Scales Corporation's chairman (and former chairman of B+LNZ, Special Ag Trade Envoy) has reported a 50% increase in earnings and net profit in the first half of the year, and directors have lifted their guidance for full-year earnings to between $45 million and $50 million. Petersen says the horticulture division reported excellent performance in part due to long-term strategic investment in apple varieties suited to Asian and Middle Eastern markets.