21 Jul 2014

Food company Griffin's sells for $700m

7:35 pm on 21 July 2014

Griffin's, one of the best known names in New Zealand groceries, has changed hands for $700 million.

The company was founded in Nelson in the 1860s and produces well-known brand names such as Gingernuts, Mallowpuffs and Eta salty snacks.

Despite manufacturing in New Zealand it has been owned for years by several overseas companies, including Kraft of the United States, Danone from France and Pacific Equity Partners from Australia.

It has now been sold to Universal Robina Corporation of the Philippines.

The new owners say they plan to invest in the New Zealand operations which are now centred in Auckland.