Seeka handled a company record 32.44 million trays of kiwifruit, up 17 per cent on the previous year. It also reported an excellent year for its kiwifruit handling, particularly for SunGold at just 0.35 per cent.
Seeka also delivered industry-leading avocado returns of $26.86 per tray from its targeted export programmes, the company said.
In the first full season for its new Australian operations, Seeka processed 660,000 trays of kiwifruit, along with 1523 tonnes of nashi pears and 1790 tonnes of European pears.
"The new Australian business is now fully integrated into Seeka's business systems although a separate stand-alone business operated from Australia." said Mr Franks.
"As a result, Seeka now has year-round Seeka branded produce in the Australian market and has set a platform for growth there."
Chairman Fred Hutchings said the company had continued to invest in infrastructure to maximise efficiencies and meet expected future demand. Seeka invested $43.06 million in its New Zealand kiwifruit business and in orcharding, packing and fruit storage in Australia.
That included major infrastructure and capacity build with coolstore and precooler expansion at two of Seeka's main sites at Main Rd, Katikati and KKP in Maketu, as well as the construction of additional coolstores and a new kiwifruit packing machine in Australia.
The directors declared a dividend of $0.10 per share, which will bring fully imputed dividends in relation to financial year 2016 to $0.20 per share, compared to $0.19 per share in financial year 2015.
"We will continue to look for opportunities to innovate, expand or diversify to secure long-term growth and sustainable profitability as we pursue our vision to be New Zealand's premier produce business," said Mr Hutchings."
Seeka - 12 Month Financial Highlights 2016
* Total revenues: $191.3 million total revenues (up 35%)
* NPAT: $10.4 million (up 143%)
* EBITDA: $21.14 million (excluding the effect of insurance settlement - up 52%)
* Net asset backing per share: $4.88 (up from $4.34)
* Total assets: $197.31million (up 20%)
* Long-term borrowings: $68.73 million (up 31%)
* Increase in share price for 2016: $1.15