Exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025

Darling Group is a vertically integrated fresh produce company headquartered in Katikati, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. With a core mission to deliver premium fresh fruit to domestic and global markets, the group has established itself as one of the most respected horticultural companies in the Southern Hemisphere. Through its network of brands—Just Avocados, Zeafruit, JH Leavy & Co., and Avoworks—the company delivers world-class services in growing, packing, exporting, ripening, and marketing of fresh produce.

Core Business and Operations

Darling Group operates across the entire fresh produce supply chain, offering an integrated model that spans:

• Orchard development and management
• Packing and post-harvest handling
• Domestic and international marketing
• Export logistics and compliance
• Onshore and offshore ripening and warehousing

This integration enables the company to ensure quality, transparency, and traceability from orchard to end consumer. The company’s geographical footprint includes operations across New Zealand and distribution hubs in key export markets including Australia, Asia, and the USA.

Product and Service Offerings

Darling Group’s core product lines include:

Avocados (Just Avocados):

• Volume: One of New Zealand’s largest avocado exporters
• Variety: Hass
• Export Markets: Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, China, Japan
• Special Features: Pre-ripened programs, quality grading, orchard supply contracts

Citrus (Zeafruit):

• Varieties: Mandarins, Lemons, Oranges
• Seasonality: Year-round through domestic and global sourcing
• Domestic Market: Supplied to New Zealand’s largest supermarkets

Kiwifruit:

• Partnered with licensed growers to market green and gold kiwifruit through both domestic and export programs

Other Produce:

• Blueberries
• Mangoes (sourced via partnerships)
• Pumpkins
• Tomatoes

The group is also involved in seasonal imports and distribution to maintain year-round supply, and it has developed tailored programs for retail and wholesale clients.

Specialisation and Core USP

• Supply Chain Control: Ownership and management of orchards, packhouses, and export operations
• Innovation in Ripening: Operates advanced ripening facilities in Australia and NZ to supply ready-to-eat avocados to retail chains
• Custom Market Programs: Tailored supply programs based on retailer and importer specifications
• Sustainability Focus: Investment in low-emission farming, orchard sustainability metrics, and waste reduction in packhouses

Financial and Market Data

While private, Darling Group is recognized among New Zealand’s largest horticultural exporters:

• Annual Export Volume: Estimated over 1 million trays of avocados annually
• Global Market Reach: Products distributed to over 10 countries
• Workforce: 200+ seasonal and permanent employees
• Revenue Estimate: Estimated NZD 40–60 million annually across brands

Export and Shipment Records

Darling Group has established export relationships under various trade programs and phytosanitary agreements:

• Key Export Markets:
  • Australia: Primary destination for Just Avocados
  • Asia: Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia
  • USA: Under seasonal windows
• Export Compliance:
  • MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) export certifications
  • Market access protocols including Japan Avocado Import Program
• Shipping Infrastructure:
  • Utilizes cool chain logistics including pre-cooling, sea freight, and airfreight based on market timing

Target Market

• Retail Supermarkets: Woolworths, Coles, Foodstuffs, Countdown
• Wholesale Markets: Sydney Market, Tokyo’s Ota Market
• Foodservice and Hospitality Chains
• Online Grocery Retailers

The company has built robust retail supply programs with custom ripeness, size, and packaging specifications.

Capabilities and Infrastructure

• Packhouses: Operates BRC-certified facilities in Katikati and Gisborne
• Ripening Centers: In-market ripening units in Auckland and Melbourne
• Orchard Network: Access to hundreds of hectares of producing land under management
• Software and Traceability: Uses real-time orchard-to-market software for quality tracking and traceability

Certifications and Compliance

• BRC Global Food Safety Standard
• Global GAP
• NZGAP Certified
• HACCP-compliant operations
• MPI Registered Exporter

All products adhere to strict pesticide residue standards and food safety laws required by New Zealand and importing countries.

Recognitions and Public Activity

• Industry Awards: Recognized by Horticulture New Zealand and NZ Avocado Growers Association
• Sustainability Recognition: Profiled for orchard water conservation and integrated pest management practices
• Media Features: Frequently covered in NZ Herald, Fresh Plaza, and Produce Plus Magazine
• Community Engagement: Supports local farming communities, education programs, and employment training

Strategic Vision

Darling Group’s strategic focus is on sustainable expansion, global market penetration, and innovation in post-harvest technology. With consumer demand rising for clean-label, traceable, and premium quality produce, the company is investing in regenerative farming, digital logistics, and export diversification.

As a brand-driven horticultural powerhouse, Darling Group continues to lead New Zealand’s premium produce segment into new global markets with agility, quality, and integrity.