AUCKLAND, Today: ABE’S Bagels is heading into a new chapter, with George Weston Foods NZ Limited acquiring one of New Zealand’s best-known and fastest-growing food brands.
GWF, the company behind Tip Top Bakery, Golden and Big Ben, has bought ABE’S in a deal designed to support the bagel brand’s next phase of growth.
The acquisition lands during a record year for ABE’S, which posted gross sales of more than $50 million for the 2026 financial year, up 25% on the previous year.
That result caps a strong three-year run, with sales growing 30% as ABE’S continues to build the bagel category across New Zealand and Australia.
The business now produces more than 1.2 million bagels each week from its Auckland bakery and holds 76% market share across Australia and New Zealand.
“We’ve worked extremely hard to grow the bagel category across New Zealand and Australia and we’re thrilled to see how well our bagels are being received in both markets. George Weston Foods understands that mission and has the scale to help us take it further.” – Tony Kerridge, Chairman and majority
A big part of the recent growth has come from THIIINS, launched in 2024. The range has generated $9 million in sales and now makes up around 18% of total ABE’S sales.
ABE’S Protein Bagel has also landed well, becoming one of the brand’s best-selling bagel SKUs since launch.
“We’ve built something we’re incredibly proud of,” said Tony Kerridge, Chairman and majority shareholder of ABE’S Bagels.
“We’ve worked extremely hard to grow the bagel category across New Zealand and Australia and we’re thrilled to see how well our bagels are being received in both markets. George Weston Foods understands that mission and has the scale to help us take it further.”
Jesse Newson, CEO of ABE’S said, “We are delighted that all 140 staff members are continuing employment under GWF and operations will continue from the ABE’S Bakery in St Johns, Auckland.”
George Weston Foods said ABE’S is a natural fit with its portfolio of leading bakery brands. “Both GWF and ABE’S share a passion for baking exceptional quality products that our consumers love,” said Mark Bosomworth, General Manager of GWF Baking NZ.
“We look forward to expanding our bakery portfolio into a dynamic new segment and are excited to bring the unique skills and expertise of the ABE’S Bagels team into our organisation.”
ABE’S was also recognised at the 2025 New Zealand Marketing Awards, winning the Excellence in FMCG Strategy Award for its work growing the bagel category.
Share this Post
