Message from the Group CEO

I warmly welcome everyone to our first newsletter of 2023. After what was a challenging but rewarding 2022, I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to all our employees who have continued to grow and thrive under the new Premier Fresh Australia banner.

I am excited about the opportunities and endeavours that lie ahead, as we continue to strengthen the Premier business and optimise our supply chain in line with our strategic objectives. On that note, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you of some recent changes.

Premier’s commitment to banana growing has been solidified with the successful acquisition of a 45-hectare banana farming operation, formally known as Dotti’s Farm, which is adjacent to our ABC packing operations. This exciting acquisition will further strengthen our farming footprint and increase our supply volume available to Premier’s major and independent retail customers.

We will also see the closure of our Brisbane Operations, following the relocation of business being conducted at 25 Sherwood Road, Rocklea, QLD. All of our existing commercial business will continue to be serviced directly from Premier’s other national distribution sites, while our farming operations will further increase our ‘direct to store’ supply of customers. I take this opportunity to thank all the Brisbane Operations team who have dedicated their hard work over the years. We appreciate your contribution and commitment to our company’s success.

On a farming front, at Lancaster Farms in northern Victoria we have tomato, field pumpkin and watermelon crops now in full production. The Lancaster team is delivering excellent quality fruit in decent volumes, supplying Gourmet and Roma varieties across the country.

In the north, it’s monsoon season; the bananas are faring well and even thriving in the wet weather, with production volumes high at DFF in Darwin and ABC and IBFC in Innisfail.

Our International Division continues to grow in a challenging environment. With our recent partnership with Camera Group, Premier Farms International have exported over 230 containers of grapes to our overseas customers. We’re also pleased to announce the launch of TóPA nectarines, for which we are one of two exclusive marketers in Australia.

As we embark on what is already a busy year, let’s continue to prioritise health, safety, and wellbeing in everything we do.

On behalf of our Chairman and board, I wish you all a great 2023 – may it continue to be a good one. I look forward to seeing everyone happy and healthy.

Thank you.

Group CEO Premier Fresh Australia