F+B TECH Magazine | June/July 2022

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June/July 2022

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Vol. 3

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10.95 No. 4

editors note THE PARTY’S OVER Tania Walters Publisher

tania@reviewmags.com

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wo key elements of any great party (in my humble opinion) may be a lot harder for Kiwis to get their hands on. A shortage of CO2 is threatening the stock of chicken nuggets and now a global helium shortage is disrupting celebrations further.

The availability of cheese, preserved meats, sparkling beverages, and readyto-eat meals could all suffer due to a shortage of carbon dioxide gas in New

Zealand, with chicken producer, Tegel warning it may not be able to produce some products – particularly every Kiwi’s favourite: chicken nuggets.

The closure of the Marsden Pt oil refinery in March meant the supply of CO2 had been limited.

Michael Brooks from the Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand said industries were only receiving half of the CO2 needed from the supplier.

“There are industry-wide CO2 shortages and companies need CO2 to make chicken nuggets. They are currently receiving 50 per cent of requirements.”

Worker shortages because of Covid and the flu meant those in chicken production had to concentrate on products that were less labour intensive

- such as whole chickens and chicken meat.

Meanwhile, the global helium shortage has been affecting party balloons and even the U.S.A’s National Weather Service.

Helium is a rare substance produced when uranium decays. Already difficult to mine, there are only a few sources in the world that produce the gas.

Currently, the United States is one of the world’s largest helium producers, along with Qatar and Algeria. However, due to supply chain disruptions, including production plant closures and the 2017 embargo on Qatar, the global supply of helium has been severely affected.

In addition to the shortage affecting various instruments and machines that require the gas to function safely,

various companies have been struck with negative balloon sales.

These shortages are compounding an already dire situation for the global food supply chain. What will New Zealand’s response be when it looks like the party is over?

tania@reviewmags.com

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F&B TECHNOLOGY launched to facilitate the connection between food and beverage suppliers of technology, ingredients and packaging across the food and beverage manufacturing sectors for fmcg and foodservice. Copyright 2022

ISSN No.

PUBLISHER Tania Walters GENERAL MANAGER Kieran Mitchell EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Sarah Mitchell EDITOR Caitlan Mitchell SENIOR EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE Sophie Procter ADVERTISING SALES info@reviewmags.com SENIOR DESIGNER Raymund Sarmiento GRAPHIC DESIGNER Debby Wei

2744-3566 (ONLINE) - 2744-5895 (PRINT)

OUR PARTNERS: food& grocery COUNCIL NEW ZEALAND

Retail 6, Heards Bldg, 2 Ruskin St, Parnell, Auckland. PO Box 37140 Parnell, Auckland Tel (09) 3040142 Email: edit@reviewmags.com

June/July 2022

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news MEET THE NEW MEAT GUY!

Former Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has been appointed the new Chairman of the Meat Industry Association following the retirement of current Chairman John Loughlin from the role. Guy said he is looking forward to taking a lead in the sector and working with a range of stakeholders to keep driving the red meat industry forward.

Read more here

NZ EXPORTS UP, BUT IMPORTS UP BY MORE In a world struck by inflation, New Zealand’s trade deficit is widening in response to international price pressures.

The latest trade data released by Statistics New Zealand suggests that New Zealand may continue to experience a negative trade balance in the short-tomedium-term.

Read more here

KIWI BREWERY INVESTS IN CARBON CAPTURE TECHNOLOGY

Nelson-based Eddyline Brewery has said it will be the first craft brewer in New Zealand to capture and reuse carbon dioxide emissions in the production of its beer. A significant investment in the US-based firm Earthly Labs’ CiCi small scale carbon capture technology will see the brewery capture and refine its waste CO2, to be reused in its brewing and packaging processes.

Read more here

SUPPORT FOR INNOVATIVE DAIRY SHEEP SECTOR SCALEUP

The Government is boosting its partnership with New Zealand’s dairy sheep sector to help it lift its value and volume and become an established primary industry. “Globally, the premium alternative dairy category is growing by about 20 percent a year. With New Zealand food and fibre exports forecast to hit a record $52 billion this year, now is the time to expand the industry and tap into even greater value so we can continue growing our exports.”

Read more here

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NARCOTICS LICENCE FOR KIWI MEDICAL CANNABIS COMPANY

Granted a narcotics licence by the federal drug authority which cuts through the regulatory hurdles for entering the key European market, New Zealand medicinal cannabis company Rua BioScience is on track to selling its high-value pain relief product into Germany.

“It is a really important milestone because it opens the door for opportunities in Germany and the rest of Europe.”

Read more here

PACIFIC CROP RESILIENCE SUPPORTED THROUGH CLIMATE AID

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta have announced the first investment from the recently boosted $1.3 billion climate aid fund, a contribution of $10 million to the conservation of Pacific crop seeds impacted by climate change. $10 million will be allocated to the Fiji based Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees (CePaCT), which since 1998 has been conserving the region’s collections of 17 crops including yam, coconut, and 70 percent of the world’s taro varieties.

Read more here

TURNING RUBBISH INTO REVENUE

CiRCLR, the rescued commodities platform that makes being circular simple, is looking for businesses interested in minimising their waste and increasing their revenue potential. They help businesses reduce waste going to landfill by connecting them with businesses that could use their waste as a resource. “Some of the best examples of circularity and sustainability are coming from the food industry, right here in New Zealand.”

Read more here

CONFOIL BAKERY PRODUCTS Confoil offers an extensive range of products to the baking industry including parchment muffin wraps, decorative paper baking moulds, vegetable parchment flan trays and baking paper.

Our muffin wraps are perfect for promoting your muffins and cakes. The stock lines include both plain and printed varieties in white or brown and seasonal prints are also available.

These muffin wraps can be customised with your logo and corporate colours, but minimum quantities do apply.

The exquisite Italian-made Novacart decorated paper-baking moulds can be used in either the microwave or oven and they hold their shape during the cooking process. The perforated bases eliminate excess moisture allowing you to bake and serve in the mould.

Locally manufactured to accredited standards, with all relevant food packaging certifications you can be safe in the knowledge that the packaging is clean and hygienic.

Freephone: 0800 107 620 | Email: info@confoil.co.nz | www.confoil.co.nz June/July 2022

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localnews fromthecover

MSC REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO

ty i l i b a n i ta s u S n a Oce As announced by the United Nations Global Compact at the UN Ocean Conference held at the end of June in Lisbon, Portugal, MSC is pleased to join over 150 stakeholders in signing on to the UN Global Compact Sustainable Ocean Principles.

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uilding on and supplementing the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption – which MSC has long supported and embedded across its operations – the Sustainable Ocean Principles provide a framework for responsible business practices across ocean sectors and geographies covering ocean health and productivity, governance and engagement and data and transparency.

The world depends on a healthy, productive, and resilient ocean for food security, climate mitigation and economic livelihoods. Climate change, overfishing, pollution, and unsustainable and inequitable development are damaging the health of the ocean and seas.

MSC believes that the health of the oceans is vital to its own continued success. The sea is the lifeblood of global trade, and so in turn, as the world’s largest container line, it is serious about its efforts to protect oceans and to conduct global shipping in a safe and reliable way.

MSC also agrees with the UN that collective

action is the key to a future with healthy, thriving oceans. The maritime industry plays a key role in gaining a clear understanding of the environment in which companies operate and their impact on it. As well as the theme of this year’s World Oceans Day being Collective Action for the Ocean, the UN has also declared 2021-2030 as the UN Decade of Ocean Science.

A Collaborative Approach to Healthy Oceans As a world leader engaged in the shipping and logistics sector, MSC recognises the collective responsibility of companies to assess their impact on the ocean, protect ocean health and take action on ocean sustainability, which for the company is both a strategic imperative and a key business priority.

“Oceans play a vital role in the health of our blue planet, producing half of the world’s oxygen as well as regulating our climate. By signing the Sustainable Ocean Principles, we are joining with other blue economy companies to help build a sustainable blue economy,” noted Stefania Lallai, Vice President Sustainability of MSC’s Cargo Division.

As a member of the UNGC Ocean Stewardship Coalition and the Maritime Just Transition Task Force, MSC believes in working with a variety of partners to make an impact beyond its own operations. These collaborative platforms form part of MSC’s Sustainability Roadmap in response to the rapidly evolving landscape and its efforts to address the complex set of global challenges the world faces today, leveraging strategic alliances across the maritime ecosystem to protect and restore the health of oceans.

“This commitment by 150 blue economy companies shows the private sector’s willingness to support SDG 14. Healthy and productive oceans rely on all actors to do their part. I am encouraged that these companies are committed to integrating ocean health into their corporate strategies,” said Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the United Nations Global Compact.

The UN Ocean Conference and UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030) serve as ongoing reminders of the importance of the maritime

industry’s role in the health of our oceans and enabling resilient and sustainable supply chains.

Sustainability at the Heart of the Business MSC’s approach is not just limited to external partnerships – the company can make a positive impact as MSC and it views sustainability as critical for the future.

MSC operates one of the most modern fleets in the world with the aim of minimising its environmental impact. It is focused on developing the fleet to be able to use more low- and zero-carbon fuels, as well as deploying energy-saving technologies and new designs that enable smooth sailing with less fuel.

MSC also takes steps to reduce the potential impact on marine habitats in the areas its ships pass through, for example by carefully planning routes, slowing down and avoiding animal breeding grounds, and reducing underwater noise. Better routes protect our coastlines and the animals that live in our waters.

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reconnecting with fiji

Fiji OUR FRIENDLY AND FLEXIBLE PACIFIC PARTNERS

By DANIEL STOW

Fiji's Trade Commissioner, ANZ

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Fiji is made up of more than 330 islands, 110 of which are inhabited by a population of around 900,000.

Fiji and New Zealand are natural partners, sharing a history of strong ties encompassing heritage, culture, sport, business and education. Fiji is New Zealand’s largest trading partner across the Pacific Islands, and the only country in the region to be amongst its top 20 trading partners.

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rior to the pandemic, our total two-way trade was worth $898.07 million and Fiji exports to New Zealand were worth $162 million, largely underpinned by exports of fresh produce, pharmaceutical products, and garments. But the COVID-19 pandemic had resulted in a decline in two-way trade by 9.37 percent, which fell to $813.90 million in 2021.

TRANSFORMING FIJI At no time in the country’s history have Fijians held greater confidence in the direction of its nation or in the future it is working hard to build. Fijian income levels are steadily increasing, the nation has moved up the ladder to become an upper middle-income country, and its living standards are the highest they have ever been, as Fijians enjoy the benefits of eight consecutive years of economic growth.

These achievements have been driven by the establishment of a modern and inclusive Fijian Constitution, along with an unprecedented programme of administrative reforms across Government; substantial and consistent public investment in

infrastructure, public utilities, education, health and social inclusion; and a concerted effort to position Fiji as the hub of economic activity and regional engagement in the Pacific.

Fiji has also emerged as a respected advocate on some of the great challenges facing humanity, including climate change, sustainable development, and the preservation of our oceans.

Since 2017, the Fijian government has been working towards Fiji’s National Development Plan (NDP), with the vision of ‘Transforming Fiji’, which maps out the way forward for Fiji and all Fijians to realise its full potential as a nation. The NDP is aligned with global commitments including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Consistent with the goal of the Paris Agreement to achieve climate neutrality and a low-emission world, we will develop a 2050 Pathway to decarbonise the Fijian economy.

NEW ANZ TRADE COMMISSIONER APPOINTED The Fiji Consulate General & Trade Commission, together with

the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism & Transport, is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Stow as Fiji’s Trade Commissioner to Australia & New Zealand.

Stow has been with the Trade Commission for the past four and half years and has extensive experience in international trade, development, and digital technology. Stow previously held the position of Manager Trade & Investment and since being appointed as Officer-in-Charge in mid-2019, has overseen nearly $150 million in registered investment projects and over $120 million in facilitated exports.

“Throughout the pandemic, we have also undertaken further market research and analysis in order to identify opportunities for Fijian products and engaged in capacity building training around digital literacy and e-commerce to help SME’s get into a better position than what they were pre-covid,” commented Stow.

The Trade Commission is responsible for trade and investment promotion to attract high-quality FDI into Fiji and find new market access opportunities

for Fijian export products.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be appointed to the role of Trade Commissioner. This is also accompanied by an overwhelming sense of duty and obligation to use this position to help provide greater economic opportunities for Fijians and further contribute to Fiji’s ongoing economic recovery & development,” Stow said.

Prior to joining the Trade Commission, Stow was a Senior Account Executive at Google Australia and is passionate about utilising digital technology as a platform to further enhance international trade. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) and Diploma of Languages from the University of Melbourne and Juris Doctor from the University of Sydney. Stow also has experience working on international trade & development training and projects in Indonesia, India & Central America.

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MISSION TO FIJI - NZFBC CONFERENCE 2022

The strength of New Zealand and Fiji bilateral relations is undeniable; however, the inability to travel over the past two years has presented some challenges for New Zealand businesses looking to trade goods and services, and/or invest in Fiji.

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ence, when New Zealand border restrictions were relaxed, the New Zealand Fiji Business Council (NZFBC) immediately decided to go ahead with their annual business mission to Fiji.

Despite the short notice, the response was overwhelming; around 40 representatives from New Zealand companies joined

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Chandar Sen, President of the NZFBC, in Fiji.

“Our members have an interest across a range of sectors and modes of business; these include, manufacturing, boiler services, training and education, professional services and environmental management,” noted Sen. Throughout the week, the New Zealand delegation had the chance to hear about the resilience of the Fijian economy and the opportunities available in Fiji; to learn about the business registration processes and available support from government agencies; and to attend B2B meetings and the Fiji New Zealand and New Zealand Fiji Business Councils’ joint conference in Denarau.

FIJI’S BEST EVENTS LINE-UP

The New Zealand Fiji Business Council worked closely with key partners including MFAT, NZTE and Investment Fiji to offer its members a great variety of events, and the opportunity to connect with Fiji’s top players.

The ‘Enabling Trade Recovery’ was inaugurated on June 20th

by Chandar Sen, who welcomed Fiji’s Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Hon Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E. Charlotte Darlow and the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Ariff Ali. Attendees also heard from both public, Investment Fiji, Registrar Companies, Fiji Immigration Department, Fiji Revenue and Customs Services; and private sector entities, ANZ, Kookai, PwC and Outsource Fiji.

“In terms of New Zealand investors, we saw from our permit application, tourism goes up as a leading industry. After tourism is real estate. Based on our record, we have a total of 149 New Zealanders holding an investor permit right now, and 86 are those that continue to extend their investor permit”, said Immigration Director, Amelia Komaisavai.

In addition, the New Zealand representatives attended a networking cocktail hosted

by H.E. Charlotte Darlow at New Zealand House in Suva.

Distinguished guests included Osea Cawaru, Permanent Secretary

for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Mark Dixon, CEO FRCS, Jenny Seeto, Investment Fiji Board Chair, and David Dewar, NZTE Trade Commissioner to the Pacific.

“Fiji is Aotearoa’s largest and most significant economic partner in the Pacific region. The strength of the New Zealand delegation, the quality of their Fijian engagements, and the fact that this was the first delegation to visit Fiji since borders reopened, all underscores the closeness of that business partnership, as well as the scale of the opportunities available as Fiji and New Zealand both rebound from the COVID pandemic,” said Dewar.

Following a couple of days of attending B2B meetings and visiting several facilities across Viti Levu, the delegation arrived at Denarau. The exclusive island was the Fiji New Zealand and New Zealand Fiji Business Councils’ preferred location to hold their 2022 Joint Conference on June 24th. The event’s major sponsor was Neptune Pacific Direct Line and was proudly supported by others.

RECONNECTING WHANAU, FRIENDS, AND BUSINESSES

Nearly three years have passed since the NZF and FNZ Business Councils hosted their last joint conference at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. This year over 160 people gathered at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau to hear from panellists who reflected on the theme ‘New Beginnings: Partnering for a Sustainable Future’.

The event was officially opened

by the Chief Guest Fiji’s President H.E. Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere who acknowledged the role of the Councils in promoting friendship, goodwill and understanding between the business communities of Fiji and New Zealand.

“This joint conference is an important staging ground for co-operation between business and government leaders from Fiji and New Zealand,” added His Excellency.

Following his speech, attendees

heard from FNZ and NZF Business Councils’ Presidents, Renu Chand and Chandar Sen, respectively; New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji H.E Charlotte Darlow; Reserve Bank of Fiji’s Governor, Ariff Ali; and Fiji Department of Immigration’s Director Amelia Kotobalavu Komaisavai.

The 33rd Joint Conference of the Fiji New Zealand and New Zealand Fiji Business Councils coincided with the NZ public holiday Matariki. Both Council’s Presidents agreed on how the theme ‘New Beginnings: Partnering for a Sustainable Future’ closely aligned to Matariki (reflecting on the past, celebrating the present and looking to the future). They also commented on the Councils’ constant focus on the importance of partnerships between New Zealand and Fiji as businesses in both countries strive for success to promote economic growth and prosperity.

“There’s a huge amount of work behind the scenes to coordinate an event such as this – however the feedback from the delegates, from the speakers and from the New Zealand Trade Delegation who made their way from New Zealand – made it all worthwhile. We are really looking forward to hosting again in 2024 – somewhere here in Fiji at an equally awesome venue,” concluded Chand.

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reconnecting with fiji

SUPPORTING ORGANIC FARMING

Fijian Minister for Agriculture, Dr Mahendra Reddy has noted that organic agriculture helps in improving livelihoods, mitigating climate change and creating independent sustainable food systems.

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hile speaking at the opening of the Regional meeting of Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom) and Organic stakeholders in Nadi yesterday, he said the ministry valued and fully supported programs that encouraged organic agriculture.

“Since 2019 the Ministry of Agriculture has been actively promoting Organic Agriculture through initiatives highlighted in its 5 Year Strategic Development Plan supported by the Agriculture Expansion and Growth Plan,” he said.

“These initiatives incorporate reduction in use of synthetic or chemical fertilizers in Fiji and this was operationalised in the banning of Paraquat and weedicide in early 2020, production of Bacterium Culture and establishment of

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compost sites.

“The ministry in consultation with PoetCom has also certified the island of Rotuma as organic and work is in progress to also declare the same for Cicia and Koro Island in the near future.”

Pacific Community (SPC) Land Resources Division director Karen

Mapusua said in the Pacific region, organic production was both traditional and new.

“It is traditional in the sense that most producers to this day use tried and tested practices handed down from generation to generation that are generally in harmony with the environment and with modern organic principles,” she said.

“And it is new in that Pacific countries and territories now understand the benefits of certification for obtaining access to external markets, and the need for research and training to develop the sector and generate much needed livelihoods for their people.

“As the organic movement around the world has developed and organized, so has the interest in further developing organic farming in the Pacific.”

ORGANIC FERTILISER PROGRAMME A SUCCESS

The Fijian Ministry of Agriculture’s naturally produced fertiliser program, Bacterium Culture, has seen a distribution of more than 11,000 litres of the fertiliser across the country.

Minister for Agriculture Mahendra Reddy said the program that was developed last year encouraged farmers to establish their own compost sites and improve their soil fertility.

“This mixture is made from Lactobacillus bacteria extracted from raw milk, obtained from the ministry’s dairy farm at Koronivia, mixed with rice wash water and molasses for bacteria to feed on during storage,” he said.

“This Bacterium Culture program is a best alternative option to farmer’s use of insecticides and weedicides that kills micro — organisms in the soil. As we speak, almost all agriculture stations in Central, Northern and Western Divisions have installed their 500 litre Bacterium Culture tanks.

“This will enable them to supply to farmers in their nearby localities free of charge.”

He added the ministry also assisted 10 clusters at Nokorotubu District in Ra with 200 litre drums of Bacterium Culture to support their work on organic agriculture.

FACILITATING EXPORTS FROM FIJI TO AOTEAROA The Pacific Trade Investment New Zealand (PTI NZ) Trade team, Trade Commissioner Glynis Miller, and Trade Development Manager Aude Douyere, visited Taveuni, the Garden Island of Fiji, as part of their trade mission to facilitate exports from Fiji to NZ. Taveuni is the third-largest island in Fiji, after Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, with a total land area of 434 square kilometres. Taveuni is called the ‘Garden Isle’ for good reason. Central parts of the island receive very high rainfall rates and being volcanic in origin, Taveuni’s soils are extremely rich and fertile.

Taveuni society is rural and there is

a heavy reliance on agriculture for economic support.

Agriculture is then the most important income in Taveuni for landowners and locals who are more and more looking at exports to increase their revenues and improve their way of living.

The team, accompanied by Samoa High Commissioner in Fiji, Ali’ioaiga Feturi Elisaia was honoured by the traditional ceremony and warm welcome received by Government District Officer Kelevi Vakarusa, Ministry of Agriculture team, Taveuni communities, farmers, and small businesses owners.

It was a unique opportunity for the team to present the PTI NZ mission and inform on export best practices, and New Zealand market

opportunities for Taveuni products.

The ceremony was followed by the onsite visits of multiple organic farms and businesses where the team had rich exchanges with farmers and business owners to get a better understanding of their products and projects.

“It really makes a difference to meet face to face and visit the farms and facilities to appreciate the projects and challenges in their whole and provide customised assistance,” commented Miller.

PTI NZ has committed to assisting existing Taveuni exporters of agriculture products such as root crops and kava to NZ and will support the export capable SMEs and groups of farmers in their pathway to becoming export ready.

“We were overwhelmed with the outstanding quality of Taveuni products: healthy vegetables grown in organic soil, high scale production of sweet fresh pineapples, premium organic certified coconut oil, artisan healthy food products such as teas made from ginger, turmeric or cocoa, coconut flower sap, cacao butter and even chocolate peanut butter, all made with local ingredients.

“There is definitely high potential for niche exports to New Zealand and we look forward to continuing our work with Taveuni small producers.”

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importexport

Source Ethically and Sustainably From the Blue Pacific It’s no secret that consumers are increasingly more astute in asking where their products are sourced from, and how they are produced. People are actively seeking out goods with the descriptors “sustainable, organic, traceable and fair trade”.

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he main factors driving this upward trend include a growing awareness of the repercussions from the use of synthetic ingredients, the effect they have on health, the rise in plantbased manufacturing demand, and an ageing population.

The sun, sea, and fertile lands of the Blue Pacific create perfect conditions to many natural and useful ingredients using local farmers, traditional knowledge and processing procedures which do not strip products of their natural goodness.

The producers Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand (PTINZ) represent grow sustainably farmed, ethically sourced products which are harvested by local families and communities. By choosing to purchase from Pacific producers you are helping to employ these local families, raise their living standard, and positively impact their community and their country’s economy.

For more than 30 years, PTINZ has been the Pacific region’s lead trade promotion agency, the trade and investment arm of the Pacific Islands Forum and is funded by MFAT. As a not-for-profit organisation, PTINZ does not generate income from any of the products listed. Its role is to facilitate the introduction between businesses in the Blue Pacific and retailers, wholesalers, and distributors in Aotearoa New Zealand. These products include:

VANILLA POWDER

Pure, unadulterated vanilla bean powder lending sublime flavour to baking. Because it doesn’t contain alcohol which can evaporate in the high heat as it does with extracts vanilla powder will retain its gorgeous flavour. From an organic certified producer in Vanuatu providing an income to vanilla suppliers living in remote villages. Origin: Vanuatu

NATURAL AROMAS

We have available beautiful natural extracts made from 100% local and natural plants. With no additives these aromas are the scent of the Pacific Islands with cacao, lemon, combava and

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coffee available. This provider is currently working on gaining their organic agriculture certification as well as a range of natural food colours. Origin: New Caledonia

CACAO NIBS

Cacao nibs are a highly nutritious chocolate product made from crushed cocoa beans which contain antioxidants. The small size and intense chocolatey flavour of cacao nibs help give them the nickname “nature’s chocolate chips.” Great as a snack, add to favourite trail mixes, granola, smoothies, or Mexican mole sauces. Origin: Solomon Islands

MOZUKU SEAWEED

Low in calories, mozuku seaweed makes an ideal snack and side dish to enjoy. It is a unique brown seaweed which is a natural source of fucoidan with great antioxidant properties.

When mozuku is boiled in water, its colour turns green. The seaweed has a firm, crunchy texture like wakame. In Japan, mozuku is often eaten as a form of tempura, suimono (a classic Japanese autumnal soup), or with a vinegar sauce.

Origin: Tonga

BLUE PRAWNS

TURMERIC

COCONUT OIL

The Caledonian blue prawn is the only French prawn to be recognised as ‘sashimi’ in Japan. Its unique taste, firm but tender flesh and beautiful blue colour make it a seafood product of excellence especially appreciated by chefs and consumers. The giant blue prawns are produced in very low quantities (1,200 tons per year on average), in basins with natural beds, using nonaggressive traditional methods. This producer works alongside local tribes to ensure production and harvesting practices are environmentally conscious. Origin: New Caledonia

Turmeric has exploded onto the foodie scene in recent years. A highly versatile spice which can be used in scrambles and frittatas, roast veges, rice, soups and as a tea latte. With proven health benefits turmeric has been used for thousands of years as both a spice and a medicinal herb well known for aiding digestion. Available in powder or paste. Origin: Fiji, Papua New Guinea

Coconut oil is ideal for searing, sautéing, and, depending on the grade, even frying. When it comes to baking, it›s a better substitute for butter than liquid-at-room-temperature oils, like olive oil or canola oil. We have extensive options on offer that will fit a variety of needs: from copra oil to cold pressed virgin coconut oil including organically certified options. Origin: Fiji, French Polynesia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu.

GOURMET SALT

Salt is shaking off it’s bad rep and is coming back with a vengeance in the form of solarevaporated, unprocessed artisan sea salt from the pristine waters of the Blue Pacific. Moisture is locked into each uniquely formed salt crystal.

Gourmet salt makes a wonderful addition to any dish or cocktail with blends such as chilli, hibiscus or ginger and curcuma. Try a gourmet chilli salt blend on fresh mango and be blown away. Origin: Fiji, French Polynesia

GINGER

Like turmeric this edible root is prized for its medicinal properties as well as being a fabulous addition to the kitchen spice staple. Spicy, warm, and sharp ginger when cooked imparts a somewhat sweet flavour making it a lovely addition to curries, stir fries, dumplings, and soups. Available in powder or paste. Origin: Fiji, Papua New Guinea

PTINZ have so many more products in addition to those highlighted here and would love to hear from you and find out how it can connect you with these amazing products. Get in contact with and request a full food and beverage product catalogue.

Email aude.d@pacifictradeinvest.co.nz, rohan@pacifictradeinvest. co.nz or visit www.pacifictradeinvest. co.nz

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sustainabilitypallets

Pallets

THE ESSENTIAL WAREHOUSE TOOL There are many components of warehousing operation, from racking to inventory software, equipment, and staff. There’s one simple item, however, that without which, no warehouse can get off the ground: and that’s pallets.

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xperienced warehouse managers and logistic teams understand the value of selecting the right pallet for specific inventory, but there’s a lot that goes into that choice.

One of the first things you should consider is pallet positioning (rack width vs depth). If you plan to use oddsized pallets, you may require a custom pallet rack configuration to accommodate the pallet dimensions.

Determining your rack frame design will set you in the direction for then choosing the

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best pallet material for your inventory. Whether you choose wood, plastic, metal, or some combination of the three, your pallet rack system should be configured to maximise your resources.

COMMON WAREHOUSE PALLET MATERIALS • Wood Pallets • Plastic Pallets • Metal Pallets

Wooden pallets are the most common, so let’s start there.

The Pros of Wood Pallets • • • • •

Affordable Lightweight Customizable Repairable Recyclable

The type of wood and moisture content will vary by pallet manufacturer, but generally wood pallets are a good universal choice.

Where you need to be concerned about using wood pallets is for inventory vulnerable to bacterial or chemical contamination. Because of the moisture inherent in wood, the pallets can harbour bacteria and potentially transmit moisture to exposed inventory causing damage.

Wood can also be susceptible to bugs. In addition, wood can splinter and/or fasteners such as nails or screws can come loose and catch on exposed inventory.

Wood pallets are ideal for sealed and/or nonbiodegradable materials.

Plastic pallets are becoming more popular and more common.

The Pros of Plastic Pallets • • • • • • •

Durable Easy to clean Moisture resistant Lightweight Don’t splinter Recyclable Insect free

The initial price of plastic pallets is their biggest con, they can be three times more expensive than wood. However, if you have a closed-loop inventory control (where return of your pallet is guaranteed) then plastic could be an economical choice after all.

Other concerns for plastic pallets would be load weights of over 1500 lbs., exposure to heat, or use in dynamic racking systems. While heat exposure would have to be extreme to damage the plastic pallet it is a concern in certain scenarios of storage and transportation.

Plastic pallets are ideal for indoor or outdoor storage, fragile products, food processing and pharmaceutical products.

Metal Pallets are clearly durable and sturdy, yet metal pallets make up only a small percentage of the pallet market.

high initial price, pallet weight and rust susceptibility.

Most metal pallets are made from steel or aluminium. Steel metal pallets are ideal for products that would be susceptible to corrosion and/or require a “closed environment”, i.e. auto parts, ammunition.

Once you’ve chosen the right pallet/pallets to handle your inventory needs, you need to protect that investment just like any other important operational tool. Pallet inspection and repair should be a regular warehousing function. Money spent on keeping your pallets in good shape repays you in efficiency and minimising downtime and equipment or inventory damage.

The Pros of Metal Pallets • • • •

Stiff Strong Sanitary Insect free

The disadvantages of metal pallets are

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sustainabilitypallets

THE SMART ALTERNATIVE TO WOOD

There’s a growing awareness in business that there are many downsides to the traditional wooden pallets. When searching for pallet supplies, wooden pallets, plastic pallets and standard pallet size, companies are increasingly looking for something new.

They want a greener, safer, more affordable alternative.

T

revor Burgess, Managing Director of DoubleEco Limited, believes the answer is recyclable cardboard pallets (also known as paperboard pallets) for both domestic and export freight.

DoubleEco is a leading designer and manufacturer of cardboard pallets and stackable heavy-duty

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bins. Its cardboard pallets are made using corrugated cardboard and honeycomb cardboard, which have a higher strength-to-weight ratio than timber yet are incredibly light by comparison.

Burgess’ background is in the corrugated carton business. In 1991 he visited a plant in the United States that had just started manufacturing cardboard pallets.

He brought the information back to New Zealand but could not encourage his employers at the time to do the same here.

“After a number of years trying to gauge the acceptability of cardboard pallets in New Zealand, I left the mainstream industry and started DoubleEco Ltd in 2008,” he explained.

“The first products were made in my garage, then we progressed from a very small factory, to a larger and larger facility. Today we employ up to six people, and have customers such as Fonterra,

Anzco, Talleys, Cedenco, and a raft of others from Whangarei to Timaru which we cover from our Wellington based factory.”

A cardboard pallet consists of a top deck that supports the product, and some sort of bearer or foot underneath that holds it off the ground and provides a fork gap.

“Several other variations exist, but essentially, we laminate sheets of corrugated cardboard together, to different thicknesses, in order to manufacture these components.

By varying the thickness, we can adapt the strength of the pallet to match the product weight and characteristics.”

Cardboard pallets offer several advantages over wooden ones, but, as Burgess pointed out, they are not 100 percent replacements under all situations – for obvious reasons.

“Cardboard is perfectly suitable for many exports that are basically in dry environments. Markets like fruit that are in high humidity,

coolstores are less suitable, and markets that involve outside storage (like farmgates) are unsuitable.

“When a prospective customer comes to us, we evaluate using our experience as to whether this is a good application or not and will recommend a spec. We often will run small trial quantities to help get customers and their staff get ‘comfortable’ with the idea of using cardboard.

“Some characteristics of a product, or plant, or handling system may not suit cardboard. We try to filter these out.”

Cardboard pallets weigh considerably less than wooden counterparts, thus offer freight savings when airfreighting which can exceed the pallet cost a number of times over.

“For airfreight, they are nobrainers. Less weight also makes it more friendly for packing staff, they can move and position them on their own which is very appreciated.”

Cardboard pallets are clean and smooth, they don’t have splinters, don’t harbour bugs, and they are considerably drier than kiln dried wood – which protects against moisture damage such as corrosion or rust.

Because they are cardboard, they are a non-notifiable packaging

material, meaning they don’t have to be stamped with the ISPM15 codes and there is no risk of noncompliant materials holding up a shipment One of the main advantages of cardboard pallets is they are 100 percent recyclable in any cardboard recycling process anywhere in the world. They are actually made of about 65 percent recycled material as well, so they tick all the boxes to organisations wanting to reduce their carbon footprints “A little-known fact is that most wood pallets that we ‘export’ rarely get re-used as they are of a size that suits an export container or the product itself, and seldom suit overseas racking and trucking systems,” expressed Burgess.

“They mainly go to landfill or get burnt as fuel – thus releasing the carbon sequestered in the timber.

“The reason for this is there are no common ‘standards’ in terms of pallet size. Take, for example, a small 800x800 pallet that suits a particular product, it will fall through racks. The Americans like the 40”x40”, the Australians like 1165x1165, a lot of retail like 1200x1000, and a lot of Europeans use the 1200x800 size, but at the end of the day, if your product requires a 1500x1500 pallet, that’s what you use to get it to your

customer, and which is completely unsuitable for re-use.”

In contrast to many wooden pallets, Double Eco pallets can be extensively customised in terms of size and load carrying ability.

In many instances, the designs are bespoke to provide a specific answer to a client’s unique needs.

“We have been extremely busy these past two years as the move toward more sustainable packaging accelerates,” Burgess noted.

Today, when an order is ready,

and the truck is loaded, there is pride in the accomplishment of a job well done. Whether it’s NZmade plastic mouldings on their way to Australia or high-grade lactose powder going to Indonesia for asthmatics, the DoubleEco team are inspired, knowing – working closely with its clients – that they are part of something important.

“We are a family business, and we try very hard to serve our clients well, and I think we do.”

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sustainabilitypallets

SUSTAINABLE DISPOSAL Where Do Wooden Pallets Go? One of the main advantages of using wooden pallets is that they can be recycled and repurposed for other uses.

GREEN GORILLA

C

ommercial waste collection, recycling and diversion service, GREEN GORILLA, offers sustainable recycling and waste solutions for Auckland businesses, including the disposal of wood waste such as wooden pallets.

Wood waste is usually sourced from wood pallets and because timber pallets are constructed from untreated timber, it’s ideal for processing into landscaping chips and high-quality animal bedding. All wood recycling is done at Green Gorilla’s Onehunga processing facility.

Green Gorilla’s waste processing plant is an innovative electrically powered processing unit that produces consistent quality wood chip products. All the electricity at Green Gorilla, is 100 percent renewable and carbon zero certified electricity sourced from wind, hydro, and solar electricity by the excellent folk at Ecotricity.

Green Gorilla’s Construction and Demolition Waste Processing Facility diverts more than 75 percent of incoming construction and demolition waste from Auckland’s landfills.

Its wood-chipping operation turns treated wood into biofuel and untreated wood into

REHARVEST

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landscaping chips and animal bedding. The plasterboard processing plant separates gypsum for horticultural and agricultural sectors.

Landscaping Chips made from Untreated Timber • Air-dried recycled untreated timber • Your choice of natural or coloured chip • Free from seeds and plant matter • Free draining ‘knitted’ product • Long-term stability with the slow breakdown

Animal bedding made from untreated timber

Green Gorilla animal bedding and mulch are shredded from dry, recycled, and untreated timber. Its animal bedding wood chip is suitable for horse and cow animal bedding. Bulk sales of the bedding chips go to Auckland, Northland, and Waikato farms.

• Free draining absorbent animal bedding > 90 x 30 mm chip size.

• Bulk animal bedding chip is stored inside with moisture content under 18 percent • Dry recycled wood chips are best for animal bedding - good moisture absorption

• Buy animal bedding that is free draining • Hard-wearing New Zealand animal bedding • Ideal for indoor shelters or outdoor animal feed pads and stand-off pads REHARVEST TIMBER also take old wooden pallets (approx. 400,000 tonnes per year) diverted from land fill and recycle them in to children’s playground mulch, animal bedding, equestrian surfacing, and decorative mulch.

Made totally from recycled timber, these naturally seasoned woodchip/fibre products provide a versatile, impact resistant, and virtually dust free surface. The firm surface ensures ease of use by wheelchairs, wheeled vehicles, and horses.

In 1994 Reharvest Timber Products Ltd was founded by Ted Edwards with the core belief steaming from our original purpose - utilising waste wood to create an environmentally sustainable product and reducing unnecessary landfill. 25 years later Reharvest Timber provides five effective garden mulch products throughout: Cushionfall, Cushionride, Reharvest Enviromulch, Animal Bedding and coloured garden mulch. All of which are biodegradable.

column

MEETING IN THE MIDDLE

You’ve probably seen dozens of provocative headlines imploring you to embrace technology, making dire predictions about the survival of your business without it. Now, I’m not saying that’s wrong — businesses of all sizes need to make the most of the digital tools they have available. But it’s equally true that technology providers need you.

I

JOHN-DANIEL TRASK Co-Founder/CEO, Raygun

’ve been in the software business for 20 years, and e-commerce has been heralded as the “next big thing” for just as long. As early as the 90s, vendors were being warned: the competition is one click away — adapt or die! In some cases, these gloomy ultimatums came true. Plenty of seemingly rock-solid businesses have become casualties of the digital era. It’s undeniable that traditional modes of shopping and selling are no longer standalone solutions.

However, the underlying principle hasn’t changed: meet your customers where they are. If that’s online, you need to be too.

Indulge me for a minute with a personal anecdote. Around this time last year, I ordered a spa pool online. It was chilly, the prices

were reasonable, and I decided to splurge. I got that great burst of dopamine when I placed the order — you know the one — and started looking forward to delivery. And looking.

And looking. And looking.

It’s now been an impressive 11 months since I ordered my pool.

I got an email the other day that promised delivery next week. I’m not optimistic. Now, I’m confident that there are really good reasons why this has happened. That’s not the issue. We all know that there have been major supply chain disruptions both internationally and domestically, and that people are doing their best in the circumstances. The problem isn’t the delays, it’s the silence.

With a couple of decent software tools plugged in, the supplier could have automated a series of updates, letting me know what progress was or wasn’t happening. This would have helped me to understand the situation, adjust expectations, and avoid disappointment. Most importantly, it would have saved the time and energy of myself and their support staff following up, creating negative associations with my once-

exciting purchase, and turning a pleasure into a cautionary tale.

This is a situation where tech could have easily solved (or at the very least, minimized) a problem and provided a far better experience.

I’d like to help you stop thinking about digital spaces as an optional add-on, or an overwhelming sea of acronyms and symbols, and think of them as a utility, another area to welcome customers into.

Tech has long been insulated by its own necessity. The possibilities we provide are so in-demand that we’ve been able to trust that customers will seek us out and play by our rules, so we haven’t needed to focus too much on communicating with or convincing our market.

The mountain has always come to Muhammed.

But software has come a long way from a few keen early adopters. It’s everywhere, and for tech businesses, the flood of new users has slowed down as the digital migration process nears completion. It’s time for us to get a bit better at talking to the rest of the world, or we’ll lose out to people with better communication skills.

At the other end, as business

owners and end-users, you have access to an ever-broader and more sophisticated software industry, with more options to become more responsive and engaging to your customers. The way I see it, both sides can benefit from understanding each other better.

So in this column, I’ll aim to dispel some of the fog and fear around software. I won’t use jargon, make assumptions or be dismissive.

I’ll attempt to give advice that’s actually practical and plain-spoken.

Because technology shouldn’t be a necessary evil, but a solution and an opportunity. Confusion shouldn’t eclipse opportunity, and if we shut the majority out, we’ll miss out on countless opportunities to see how smart people apply our ideas in unexpected and exciting ways.

I’d also like to open the floor for you, the user, to ask your questions.

Any topics you’d like an honest take on, I invite you to submit to [spec email address?]. I can’t promise to have all the answers, but I’ll do my best to give clear and useful answers, without patronising or assuming. If you’re open to learning, I’m open to sharing. Let’s meet in the middle.

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meet thedistiller

Chris Reid was 18 when he left Wellington to study wine science and viticulture in Hawke’s Bay. He then worked as a winemaker across France, the USA, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson and Martinborough, before setting up Reid Brothers Distilling with his brother, Stewart.

CHRIS REID

Reid+Reid, Martinborough

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big part of his desire to start a distillery was the lack of excitement he felt towards the domination of big market brands within the New Zealand spirits market.

“I felt there wasn’t any personality behind it.”

Reid’s approach to business and distilling is simple, to make drinks he wants to consume and be honest.

The idea was formed in 2013, while working in Burgundy. Reid’s brother Stewart was working in Edinburgh as a renewable energy engineer.

During a trip to Scotland, the brothers visited several gin distilleries.

“We were particularly excited by their creative use of local ingredients in contemporary gins.”

For Reid, a great spirit isn’t just what’s in the bottle. He enjoys a back story on who produced it if they’re still running and where they are making it. “My view is it needs to have personality to be great.”

Reid + Reid have been operating for seven years, growing from a hobby business, making gin in a 50m2 shed, to a full-time business, selling to five different markets from a purpose built 300m2 distillery and bar. The brothers are proud to have done this without shareholders or crowdfunding.

In the distillery, working on his own, Reid likes to keep things as simple and efficient as possible.

The space was designed to ensure there is room to grow. Reid + Reid recently invested in a new still and new packaging equipment, making production more efficient and granting Reid his weekends back.

The distillery site used to be a bar horse paddock, but in the past two years Reid has increased biodiversity, planting thousands of trees and plants. The company is also restoring wetland and planting trees and native bush to cover 2Ha of land at their vineyard.

Like all businesses, Reid + Reid was hit with supply chain issues due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

They now purchase inventory a year in advance and in much higher quantities to ensure they don’t run out. This has been tough on cash flow but while the increase in costs hasn’t helped, Reid + Reid’s domestic sales have continued to rise.

Reid finds the most rewarding aspect of his job to be a simple compliment. “While I make products to my own taste/styles, it’s always nice when someone says I love your gin. It’s also exciting when friends who live overseas send pictures of our gin when they see it at a bar.”

In the future, Reid is looking forward to getting the distillery bar back open and running for Spring. Using the new still, Reid + Reid will be releasing new styles of gin featuring botanicals from the distillery garden, and with borders reopening hopes to visit the export markets again.

Overseas distilleries have a price and a marketing advantage over New Zealand distilleries due to population sizes of their main markets and by the fact they are owned by large beverage corporations. Kiwis may be tempted to purchase cheaper overseas alternatives, but, without local support, distilleries will not be able to grow and pass on the cost savings of scaling up.

“Now is the time we need New Zealanders to support independent local distilleries.”

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growersnews REGIONAL YOUNG GROWER WINNERS REVEALED Central Otago

INTRODUCING THE NZ AVOCADO COLLECTIVE

The collective brings together three of New Zealand’s biggest avocado growers, located in the far north of New Zealand, one of the most pristine and remote growing environments on the planet. The NZAC was born out of a desire to streamline the efficiencies with which we grow and market New Zealand avocados. Drawing on complementary strengths, Valic NZ’s strong export relationships, and Southern Paprika Ltd’s solid New Zealand market relationships.

Read more here

Congratulations to Jacob Coombridge, the 22-year-old Orchard Supervisor at Webb’s Fruit, who has won the 2022 Central Otago Young Grower competition. “It’s so awesome to have so many people from the industry along to support us. My employers Simon and Trudi Webb have been especially supportive of me entering the competition. What inspires me to pursue a career in horticulture is people like Simon and Trudi who set such a great example through their service to the industry.” Read more here

Nelson

ZESPRI WELCOMES EU FTA ANNOUNCEMENT

Zespri has welcomed the signing of New Zealand’s free trade agreement with the European Union, noting the significant benefits it delivers to business, consumers, and communities in both countries. Speaking from Brussels Zespri Chairman Bruce Cameron said the agreement will help Zespri meet the growing demand for its fruit in Europe. “This is a strong deal for a wide range of exporters including New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry and we’re really pleased to see it finalised.”

Read more here

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Meryn Whitehead, a 28-year-old supervisor at Vailima Orchard, has taken out the 2022 Nelson Young Grower of the Year title. There was a strong wahine presence this year, with three women out of four competitors competing at the event. “This year was definitely a celebration of the growing number of women involved in and joining the horticulture industry. To be part of that and to be named the 2022 winner is a real privilege.”

Read more here

PLANT-BASED TESTOSTERONE COULD BE A GOLD MINE

KIWIFRUIT HARVEST COMPLETE DESPITE LABOUR SHORTAGE The harvest of New Zealand’s largest horticultural produce is now complete, despite a labour shortage caused by closed borders and Covid infection rates.

Almost all 2800 growers’ orchards from Kerikeri in the north to Motueka in the south picked for consumers. The 2022 season was expected to have a record-breaking crop, however, revisions in the forecast indicate that this year’s volume will be below 2021. This year also marks the first year that Zespri’s new RubyRed kiwifruit was picked as a commercial variety.

Read more here

Pine pollen containing a rare natural source of plant-based testosterone could prove a goldmine for New Zealand’s forestry sector. “Pine pollen has been consumed for health and wellbeing in China, South Korea, and Japan for more than 3,000 years. It’s been found to contain a naturally occurring testosterone, and lately there’s been a new wave of interest from the natural health industry in the United States and Canada.”

Read more here

SENSE THE DIFFERENCE

We are at home everywhere in the world Brenntag New Zealand Limited Level 2, Building C 602 Great South Road Ellerslie, Auckland 1051 New Zealand Phone: +64 9 275 0745 info-nz@brenntag-asia.com www.brenntag.com/food-nutrition

36903_BT_NZ_Food_184x128mm_En.indd 2

Brenntag Food & Nutrition is well positioned to cater to its business partners’ needs at a local level. Thanks to our strong infrastructure in 73 countries and 30 application & development centres, we are engrained in the local culture and business. You will benefit from this extensive market, industry and product know-how, including our understanding of regulations, policies, challenges and developments.

We are passionate about Food & Nutrition.

From bringing you the right ingredients and

innovative solutions, through to optimising your formulation and supply chain, our team lives and breathes the world of food.

We are the partner who puts your needs in the centre of everything we do. We have a broad and deep product offering, and work with the best suppliers in the industry. We reduce your compliance burden with a dedicated quality and regulatory team and seek to lead the way in safety and responsibility, managing the many complexities of the food industry.

03.12.20 09:42

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meet thegrower

“N Emma Clarke’s grandparents and parents established Woodhaven Gardens after leaving Wellington for what they thought would be an easier lifestyle.

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either had extensive gardening experience, so it was mostly trial and error,” explained Clarke.

“But 40 odd years later, we’re still here.”

The farm is divided into four sections. Each day, everything from planting and sowing to harvesting could be underway.

“We’ve got 24 different types of vegetables, sending out five and a half thousand to seven and a half thousand units per day around the country.”

Woodhaven Gardens is one of the top four farms in New Zealand in terms of production.

It grows everything from broccoli, leek and cabbage, Chinese vegetables, fennel, spinach, and seasonal vegetables like zucchini, pumpkin, and watermelon.

“We’re innovating with positive environmental impact, minimising environmental degradation that may happen if we continue farming conventionally, through to innovating in terms of machinery and assembly line production for our pre-packs.”

Clarke’s father always wanted the business to be inter-generational.

“Soil health and looking after the environment has always been a priority, but it’s the cultural, economic, and social pillars that are also important.

“We need to be sustainable within the labour force, ensuring staff have a great experience that’s not monetary-based, through to fostering that family business feel to our staff because we are just a big family.”

Clarke noted that the shifting focus on

sustainability has made the horticulture industry question the how farmers do things.

“It has refined our production techniques and put a microscope on our practices.”

Climate change is another factor affecting how things are done at Woodhaven.

“Climate change is starting to affect us in terms of varieties that are set for a particular season, like winter lettuce, and it’s pushing that calendar out.

There’s no atypical May/June; winter is carrying on into November/December with an unsettled spring. “This is challenging because we’re not getting consistency in weather patterns, which has affected our purchasing decisions and freight.”

Labour shortages were another challenge affecting operations.

“Covid-19 has created a massive labour challenge. There’s no free flow of migrant labour,

and there is no horticultural business that doesn’t require migrant workers, so that’s difficult.”

Clarke said she thought the labour shortage would continue to be a constraint long after Covid calmed down, but despite these challenges, Woodhaven won the Horizon Balance Farm Environment Awards in 2020.

“That was massive, positive public recognition

for all the environmental work we have been and still are doing. It’s a good indication that we’re on the right path to a sustainable business.”

Clarke encouraged those new to or thinking about horticulture to go for it!

“Get a summer job on a farm, do the hard yards. Learn what it’s like to pick and pack the produce, and further your education.”

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New Zealand

Artisan Awards

Follow along as the we discover new products and innovation across New Zealand.

For over a decade the New Zealand Artisan Awards has provided a platform for emerging and established artisan producers to showcase their latest creations.

11 May - 23 August 2022 Entries Open

Entries Delivery Dates 24 August 2022 Ambient 31 August 2022 Frozen 7 September 2022 Fresh/Chilled

21 September 2022 Bronze, Silver & Gold Awards Announced

ENTER NOW! Click here

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19 October 2022 Supreme Winner Announced

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