Manuka honey producer Wedderspoon Organic Group has been acquired by New Zealand-based investor Masthead. The acquisition will see Wedderspoon integrated into a new holding company, Florenz, established to house Masthead’s consumer portfolio. Founded in 2005, Wedderspoon’s honey is sourced from bees feeding off the Manuka bush on New Zealand’s North and South Islands.
Florenz, led by CEO Mike Tod, aims to expand Wedderspoon’s presence in North America and beyond. With a strong foothold in over 23,000 retail stores including Walmart, Whole Foods Market, and Costco in the US and Canada, Wedderspoon has been making strides in markets across Asia, Central America, and Europe.
In a statement, Tod highlighted Florenz’s export ambitions and expressed a commitment to pursuing additional acquisition opportunities to support growth. Florenz will operate as a subsidiary of Masthead, owned by the Stewart family in New Zealand. Financial details of the Wedderspoon acquisition remain undisclosed.
Under the leadership of CEO Rebecca Remley, Wedderspoon supplies a range of Manuka honey products, including bottled honey, lozenges, and apple cider vinegar. Tod emphasized Wedderspoon’s position as the largest seller of New Zealand-produced Manuka honey goods in North America.
With a focus on product innovation and customer-led developments, Wedderspoon is poised to accelerate growth through online and brick-and-mortar sales in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Through Masthead, Florenz’s investment portfolio encompasses companies like Xtend-Life Group, Dry Food New Zealand, and 2Before Performance Nutrition.
Additionally, Florenz has investments in herbal remedies company Harker Herbals Products. The statement noted the recent divestiture of the Ziwi pet-food business in New Zealand under Florenz’s purview.
Transitioning to new ownership presents a promising chapter for Wedderspoon as it aligns with Florenz’s strategic vision for growth and expansion in the food and beverage industry. The acquisition underscores Masthead’s confidence in Wedderspoon’s potential and marks a significant development in the food and drink business landscape, driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation.
