About Ritex
Ritex International was founded in 1986 by a team of former Wrightson Textiles employees, following a management buyout of one of rural New Zealand's most trusted textile suppliers. Their aim was to carry that legacy forward with a renewed focus on practical, reliable, and locally informed service.
Among the founding team was Peter Rutherford, who took on the role of Managing Director — a position he still holds today. Peter has helped steer Ritex through decades of change in industry and global supply chains. The name "Ritex" reflects both WRIghtson and TEXtiles — honouring our roots while building something new.
Today, Ritex remains a proudly family-run business based in Nelson, New Zealand. Our nine-person team covers procurement, warehousing, accounts, marketing, customer service, and more. Though small and tight-knit, we operate at scale — supporting a loyal customer base across New Zealand and Australia.
What sets Ritex apart isn't just the range of products we supply, but the depth of expertise behind them. We've built a global network of trusted suppliers so our customers don't have to. We've evolved with our industries, adapting to changes in technology, regulation, and global sourcing — while staying grounded in the customer-first values we were built on.
We take the stress out of sourcing, deliver clarity and consistency, and back it all with a team that understands your business.
The Ritex Advantage
Sourcing industrial, horticultural, agricultural and hospitality textiles offshore is straightforward until it isn't. Incorrect specifications, inconsistent quality, and unreliable lead times are common risks when buying direct. Ritex removes those risks. Over nearly four decades, we've built direct relationships with manufacturers across Asia and Europe — across every category we supply. Each product line is managed end-to-end by a dedicated category manager who knows the product, knows the supply chain, and knows the industries it serves.
What that means in practice:
Trusted procurement partner with decades of hands-on experience with horticultural and industrial textiles
Flexible minimum order quantities — we work with your volumes, not against them
Custom sizing, specifications, and labelling available across most product lines
Competitive pricing backed by long-term supplier relationships
Consistent stock and reliable lead times
A contact who knows your account
Direct relationships with category experts—from procurement to post-sale support.
Whether you're protecting crops, managing waste, improving growing conditions, or outfitting commercial spaces—we’re here to help you get it right.
Meet the team
Ritex is run by a tight-knit team of specialists based in Nelson, with a Sydney office supporting Australian customers. Most have been with the business for years. Several for decades. That depth of experience shows up in every order.
Ritex International. Built on relationships. Backed by expertise. Continuing a legacy.
Ritex International. Built on relationships. Backed by expertise. Continuing a legacy.