Fruit and vegetable market ripe with growth opportunities goes up for sale
A well-known fruit and vegetable market in Napier’s ‘Golden Mile’ – known as the centre of lifestyle, horticulture and
market gardens – has been placed on the market for sale.
McKelvie’s Country Market is a long-established, family owned produce business operating from 284 Meeanee Road in
Napier. The area is locally known as the ‘Golden Mile’ for its fertile soil resulting in the high quality fruit and
vegetables produced and sold.
The freehold property comprising of three hectares of planted land, the shop, supporting buildings, staff facilities,
equipment, and a four-bedroom home, has been placed on the market for sale with Bayleys. It is being marketed through
salesperson Louise Wake via a tender process closing on April 30.
After 35 years, the vendors have decided to retire, allowing a new owner to take over an established, well-known
business, said Ms Wake.
“This is an exceptional opportunity to take over a highly-productive and profitable business in the heart of Napier’s
fruit and vegetable-producing area,” she said.
Land included in the property is planted in netted strawberries, peaches, nectarines, apples and pears – all of which
are sold at the roadside shop, in addition to a full range of produce including stone fruit supplied from a nearby
orchard.
“A new owner could take over the business and continue to run it as it is, or expand the current operation to further
maximise profitability.”
Ms Wake said there was extensive potential to grow the business – including developing the current site to produce
additional varieties of fruit, vegetables and herbs and berries, making it a ‘one stop shop’ for customers’ produce
needs.
“Further, a new owner could also extend the existing business to include a café or alternative relevant business, making
it a tourist destination. With 200 metres of road frontage, there is also scope to extend the business’ profile,” she
said.
“The business sells fresh fruit and vegetables to visitors and residents of Napier, Clive, Taradale and the surrounding
suburbs. The growing season runs from October to May, with the remainder of the year spent picking produce and preparing
for the next season. The shop runs year round. New strawberry plants are planted each year to ensure the biggest
berries.
Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s largest fruit-growing regions – producing more apples and peaches than any other
part of the country. It is also well-known for its stone fruit and is the second-largest wine grape-growing region after
Marlborough.
“Trading figures and current yields show a very strong performance from McKelvie’s Country Market. Financial details for
the business are available by request and under confidentiality agreement,” said Ms Wake.
McKelvie’s Country Market shop is a large converted shed including, a checkout, display areas, and a packing/bagging
area. Outside this is a paved parking area and adjacent double carport. The business is supported by a sealed yard,
three cool stores , a four-bay shed housing a staff room, shower facilities and small workshop, and two-bay storage
shed. A large number of chattels including a cash register, computer software, scales, picking trays and pallet trolley,
are part of the sale.
The business employs two permanent fulltime staff year round to run the shop, in addition to several seasonal workers.
The four-bedroom house was built in the 1950s and features two living areas, a kitchen, bathroom, office, laundry and a
large covered deck. There is an adjoining double carport. The spacious grounds are fully fenced, with established
plants, a pergola, and barbecue area.
McKelvie’s Country Market has a Rating Valuation of $740,000.
“This business has stood the test of time, and its high profile location, proximity to urban centres, quality of land
and structures, combined with an enviable reputation and opportunities for development, make it a highly desirable
investment.
“This is an opportunity to invest in a well-established slice of the fruit and vegetable industry,” said Ms Wake.
ENDS