editor’s note It's a Balancing Act

scale with a larger customer base.

High local manufacturing costs may discourage substantial investments in production facilities and equipment. Importing helps mitigate risks associated with significant capital outlay, allowing businesses to allocate resources to other critical areas like marketing, distribution, and customer service, enhancing overall efficiency and competitiveness.

Attention Grocery Suppliers

The Food and Grocery Council is an industry association for grocery suppliers providing members networking, events, industry information and strong advocacy. Contact us for information on the benefits of membership: raewyn.bleakley@fgc.org.nz

• Networking • Industry Updates

• Conference and Events

• Education and Training

• Advocacy and Law Reform

In New Zealand’s current business landscape, high local manufacturing costs pose challenges for domestic businesses. However, this situation also creates opportunities for imported products to meet consumer demands. By exploring global markets and leveraging cost advantages, imported goods contribute to New Zealand’s economy. After a hiatus during COVID-19, food and beverage exhibitions worldwide are flourishing, with record attendance levels from various countries as attendees look for products to import. The networking opportunities, trend reports, new products and innovation coming through at these events are back as a must-visit.

The competitiveness of imported products is key to their success in our local market. Importing from countries with lower manufacturing costs allows businesses to offer competitive prices, attracting priceconscious consumers. Imported products can also bring variety and innovation to the local market. Local manufacturers may have limitations in resources, technology, and expertise, hindering their ability to offer diverse products, or they may be hindered by being too small to compete when ranging in store is constrained.

Importing goods provides access to a wide range of options, including innovative and specialised products not available locally, expanding consumer choice and promoting market dynamism. Importing also grants businesses global market access. International suppliers have established distribution networks and economies of www.fgc.org.nz

Balancing support for local industries and capitalising on global opportunities is crucial for New Zealand’s economy. Local manufacturing contributes to job creation, economic growth, and selfsufficiency, and we need a collaborative approach that combines the strengths of both local and imported goods. A balancing act that needs experience at the helm.

The NEW ZEALAND BEVERAGE COUNCIL is an industry association whose members cover all aspects of the non-alcoholic beverage market both in New Zealand and the export markets.

The Council members are spread throughout New Zealand and come together annually for a conference that covers industry issues and is addressed by international speakers. The organisation monitors product quality, sets standards for the industry and runs national competitions and awards.

PUBLISHER Tania Walters

GENERAL MANAGER Kieran Mitchell

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Sarah Mitchell

EDITOR Caitlan Mitchell

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE Annabel Maasdam, Sam Francks

SENIOR DESIGNER Raymund Sarmiento