Greenleaf Fresh was not able to reach sufficient scale to achieve profitability and attempts to help it continue to trade have failed, the first administrators' report reveals. It produced goods under the Green Grower brand and had earlier received $3.5 million in public funding for research.
Administrators, Adele Irene Hicks and David Ian Ruscoe, of Grant Thornton New Zealand, released their first report on 6 January 2025. It noted that the business used advanced technology to grow leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, rocket, herbs and microgreens in Hamilton in a 5662 square-meter facility. This used about 95 percent less water than conventional horticulture, they said, and the controlled environment meant no pesticides were needed and the produce could be grown year-round.
The administrators said there had been a number of reasons for the business failure.
"Following our appointment, we visited the site and discussed with management the operational costs of the business and assessed the best way forward. After a review of potential income and expenses for the administration, we were unable to find a viable scenario that would allow us to trade while we find a potential buyer. As such, without funding, we have closed down the business and will look to sell the business as a whole."
Source: www.rnz.co.nz