Maketū Pies for sale to build on revival

After more than doubling production in less than two years, Montana Group is selling Maketū Pies, providing a unique opportunity for a new owner to take the beloved Kiwi brand into its next chapter.

Montana met with its Maketū-based team yesterday afternoon to update them on the latest developments, including a proposal to close the factory when its lease ends in December.

“The Maketū Pies team are an incredible group of people who are deeply passionate about Maketū and the Maketū Pies business. Understandably, team members need time to digest the news, and we will continue to support them throughout this process,” Montana Group Chief Executive, Lizzi Pearson, says.

“We’re so proud of what we have collectively achieved in a relatively short amount of time with Maketū Pies. The entire team has worked incredibly hard to give the brand a new lease of life and could not have been achieved without the huge amount of nationwide support we have received.

“We’ve seen significant growth in nationwide distribution, increasing demand for the improved products, and positive feedback from our distributors, retail customers and pie consumers.”

Pearson says the factory lease ending provided a timely opportunity to take stock and consider how the brand’s next-level potential can be maximised.

“The factory was originally built in 1982 and has been extended in several iterations over the decades, resulting in a fragmented site that is no longer fit for purpose.

“The factory would realistically require a full rebuild to accommodate further production growth and product storage – without that, Maketū Pies has reached capacity at the site.”

“Whether that next chapter takes place in Maketū or in another manufacturing location will be the decision of the new owner.”

“The hard work of stabilising, modernising and repositioning the business has been done. We’ll be working hard to find an owner that can bring Maketū Pies into its fold and take the business to the next level.

Maketū Pies has gone from strength to strength since Montana bought the business in December 2024.

The resurgence of Maketu’s legendary Smoked Fish Pie and Mussel Pie, alongside the staple Mince & Cheese and Butter Chicken pies, stirred feelings of nostalgia for pie lovers across New Zealand, Maketū Pies General Manager, Craig Williams says.

“Maketū Pies customers are so loyal and have rich memories of the brand through the decades – we run into them every day around the regions. They told us that they missed what Maketū Pies used to be, so we knew we had to listen and get the brand and the quality back to what it was known for.

“We put a lot of effort into refreshing, reimagining and - in some cases - reinventing the recipes people know and love, putting quality, pride and aroha back into the ingredients list. The feedback has been really encouraging.”

The recipe revival was accompanied by a refreshed brand and packaging, introducing a brighter, more modern look while retaining the brand's heritage and connection to Maketū.

“Maketū Pies was a household name that stretched far beyond its humble roots in the Bay of Plenty. At its historic peak, we estimate there was a Maketū Pie available in up to 1500 pie warmers across New Zealand – primarily the North Island.

“When Montana picked up the business in late 2024, that number was down to less than 100 pie warmers. Today its more than 600 and growing, as well on more than 200 different supermarket shelves.”

Williams says he is confident a new owner will be able to continue the growth of the business with a brand that has a proven ability to re-establish itself as a true Kiwi icon.

“Our team have rebuilt a solid foundation and set a framework and strategy that ensures Maketū Pies has a place in what is a very competitive market.

“This is not a brand that was invented by a marketing team on a whiteboard - it has grown over more than 40 years from a home kitchen helping to feed kids in the local community.

“The Maketū Pies legacy spans generations, and now is the right time for a new buyer to turn the next page.”