NZ group benefits from excellent growing conditions in 2024/25 and strategic investments in premium apple varieties for Asian and Middle Eastern markets
A “very strong” performance for New Zealand apple exporters Mr Apple and Fern Ridge Produce in 2025 has helped to tee up an impressive result for parent group Scales Corporation.
In a statement, the company’s directors confirmed that underlying net profit after tax for the 12 months to 31 December would be in the range of NZ$54.0MN to NZ$59.0mn.
Managing director Andy Borland commented: “It has been an exceptional year for Scales Corporation, with strong performances across all divisions and also positively impacted by increased shareholdings in a number of our businesses.”
The group said its horticulture operation, which also includes processing joint venture Profruit, benefited from excellent growing conditions during the 2024/25 season, which led to a greater than expected volume of apples sold outside the country.
“This, combined with last year’s Bostock transaction and the ongoing execution of our long-term strategy of investment in premium apple varieties targeted to the Asia & Middle East markets, has produced a significant growth in earnings compared to 2024,” it noted.
Looking ahead to 2026, Borland and his colleagues acknowledged that earnings would be lower, assuming its fruit volume returned to a normal level.
