New CEO
Dave Courtney
Priority One has appointed Dave Courtney – currently Silver Fern Farms chief customer officer – as its new chief executive from December 1.
Chair Todd Muller said Courtney would bring extensive experience in international markets, strategic growth, and collaborative leadership to Priority One.
He replaces Nigel Tutt.
Comvita sale
New Zealand’s largest mānuka honey producer is eyeing a company sale, amid challenging times in the global honey sector. Comvita’s board voted in favour of a bid by Florenz, a subsidiary of investment firm Masthead, to buy the business that just celebrated 50 years in operation. The proposed sale would privatise the listed company.
No tariff budging
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says US President Donald Trump is unlikely to budge on a 15 percent trade tariff for New Zealand exports. Trade Minister Todd McClay recently met with his counterpart in Washington to convey the government’s concerns about the rate, saying it was an unfair penalty for what was a small trade deficit.
Job cuts
Kiwifruit marketing company Zespri wants to cut 65 jobs and not replace a further 70 in response to the “evolving challenges and opportunities ahead”. Zespri said it expects to begin consultation with staff this week. Executive officer for grower and industry engagement Tracy McCarthy and chief supply chain officer Tim Mackle will lead discussions with industry partners about the changes.
Retail up
Retail volumes delivered another surprising increase in quarter two with annual growth rebounding to 2.3 percent, according to an ASB report. The recovery was broad-based across several sectors. Retail’s recovery is expected to gradually continue, supported by further reductions in interest rates.
