Move strengthens iconic New Zealand herbal brand's platform for export growth across the Pacific, Asia and the United States.

Florenz, a subsidiary of New Zealand investment company Masthead, owned by Mark Stewart, has acquired the remaining 64% of Harker Herbal Products Limited, New Zealand's leading premium liquid herbal health brand. Florenz first became a cornerstone investor in 2022 and has since been working alongside management to generate significant growth across both New Zealand, and its growing export markets.

The transaction brings one of New Zealand's most iconic natural health brands fully into the Florenz portfolio of world-class New Zealand health and wellness companies.  It provides Harker Herbals with the backing, capability and capital strength to build on its leading position in the New Zealand herbal market and to accelerate its export ambitions across the Pacific, Asia and the United States.

Harker Herbals has grown strongly in recent years, opening new markets in the United States, South Korea, Singapore, China, Vietnam and South Africa, and investing heavily in both an expanded product range and production capability. The company owns and operates its own GMP-accredited manufacturing facility through Midwest Pharmaceuticals, based in the Hawkes Bay, giving it end-to-end control from formulation through to finished product.

Florenz Chief Executive Mark Sadd said: “We are excited about acquiring the remaining shares in Harker Herbals, increasing our ownership from 35.5% to 100%. This marks an exciting new chapter and reflects our confidence in the strength of the Harker Herbals brand, its talented team, and the opportunities we see for future growth.  The acquisition is another important step in Florenz’s strategy of building a portfolio of strong, complementary health and wellness brands and allows us to better align our resources, capabilities, and strategic priorities.”

Harker Herbals Chief Executive John Gibson said the move marked a natural next step for the company.  “Harker Herbals is at an exciting point in its journey.  We have a proven brand at home, proven demand in our export markets, and a clear opportunity to go faster - particularly in the United States.  Full ownership by Florenz gives us the strength of a larger New Zealand group behind us, while keeping the brand proudly Kiwi-owned.  I am delighted to be continuing as CEO to lead the team through this next phase of growth.”

The parties do not intend to disclose the terms of the transaction.  It will be business as usual for Harker Herbals' customers, retail partners, distributors and suppliers.

About Harker Herbals

Founded more than 45 years ago, Harker Herbals is New Zealand's leading premium liquid herbal supplement brand. The company formulates and manufactures a comprehensive range of herbal health products drawing on traditional plant-based knowledge and modern quality standards.  Harker Herbals products are sold throughout New Zealand and exported to the United States, South Korea, China, and other international markets.  Manufacturing is carried out at the company's GMP-accredited facility operated by Midwest Pharmaceuticals based in Hawkes Bay.

About Florenz

Florenz is a New Zealand health and wellness group established by Masthead Limited, the Christchurch-based investment company owned by the Stewart family, to build and export a portfolio of leading New Zealand brands to the world.  Led by Chief Executive Mark Sadd, the Florenz portfolio includes Wedderspoon Organic, the leading New Zealand mānuka honey brand in North America; vitamins and supplements exporter Xtend-Life Group; ingredients manufacturer Dry Food New Zealand; and sports performance nutrition brand 2Before.  Florenz is focused on growing world-class New Zealand export businesses in natural health, backed by science and New Zealand's first-class reputation.