The Arnott’s Group is once again recognising the value of locally created New Zealand food brands with the acquisition of Mother Earth, Flemings and VP brands from Prolife Foods Limited.
Mother Earth is a well-known muesli bar, baked slice and nuts and snacks brand in New Zealand with a growing presence in Australia. Flemings and VP are also recognised brands in the New Zealand nutritional snacking market, with product offerings spanning bars, nuts and snack mixes.
The acquisition will see the brands join The Arnott’s Group’s better-for-you snacking portfolio and leverage the business’ near 160-years of manufacturing and distribution expertise.
It follows the 2021 purchase of New Zealand based artisan cracker brand, 180degrees and the construction of a 3,900sqm manufacturing facility in Avondale last year which continues to be a hub of innovation for the premium entertaining category.
Mike Cullerne, Arnott’s Group Managing Director for New Zealand said the Group remains committed to manufacturing locally and taking New Zealand innovations to the world.
“Kiwi-born food brands have proven themselves popular in international markets, which is why we intend to build upon the existing brand loyalty for Mother Earth, Flemings and VP, expanding both their ranges and distribution.”
“It’s great that, in an environment where demand for nutritious snacks continues to rise, we’re able to take three local brands and introduce them to new markets and consumers, whilst continuing to invest in local manufacturing.”
Andrew Smith, Prolife Foods CEO, said that he was proud of the success that Prolife has had in growing a strong grocery snacking portfolio.
“Over the past 15 years we have significantly grown the Mother Earth brand into a muchloved and recognised snacking brand in New Zealand. Leveraging The Arnott’s Group’s scale and expertise, the brand will now be able to reach more consumers across Australia and beyond.”
“We will continue to support The Arnott’s Group at our Hamilton site, while we focus on growing our Self Selection business (including The Carefillery and the Refill Station) and our vertically integrated Manuka honey business in NZ and internationally.”
Mother Earth includes an extensive range across nutritious snacks, muesli bars, nuts, and snacks which are stocked in all major supermarkets and outlets across the country. It is the most trusted brand in the Muesli & Snack Bars Category and has become a household staple for New Zealand consumers.
Mother Earth, Flemings, and VP will join The Arnott’s Group’s growing portfolio of better-foryou cereals and snacks which includes Freedom, Sunsol & Snack Right in the New Zealand market.
