Rockit Global crowned Hawke's Bay exporter of the year
Snack-sized apple company Rockit Global Limited has taken out both the Best Established Business award and the coveted overall award for Exporter of the Year at the Hawke’s Bay Export Awards.
The Hastings apple business was presented with the award on Thursday night at a black-tie ceremony held at Toitoi Hawke's Bay Arts and Events Centre.
Judges decided Rockit's commitment to excellence across their entire operations stood out and laid a solid platform for strong future growth.
"Taking a small apple to the globe in record numbers is not an easy task, but Rockit has evolved into a stunning company that exceeded expectations," the judges' citation noted.
Rockit CEO Mark O’Donnell accepted the award, expressing his delight that the Hawke’s Bay fruit exporter had been recognised for its excellence and innovation amongst stiff competition from other stellar local exporters.
“The Rockit team has worked incredibly hard at producing, distributing and marketing a totally unique branded offering, unlike anything else on shelves anywhere across the globe.
“The past year has been one of our most challenging, with Covid impacts, shipping delays and significant weather events. However, the dedication, passion and energy of our entire global team has come to the fore, as it always does, ensuring a consistent supply of delicious fruit in all the key markets we reach.”
Rockit – which is sold in 30 countries worldwide – is in the midst of a strong growth curve across its global markets, with 45 per cent growth in total revenue last year (2020 vs 2021).
China remains a priority for Rockit, as its largest and strongest market – the company experienced 25 per cent growth year on year in the China region (2020 vs 2021) through clever, targeted marketing and sales campaigns reaching millions of consumers via both traditional and digital channels.
“Rockit continues to deliver well-structured and compelling sales stories to make the brand truly stand out,” O'Donnell says.
Across Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam, more and more retail customers are also taking the leap with Rockit, with sales rocketing up the charts across the region.
The snack size of Rockit resonates with consumers throughout the Middle East, too, which has seen growth there exceed all expectations – a 32 per cent increase in sales year on year (2020 v 2021).
The addition of the two Hawke’s Bay Export Awards to Rockit’s suite of gongs this year (the company won an Axis Award, gold at the Best Awards and Best Large Business at the China Business Awards earlier in 2022) is a testament to the enthusiasm, drive and dedication of the whole team, concludes Mark.
“Right through our global supply chain – from our growers to our orchard, packhouse, office and global teams – this win is something to be enormously proud of. We could not be more thrilled to have demonstrated our energy and enthusiasm for what we do to the judging panel, and to have won these honours.”
ExportNZ Hawke's Bay 2022 Award Winners:
ASB Hawke's Bay Exporter of the Year: Rockit Global
T&G Global Best Established Award: Rockit Global
ContainerCo Best Emerging Exporter Award: Starboard Bio
Southeast Asia Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence in Innovation Award: Pultron Composites
Unsung Heroes Award: Jade Elstone (Pan Pac), Ross Howard (Freshmax), Damien Corbett (Hawke's Bay Airport)
Judges' Choice Award: The New Zealand Casings Company
