Kagi's Kat Gee and Geoff Neal accepting the Deloitte Fast 50 award
Jeweller secures place in Fast 50 again
Posted November 21, 2013 | By Emily Mobbs • Former Editor
Jewellery brand Kagi appears to be bucking the trend of tough times in
retailing, having made New Zealand’s Deloitte Fast 50 for the third
consecutive year.
Kagi was ranked number 17 on this year’s list and, over the past three years, has achieved more than 350 per cent growth and was the only jewellery-based business to be included.
The company also was one of a small number of businesses to be placed on the list for three years in a row.
Kagi founder and designer Kat Gee was quick to acknowledge her staff who, she said, were a close-knit team and largely responsible for the success of the business.
“It’s so rewarding for all the hard work our Kagi gems [staff] have been doing behind-the-scenes. The success we have achieved is really a credit to them,” Gee told Jeweller.
She added that the brand’s main targets for 2013 were to gain more than 300 retailers in Australasia – which it achieved – and to extend its product line to include items that differed slightly from the brand’s traditional offering.
“Listening to the customer is key to refining our product range to meet their needs. It was actually one of our retailers who suggested that we add gem inserts into our Splendor locket to add a pop of colour,” Gee explained.
In addition to making the Fast 50, Kagi received the Emerging Exporter of the Year award at the Auckland Export Awards earlier this year. Following its success throughout 2013, Gee said she was now ready to take the business to “the next phase”.
“The Kagi journey is certainly an exciting one but as far as we're concerned we've only just scratched the surface … Watch this space!”
Kagi was founded in 2005 and specialises in pearl, gemstones and stainless steel jewellery. Many pieces feature interchangeable elements such as pendants, links and gemstone inserts.
The Deloitte Fast 50 operates in 32 countries and promotes itself as a barometer of successful and innovative business for each region. It has been running in New Zealand since 2001.
To qualify for Fast 50 2013, businesses must have been operating for at least three years and have had more than NZ$300,000 revenue in 2010/2011.
Background reading
Jewellery designer makes Deloitte Fast 50
Jewellery supplier earns place in Top 50