HelloFresh opens meal kit distribution site in New Zealand

Meal kit provider HelloFresh is set to expand its production facilities in New Zealand by more than ten times with a new distribution centre. 

The inauguration of the Auckland facility comes just over a year after the company launched in New Zealand and is driven by its “rapid growth” in the country’s North Island.

The 9,000-square-metre site can maintain temperatures for a variety of fresh ingredients in zones ranging from -20 to +21 °C.

New technology will reduce the time it takes to pack a meal kit by 30% and machinery will also allow for higher customisation, with customers able to select from more options and further tailor their boxes according to preferences.

Tom Rutledge, HelloFresh NZ CEO, said the site will enable the company to expand its regional distribution to new parts of the country and diversify its product portfolio. 

Tom Rutledge, HelloFresh NZ CEO.

“The exceptional level of support for the brand has seen us hit a number of key milestones last year and has allowed us to bring forward our expansion plans,” he said.

“The new production facility is a key strategic step for HelloFresh, and we’re excited about what this means, for both our customers and our suppliers who are on this journey with us. 

“Further growth will allow us to expand our production volumes, which will provide greater opportunities for fresh local produce and meat suppliers.”

Founded in Germany in 2011, HelloFresh now operates in New Zealand, the US, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Australia, Austria, Switzerland, Canada and Sweden.

Between July and September 2019, the company delivered 69 million meals to 2.6 million customers worldwide.