Village Farms International Expands Global Footprint with New Zealand Cannabis Distribution

In a significant move to broaden its international reach, Village Farms International, Inc. (NASDAQ: VFF) announced on February 27, 2025, that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pure Sunfarms, has successfully completed its first shipment of cannabis products to New Zealand. This shipment includes Pink Kush, recognized as the top-selling dried flower strain in Canada for the past four years. The expansion reflects Village Farms’ commitment to tapping into burgeoning medical cannabis markets globally.

The distribution of Pure Sunfarms’ products in New Zealand will be undertaken by Medleaf Therapeutics, a well-established medical cannabis company with a solid distribution network across the country. Medleaf will market the Pink Kush strain under its ‘Bloom’ brand, which is specifically designed for Pure Sunfarms’ offerings. Medleaf's collaboration with clinics and healthcare practitioners positions it well to cater to the medical needs of New Zealand patients.

The New Zealand cannabis market is anticipated to grow at a staggering compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 58% by 2030. This projection underscores the strategic timing of Village Farms' entry into the market. With a growing acceptance and demand for medical cannabis, the partnership with Medleaf is poised to capitalize on this expanding market, providing New Zealand patients with access to high-quality cannabis products.

Michael DeGiglio, CEO of Village Farms, expressed enthusiasm about the company's expanding international presence, stating, “Pink Kush is a major contributor to the continuing success of Village Farms’ Canadian Cannabis business and is being sought out internationally.” DeGiglio emphasized that the partnership with Medleaf marks a pivotal step in the company’s strategy to enhance its global footprint in strategic markets, reinforcing Village Farms’ reputation as a leader in the cannabis sector.

Courtney Letica, CEO of Medleaf, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the excitement surrounding the introduction of Pink Kush to New Zealand patients. Letica noted the strain's impressive track record in Canada and expressed eagerness to provide this highly sought-after product to the local market.

Village Farms has established itself as a significant player in the cannabis industry. The company operates one of the largest cannabis facilities globally through Pure Sunfarms, which is known for its low-cost greenhouse production and strong brand recognition in Canada. Additionally, the company has diversified interests in the cannabis sector across various international markets, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Israel, and Australia.

In Canada, Village Farms also holds an 80% stake in Rose LifeScience, a leading cannabis commercialization expert. This multi-faceted approach positions the company to leverage its operational expertise and distribution capabilities as it expands into new territories.

Beyond cannabis, Village Farms is also making strides in sustainability through its clean energy initiatives. Through Village Farms Clean Energy (VFCE), the company collaborates with Terreva Renewables to generate clean energy from landfill gas, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Vancouver.

Village Farms International’s expansion into New Zealand signifies not only a growth opportunity for the company but also a chance to provide quality medical cannabis products to patients in a rapidly evolving market. With strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability, Village Farms is poised to make a significant impact in the international cannabis landscape. As the company continues to forge ahead, its innovative approach and dedication to quality will likely resonate well with consumers and stakeholders alike.