Established
21, SeptemberMarket Gardeners officially registered.
First Auction
05, NovemberOpen for business, the first sale at the Te Aro site.
South Island Expansion
05, SeptemberChristchurch branch opens.
Flower Market Opens
09, July100 flower growers supported the opening of a separate flower market in Christchurch.
MG Export Company
11, FebruaryJoint Venture to cater to increased export demand.
Marketing Arm extends
03, AprilIncluding Blenheim, Nelson, Westport, Greymouth and Palmerston North branches.
Head Office Moves
02, JulySeparation from Wellington Market to a close site in Wellington.
New Trading Name
01, MarchMarket Gardeners Ltd commences trading as MG Marketing along with a new logo.
New Branches
15, FebruaryDunedin and Brisbane.
Imports
03, FebruaryMG Commences own imports (away from Fruit Distributors Ltd).
Dole Arrives
04, OctoberThe first shipment of Dole Bananas and Pineapples arrives in Wellington.
Banana Ripening Joint Venture
MG took over management of Chiquita and formed and Joint Venture with Dole to operate all banana ripening room facilities.
New Computer System
02, AugustTIMMS system to meet expanding needs.
New Branch
02, JulyHamilton opens.
Sunkist
07, JanuaryExclusive NZ agency agreement with Sunkist and boost brand’s market share by 200%.
LaManna Bananas
04, April100% acquisition of Australian Wholesaler and Farmer.
UFG
04, MayNew joint venture with Auckland-based United Flower Auctions Ltd, trading as United Flower Growers Limited.
New CEO Takes the Helm
02, SeptemberPeter Hendry replaces Tom Treacy who was MG’s longest-serving CEO, having headed the company for 23 years.
Exports Expand
21, MayMG’s joint venture with Te Mata Exports offering encouraging prospects.
Together.Stronger®
08, SeptemberThe launch of new company communication plan.
Growing You®
04, MayThe launch of Grower workshops, Director Internship and Graduate programmes.
Australian Merger – LaManna Premier Group
15, FebruaryThe merger of MG’s Australian-based subsidiary, LaManna Group, with Premier Fruits Group, resulted in the formation of one of Australia’s leading fresh produce supply chain companies.
IP Business
07, MarchMGs purchase a suite of marketing rights and trademarks from Fresh New Zealand for a range of fruit varieties.
UFG acquires FloraMax
31, MarchUFG purchases the FloraMax flower auction business from Turners and Growers Fresh Limited.
New Branch
18, SeptemberMG opens in Tauranga.
Chairman Retires
06, NovemberBrian Gargiulo retires, he served on the Board for 36 years (1981-2017) - 25 as a Chairman.
Citrus Shareholding
04, DecemberMG acquired a 30% shareholding in First Fresh NZ Ltd.
Acquisition of JSEL
18, DecemberMG acquires JS Ewers Ltd in Nelson.
Dole Partnership
08, April25-year anniversary of MG Dole relationship.
Growing Operation Investment
01, JulyMG’s joint venture with Kaipaki Berryfruits Ltd - creating efficiencies and category growth. The Cambridge based growing operation went on to become a 100% MG Group owned subsidiary business in April 2024.
A fresh new look for MG
07, JulyLaunch of a refreshed logo and identity.
HortNZ Award
27, JulyMG win 2022 Horticulture NZ Environmental Award
New Auckland Ripening Facility
02, MarchOfficially opened by the team at MG and Dole Asia President Makoto Sawanoi.
Southern Paprika Limited (SPL)
22, March100% acquisition of Warkworth-based operation.
MG Celebrates 100 Years
05, NovemberOur Kiwi-owned co-operative celebrates 100 years of marketing, selling, and distributing fresh produce on behalf of our family growers.
Here for NZ Award
04, AprilMG Group is recognised by Foodstuffs New Zealand, winning the prestigious “Here For NZ” partnership award.
Full ownership of Kaipaki Berryfruits Ltd
12, AprilThe MG Group acquires the additional 50% share of Kaipaki Berryfruits Ltd to take full ownership of the business.
MG Group sells share in Premier Fresh Australia
28, JuneThe MG Group, completed the sale of its 70% share in Premier Fresh Australia to Anthony Di Pietro and Mark LoGiudice, who (along with a small number of other shareholders) take full ownership of the Australian business.