Seeka

Seeka and Ōpōtiki Packing and Cool Storage (OPAC) have celebrated their amalgamation.

Over 150 people attended an event at the Seeka OPAC facility in Ōpōtiki today (10 May) to mark the NZ$59m settlement. The deal had “overwhelming” shareholder support from both companies, according to a release from Seeka.

'We are truly honoured to be welcomed this way,” said Michael Franks, Seeka's chief executive. “Seeka is committed to our growers, stakeholders, and to the local iwi and the community.

“The purchase of OPAC is consistent with our strategy and delivers the Eastern Bay of Plenty kiwifruit growing region to Seeka’s operations, a region in which Seeka is already experiencing growth through new orchard developments. This is a significant milestone for the Seeka whanau and one where the Maori kiwifruit footprint will be extended from Te Tai Tokerau through to Te Moana a Toi and further East to Turanganui a Kiwa.”

Seeka now moves into an integration phase to align its business processes with those of OPAC.

“The immediate focus of management is to complete a safe and successful kiwifruit harvest,” according to the release from Seeka.