Western Bay of Plenty Kiwifruit Management company DMS' early commitment to Zespri Gold kiwifruit is paying off with record profit and the announcement of a $12.5 million investment in plant.

Shareholders learned the company's financial results during DMS' annual general meeting which was held in Tauranga on Tuesday.

DMS' joint managing directors Paul Jones (left) and Craig Greenlees at DMS's Annual General Meeting at the ASB Centre on Tuesday. Supplied Photo.

The results show a record net profit before tax and distributions of $6.95 million, up from $3.13 million the previous year, while the growers rebate increased to 30 cents, up from 20 cents.

The 2016/17 season also saw the company process a record volume – 10.7 million Class 1 trays, up from 4.8 million in 2013 – a market share increase from 5.6 per cent to 7.2 per cent.

The 2016 results are based on the company's resolute focus on quality, as well as the recovery of the wider industry, says DMS director Craig Greenlees.

'In 2013 we put a stake in the ground to champion for the G3 variety as the future for the industry in the post-PSA environment. That strong belief has paid off for our growers, ourselves and the wider industry, and we are proud of the contribution we have made to the kiwifruit recovery in recent times,” says Craig.

'Our results are driven not only by the increased volume coming onstream across the industry, but by careful business cost control and an unwavering dedication to maintaining quality standards.

Craig says the company's quality focus wasn't solely in the packhouse but from 'the vine to the plate”.

As Orchard Champions, he says the company makes sure the management of its orchards is of the same quality standard as their packing and coolstore processes.

'As a result we are able to provide our growers with exceptional returns. We expect the 2016/17 financial results will improve further with the extra volumes this season. This growth will be supported by further investment in infrastructure and staff development.”

DMS has invested heavily in infrastructure since 2014, with a $9 million coolstore development in Te Puke coming onstream for the 2016/17 season, and a further $12.5 million investment planned for its Te Puna site ready for the 2017 season.

'The Te Puna development, which includes four new coolstores and supporting site expansions, is the biggest ever for DMS, reflecting the growth of the business and ensuring we are able to maintain our high-quality standards with increased fruit volumes,” says Craig.

'We have also made considerable investment in the upskilling of our people and processes, all of which are about strengthening DMS for the future and living up to our brand promise of ‘Increasing Grower Profit'.”