Leading South Island cucumber growing operation for sale is pick of the bunch
A successful Canterbury horticultural operation, which is the leading supplier of telegraph cucumbers in the South
Island has been placed on the market for sale.
Located at 38 Madeleys Road in Clarkville, North Canterbury, the property combines an established telegraph cucumber
business and four-bedroom dwelling on 4.05 hectares. It has been placed on the market for sale as a going concern with
Bayleys Canterbury, via a deadline sale closing on November 26, unless sold prior.
The cucumber operation was established by the vendors 30 years ago and since then they have built it up to become a
flourishing and highly successful business, said Bayleys Canterbury salesperson Dean Pugh, who is marketing the
property.
“This is a well-respected business and brand that is recognised as a leader in its field,” he said.
“The vendors’ unwavering dedication to investment in infrastructure, product quality, continuity of supply, packaging,
and excellent market relationships have created this highly successful food producing property.
“Furthermore, their strong consumer focus has resulted in the operation becoming the leading supplier of telegraph
cucumbers in the South Island through a major supermarket chain.”
The intensive cucumber growing operation covers approximately 16,000sqm. Plants are grown in hydroponic systems with
computerised environmental control and monitoring. Two boiler systems, a back-up generator, packing shed, cool room,
office and staff facilities supporting the operation are all of a very high standard, said Mr Pugh. All critical
equipment has built-in duplication to ensure operational resilience.
“Considerable care is taken throughout the growing process - all plants are propagated on the property with the finished
crop picked, graded, packed and delivered by the business. This ensures a high-quality product enters the market. Water
for the hydroponic systems is from a well on the property and heating is provided by using re-refined oil.”
The growing systems are intensively monitored to ensure the optimum environment is maintained for production. The staff
structure includes a manager with staff and production accountability plus a financial and office administrator
responsible for packing shed management and liaising with markets to keep them supplied with product they require.
Mr Pugh said the key to this businesses success is the very close relationship the owners and staff have with the
supermarkets they supply directly and the general produce markets.
“Communication is the key to effective crop and supply management with the utmost effort being put into product quality
and meeting market specifications.”
In addition to the business operation, the property also includes a four-bedroom home with large open-plan living and
dining areas which complements the business. It is positioned to create a separation between the home and the business
and to afford a degree of privacy to the living and outdoor areas. Featuring a superior heating system, attached double
garage and established garden, it provides for a very relaxing lifestyle, said Mr Pugh.
The sale of the property represents an opportunity for a new owner to take over an established, quality business or to
take it to the next level, with a number of options for future growth, said Mr Pugh.
“This is a business that can be run at its current capacity and provide a new owner with an excellent return.
Alternatively, it can be developed by increasing capacity and production. Much of the infrastructure to do so is already
in place.”
The current owners have plans for growing capacity of the operation to meet increased market requirements and additional
markets. Additional housing and land for growing on could potentially be negotiated by an incoming owner, said Mr Pugh.
This property would ideally suit an individual, couple or family who want to run their own business or possibly equity
partnership ownership. The vendors may be able to provide advice and expertise over a transition period to an incoming
purchaser to assist with a smooth transition of ownership.
For further information on 38 Madeleys Road contact Bayleys Canterbury salesperson Dean Pugh on 027 335 6303
ENDS