Maketū Pies purchased by Montana Group
Forty-two years after one of New Zealand’s best-known pies first came out of a Western Bay of Plenty oven, Maketū Pies turned the next page in its story, after being sold to one of the country’s largest privately owned catering businesses.
Montana Group, a specialist food and events management business, had its first official day as the new owner of Maketū Pies on Thursday 5 December 2024, adding the national treasure to its growing portfolio of operations in the upper North Island.
From liquidation to a new owner in under two weeks
Maketū Foods Ltd was placed into voluntary solvent liquidation by previous owner Te Arawa Management Ltd at the end of November 2024, with liquidators seeking a buyer for the business.
Less than two weeks later, Montana Group became the new owner of Maketū Pies, taking on its existing 20-plus employees and adding to the Group’s 1000-strong team and 30 kitchens across Tāmaki Makaurau and the Waikato.
Montana Group representatives met with the Maketū Pies team on the ground that week to make introductions and start the transition process.
“We have received the warmest possible welcome and can’t wait to work alongside everyone in the team to build on their successes and explore new opportunities,” said Lizzi Pearson, then Chief Operating Officer and now CEO of Montana Group.
“Our immediate focus is on ensuring a seamless handover, looking after the existing team and maintaining the high standards that Maketū Pies is known for.”
