TRENOS SiGINT: MG Group Ramps Up Tomato Investment in Warkworth, NZ

JC Analyst 7 August 2025

MG Group’s decision to convert five hectares of its Warkworth (North of Auckland) capsicum glasshouse into tomato production signals a renewed strategic focus on domestic food resilience amid rising pressure in both local and regional produce markets.

While New Zealand tomato exports have declined sharply since 2019, the domestic fresh tomato sector remains lucrative, valued at over NZD 160 million annually. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific now consumes nearly 40% of the global tomato output, making it a dominant player in a market projected to exceed USD 300 billion globally by 2034. MG’s investment places it in a prime position to stabilise local supply while potentially aligning with long-term regional export strategies—especially as Asia-Pacific’s appetite and controlled-environment production intensify.

Human Factor:

For everyday New Zealanders, this signals more than just tomatoes, it’s about dependable local produce, year-round supply, and fairer prices in a market that’s historically struggled with volatility and oversupply crashes. For workers at the Warkworth site, the shift means job security and a future-proofing of skills in next-gen horticulture. For Asia-Pacific consumers, particularly in high-demand urban regions, it opens a window to consistent, clean-label imports from a trusted neighbour.

TRENOS Metrics Snapshot

Signal	Data Point
Data Point	MG Group converts 5ha of SPL glasshouse in Warkworth for tomato production
TikTok Views	~2.1M for “greenhouse tomato” and “NZ tomatoes” combined (past 30 days)
Retail Footprint	NZ supermarkets (Countdown, Pak’nSave, New World); declining export trade
Ingredient Format	Fresh hothouse tomatoes
Product Range	Domestic consumer produce; potential foodservice & export
Consumer Segment	NZ general consumers; premium APAC markets (e.g. Japan, Singapore)
Brand Origin	MG Group (NZ grower co-operative)
Export Status	~900 tonnes exported in 2023, down from 3,300+ in 2019
Trend Classification	Food Security, Controlled Environment Agri, Functional Fresh
System Pressure Point	Supply Chain Volatility, Climate Resilience, Domestic Sourcing

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