Elevated view of shade house, orchard and house comprising property and business for sale at 284 Meeanee Rd, Napier.
Elevated view of shade house, orchard and house comprising property and business for sale at 284 Meeanee Rd, Napier.
McKelvie's Country Market, a well-known fruit and vegetable market at the centre of Napier's lifestyle, horticulture and market garden region, has been placed on the market for sale.
"The area is locally known as the 'Golden Mile' for its fertile soil resulting in the production of high quality fruit and vegetables," says Louise Wake who is marketing the going concern business and freehold property at 284 Meeanee Rd for sale via a tender process closing on April 30.
"This is a long-established, family owned produce enterprise but, after 35 years, the vendors have decided to retire, allowing a new owner to take over their established business," Wake says.
The freehold property comprising of three hectares which encompasses planted land, the market shop, supporting buildings, staff facilities, equipment, and a four-bedroom home.
"This is an exceptional opportunity to take over a highly-productive and profitable business situated in the heart of Napier's fruit and vegetable-producing area," says Wake.
Land included in the property is planted in netted strawberries, peaches, nectarines, apples and pears - all of which are sold at the roadside shop, in addition to a full range of produce including stone fruit supplied from a nearby orchard.
Interior view of McKelvie's Country Market store.
"A new owner could take over the business and continue to run it as it is, or expand the current operation to further maximise profitability."
Wake said there is extensive potential to grow the business including developing the current site to produce additional varieties of fruit, vegetables and herbs and berries, making it a 'one stop shop' for customers' produce needs.
"Further, a new owner could also extend the business to include a cafe or alternative relevant business, making it a tourist destination. With 200 metres of road frontage, there is additional scope to extend the business' profile," she says.
The growing season runs from October to May with the remainder of the year spent picking produce and preparing for the next season. New strawberry plants are planted each year to ensure the biggest berries.
The shop operates year round at McKelvie's Country Market selling fresh fruit and vegetables to visitors and residents of Napier, Clive, Taradale and the surrounding suburbs.
It comprises a large converted shed including, a checkout, display areas, and a packing/bagging area. Outside this is a paved parking area and adjacent double carport. The business is supported by a sealed yard, three cool stores, a four-bay shed housing a staff room, shower facilities and small workshop, and two-bay storage shed. A large number of chattels including a cash register, computer software, scales, picking trays and pallet trolley, are part of the sale.
The business employs two permanent fulltime staff year round to run the shop, in addition to several seasonal workers.
"Trading figures and current yields show a very strong performance from McKelvie's Country Market and the financial details for the business are available by request and under confidentiality agreement," Wake says.
Sign and entrance to McKelvie's Country Market.
A four bedroom house that comes with the property and business was built in the 1950s and features two living areas, a kitchen, bathroom, office, laundry and a large covered deck. It has an adjoining double carport and spacious grounds are fully fenced, with established plants, a pergola, and barbecue area.
Wake says McKelvie's Country Market has a rating valuation of $740,000.
"This business has stood the test of time, and its high profile location, closeness to urban centres, quality of land and structures, combined with an enviable reputation and opportunities for development, make it a highly desirable investment opportunity.
"The sale represents a chance for someone to invest in a well-established slice of the fruit and vegetable industry."
Wake says Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's largest fruit-growing regions - producing more apples and peaches than any other part of the country. It is also well-known for its stone fruit and is the second-largest wine grape-growing region after Marlborough.
