McCain to close Hastings plant by January 2027 while Heinz Wattie’s closes four sites across the country
Two of New Zealand’s top vegetable processors have announced plans to close their sites in a significant blow to the country’s industry.
According to reports from Radio New Zealand, McCain has announced it will be closing its Hastings vegetable processing plant in New Zealand by January 2027.
Heinz Wattie’s has said it has plans to close manufacturing sites in Christchurch, Dunedin and Auckland, as well as the frozen packing lines in Hastings.
In September 2025, Wattie’s New Zealand also told New Zealand peach growers it would no longer be sourcing local fruit attributing the move to a consumer preference for imported canned fruit. Wattie’s New Zealand said it was also further reducing fruit and vegetable crops it sources from Hawke’s Bay for similar reasons.
In a letter to growers on 24 March McCain said it could not identify a sustainable future for the facility in a letter to growers.
“The closure follows a review of our Hastings operations, which considered a range of options to strengthen the long-term position of the site,” McCain said.
“Despite meaningful effort, we were unable to identify a sustainable pathway under the current model. As a result, we will transition to sourcing vegetable products through trusted supply partners within our broader network.”
McCain said it would honour all contracts for the current season and work with growers to manage the remaining operational period.
“We recognise that this decision may have implications for future growing seasons and we are committed to working with you directly to discuss what this means for your individual circumstances,” the company said.
Heinz Wattie’s announced the closure of its sites on 27 March, a move that will also see the discontinuation of its frozen vegetables business.
Vegetables New Zealand said the imports of canned and frozen vegetables were killing the New Zealand industry.
“This (McCain) closure will affect more than 100 growers (21 per cent of the process vegetable sector) in the Hawke’s Bay, and will cost the industry NZ$18mn in lost returns annually. Bean, carrot, pea and sweetcorn process vegetable growers are affected,” the industry body said.
“We really feel for our growers. If New Zealand growers do not have viable markets for their produce, they too will shut up shop.
“This situation will have a negative impact on New Zealand’s ability to feed its people, in an increasingly uncertain world, where trade is being disrupted and transportation costs are rising. We cannot rely on imported food to feed us. That just doesn’t make sense.”
