Progressive Development - But Business As Usual

Progressive Development - But Business As Usual

I take this opportunity to announce that as of June 16, 2016, the business comprising J. H. Leavy & Co. has been sold to Global Fresh Australia Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of New Zealand based Darling Group. The combined businesses will move forward under the name Global Fresh Australia Pty Ltd, trading as J. H. Leavy & Co.

In making the decision to sell, I did so acknowledging that I had grown the business as far as I could with the current team and resources. In recent years I have observed that there are many new and emerging market opportunities to be explored on the Australasian produce scene, best achieved with strengthened management and progressive partners.

Our partnership with Global Fresh involving both import and export activity has developed strongly over the past 5 years to a point where we mutually saw growth opportunities best pursued together, offering benefits for suppliers and customers alike, achieved across a broader product range and service platform.

I would also like to assure you that it will be business as usual. I will be staying on as Chief Executive Officer of the new business and emphasize that we will continue to operate with the same high standards that saw J. H. Leavy & Co. become a leading brand for fruit and vegetable marketing in the Brisbane Markets and Australia.

Global Fresh NZ Ltd, established back in 2000, is one of New Zealand’s leading Trans-Tasman exporters, with parent Darling Group also involved in growing, orchard leasing, post-harvest services, distribution and marketing of kiwifruit, avocados, blueberries and citrus, as well as sourcing and supplying selected product lines from various parts of the World.

The company’s Australian operations will be based in the Brisbane Markets, but will give us greater exposure to Global Fresh’s lucrative nationwide customer network, maximizing opportunities across the wholesale, retail chain and food service sectors.

It is with some sadness that I pass the baton on to Global Fresh after what has been a personally rewarding experience spanning some 30 years, but I must say I am also very excited about what the future now holds for J.H. Leavy & Co and that I will continue to be a part of that in my ongoing role.  Thank you very much for your past support and I hope you will continue as a valued supplier to this great business.

 

Sincerely,

 

 Peter Tighe

Chief Executive Officer

J. H. Leavy & Co.