The New Zealand grocery scene shifted with the Huckleberry grocery acquisition by Kennerley Gourmet Grocery Ltd. This August 2024 acquisition brought the intellectual property of the liquidated Huckleberry 2021 Ltd. under Kennerley’s control. This has left many wondering about the future of organic grocery options for Huckleberry customers in the region, especially in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Kennerley Gourmet, a family-owned business, had acquired another online grocer, Supie, earlier in 2024. This acquisition pattern suggests a consolidation strategy in the online grocery market.
Understanding the Huckleberry Legacy
Huckleberry had a rich history in Auckland, starting as Huckleberry Farms in Greenlane in the early 1990s. The company rebranded to Huckleberry in 2015. By its May 2024 liquidation, it operated three organic grocery stores across Auckland.
Huckleberry’s Focus: Organic and Local
Huckleberry emphasized organic, locally sourced products. It positioned itself as a community-focused grocer dedicated to sustainability and healthy living.
Many valued Huckleberry’s commitment to quality and ethical sourcing. This presents Kennerley with both a challenge and an opportunity.
Kennerley’s Strategy and the Huckleberry Grocery Acquisition
Wayne Kennerley, CEO of Kennerley Gourmet Grocery, has discussed his strategy behind both the Supie and Huckleberry grocery acquisition.
Email Marketing as a Key Tool
Kennerley’s plan uses email marketing to reach existing Huckleberry and Supie customers. This approach acknowledges the brands’ established customer bases. These loyal customers have shown an interest in independent grocery businesses.
Expanding “Paddock to Pantry”
Kennerley aims to introduce customers to his online grocery offering, “Paddock to Pantry.” He hopes to introduce specific specials through the Pantry online grocery offer. This strategy leverages acquired customer lists to expand Kennerley’s reach New Zealand wide.
Kennerley gains access to valuable customer preference data on local suppliers with the Huckleberry grocery acquisition. Huckleberry’s focus on community and local businesses resonated with customers who wanted fresh produce. It is unclear what Wayne Kennerley commented regarding keeping Huckleberry’s same local focus.
The Future of Organic Groceries in New Zealand After the Huckleberry Acquisition
The Huckleberry grocery acquisition raises questions about the future of organic food in New Zealand. Will Kennerley maintain Huckleberry’s organic, local focus? Will “Paddock to Pantry” shift direction?
Kennerley’s online platform expands accessibility. However, it changes the direct customer-grocer relationship that Huckleberry customers valued. A key message commented by Kennerley was the plan to maintain and grow the loyal customer base.
The Role of Independent Grocers
Huckleberry filled a niche in Auckland’s grocery scene. The Huckleberry liquidation creates a space for other independent, organically-minded grocers. These grocers could maintain a more localized approach, possibly even taking over where the Huckleberry Farms store opened in the 1990’s. It is important to see how the Huckleberry liquidation plays out.
The Huckleberry grocery acquisition by Kennerley Gourmet Grocery is a significant event. It reflects industry consolidation. Businesses are adjusting to modern consumer habits and a challenging economic climate.
Kennerley’s plans for the Huckleberry acquisition remain uncertain. This acquisition starts a new chapter for organic groceries in New Zealand. This will certainly be a process to see what the results are of this acquisition and if customers will receive marketing updates or not.