New Zealand apple marketer Rockit has appointed its first general manager to lead the group as it aims to continue its recent impressive expansion.
Originally from Ireland, Austin Mortimer joins the company from Zurich Global Asset Management, where he was chief investment officer for New Zealand. Prior to that, he spent just over a year as chief executive of Fastway Couriers.
Rockit is a subsidiary of Havelock North Fruit Company, which has reported rapid growth in consumer demand for its small, branded apples, which are aimed at the convenience market.
The group has sought to capitalise on growing demand worldwide by signing agreements with international partners to produce and distribute the fruit.
Managing director Phil Alison said Mortimer’s appointment was an important step in the company’s development.
“We’ve been on a hectic growth trajectory over the last two years, keeping up with global consumer interest as well has planting trees in countries such as Australia, United States, United Kingdom and Europe, to secure year-round supply.
Rockit recently opened a new packing facility in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s biggest production area for apples and, according to Alison, is preparing to introduce other product lines.
“We have some exciting new products that we hope to launch in the near future,” he said. “Due to this, it’s time we appointed a group general manager and we’re thrilled to appoint Austin to the role.”
Mortimer said he was excited about the role, having observed the Rockit brand’s recent expansion.
“In a very short period of time, Mr Alison has taken a miniature sized apple and has positioned it as a healthy snack food, packaged it in a tube and taken it to the world,” he commented.
“Havelock North Fruit Company is innovative in so many ways and now has the appropriate business structure to take Rockit Apple to its full global potential.”
Mortimer has also worked in the oil and gas sector for Maersk in Venezuela, and for California-based CRH, the world’s third-largest building materials company.
In recent weeks, Havelock North Fruit Company also appointed John Loughlin as its new chairman.
Loughlin is also chairman of fresh produce packer EastPack and a former chairman of kiwifruit marketer Zespri Group.
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