Heinz Wattie’s Plans to Shut Three New Zealand Plants

Heinz Wattie’s, a food manufacturer owned by Kraft Heinz, has proposed shutting down three manufacturing facilities in New Zealand as part of a broader operational restructuring. The proposal involves closing plants located in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, potentially affecting around 350 employees.

The company also plans to cease packing operations linked to frozen product lines at its King Street site in Hastings. Heinz Wattie’s said the move reflects increasingly challenging manufacturing conditions in New Zealand, citing pressures from global inflation, rising costs and broader industry headwinds.

As part of the restructuring, the company intends to discontinue the production and sale of several product categories. These include frozen vegetables, Gregg’s branded coffee products, and a range of dips sold under the Mediterranean, Just Hummus and Good Taste Company brands.

Management said the proposal is subject to a two‑week consultation process with employees, unions, suppliers and other stakeholders. Growers are also expected to feel the impact, with around 220 vegetable producers in the Canterbury region supplying the Christchurch facility potentially losing their contracts if the plan proceeds.