Ross Beaton had been exporting apples since 1982, but one issue kept nagging at him: the fruit that didn’t make the export grade. It was perfectly good – nutrient-rich, flavourful – but not quite ‘pretty’ enough. When he teamed up with Sally Gallagher, they saw potential in that surplus. The result? The Apple Press – a bold new venture to transform overlooked apples into premium juice.
But building a beverage brand from the ground up required more than vision. It required facilities, expertise, and the freedom to experiment.
That’s when FoodBowl, part of the New Zealand Food Innovation Network (NZFIN), stepped in. Sally and Ross used the facility to trial their idea, develop their product, and test production at scale – all without investing in a commercial site from day one.
The Apple Press officially launched in 2018. Just a handful of years later, it’s a thriving operation with a state-of-the-art beverage facility in Hawke’s Bay and a team of 40.
Working alongside NZFIN helped The Apple Press scale faster, smarter, and with confidence. From technical know-how to processing capabilities, the Network provided a strong foundation for innovation – allowing Ross and Sally to focus on brand building and market expansion.
Even during the challenges of COVID, export revenues surged, overtaking domestic sales. Today, their juice is enjoyed in Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China.
“It’s so great to see a regional success story creating jobs and opportunities in Hawke’s Bay,” says NZFIN Business Development Manager, Nicky Solomon. “The Network is really proud to have been a part of The Apple Press journey.”
The Apple Press now produces up to 50 million bottles per year – and the innovation hasn’t stopped. New juice varieties continue to roll out, capturing consumer interest and driving brand excitement.
They’ve also expanded their horizons. In 2021, Sally and Ross partnered with Morgan Maw of Bonnie Goods to launch BORING oat milk. With NZFIN’s support, the team cracked the challenge of producing oat milk locally using New Zealand oats.
What began as a way to reduce waste and add value to apples has grown into a platform for beverage innovation and export success. With NZFIN’s support in their corner, The Apple Press has transformed from a concept into a category leader – proof that with the right partners, nothing goes to waste.
