New Zealand group says it expects good pricing and favourable exchange rates to support apple exports in 2026
New Zealand agribusiness Scales Corporation, owner of fresh fruit exporters Mr Apple and Fern Ridge Produce, says it expects good pricing and favourable exchange rates to help its apple export business in 2026.
The group has just posted strong results for last year, including net profit after tax of NZ$117.7mn (up from NZ$49.6mn) and underlying Ebitda of NZ$137.6mn (up from NZ$91.7mn).
Overall, its group revenue for the year was 54 per cent higher at NZ$899.9mn.
In its horticulture division, Scales said it would continue to target increased market penetration in Asia and to develop the Mr Apple brand, particularly in Asia and the Middle East.
And it confirmed that its strategy of acquiring and developing production of new, licensed varieties, which generate higher value in the market, would also continue.
Sales of two trademarked premium varieties, Dazzle and Posy, have seen “significant growth”, it noted.
“At a time when international markets are facing unprecedented change and geopolitical tension, Scales delivered outstanding results for the 2025 year,” the group commented. “This was a credit to our teams, who executed group and divisional strategies as well as delivering operational excellence.”
Mr Apple expected to market a crop of around 3.5mn TCEs this season, with harvesting and packing already in progress.
