Kiwi giant Seeka announces food tech centre plans

Seeka Kiwifruit Industries, New Zealand and Australia’s largest kiwifruit grower, will establish a food technology and processing centre in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region, following its purchase of the Kiwi Crush and Kiwi Crushies product ranges from Auckland-based Vital Food Processors Ltd.

Kiwi Crush is a range of 100% natural kiwifruit-based drinks prepared through a specialised process that preserves the natural and functional ingredients found in the fruit. The product is marketed as a digestive aid. Kiwi Crushies are a range of 100% natural fruit-based ice blocks that were launched in 2014.

Initially the products will continue to be manufactured by Vital on behalf of Seeka. It is Seeka’s intention that the Bay of Plenty centre — to be operational for the next kiwifruit harvest season — will focus on value add from the products that are currently handled by Seeka.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Vladimir Vladimirov