Annies brand back in the family

It was a family legacy, a well-known Marlborough name and business the Giles family hoped would be theirs for generations.

For 130 years, six generations have lived and worked on their Marlborough farm, their fruit trees ultimately flourishing into the Annies dried fruit snack brand.

So, when the firm went into voluntary receivership nine years ago, the family were devastated.

But now they are back at the helm of their much-loved business after buying it back and have revealed big plans for new products.

Original owner Graeme Giles, along with wife Annie, says they couldn’t turn their backs on the opportunity to have the brand back in the family.

“With the history of the brand and as the owners of the factory building, we felt we could not walk away. It’s a very exciting time for us.

“The “new generation” of Annies owners include our daughter Cabie, her partner Dan, and our grandchildren Thomas and Freya.”

New products in the pipeline include a focus on gut health and fibre.

“We have the opportunity to covert the brand into a health food range, specifically prebiotics and more fibre.

“We’re also looking at the utilisation of hemp as it’s the ultimate mixture of fatty acids; omegas.”

Graeme says he looks forward to welcoming staff who started with Annies 22 years ago, back on board.

“There are staff who are still there from when we first came into business.”

Kono NZ purchased Annies in 2014 but in December 2022 announced it would pull the plug as the business had not met performance requirements.

Graeme says spreading the load is also important and Ant Moore from Ant Moore Wine and Marlborough Vintners in Rapaura has also come on board.

The potential for the natural food bars, which have been a go-to snack for three generations of families, is exciting, Graeme says.

“We already have several exciting projects underway, looking at new lines and products.

Kono NZ COO Andy Wotton says everyone was delighted to see the Annies brand continue and wish the Giles family every success.