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Concern Wattie's restructure will impact Kiwi growers

Author
Newstalk ZB ,
Publish Date
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 6:16am
Wattie's is a major employer in Hawke's Bay and also sources fruit locally. Photo / Paul Taylor
Wattie's is a major employer in Hawke's Bay and also sources fruit locally. Photo / Paul Taylor

Concern Wattie's restructure will impact Kiwi growers

Author
Newstalk ZB ,
Publish Date
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 6:16am

The impact of the Heinz Wattie's restructure won't be felt by growers straight away. 

The company plans to shut three manufacturing facilitates in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin - and packing operations in Hastings. 

It's because of a planned move away from selling frozen vegetables, Gregg's Coffee and Several dips.

It will mean 350 jobs are on the line. 

Process Vegetables New Zealand Chair David Hadfield told Ryan Bridge the current year's contracts have been locked in. 
 
He says harvests are either finished, halfway through or about to start so it will only effect growers next season. 

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