Pitango Focuses on Growth with New Managing Director

MEDIA RELEASE
JUNE 2014

Pitango Focuses on Growth with New Managing Director Appointment

As the biggest manufacturer of organic New Zealand grown product in New Zealand, Pitango are expected to have strong growth year as the company announces the appointment of new managing Director, Graeme Laurence.

With new ownership; Beak and Johnson and Laurence at the helm, Pitango has risen out of receivership it incurred in late 2012, and is looking forward to a bright future focused on growth, category development and export opportunities.

“Pitango is a much loved New Zealand brand, one which I’m excited to share with many more countries as we focus on exporting further in 2014”; Graeme Laurence; Pitango Managing Director.

Laurence has 19 years’ experience in the FMCG grocery industry, beginning his career at WoolWorths in the 1990s and progressing to senior sales and marketing roles, including Sales and Marketing Director at Davies Food and Sales Director at Goodmen Fielder. Before joining Pitango, he ran his own sales agency LionShare New Zealand, a marketer and distributor to the wholesale and retail sector.

As Managing Director, Laurence will focus on product development while maintaining Pitango’s heritage brand of fresh, healthy, tasty meal products made with organic ingredients grown and sourced in New Zealand.

Laurence is charged with expanding Pitango’s export business in the future, investigating opportunities in Japan, Korea and the West Coast of America. His extensive experience, drive and passion for the brand will help Pitango continue to prosper in New Zealand, Australia and further afield.

“Pitango is a brand that really appeals to my love of good quality food that is accessible for everyone. To me it sums up what is great about the New Zealand food industry. I am really excited about helping to grow the brand and broadening its appeal to consumers” Laurence continues.

With an aim to grow the business in New Zealand and Australia through investment and new category development, the coming year will see several new product developments and a move to a new purpose built factory, providing greater capacity.

Committed to making natural food using organic ingredients, Pitango continues to work with New Zealand organic farmers to source ingredients, holding firmly to its New Zealand roots despite new ownership by Australian company Beak & Johnston. The business has been deliberately kept in New Zealand with the focus remaining on supporting New Zealand farmers and employing Kiwis.

Editor’s Note; Pitango creates authentic, home-cooked-style meals, made with fresh, natural, New Zealand-grown ingredients. Working with expert organic farmers to source high quality produce, that is better for us and the environment, Pitango is passionate about real food that tastes great. With a focus on innovation and evolution, Pitango strives to continue to meet consumer needs by developing delicious recipes that can be enjoyed with ease.

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