Owner of NZ exporters Mr Apple and Fern Ridge Produce has also announced a major change to its board of directors
New Zealand’s largest apple exporter Scales Corporation says its earnings for 2025 will be higher than anticipated.
In a statement to the NZ Stock Exchange, its directors said that the group’s underlying net profit after tax attributable to shareholders was now expected to be between NZ$61mn and NZ$62mn. The previous guidance range was between NZ$54mn and NZ$59mn.
“The final result for [full year 2025] remains subject to audit and will be advised to the market on 25 February 2026,” they added.
In a separate release, Scales announced that its CFO Steve Kennelly is to retire in May 2026, and will take up a new role as company secretary.
Ben Washington has been appointed to replace him as CFO and will start on 1 June 2026.
Managing director Andy Borland commented: “Steve has served as CFO since 2011, contributing significantly to the company’s financial leadership and strategic development. The Board and executive team thank him for his commitment and are pleased that he will continue to support the company in a governance capacity.”
Washington joins from KMD Brands, where he held a number of senior leadership positions including most recently as CFO of Kathmandu. Prior to working for KMD Brands, he had an extensive career with PwC.
Borland added: “I am also very pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Washington as Scales’ new CFO. Ben is a strong finance leader with significant commercial experience and extensive listed-company experience in a global and diversified business. We’re looking forward to Ben joining the Scales team.”
Scales Corporation owns fresh fruit exporters Mr Apple and Fern Ridge Produce, as well as a share in processing joint venture Profruit.
