14 | Business Canterbury - Baker Boys Limited Kim Newth New CEO leading bakery expansion Baker Boys is one of New Zealand’s leading commercial bakery manufacturers. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Christchurch-based Baker Boys is one of New Zealand’s leading commercial bakery manufacturers, supplying high-quality fresh and frozen baked goods to major retailers across New Zealand and Australia. After more than 30 years of steady growth, the family-owned business is now entering its next phase – scaling its private label manufacturing footprint across the Tasman. Baker Boys operates across both markets, with Australia currently accounting for around 25% of total revenue – a share that is set to grow materially over coming years. “Australia represents a significant strategic opportunity for us,” says CEO Tony Harrison, who was appointed last year to lead Baker Boys through its next stage of growth. “It’s a larger, more competitive market, but one where our capability, track record and approach align strongly with what major retailers are looking for.” All of Baker Boys’ Australian business is private label manufacturing for leading supermarket groups. In addition to existing contracts with Woolworths and Coles, the company secured a third Australian supermarket customer in December 2025 – a milestone that reinforces its credibility as a trusted supply partner at scale. “Private label is a core strategic pillar for Baker Boys. It reflects our ability to consistently deliver quality, volume and compliance, while remaining flexible enough to meet customer-specific requirements. That combination is what enables us to grow alongside our customers,” Tony says. Supported by Baker Boys’ reputation for reliability, food safety and value, private label manufacturing is driving both volume growth and operational leverage for the company. The latest Australian contract strengthens the case for continued investment in capacity and capability, with potential to create additional jobs in Christchurch over time. At its modern 5000sqm manufacturing facility in Wainoni, Baker Boys employs 128 people, and produces slices, biscuits and savoury products for customers on both sides of the Tasman. The business places strong emphasis on workplace culture, with many staff living locally and benefitting from an easy commute. Tony says building organisational capability is critical to sustaining future growth. “As the business scales, we need to ensure we have the right leadership depth and technical skills in place to support it.” As part of that focus, Baker Boys is exploring ways to work more closely with Business Canterbury in 2026, particularly in developing supervisors and middle management. “There’s an opportunity to strengthen leadership capability, support innovation and lift manufacturing efficiency as we grow. Business Canterbury plays an important role in that ecosystem.” A former business owner with extensive FMCG and food service experience, Tony brings a strong commercial and operational lens to the role. He says he was drawn to Baker Boys by both the strength of the business and the ambition of its leadership. “I’m proud to be working alongside non-executive chair Andrew Garner. His focus on growth, market opportunity and long-term value creation was a big part of why I joined the business.” Looking ahead, Tony says agility and adaptability remain central to Baker Boys’ competitive advantage, particularly as consumer preferences and global food trends continue to evolve. The company operates a dedicated test kitchen and employs an R&D team – including a qualified baker and food technologists – to develop new products and respond quickly to changing demand. “People’s tastes don’t stand still.” Tony says. “Our job is to anticipate what’s next and ensure we’re ready with the right products, at the right quality, for the right markets.” Baker Boys is selectively investing in automation to increase throughput while maintaining product quality. North Island 6 Morrin Road, St Johns, Auckland South Island 8 Harewood Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8 Proudly supplying high quality processed meat to Baker Boys. Find out more at simplyfoodsolutions.co.nz www.halls.co.nz | 0800 242 557 Proud to be amajor logistics partner of Baker Boys
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