Rockit Global Limited Positioned for Significant International Growth
Havelock North Fruit Company (HNFC), home of delicious, miniature Rockit™ apple snacks, today announced exciting and
significant company changes. Effective immediately, the Hawke’s Bay based company will begin trading as Rockit Global
Limited. Two experienced growth equity investors have taken a significant stake in the new company and Austin Mortimer
has been appointed as its Chief Executive Officer.
“Over the past few years HNFC has been on a rapid international growth path. Rockit™ apple snacks are now grown in 7
countries and sold through our highly-valued international partners in 22 countries. With only 3% of Rockit™ apple
snacks sold in New Zealand our sales & marketing focus is on key international markets,” said Chairman, John Loughlin. “In 2016, the company exported 77
containers of fruit and earned its maiden profit. We have strong growth plans for 2017 and the years ahead.”
Mr Loughlin announced that entities associated with Pioneer Capital and Oriens Capital, New Zealand private equity
growth investors, have purchased the ownership interests of Phil Alison (HNFC founder and former Managing Director),
becoming significant shareholders in the new company.
Phil Alison has sold all his Rockit™ related interests and will no longer be involved with the company, its
subsidiaries, or related orchard suppliers of fruit. “Phil made a huge contribution in recognising the potential of the
fruit, then establishing and leading the business toward building the Rockit™ global brand. We will always be greatly
appreciative of the work he put in to creating the international platform for the business” said Mr Loughlin. [Mr
Loughlin said that the value of the transactions remains confidential to the parties.]
The Rockit Global Limited Board of Directors will include four members of the previous HNFC Board; John Loughlin
(Chair), Murray Denyer, Steve Saunders and Neil Craig. They will be joined by James Beale (Oriens Capital) and Craig
Styris (Pioneer Capital). “It is very positive that growth equity investors of this calibre, from outside the pip fruit
industry, are recognising the tremendous potential in Rockit Global Limited and the industry,” said John Loughlin. “The
new shareholders have experience in growing New Zealand export businesses. They will contribute governance expertise and
additional capital to help the company deliver on its ambitious growth plans.”
HNFC’s Acting Chief Executive Austin Mortimer has been appointed Chief Executive, Rockit Global Limited. Austin will
lead the local team focusing on growing a premium product and developing international markets.
“Rockit Global Limited is a significant New Zealand success story. It clearly demonstrates how high-quality fruit can be
positioned as a premium, value-added product through a robust brand strategy,” said Austin Mortimer. “Rockit Global
Limited is now well positioned to continue its rapid growth and capitalise on the substantial grab and go, healthy snack
market.”
END.