Seeka Limited has commercialised a new red nashi pear branded Ruby Roo™. It was first introduced to the market at Australia's Hort Connections Conference in Brisbane in June. More recently, Seeka introduced the variety at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong.
"We have had a great response to the Ruby Roo here in Hong Kong," said Jon van Popering, General Manager at Seeka Australia. "We grow the red nashi in Bunbartha, Australia, and harvested 200,000kg this season. Most of our sales have been in the domestic market with a small amount of export. The market response has been enthusiastic."
© Nichola McGregor | FreshPlaza.com
Michael Franks, Seeka CEO, said that, "Asia Fruit Logistica was an excellent opportunity to show the Ruby Roo to new and existing customers, it complements our current exports of Australian-grown fruit. It has a great flavour profile and has been very popular with Australian consumers."
"This is the first branded, consumer-facing product that Seeka has launched. Until now, it has been mature crops, including green and brown nashi alongside our other Australian-grown jujubes and kiwifruit.
Is there more to come from Seeka in branded products? "We have a pipeline of new varieties in evaluation, and if we can find the right products, then we will do this again. This is not a cheap thing to do and takes a long time to get to market. Going through the branding process and marketing and promotion, even just coming up with a name, is an extensive process."
© Nichola McGregor | FreshPlaza.com
"We harvest in February, but have fruit in store for 10 months," explains Van Popering. "We are very close to a 12-month supply, and should achieve this as production ramps up. It stores very well; this comes down to making sure you have harvested it at the right maturity, and if you store it properly, it can last a long time."
Seeka, a listed New Zealand produce company, has lifted earnings guidance for the second time in 2025. The company is now forecasting profit before tax between NZD$39.0m and NZD$43.0m. This compares to earlier expectations of between NZD$35.0m and NZD$39.0m and earnings in 2024 of NZD$30.0m. Seeka has reported improved results across all parts of its business. Improved results have been reflected in a stronger share price, which is up approximately 69% over the last 12 months.
For more information:
Michael Franks
Seeka
Tel: + 64 21 356 516
[email protected]
www.seeka.co.nz