Wakatu buys all of Tohu

The Wakatu Incorporation has bought complete control of Marlborough wine company Tohu Wines.

Wakatu is a private company owned by Maori from the top of the South Island and based in Nelson.

Wakatu Incorporation chief executive Keith Palmer said Wakatu had increased its half-share in Tohu Wines by buying out Motueka-based Ngati Rarua Atiawa Iwi Trust (NRAIT) and Wi Pere Trust of Gisborne for a complete shareholding in the company.

Tohu Wines was established in 1998 as the first Maori-owned winery and has vineyards in Marlborough, Nelson and Gisborne.

Mr Palmer would not say how much the share purchase had cost.

Wakatu bought the shares to reinforce its food and beverage brands and saw significant potential in Tohu, he said.

About 80,000 cases were produced annually, with 80 per cent exported under its two labels, Kono and Tohu, mostly to North America and Australia.

The company is working with partners to expand in to the Asian market as well as increasing its domestic market, he said.

Wakatu's Awatere and Whenua Matua vineyards would be absorbed in to Tohu Wines.

Wakatu also owns Blenheim-based Aotearoa Seafoods, a producer of greenshell mussels.

- The Marlborough Express

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