China Resources Enterprise, the Hong Kong-listed conglomerate, has snapped up a stake in Scales Corp., the New Zealand produce group.

In a statement to the New Zealand Stock Exchange, Scales confirmed China Resources had bought just short of 15.4% of the business.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

“Scales welcomes China Resources as a significant minority shareholder, and as a party who can provide support to Scales in its ongoing initiatives in China,” the company said.

The operations of Scales include horticulture, storage and logistics and food ingredients. Its divisions include Mr Apple, which Scales describes as New Zealand’s “largest integrated apple grower, packer and marketer”. Mr Apple exports almost half of its production to markets in Asia and the Middle East.

Scales owns a 50% stake in Fern Ridge Produce, an exporter and trader based in New Zealand.

On its website, Scales states two parts of its growth strategy of its horticulture division are to “increase apple exports to Asia and the Middle East” and “to invest in brand profile in offshore markets focusing on Asia and the Middle East”.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact