Apata’s Turntable road site.

Kiwifruit Highlights for 2007/08

- 27% increase in volume compared to 2006/07
- Excellent fruit loss performance in kiwifruit, well under the industry average: 2.11% for Gold, 4.45% for Green and 0.92% for Organic
- Positive orchard gate returns of $4.34 for Gold, $3.24 for Green and $5.20 for Organic
- 50% supply of national Organic crop
- High ‘taste’ profiles, demonstrating Apata growers’ commitment to delivering quality fruit to the markets 

Avocado Highlights for 2007/08
- Increase of 40% export volume compared to the industry average of 10%
- Market share of 25%, a 4% increase on 2006/07
- Industry best orchard gate returns for avocados

Supported by 232 growers and 274 shareholders, Apata Limited is one of New Zealand’s leading kiwifruit and avocado suppliers. During 2007/08 Apata supplied 7.2 million trays of class 1 kiwifruit to ZESPRI International Ltd, and 1.3 million trays of avocados (25% market share) through its exclusive relationship with marketing partner Primor.

30 July 2008 - Record Net Profit a Result of Strong Volume Growth and Productivity

Apata Limited today announced a record net profit (before rebates and tax) of $2,622,529 for the year ended 31 March 2008, a 6 percent increase on 2006/07.

Fully shared growers will receive a gross return of 46.66 cents per share including rebate of 5 cents per tray, providing an investment yield of 22.8%. The positive results are a reflection of Apata’s reputation for operational excellence, focused on delivering powerful results in inventory management, quality delivery to market and healthy grower returns.

Kiwifruit Highlights for 2007/08

- 27% increase in volume compared to 2006/07
- Excellent fruit loss performance in kiwifruit, well under the industry average: 2.11% for Gold, 4.45% for Green and 0.92% for Organic
- Positive orchard gate returns of $4.34 for Gold, $3.24 for Green and $5.20 for Organic
- 50% supply of national Organic crop
- High ‘taste’ profiles, demonstrating Apata growers’ commitment to delivering quality fruit to the markets 

Avocado Highlights for 2007/08
- Increase of 40% export volume compared to the industry average of 10%
- Market share of 25%, a 4% increase on 2006/07
- Industry best orchard gate returns for avocados

Chairman Dave Goodwin credits Apata’s people and processes, and in particular its growers and shareholders, for its strong performance in 2007/08.

“While much of the industry turns inwards and slows, waiting for signs of recovery, Apata holds the strong view that its future success is reliant on forward-planning, investment and innovation,” said Mr Goodwin. 

Apata’s forward-planning started with the company-wide strategic review that CEO Todd Muller implemented during 2007. The strategic review assessed all aspects of the Company’s functions, resulting in clarity of vision and a clear path forward.

The appointment of former ZESPRI CEO Tony Marks to the Apata Board of Directors is a key investment in the critical governance and management skills the Apata Board knows are vital to drive Apata’s planned positive growth. Apata Limited is one of New Zealand’s leading kiwifruit and avocado suppliers.

During 2007/08 Apata supplied 7.2 million trays of class 1 kiwifruit to ZESPRI International Ltd, and 1.3 million trays of avocados (25% market share) through its exclusive relationship with marketing partner Primor. 

Apata’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 3 September at Fahy’s Motor Inn Greerton, starting at 2.30pm.