Key Highlights

  • Cash receipts for the quarter were NZ$736K, down NZ$236K on the prior quarter but up NZ$495K on the prior corresponding period.
  • Regional in-store trials with three major UK retailers on strawberries and raspberries are due to start in October.
  • Zoono products are being used to coat shipping containers carrying fresh produce, with programs in place with four South African fruit exporters.
  • The company said progress has been slower than expected.

Zoono Group Limited (ASX:ZNO) released its Appendix 4C and quarterly activities report for the quarter ended 30 September 2026 on 19 October 2026. The report updated shareholders on the commercialisation of shelf-life extension products with its strategic partner, OSY Group Limited, and on other niche applications.

United Kingdom trials

Regional in-store trials with three major retailers are due to begin in October, covering strawberries and raspberries across domestic and import produce. The trials use punnets supplied by the company’s exclusive UK packaging partner and will run for 8 to 20 weeks, with final rollout decisions to follow. A broader trial program across additional fresh produce categories is being developed with one major retailer. Engagements with other retailers range from early discussions to commercial discussions.

South Africa, Australia and Europe

In South Africa, orders under the exclusive agreement with a leading producer of large-format corrugated packaging are continuing in line with the first-year volume schedule. An in-store trial involving tomatoes in coated board punnets with a premium retailer is scheduled for October or November. Trials of coated plastic punnets for export table grapes have been completed with a plastic manufacturer and two grape producers, and the company is targeting commercial rollout in 2027.

In Australia, direct engagement with all three major retailers has begun following a soft fruit trial, a full-container export trial with a carrot grower is in planning, and discussions with corrugated board manufacturers are progressing. In Europe, multiple trial programs are under way with food producers across soft fruit, tomatoes and salads.

Shipping containers and adjacent programs

Following commercial trials in 2025, Zoono products are being used through OSY to coat shipping containers carrying fresh produce from South Africa and Namibia. Commercial programs are in place with four South African fruit exporters, and approvals are in place with three of the world’s largest container shipping lines, although order volumes are still being discussed. Research projects are under way for cut flower sleeves and for combining the products with other shelf-life technologies.

Cash flow and outlook

Cash receipts were NZ$736K. Net cash used in operating activities was NZ$115K and net cash used in financing activities was NZ$65K. Related party payments of NZ$115K were directors’ fees. Expenditure included NZ$90K for staff costs, NZ$97K for product manufacturing, NZ$635K for administration and corporate overheads and NZ$21K for advertising and marketing.

Zoono said its strategy is working but that progress is slower than expected. It said it is confident it will benefit from materially increased commercial activity as trial programs conclude, deliveries under exclusive packaging contracts scale up and the business broadens into new application categories.

About Zoono

Zoono is a New Zealand-headquartered biotech company that develops, manufactures and distributes antiviral and antibacterial products, including sprays, wipes and foams, based on the Zoono molecule, which bonds to surfaces. Together with OSY, it developed the ZXT range for shelf-life extension. The announcement was authorised by the Board of Zoono Group Limited.