Briefs

Consumer spending patterns were mixed in the first full week of December, with pre-Christmas shopping up for food and liquor, but down across most other retail sectors, says Worldline New Zealand.

Queenstown Lakes District Council has lifted its boil water notice for the town, enabling people to use water directly from their taps.

The search is on for New Zealand’s best gastropubs, with entries now open for the inaugural Estrella Damm Top 50 New Zealand Gastropub Awards.

The New Zealand Champions of Cheese Awards is calling for entries for 2024.

New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from the Kawhia region on the west coast of North Island due to the presence of paralytic shellfish toxins.

World food commodity prices were broadly stable in November, with lower international cereal quotations offset by higher prices of vegetable oils, says the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 

George Weston Foods New Zealand is the latest signatory to the Kai Commitment, a voluntary agreement by leading food sector businesses to reduce food waste and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Woolworths New Zealand has opened what it says is New Zealand’s first newly built Woolworths – a $20m supermarket located at Canterbury’s Waimakariri Junction.

New Zealand-founded agritech business CropX Technologies is buying Green Brain, a digital irrigation management solutions provider based in Adelaide, Australia.

Rescued Kitchen has won a brand boost from creative studio Tomorrow.

Luv A Pie Foods Ltd is recalling a specific batch of their Luv A Pie brand Butter Chicken Pie due to the presence of an undeclared allergen, namely egg.

Queenstown-based hotel developer and restaurant operator Kevin Carlin has died suddenly, aged 69.

Comvita and Silver Fern Farms took home gongs from this year’s Deloitte Top 200 Awards.

Fix & Fogg has been named Woolworths Supermarkets small trade partner of the year in Australia.

Foodstuffs Own Brands is recalling a specific batch of its Value brand lemonade flavoured soft drink due to the presence of phenylalanine.

Auckland restaurateurs Sid and Chand Sahrawat are opening a new pan-Asian restaurant in 2024, which will ring in some changes for its current Sid at the French Café fine dining concept.

Future Hospitality have opened a new restaurant in Queenstown adding a seventh outlet to the group.

Leaft Foods has been selected as a recipient of the Ārohia Innovation Trailblazer grant.

The ANZ World Commodity Price Index fell 1.3% month-on-month in November, ending the recent run of stronger prices, as food commodity prices softened.

Cattle numbers fell in the year to June 2023 but the amount of wheat and barley area harvested increased, according to Stats NZ’s latest agricultural production statistics.

New Zealand Food Safety has launched a ‘Chicken Scene Investigators’ campaign for summer, encouraging consumer rigour around food safety over the warmer months.

Woolworth is adding seasonal products into its Low Price programme including whole ham cooked on the bone, some Christmas mince pies and ciabatta loaves.

Oat milk and banana company All Good has hit its minimum fundraise target with 12 days to go.

Craft beer importer and distributor Beertique NZ has gone into liquidation to become the latest casualty in the sector, which is suffering from rising costs and falling demand.

Zespri is looking to sell 40% more kiwifruit to Greater China next year as competition heats up and the economy slows down.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is looking for feedback on proposed changes to the import requirements for mangosteen and rambutan plants for planting.

Long-term Kepler Challenge sponsor FreshChoice installed a pop-up supermarket station near the last stretch of the 60km Fiordland race.

Zespri says it expects record kiwifruit per tray returns for its Green, Organic Green and RubyRed for the 2023-24 season.

New Zealand exported $15bn worth of goods in the September 2023 quarter, down 14% compared to the same period a year earlier.

The Commerce Commission has issued new guidance to help businesses working together to pursue sustainability goals, with a focus on distinguishing between illegal collusion and legitimate collaboration.

El Nino has arrived in New Zealand and its impacts, including drought, are likely to become stronger and last into 2024, according to Horticulture NZ.

Scientists at the AgResearch have developed ‘acoustic urine sensors’ to tackle the problem of nitrogen loss from the urine of cattle which affects water quality and leads to emissions of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas.

Freeze-dried baby food company Norish has successfully crowdfunded $549,650 to support the growth of its product portfolio.

Cooks Coffee has been pushed into the red in the half year after taking a $4.8m impairment against the investment made into its shuttered Triple Two brand.

Alliance Group has partnered with Australian agritech firm MEQ to bring on board artificial intelligence technology designed to identify eating quality in beef and lamb across its entire plant network.

Central Otago’s Monte Christo Winery is now open to the public.

Woolworths New Zealand has completed a $4.6m overhaul of its supermarket in Palmerston North’s Kelvin Grove, including relaunched the former Countdown as a Woolworths.

Domino’s stores across Australia and New Zealand have donated 200,000 pizzas through the company’s three-year old Feed the Knead program.

Woolworths New Zealand is aiming to transition 100% of its home delivery trucks to be electric powered by 2030.

Massey University is proposing to make more than 70 staff members redundant, a move that has been strongly opposed by the Tertiary Education Union.

The highest-ranked entry from New Zealand’s food and beverage industry in this year’s Deloitte Fast 50 is beverage brand Ārepa.

Foodstuffs continues to grow the footprint of its Four Square banner, opening a new 250 square metre store in Taranaki’s Fitzroy.

The Warehouse Group has appointed Mark Stirton as group chief financial officer, effective from 1 April 2024.

Ready-to-drink beverage brand Pals has walked away with a commended accolade at the 21st World Beverage Innovation Awards.

Synlait Milk has increased its forecast base milk price forecast for the 2023 / 2024 season to $7.25/kgMS from $7.00/kgMS.

The New Zealand Shareholders’ Association has raised questions over the nomination of Skellerup chair John Strowger to become a director of Sanford by minority shareholder Tasman Equity Holdings.

New Zealand Food Safety has issued an amendment to the food notice that sets out requirements for registered food importers and imported food for sale.

The dates for a final 2023 virtual Code of Conduct training session have been confirmed by the New Zealand Food & Grocery Council.

Supply chain software business, TradeWindow, is opting to reduce its headcount by 40% to 48 people as the early-stage growth company looking for sustainable financial footing.

Savor has reported a net loss after tax of $421,000 for the six months to September 2023, up 80.3% on the loss it reported for the same period last year.

Mānuka honey specialist Comvita saw its share price dive more than 13% following an earnings downgrade.

Pōkeno Whisky has appointed specialist liquor distributor Tickety-Boo Liquor to help build its presence across the domestic on-trade market.

The number of filled jobs in accommodation and food services rose by 5.1% in October 2023, compared to the same month last year, according to Stats NZ.

Black Friday in-store retail sales were again popular in 2023, but spending was down on last year, both on the day and over the seven-day period, according to Worldline New Zealand.

Chef and hospitality consultant Lucas Parkinson is opening his first Auckland restaurant on the site of the former Piha Cafe this weekend.

Foodstuffs North Island has opened a new $21m cross dock and depot facility in Grenada, Wellington.

Diversified wine business AFC Group says a 27% drop in revenue to $489,000 in its interim results was mainly due to a decline in overseas wine sales.

DB Breweries has completed the construction of its on-site wastewater treatment facility at its Timaru brewery.

The Natural Health Alliance welcomes the coalition government’s plan to repeal the Therapeutic Products Act 2023, which bundled food product compliance in with medicines and pharmaceuticals.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand will have two representatives at the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) meeting taking place in Dubai imminently.

Fieldco is recalling a specific batch of its The Original brand Kumara Chips due to the possible presence of an undeclared allergen, namely the tree nut, cashew.

The Warehouse Group chief executive Nick Grayson says the retailer is focused on improving the profitability of its grocery offering.

Lawson’s Dry Hills Wines, meat processor Taylor Preston and nutraceutical company SRW Laboratories have all walked away from the NZ International Business Awards with gongs.

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Sales volumes as supermarket and grocery stores lifted 1.7% to $6.68bn in the September 2023 quarter compared with the June 2023 quarter, according to Stats NZ’s latest retail trade survey.

Fonterra is taking its wellbeing nutrition solutions brand, Nutiani, to the High 5 NZ Health Summit in Auckland on November 24.

Beef export volumes from New Zealand for September 2023 were down 5% year on year, according to Rabobank.

The first commercially produced Chinese Envy apples will be sold in China this month.

Westpac New Zealand has announced new emissions intensity targets for some agri-customers.

Some 21 delegates from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners represented the business at the annual One Young World Summit in Belfast, Ireland, last month.

A well-established Ruapehu commercial hydroponic watercress operation has been put up for sale by its retiring owners Carey and Ernie Wenn.

Ebos Group is no longer in talks over a potential purchase of Australian vet and pet group Greencross.

Paeroa-based seaweed innovator AgriSea has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Crown Research Institute AgResearch.

Woolworths New Zealand has converted one hundred of its supermarkets to electronic shelf labels, with Countdown Papatoetoe the latest addition.

New Zealand Food Safety is extending its advisory to the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from the East Coast of the North Island due to the presence of paralytic shellfish toxins.

The quality of the food is the most valued characteristic for an on-premise experience amongst all age groups, according to CGA by NielsenIQ’s latest New Zealand Pulse+ Report.

A new wine festival in Hastings next year will incorporate masterclasses and experiences into the one-day event.

Wine and gin maker Invivo has raised more than $1m in its current capital raise.

Milk powder, butter, and cheese led goods exports down $552m or 9.3% to $5.4bn in October 2023 compared to the same month last year, according to Stats NZ’s overseas merchandise trade statistics.

Woolworths New Zealand has launched a campaign calling for respect and courtesy from customers this holiday season as verbal and physical aggression to its team members rises.

Alliance Group’s Pure South Handpicked 55 Day Aged Beef has been crowned the best grass-fed steak and the best ribeye steak in the world.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand is calling for comment on an application to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to extend the use of rosemary extract as a food additive.

Buy NZ Made is calling on Kiwis to make ethical consumption choices that prioritise local craftsmanship and sustainability in the lead-up to Black Friday.

Speirs Group’s food division is moving on prices and products to help improve profitability, says executive chairman Lee Simpson.

Ebos has been granted a trading halt extension until market open on Tuesday, 21 November 2023.

Four pioneers of the Marlborough wine industry have been presented with Wine Marlborough Lifetime Achievement Awards at a celebration dinner in Blenheim.

Lindsay Farm HB is recalling specific batches of its Lindsay Farm brand Organic Raw Milk (unpasteurised) as the product may contain Campylobacter.

Retail banners owned by Foodstuffs have come out on top in the annual Reader’s Digest quality service awards, which identify businesses with the most satisfied customers.

Foley Wines chief executive Mark Turnbull says the company has come off the back of a record year to face uncertain trading conditions.

Olam Food Ingredients has opened its new dairy-processing facility in Waikato.

New Zealand Food Safety is extending its advisory to the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from the East Coast of the North Island due to the presence of paralytic shellfish toxins.

Everybody Eats has been named the Supreme Award winner at the 2023 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards tonight.

A ‘lolly utopia’ being designed by the team at Transport World is set to be the latest attractions in Invercargill.

New Zealand Food Safety has published an amendment to two Risk Management Programme templates comprising farm dairies and dual operator butchers.

Meat company Alliance Group plunged to an after-tax loss of $70m loss in its results to 30 September 2023 as demand and prices softened.

Dual-listed Ebos Group is in NZX and ASX trading halts following it being linked to the purchase of TPG Capital-backed pet and vet group Greencross.

A2 Milk is expecting its earnings to stay on track for 2024 and would still reach its sales target of $2bn by 2026, despite deterioration in the Chinese market, according to managing director David Bortolussi.

Wine company Delegate Group is now expecting slower sales than last year, forecasting case sales of 3,614,000 cases for the 2024 year, down 1.7% on last year and 5.5% on previous guidance.

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park will return in 2023 for what will be its 29th year, having started in 1994.

Queenstown’s Broken Heart Spirits distillery has launched what is says is the country’s first fully recyclable eco-refill pouches.

Domino’s is adding purpose-built e-bikes to its delivery arsenal.

Foodstuffs’ price rises have fallen below supplier increases on the same product categories measured in the Food Price Index, after being higher than them for six months.

Freeze-dried baby food company Norish has successfully crowdfunded more than $400,000 to support the growth of its product portfolio.

Uber Eats has added a handful of new cities to its New Zealand footprint, taking its total to 17 locations.

New Zealand Food Safety is seeking feedback on its proposed 2024 New Zealand Total Diet Study, which would focus on New Zealand infants and toddlers.

Burger Fuel Group will hold a special meeting of shareholders on Thursday 14 December 2023 to vote on its proposed return of capital.

Napier Port’s bottom line took a hit from Cyclone Gabrielle, although improved yields and a stronger cruise season helped boost revenue.

Grocery sales at The Warehouse were up 8.2% for the 13 weeks ending 29 October 2023, compared to its first quarter last year, bucking a trend of falling sales at the red sheds retailer.

Pāmu will stop selling bovine milk products, including infant milk powder, to China next year.

Vegetables New Zealand has welcomed lower consumer prices but is worried about future supply.

The NZ Alcohol Beverages Council is woking on a number of actions to prevent underage drinking inline with the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking.

Woolworths New Zealand’s rebranding of its SuperValue franchise stores continues, with Auckland’s Papakura the latest location to change to FreshChoice.

The New Zealand Agricultural Show in Canterbury – otherwise known as the Christchurch Show – celebrates its 160th anniversary this week.

Scott Technology’s ownership structure is staying as is – for the time being.

Yeast supplier Froth Technologies has successfully raised its target of $10,000 to support the development of a range of home brew yeast pouches.

Sanford’s board has advises that Fiona Mackenzie will not seek re-election as an independent non-executive director at the seafood company’s upcoming annual meeting.

The Coffee Club franchise brand has won a trio of gongs at the Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards 2023.

New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from the Northland east coast because of paralytic shellfish toxins.

A Countdown supermarket in Tauranga will face five days of not being able to sell alcohol following a combined operation by licensing agencies in August.

Supie creditors voted for the liquidation of failed online grocery startup Supie at a watershed meeting on Thursday.

Scientists have broadly welcomed Fonterra’s roadmap to reduce its scope 3 emissions but have questioned the use of intensity targets rather than absolute goals.

Greenpeace Aotearoa says Fonterra’a proposed climate roadmap is little more than “polishing a turd” because it contains no real measures to reduce emissions.

Food rescue app Foodprint arrives in the Bay of Plenty.

The Lindis Group has teased the launch of a new private dining experience called The Black Diamond.

Supply chain software business, TradeWindow, said its lender ASB Bank has extended the interim waiver on a lending covenant breached because of the nChain deal being delayed.

Cookie Time will be the official snacking partner of the New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport for 2024.

The New Zealand Food and Grocery Council will be heading to Wellington for its 2024 conference.

Beervana will return to Wellington’s Sky Stadium on 23 and 24 August 2024.

Heineken has joined forces with geneticist Andrew Shelling to develop a taste kit that allows beer enthusiasts to understand the science behind their flavour preferences.

The transport and logistics company saw net profit for the period to 30 September drop 42.6% to $124.55m, reflecting a downturn in all its markets and across all its operations.

Mainfreight’s chief financial officer, Tim Williams, is retiring from the transport and logistics company post its year-end results in June 2024.

Auckland-based New Zealand Dispute Resolution Centre has been signed off as the provider to deliver the new dispute resolution scheme for the grocery industry.

The Restaurant Association is receiving growing feedback from businesses about decreased patronage, which, combined with the escalating costs of goods and labour, is significantly affecting the industry.

Wahlburgers, the quick service restaurant chain founded by actor Mark Wahlberg has opened today in Queenstown – the franchise’s second New Zealand location after Auckland.

Food and farming entrepreneur Carlos Bagrie has been awarded the 2024 Nuffield Farming Scholarship, alongside three fellow scholars.

The Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids Tryathlon season is back for summer.

Contact Energy is looking at establishing food grade carbon dioxide supply via an adaption at its Ohaaki geothermal site near Taupō.

Woolworths New Zealand is adding a ‘direct to boot’ service to its online shopping offer, following what it said was a successful pilot.

Zespri and its board advisor Sir John Key have met with China’s foreign minister to discuss the illegal plantings of SunGold kiwifruit in the country.

This year the NZ Agricultural Show in Christchurch will this year feature a dedicated Aquaculture Tent for the fist time in its 160-year history.

Good Spirits Hospitality is set to make its $600,000 shareholder payout on 5 December 2023.

Venues Ōtautahi is reporting strong demand for premium hospitality spaces at Te Kaha Stadium in Christchurch.

More than 50 restaurants throughout the motu have signed on to participate in this year’s annual DineAid Christmas campaign to raise money for the City Missions in the lead-up to Christmas.

Fonterra’s dairy ingredients and solutions brand, NZMP, has published advice on recombination for its customers.

New Zealand technology company, AoFrio, has been named a winner at The Cool Challenge, a sustainability initiative led by the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable.

Foodstuffs South Island is tipping a bumper blueberries season as the warmer El Niño weather pattern arrives in New Zealand, making up for what could be fewer strawberries.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is consulting on proposed changes to the import health standard for importing grain and seeds for consumption, feed, or processing.

Rockit Global has teamed up with Canterbury grower, Turley Farms, as its first South Island partner.

Cooks Coffee is to liquidate its Triple Two coffee franchise business, according to a note on UK’s Companies House which confirmed a voluntary liquidator had been appointed.

Foodstuffs North Island has opened a new Four Square in Britomart – the first presence for the brand in downtown Auckland.

Spending in cafes and restaurants weakened over October 2023, according to Worldline.

Alena Kamper from Sacred Hill in Hawke’s Bay has been named the 2023 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year.

An anonymous donor has provided cash to pay Supie’s workers, who were dismissed this week as the company collapsed.

Westland Dairy, Comvita and Scales are among the food firms shortlisted for the Deloitte Top 200 Awards, with a number of individuals also making the cut.

Zespri says its 2023 New Zealand season is drawing to a close with less than a million trays of Green and 1.3 million trays of SunGold Kiwifruit left to deliver to customers.

Fonterra has completed the sale of its Nestlé’s Dairy Partners Americas Brazil joint venture to French dairy company Lactalis.

TradeWindow says it is restructuring following the delay of its $11.1m deal with nChain to settle.

New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from Hawke Bay due to the presence of toxins.

Westland Milk Products says it is on track to match the $1bn of revenue and $39m profit it posted in 2022, despite a sluggish global economy and volatile trading conditions.

The development of a new $26.5m automated warehouse in Wiri for PepsiCo’s Bluebird Foods has entered the commissioning stage.

Wine company Cloudy Bay is adding to its Marlborough landholdings, with the proposed purchase of a vineyard and land in the region.

Almighty has crossed the $600k minimum raise target set for its current capital raise.

Fisheries New Zealand has been requested to make an aquaculture decision on New Zealand King Salmon’s proposed salmon farm development in the Cook Strait.

Good Spirits Hospitality is going ahead with a payout of $600k to its shareholders related to its asset sale, despite it being technically voted down via a conditional resolution last week.

Deep Creek Brewing Operations has gone into liquidation, with Derek Ah Sam and Paul Vlasic from Rodgers Reidy appointed liquidators today.

Sanford has confirmed the $125m-plus sale of its inshore fishing business to Moana New Zealand has gone unconditional, and will likely settle today.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand is calling for comment on an application to permit the sale and use of food made from a new genetically modified soybean.

Burger Fuel has secured initial terms from the High Court for its proposed return of approximately $4.1m to shareholders.

This year marks 45 years in business for Chantal Organics, the organics brand which is now part of Ecostore owner Peter Kraus’ group.

New Zealand’s annual Ice Cream and Gelato Week starts on Sunday 5 November.

The Rugby World Cup delivered a “significant boost” to hospitality venues, according to Hospitality New Zealand, which said footfall was up over the 50-day tournament.

The number of filled jobs in accommodation and food services rose by 9,075 or 6% in September compared with the same month a year earlier.

New Zealand Food Safety is consulting on the proposed changes to the import requirements for frozen berries.

Dr Rebecca Lawton, senior lecturer in marine science and aquaculture at the University of Waikato, is looking to reverse the tide on kelp loss after being awarded the Rutherford Discovery Fellowship from the Royal Society Te Apārangi.

A total of 46 gold medals have been handed out to wines of all varieties at the 2023 Marlborough Wine Show.

Entries have opened for the Fonterra Responsible Dairying category, as part of the 2024 New Zealand Dairy industry Award programme.

Uber Eats is running a promotion to tie-in with the Rugby World Cup final which will see it offer four key menu items at roughly 1987 prices – being the year the All Blacks first won the tournament.

Woolworths New Zealand has expanded coverage of its Australian-originated rapid delivery service in New Zealand.

Kiwifruit exporter Zespri is taking more time before making a decision on the 2024 licence release programme.

Consumer NZ found price doesn’t always equate to quality when it comes to instant coffee, after its staff blind-taste tested nine instant coffee brands.

Nelson City Council is in talks with Central Districts Cricket and New Zealand Cricket to reach an agreement on alcohol advertising for three international cricket matches at Saxton Oval this summer.

Kāpiti Coast District Council has injected $50,000 towards progressing local food and beverage economic opportunities via a grant to The Bond Store.

Increasing costs and election uncertainty impacted retailers in the quarter ended 30 September 2023, according to the latest research from RetailNZ.

Refrigeration technology business AoFrio has downgraded its full year guidance on the back of global economic uncertainty impacting customers, including the residual effects from global supply chain issues.

TradeWindow is still looking for a payment from British technology company nChain after it unexpectedly failed to materialise earlier this month.

Move International will not be processing with the construction of the new vessel which was slated as part of its entry into coastal shipping.

AgriZeroNZ, the public-private joint venture investment vehicle aiming to reduce farm emissions, has appointed Wayne McNee as its chief executive.

Cooks Coffee has appointed RSM UK Restructuring Advisory as administrators to its Triple Two coffee franchise business.

Zespri has officially opened its new Centre of Sales and Marketing Excellence in Singapore, following a recent blessing ceremony.

Five ‘snacksperts’ have been testing the snacks that Air New Zealand is considering making available on board its flights.

The results of the sixth New Zealand Vegan Pie Awards are in, with Piccolo Morso’s Vegan Korma pie crowned supreme winner.

Fat Kiwi Cafe is recalling specific batches of its chicken stroganoff due to the presence of an undeclared allergen, namely fish.

Ebos is bedding in Superior Pet Food Company to its animal care portfolio after buying the Wairarapa business for $83.8m.

The Commerce Commission is considering a range of preliminary issues relating to the proposed purchase of Independent Fisheries by rival Sealord.

Two food system-related capital raises are entering their final days this week.

The fall in exports to China is continuing, according to Stats NZ, which said the total value of goods exported to China in the year ended September 2023 was $19.3bn.

Foodstuffs supermarkets and brands took home 20 medals at the Great New Zealand Sausage Competition 2023, hosted by Retail Meat NZ.

Total sales of veterinary and horticultural antibiotics in New Zealand have decreased for a fifth year in a row, dropping by 23% in 2022.

More than 300 attendees celebrated achievement in the country’s red meat sector at the 2023 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards.

Horticulture New Zealand is urging Prime Minister-elect Chris Luxon to appoint a minister of Horticulture to cabinet.

Seeka says it has invested $19m in developing orchards in New Zealand during H1 2023.

Stats NZ will provide more in-depth monthly inflation data on categories such as alcoholic beverages, fuel and travel.

Emissions from primary industries – agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining – fell 0.1% or 9 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents in the June 2023 quarter, compared to the preceding March quarter, according to Stats NZ.

Over 550 wines are to be tasted over the coming days as judges get to work at the 2023 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect.

New Zealand King Salmon has appointed current sales general manager Graeme Tregidga as chief commercial officer.

New Zealand Coastal Seafoods has completed a restructure of its Christchurch seafood processing facility, to make it solely focused on toll processing for third parties.

A post-election sentiment survey of Restaurant Association of New Zealand members has shown optimism at the change of government to a National-led coalition.

Increasing fuel costs due to international upheavals will put more upward pressures on costs for businesses, the Road freight peak body Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand has warned.

Krishna Spices N Food is recalling a specific batch of its Masoor Daal as the product may contain foreign matter – a tablet containing mercury.

Foodstuffs North Island has today opened a new Four Square Mount Maunganui.

Dunedin’s Scott Technology has posted a 21% jump in group revenue to $268m, in its full year results for the year ended 31 August 2023.

Sam’s Butchery in Silverdale has been named the Supreme Winner in the 2023 Great New Zealand Sausage Competition.

Food for Thought, a free nutrition education programme for Year 5 and 6 students across Aotearoa, is looking to expand into more schools.

Parliament’s environment watchdog, Simon Upton, has written to three farming groups, suggesting they wrongly claimed they had new science on methane emissions.

Central Otago’s annual food and beverage celebration, Eat.Taste.Central, is back for another two-week festival of flavour showcasing the best of the region’s food and wine.

Froneri-owned ice cream brand Tip Top is bringing back its Cookies and Cream and Goody Goody Gum Drops flavours to grocery after they were paused last October.

The Consumer Price Index rose 1.8% in the three months to September 2023, with a surge in petrol prices and the end of reduced fuel taxes contributing to the increase, according to StatsNZ.

Global economic conditions are challenging, but export returns are currently holding or improving, according to bank ANZ’s latest AgriFocus research report for October.

Waipara restaurant, cellar door and winery, Black Estate, has won the Supreme Establishment award and Outstanding Regional Establishment at the Canterbury Hospitality Awards.

The country’s second annual rural telethon, The Big Feed, is coming back in December 2023.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is marking today’s World Food Day, 16 October 2023, with a global call for action on water.

New Zealand-based agritech company Bluelab has partnered with Excel Seeds to collaborate with Malaysian government-backed thinktank MIGHT on a strawberry venture.

Sprout is searching for the next round of ventures to join its accelerator.

Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki is launching a new range of free investment-focused workshops and events to help local entrepreneurs achieve business growth.

The Warehouse has brought its grocery offer to Wānaka with a new red shed opening in the Otago town.

Foodstuffs’ price rises were once again ahead of supplier increases on the same product categories measured in the Food Price Index, making September the sixth month running.

The NZ Alcohol Beverages Council has come out in support of a group of Wellington bar owners who have joined together to fight against what they call unfair treatment by liquor licence agencies.

The dairy quota system, which has been in place since 2007, is set to change following a review in the wake of New Zealand’s new free trade agreements.

New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from near Tolaga Bay due to the presence of toxins.

More than 10,000 people are expected at the annual Kāpiti Food Fair this year.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand says it has achieved the Advanced GenderTick Accreditation and closed its gender pay gap to 0%.

The Commerce Commission is minded to approve an application from the Infant Nutrition Council (INC) seeking authorisation for an arrangement allowing the INC to restrict its members from advertising and marketing formula products for infants aged up to 12 months old.

Raglan Food Co has achieved Toitū climate positive certification.

Te Ara Pōtiki is seeking smart, curious applicants with data management, science, agriculture, health and safety, population studies or business backgrounds for its new global intern programme.

Iconic Auckland Eats, the annual list of the top 100 dishes in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, opens for nominations on Tuesday, 17 October.

Chocolate brand Whittaker’s has reached 100% traceability of all the cocoa beans used to make its chocolate.

Zespri says its final charter shipments of the season have arrived overseas and discharged.

Uber Eats has recorded a 37% uplift in orders on Rugby World Cup match days compared to regular September mornings.

Six scholarships will be offered to students studying agriculture and horticulture at Massey and Lincoln universities interested in working as advisers in the primary sector. 

Dunedin chef Quiel Mallari has taken out top place at the Lee Kum Kee New Zealand Developing Chefs Challenge 2023.

Shareholders in troubled craft brewer Brothers Beer have agreed to support a restructuring of the group, which will see them make a $1m equity injection.

Wellington Chocolate Factory has opened its first festive pop-up at Wellington Airport.

Time is running out to enter the Vegan Pie Awards 2023, with registrations closing on 15 October.

New Zealand King Salmon is recalling specific batches of its Regal brand Epicurean hot smoked salmon due to the products being labelled with an incorrect date mark.

Three newly funded Better Border Biosecurity research projects aim to strengthen Aotearoa’s borders against exotic pests and pathogens that could damage primary industries and taonga plant species.

Good Spirits Hospitality’s lender has approved the distribution of a $600k dividend to shareholders following the sale of the company’s assets.

Fonterra has revised its forecast for the farmgate milk price range, with the midpoint going up 50 cents.

Global food prices held steady in September, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

New World has named its top 50 wines under $25 following its annual wine awards which attracted more than 1,200 entries.

Taylor Leabourn has won the 2023 Young Grower national title.

A group of recreational fishers caught with a total of 348 fish, including more than nine times their collective daily limit for snapper, has been fined $10,500.

Black 29 trading as Mad Samurai is recalling all batches and all dates of its Mad Samurai brand Wagyu Beef Rissoles due to the presence of an undeclared allergen, namely milk.

Westpac is forecasting the September 2023 quarter’s Consumer Price Index will ease slightly given lower than expected vegetable price rises.

Human faecal contamination of the water supply is the most likely source of Queenstown’s cryptosporidium outbreak.

Consumer New Zealand says many items marked with supermarket loyalty card discounts could be bought for a lower price at stores not using the schemes.

Four New Zealand meat companies walked away from the World Steak Challenge with silverware, with Christchurch’s Anzco Foods a big winner.

Napier Port has launched a service that aims to better integrate the North Island supply chain for importers, exporters and freight forwarders.

Applications have opened for the annual Horticulture New Zealand and the Horticentre Trust scholarships.

The international owner of the Bloom gin brand has failed in a challenge to an individual, Gewei Zhang, registration of the trade mark “Bloomfield” for wine.

Queenstown Lakes District Council has lifted its boil water notice for its Kelvin Heights water distribution zone, with immediate effect.

Tatua Co-operative Dairy achieved record group income of $537m and earnings available for payout of $225m in the 12 months to July 2023.

Port Nelson has delivered a net profit after tax result of $7.7m for the year to June 2023, helped by record apple and wine exports.

The average salary in hospitality and tourism totalled $61,607 in Q3 2023, up 8% from the same period last year, according to data from Trade Me Jobs.

Six new marine reserves between Oamaru and The Catlins have been announced by government.

Nelson food distributor FSL Foods is now a sponsor of Sustainable Coastlines.

Hardy St Eatery has been named the Supreme Establishment at the Nelson Hospitality Awards.

New Zealand Food Safety has removed the public health warning against collecting shellfish from the Raglan Coast.

Foodstuffs North Island’s Mt Albert supermarket, Fresh Collective Alberton, is getting a post-Auckland Anniversary flood revamp and will emerge as New World Mt Albert.

Works to fix slips and road damage around Haast Pass will enable traffic management to move to a stop/go system from Monday.

ASB has launched a new programme to accelerate the export growth of established high-potential food and fibre businesses, through access to debt capital alongside advice, connections and expertise.

Zespri says its kiwifruit harvest from the Northern Hemisphere is set to exceed previous volumes, with the sales programme expected to come in at around 29 million trays.

The Overseas Investment Office has signed off Australasian poultry group Inghams’ purchase of New Zealand’s Bromley Park Hatcheries.

Good Spirits Hospitality will be no more after it completes the $20.7m sale of its eight operating venues to Brew on Quay.

Anzco Foods is the new title partner of Ironman New Zealand.

TradeWindow’s debt pile is in the spotlight after an expected payment from British technology company nChain failed to materialise.

Meal kit company My Food Bag has frozen its prices until the end of the year.

Christchurch-based Anzco Foods has gifted $225,000 to Māia Health Foundation’s Better Space Appeal.

New Zealand King Salmon is recalling a specific batch of its Regal brand Epicurean Bourbon BBQ Salmon due to the product being labelled with an incorrect date mark.

The Kellogg Company’s official split into two separate New York stock exchange-listed businesses, Kellanova and WK Kellogg Co, comes into effect today.

Central Otago hospitality business Monteith’s Brewery Bar in Alexandra has been put up for sale.

Me Today is rounding out its 2023 new product development programme with the planned release of a Me Today brand Super Honey.

A blind sampling by Consumer NZ staff of nine varieties of salt and vinegar chips commonly available from Foodstuffs and Woolworths stores resulted in a tie for first place.

The Commerce Commission has published a factsheet to support the introduction of the new Grocery Supply Code, which took effect yesterday, 28 September 2023.

The Grocery Supply Code will drive food prices even higher, says the Taxpayers’ Union policy adviser, James Ross.

The 9.8% growth in sales reported in quarter two hospitality data from Stats NZ should be read with caution, as it masks significant challenged faced by the sector, according to the Restaurant Association.

New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from part of the South Island’s Queen Charlotte Sound due to the possible presence of toxins.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand is calling for comment on an application from the Queensland University of Technology to approve a disease-resistant genetically modified banana.

Leaders from NewFish, Zespri, and Comvita will be taking the stage at High-Value Nutrition Ko Ngā Kai Whai Painga’s Foodomics 2024.

New Zealand’s annual food waste bill has risen to $3.2bn on the back of rising food prices, even though the amount of food being discarded has gone down.

Addiction Pet Foods’ New Zealand operation has been ordered to pay more than $220,000 following the amputation of an employee’s finger.

A new Asian supermarket and a handful of quick service brands are heading to a retail development in Auckland’s Westgate, where US retail giant Costco opened its first New Zealand store.

Ingham’s says it is the first New Zealand company to meet the new, rigorous SPCA Certified animal welfare standards for barn-raised chickens.

Auckland food importers have been fined $28,000 over failure to translate food allergen declarations into English on thousands of products.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an inquiry into the grounding of the fishing vessel Austro Carina at Banks Peninsula.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand has achieved PAS2060 carbon neutral certification for its water bottling facility in the South Waikato town of Putāruru.

Cleaning product brand Will&Able, Z Energy, and Anchor Milk are expanding a trial of dedicated, closed-loop recycling bins at selected Z service stations from mid-September.

Christchurch City Council is calling for registrations of interest to operate mobile food truck or trailers at allocated sites throughout the greater Christchurch and Banks Peninsula areas.

Woolworths has launched a new ‘Low Price’ campaign at Countdown.

Cobb & Co, Cookie Time and The Coffee Club are all on the shortlist for this year franchise awards.

Hospitality and tourism job advertisements jumped 20% in August 2023 compared with the previous month, according to SEEK’s latest Employment Report.

The Brackenfields Shopping Centre in the South Island’s Amberley, which is anchored by a Countdown supermarket, is up for sale via a property syndicate.

Tomorrow is the final day to register for the New Zealand Food & Grocery Council webinar on the new Grocery Supply Code of Conduct.

The government has extended of the number of workers allowed into New Zealand under the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme.

Goods exports fell $296m or 5.6% in August 2023 to $5bn, compared with August 2022 with meat and dairy behind the drop.

Crombie & Price is recalling two types of Wallaby brand Cookie Dough Bites due to the possible presence of an allergen, namely milk.

Rangahau Ahumāra Kai Plant & Food Research is embarking on research into the impact of biodynamic and organic farming on food nutrient density.

Manufacturing has overtaken agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry as the industry with the highest incidence rate of work-related claims, according to new data from Stats NZ.

Queenstown is open for business following extreme weather and despite the resort’s ongoing drinking water issue.

The New Zealand Food and Grocery Council is offering grocery suppliers a comprehensive training programme on the Grocery Supply Code of Conduct.

The fresh produce grower and distributor said the modern temperature-controlled facility, formerly a distribution centre, has had extensive improvements made over the past few months to enhance its functionality.

Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins has visited Heinz Wattie’s Frederick Street factory in Hastings in Hawke’s Bay.

The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Sealord Group seeking clearance to acquire the fishing business of Independent Fisheries.

Supreme Coffee is overhauling the former South Town Club cafe in Christchurch.

Catch limits and allowances across a range of fisheries will change from 1 October 2023 as part of Fisheries New Zealand’s regular sustainability review.

Zespri is now 83% sold through, compared with 74% sold through at the same time last season, with a smaller crop this year.

Rockit Global is gearing up for its biggest Mid-Autumn Festival yet, marking the Asian cultural event in Vietnam for the first time, as well as securing a three-month partnership in China.

New Zealand-based agritech company Robotics Plus has commercially launched its autonomous orchard vehicle, which it has called Prospr.

A new 432 square metre Four Square has opened in the South Taranaki town of Waverley.

Biosecurity New Zealand has bolstered its border force at Auckland Airport in preparation for the upcoming school holidays.

Goods exports increased $773m to $18.2b in the June 2023 quarter driven by dairy products, meat, and fish, according to Stats NZ’s latest balance of payments data.

The government has pledged $10m for nine projects contributing to the recovery and resilience of regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council has set up a dedicated page on its website with advice and information on the Cryptosporidium outbreak.

Sprig + Fern Brewing Co owner and master brewer, Tracy Banner, has marked forty years in the brewing industry.

The Restaurant Association has launched its Engaging Rangatahi initiative.

A new Level 2 New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills – Apiculture programme has been added at NMIT Te Pūkenga.

Synlait Milk shares are hovering around $1.19 in trading today, after falling more than 9% to $1.16 at market close yeseterday.

New Zealand food rescue app, Foodprint, is available in the South Canterbury towns of Lincoln, Ashburton and Timaru from today.

The National Party’s Primary Sector Growth Plan which includes provisions to make fruit and vegetable growing a permitted activity, has been welcomed by Horticulture New Zealand.

Foodstuffs North Island in partnership with not-for-profit Nourished for Nil has opened the Hawke’s Bay’s first social supermarket.

Kiwrail’s rail line to Napier has reopened following Cyclone Gabrielle, allowing rail freight to once again get to Napier Port.

A total of 68 projects – including many related to the food system – have been selected for investment via the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) Endeavour Fund.

Almighty has extended the time span of its capital raise being undertaken via Snowball Effect.

Ārepa Holdings founder Angus Brown is one of five category winners in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023.

The founder of spread brand Pic’s Peanut Butter is gearing up for World Car Free Day.

Wattie’s is partnering with three artists to create what are described as ‘connection tables’, as part of a series of picnic table installations.

Vegetables New Zealand says it supports the National Party’s pledge to introduce a National Environmental Standard to encourage food production.

New Zealand Food Safety has issued a public health warning advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish harvested from the Raglan coastline.

Subway has launched an in-app delivery service, Subway Delivers.

Three organisations representing 95% of the New Zealand’s industrial hemp industry have come together to call on the government to make regulatory changes in support of the industry.

Eighteen roading projects across the West Coast will receive more than $22m in government investment from the $419m Transport Resilience Fund.

The National Party has pledged to “cut the red tape that’s holding back food production” in its Primary Sector Growth Plan released today.

Unilever’s $40m account has returned to GroupM’s media agency Mindshare following a competitive pitch.

“No take” recreational and commercial fishing zones have been put in place across parts of Northland.

Chef Joshua Ross of Wellington has been named the inaugural winner of the 2023 Visa New Zealand Hospitality Scholarship.

Hamilton is set to play host to one of the biggest farming events of 2024, with New Zealand Young Farmers confirming the location of next year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year grand final. 

The outlook for growth from New Zealand’s biggest export market looks “highly uncertain”, according to the government’s Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update 2023.

More financial pain is expected for dairy farmers, but a demand-led resurgence is increasingly possible, according to the latest Rabobank Global Dairy quarterly report.

George Weston Foods Baking NZ will produce Ploughmans Country Grains loaves in Te Reo Māori packaging with an English translation to mark Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. T

The newly established boutique luxury hotel, Majestic at Mayfair, is leading the way with five nominations in this year’s Canterbury Hospitality awards.

BP is the foundation partner for Woolworth’s incoming loyalty scheme, Everyday Rewards.

New entrants to and online competitors in New Zealand’s $22bn grocery sector have been given extra leeway to comply with new unit pricing following consultation on the draft regulations.

AgriTechNZ is leading a cohort of 23 delegates from 16 organisations representing innovators, researchers, investors and enablers of agricultural technologies to Ireland and the UK.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is looking for feedback on proposed changes to the import health standards for fresh citrus.

Silver Fern Farm’s Net Carbon Zero Beef has been shortlisted for the Datamars Livestock Technology Award in the 2023 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards.

Community not-for-profit Love Soup is one of three winners of the Canon NZ grants programme.

Goodman Fielder has discontinued its Edmonds brand frozen pastry products, saying they were no longer commercially viable.

A joint venture of major New Zealand agribusiness companies and the government, is the lead investor in a US start-up developing probiotics and natural enzymes that reduces methane from cows.

The scope of a review into the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) needs to be widened, according to an employment expert, who claims it is putting NZ food supply chain under threat.

New Zealand boutique gin distiller Vicar’s Son Gin has won the trophy for Best Contemporary Gin at the Australian Gin Awards.

The Bakels Legendary Sausage Roll Competition is now calling for entries after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19.

International food commodity prices declined in August 2023, led by staples other than rice and sugar, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The first commercial planting of T&G Global’s newest global premium apple variety, Joli, has begun at one of the group’s Hawke’s Bay orchards.

Scientists at Plant & Food Research are using their expertise in horticulture to explore the production of fruit without a tree, vine, or bush – instead using lab-grown plant cells.

Snack apple company Rockit Global has won two big marketing awards this week.

Plant & Food Research scientist Dr Annette Richardson has won the 2023 Kiwifruit Innovation Award for her groundbreaking work in budbreak techniques – a crucial stage in the growth cycle of kiwifruit.

Fonterra plans to slim down its board from 11 to 9 seats.

Distribution business Freightways says it is on track to be admitted to the ASX on Tuesday 12 September 2023.

The New Zealand wine industry is taking stock of the current roles and skills across the sector to identify workforce gaps and plan for the future needs of the industry.

The Arnott’s Group says it has completed inventory mapping to understand the extent and location of its scope 3 emissions, according to its latest sustainability report.

Ten schools across Aotearoa with ‘climate clever’ ideas to address climate change will receive Growing for Good grants this year.

New Zealand has become the first country from the Oceania region to formally accept the World Trade Organisation Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

The government has confirmed details of the tax changes to the bright-line test for cyclone-damaged properties, with the release of the required legislative amendments.

The sale of a seaweed tonic with little or no branding has raised a red flag with New Zealand Food Safety.

The Act Party has revealed more details of its proposal to implement a new Ministry of Regulation, with the primary sector forming one of the first to be targeted by the new department.

Pic’s Peanut Butter World has been named a finalist in the New Zealand Tourism Awards.

Christchurch hospitality and accommodation provider Springs Junction Café and Motor Inn has been ordered to pay $36,000 for breaching multiple employment standards during the 2020 Covid pandemic.

Six of the country’s finest butchers have been named as part of New Zealand’s national butchery team to will compete at the World Butchers’ Challenge which takes place in Paris in March 2025.

Clyde Orchards has been fined $225k for health and safety failures related to an incident in February 2021 which resulted in a summer holiday job worker needing three fingers partly amputated.

The Environment Committee is calling for submissions on the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill.

The winner of Burger Wellington presented by Garage Project 2023 is One80 Restaurant with their Goan Chicken Ros Pao burger.

Farm reporting and insights platform, Trev, is chasing a $2.23m capital raise to accelerate its growth strategy.

The Restaurant Association has launched the Te Tai Tokerau Roadshow, which comprises a series of seminars designed to address crucial topics within the hospitality sector.

Cloudy Bay Vineyards is extending one of its Malborough vineyards with the purchase of a leasehold interest in 12.9 ha of land located at 440 Old Renwick Road, Rapaura.

Snack apple company Rockit Global is getting ready to launch its Ready. Set. Rockit. Back to School campaign in countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The trade surplus with China was $2bn in the June 2023 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ.

Fresh from co-leading a business delegation to India last week, the Auckland Business Chamber is taking 30 New Zealand businesses to China on Friday.

New Zealand will start exploratory discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor announced today.

The National Party has announced its cyclone and flood recovery plans, which would see it cut regulations and set up a specific ombudsman.

Fonterra plans to cut $1bn off its operating costs by 2030, according to chief executive Miles Hurrell who said the plan had been in development since late last year.

Queenstown’s Patagonia Chocolates has taken out the country’s top ice cream accolade being named Formula Foods Supreme Champion Boutique at the NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards 2023.

A petition for a values-based National Food Strategy has been presented to the government and accepted by MP for Taieri, Indrid Leary.

International doughnut brand Krispy Kreme is celebrating its fifth birthday in New Zealand.

Zespri is on track to finish the season eight weeks ahead of last season, with the last remaining fruit going out through its shipping programme over the coming weeks.

New Zealand Coastal Seafoods’s 100%-owned subsidiary Nine Ocean Fisheries has secured a debt facility with the National Australia Bank for the aggregate sum of A$1.9m.

A bill to protect the Hauraki Gulf has passed its first reading in parliament.

Te Tāpui Atawhai – Auckland City Mission won the Supreme Award at the 2023 Diversity Awards NZ.

Associate Agriculture Minister Jo Luxton has officially launched Bee Aware Month 2023, an annual nationwide celebration of bees and their importance to the ecosystem, food chain, and economy.

Move Logistics has fallen to a $7.2m net loss after tax after a significant slowing in its freight division.

MHM Automation, which services the global dairy, meat, horticulture and food processing sectors, delivered a 107% increase in operating EBITDA to $9.87m in the year to 30 June 2023.

Comvita has co-sponsored the first Honey Research symposium at Queenstown Research Week.

Aotearoa New Zealand is failing to protect children from unhealthy food marketing on many levels when measured up against new World Health Organization guidelines, according to public health researchers.

Public Service Commissioner Peter Hughes has appointed Jenn Bestwick to lead a review of Immigration New Zealand’s administration of the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme.

Aldiery’s Mediterranean Market is recalling a specific batch of Durra brand tahina due to the possible presence of salmonella.

Good Spirits Hospitality is on track to complete its $20.7m conditional sale to Brew on Quay in the fourth quarter, having received sign off from its lender and 24.99% owner Pacific Dawn.

A new Central Otago airport will help the region’s food exporters thrive by providing more efficient connections and easier access to workers, says Christchurch Airport.

Foodstuffs North Island’s 300-plus grocery stores recorded 3,900 incidents of retail from May to July this year, a 59% increase year-on-year, and up almost 19% on the last quarter.  

Farmers’ Mutual Group and SBS Bank are both be in the running to take home the title of Co-operative / Mutual of the Year as part of this year’s Cooperative Business NZ Annual Awards.

Grant Thornton is to succeed PricewaterhouseCoopers as Seeka Limited external auditor after 16 years.

New Zealand red meat exports were $807m in July 2023, down 24% on a record July 2022 that was boosted by a post-Covid catch-up, according to analysis by the Meat Industry Association.

Insolvencies are up almost 70% compared with the same time last year, with manufacturing, retail trade and construction faring the worst, according to BWA Insolvency.

Cassels Brewing Co Milk Stout has held onto the title of World’s Best Milk Stout at the World Beer Awards 2023 in London.

A Canterbury meat business and its owners have been fined $84,500 for the illegal sale of unregulated homekill meat through butcher shops.

Breeding pasture designed to thrive in a changing climate is the focus of a new accelerator programme backed by the government.

Alcohol sector stakeholders say the passing of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Community Participation) Bill could be devastating for breweries and tap rooms across New Zealand.

Milford Asset Management has sold down its ‘substantial holding’ in meal kit company My Food Bag.

The Commerce Commission has received an application from the Infant Nutrition Council (INC) seeking authorisation for an arrangement allowing the INC to restrict its members from advertising and marketing formula products for infants aged up to 12 months old.

The results of prestigious National Butchery Awards have been unveiled.

The World Health Organisation has released a new action guide for sports event organisers, Healthier food and healthier food environments at sports events.

Zespri chief executive Dan Mathieson has apologised for the orchard gate return forecasts it provided to growers last year when the company was battling kiwifruit quality issues.

Tomorrow is the last day to sign a petition calling for the government to develop a national food strategy.

Frucor Suntory’s adoption of SAP’s Business Technology Platform has driven a 13% increase in staff productivity and 3% increase in sales revenue, according to the technology company.

Clarity Distilling Company’s Clarity Dry Gin secured the Best in Class trophy and a gold medal at the recent Junipers NZ Gin Awards.

A Wairoa man who poached crayfish that had a commercial value of nearly $300,000 has been jailed for two years and two and a half months.

Healthcare and pet products company Ebos added 23% to its underlying net profit after tax to deliver a record result of $281.8m.

The Homegrown Juice Co is recalling a specific batch of its raw kombucha due to the possible presence glass pieces inside the bottle.

Zespri’s net profit after tax is expected to be between $155m and $175m, including licence release income, for FY24.

Mexican Supplies is recalling a specific batch of its Mexicano brand Corn Chips Natural due to the presence of an undeclared allergen, namely milk, after a packaging mix up.

Five finalists from around the country will take part in the 2023 Young Viticulturist of the Year national final next week.

Christchurch snack manufacturer Cookie Time says it is fielding multiple export inquiries for its Cookie Sandwiches, which it launched in March.

Woolworths New Zealand will be adding further security measures to its stores and upskilling team members dealing with conflict situations as part of a previously announced $45m security investment.

Vow Group chief executive and co-founder George Peppou and Food Standards Australia New Zealand principal toxicologist and risk assessor Dr Nick Fletcher are key speakers at the upcoming AltProteins 23 conference.

Around 5,000 students at two of Auckland’s largest universities are trialling a new AI-powered food savings and rewards app to access cheap eats at 100 local food outlets.

Chocolate brand Whittaker’s is bringing back its special edition Miraka Kirīmi (Creamy Milk) block produced for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week).

A new podcast series offering listeners insight into Aotearoa’s culinary scene has been launched by the Restaurant Association, with support from the Hospitality Training Trust.

Two winners were jointly named for this year’s Seafood New Zealand’s Future Adaptation Award.

Australian company Ampol, which owns Z Energy, says it saw good growth in food and beverage sales during the half-year to 30 June 2023.

The NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards 2023 has resulted in 183 medals were being awarded, including 64 golds, 74 silvers, and 45 bronzes.

Brand Brokers is recalling The Gluten Free Food Co brand Gluten Free Quick Mix Pizza Base due to the presence of an undeclared allergen, namely lupin.

Agritourism New Zealand has launched an online accelerator programme to broaden its reach into more areas of New Zealand and to meet demand.

New Zealand’s trade event for the food and beverage manufacturing and packaging technology industries, is coming back to Auckland in September.

Fonterra has reduced its farmgate milk price forecast for the second time in two weeks.

Comvita has received B Corp Certification.

The government is looking to pump an additional $5bn into New Zealand’s transport industry, bringing funding to $20.8bn between 2024-2027, with the proceeds coming from increased fuel taxes and road user charges.

Woolworths New Zealand is donating an additional $1.5m to its food rescue and food welfare partners. 

Kiwisaver’s socially responsible investment fund, Booster Innovation Fund, has completed a $200,000 cash investment in Scentian Bio.

Livestock Improvement Corporation has downgraded its expected underlying earnings for 2023-24 as a result of the reduced farmgate milk price range and uncertainty in relation to farmer spending.

Primary sector leader Greg Gent has been appointed as independent chair of Seafood New Zealand.

Beverage brand Almighty has opened what is its first public capital raise.

Wellington-headquartered infrastructure investor Morrison & Co has taken a 50% stake in Australian-listed packaging firm Pact Group’s crate pooling business.

Bakels NZ has named a new winner of the bacon & egg category in its annual pie awards, after a “technical glitch” during judging caused the wrong baker to be named first time round.

Countdown Bethlehem is the first supermarket to rebrand as Woolworths New Zealand, following the announcement by the ASX-listed group in July.

Treasury Wine Estates has entered into a contract to purchase vineyard assets in Australia and New Zealand for approximately A$50m ($54m), according to its annual report.

Rocket Foods is recalling a specific batch of its Rocket Kitchen brand Chocolate and Passionfruit Dessert due to the presence of an undeclared allergen tree nuts, namely hazelnuts. 

Christchurch biotechnology company PharmaZen reported a disappointing result for the six months to 30 June 2023, following significant staffing issues in the first quarter.

Foodstuffs North Island has celebrated the co-op’s achievers at its annual awards held at Auckland’s Viaduct Event Centre.

Food rescue organisation, KiwiHarvest, has teamed up with five iconic chefs and three rugby legends for the return of the Goodness Gala. 

The country’s largest dedicated coffee chain, Columbus Coffee, is the latest brand to sign the Australia-New Zealand Better Chicken Commitment for its 75 café locations.

Fisheries New Zealand has been requested to make an aquaculture decision on a proposed marine farm within the Coromandel Marine Farm Zone (CMFZ) located in the inner Hauraki Gulf.

Co-founder of Auckland-based FMCG brand incubator Red Shoots, Rhona Mackenzie, has been selected to attend the first all-women’s business delegation to Australia for the Mana Wahine Mission.

The government is moving ahead with plans to implement a pay gap reporting system for large organisations.

The government has removed of the remaining Covid-19 health requirements, including the seven-day mandatory isolation for positive cases.

Woolworths New Zealand’s newest wholesale agreement will see it supply groceries to National Retail Group’s KwikMart membership group.

All non-organic wheat flour for bread-making must be fortified with the B-vitamin folic acid from today, according to New Zealand Food Safety.

Foodstuffs North Island and Palmerston North Methodist Social Services have opened a Social Supermarket in Palmerston North, Koha Kai Whare.

Fonterra’s $50m share buyback programme will commence on 18 August 2023 and is expected to continue until 13 August 2024 as part of the co-op’s ongoing capital management programme.

Eat Street’s Atticus Finch was cream of the crop at the Rotorua Hospitality Awards on Sunday night, taking out three awards including the supreme establishment award.

Synlait Milk has reduced its forecast base milk price for the 2023 / 2024 season to $7 per kg of milk solids from $8/kgMS.

Fonterra expects to end the year at the top end of its forecast earnings range of 65-80 cents per share.

Wellington region food rescue charity Kaibosh is supplying ingredients to chefs and brewers for new food that are ending up at Beervana and Burger Wellington this August.

Pure New Zealand Ice Cream is recalling a specific batch of its Pure New Zealand Ice Cream brand Artisan Boysenberry Gelato due to the presence of an undeclared allergen, namely, egg.

Foodstuffs North Island is collaborating with community partners, Nourished for Nil, to open Napier’s first-of-its-kind social supermarket to combat food insecurity.

Pāmu is leading a joint project which aims to put an economic value on improvements made to diversity on farm.

Agricultural commodity prices are expected to get worse, before they get better, according to Westpac’s latest Economic Overview report.

Fonterra has confirmed the key dates for its capital return after receiving final orders from the High Court sanctioning its farmer-approved scheme of arrangement.

Spending in the hospitality industry totalled $1.26bn in July 2023, up 6.3% on the same month last year, according to Stats NZ’s latest electronic card transactions data.

Burger Wellington presented by Garage Project is set to take over the capital starting tomorrow as part of the August Edition of Visa Wellington On a Plate. 

US produce distributor David Oppenheimer and Company, trading as Oppy, is recalling repacked Zespri brand organic green kiwifruit because government testing found Listeria monocytogenes in a sample.

Feedback is being sought on proposals regarding industrially produced trans fats in processed foods.

Dining across on-premise experiences, casual restaurants and in-room are popular choices for Kiwis on holiday, according to new data from CGA by Nielsen IQ.

Agritech leader Arama Kukutai is one of four alumni of Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington selected as Distinguished Alumni Award winners for 2023.

A Mataura resident was the winner of a South Island giveaway earlier this month, receiving $9,999 worth of Four Square gift cards in celebration of the supermarket brand’s 99th birthday.

Seafood New Zealand has welcomed the “strengthened” Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan, while Greenpeace has slammed the plan calling it “anything but transformational”.

Crimson Badger Brewing has signed a domestic distribution agreement with Federal Merchants & Co.

A rāhui placed on the Hawke’s Bay region after Cyclone Gabrielle by Mana Ahuriri will continue into the whitebait season.

Businesses in New Zealand will save an estimated $105m each year by a reduction in fees to accept Mastercard and Visa payments, according to the Commerce Commission.

Maritime New Zealand is calling on people to have their say on proposed changes to maritime and oil pollution levies.

Warkworth’s 8 Wired Brewing took out the top gongs at this year’s New Zealand Beer Awards, hosted by Brewers Guild New Zealand.

One of the visionaries behind the formation of Horticulture New Zealand, Max Lilly, has won the horticulture Bledisloe Cup for 2023. 

Land-based primary producers severely impacted by the North Island weather events (NIWE) in early 2023 can now apply for support.

An all-star female lineup has been selected for this year’s Lumina Rising Stars programme.

Kiwifruit New Zealand is inviting applications for new, or reviews of existing multi-year, collaborative marketing arrangements for the 2024 export season.

Agritech innovator Hot Lime Labs has closed an oversubscribed funding round, banking $4m.

Invivo Wines has landed contracts to supply America Airlines for its international premier and business class flights, and Delta Airlines across the United States.

A members’ bill to make it easier for wineries to sell samples at the cellar door has had its first reading in Parliament.

Life Health Foods is recalling a specific batch of its Naked Kitchen brand Japanese Vegetable Curry due to the presence of an undeclared allergen, namely milk.

Scapegrace Distilling Co has been awarded a master medal at the 2023 The World Whisky Masters.

The 30th annual Toast Martinborough is expected to attract 100,000 people in November.

Zespri is heading to court to try to counter the illegal production and sales of its SunGold kiwifruit variety in China.

New regulations requiring grocery retailers to consistently and clearly display pricing by weight, volume or number are coming into effect at the end of August.

Auckland company Grey Lynn Gin has gone into liquidation citing slowing demand and the increase in the alcohol excise tax for the reasons.

Supie’s Sarah Balle and Ārepa Holding’s Angus Brown have been selected as finalist in EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023.

Scott Technology has signed a contract with McCain Foods to deliver a $12m project at the manufacturer’s Alberta, Canada, processing facility.

Good Spirits Hospitality is asking its lender to permit a payout to shareholders from the proceeds of its sale, even though its disposal price is less than its debt pile.

The winner of the 25th Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Awards went to Patrick’s Pies gourmet Roast Duck, Onion and Mushroom product.

Coupland’s Bakeries is recalling a specific batch of their Coupland’s brand Our Classic Steak & Vege Pie due to incorrect packaging, which has resulted in the presence of an undeclared allergen, namely milk. 

Wage cost inflation, as measured by the labour cost index (LCI), remained at 4.3% in the year to the June 2023 quarter, according to Stats NZ.

Fonterra’s B2B ingredients division, New Zealand Milk Products, has launched a new tool that aims to enable customers too quickly and effectively compare ingredients suitable for their specific needs.

New Zealand has no farms infected with the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis, says the government as its eradication effort moves into the next phase.

The government has welcomed a report from the Startup Advisors Council on steps to support a thriving startup sector in New Zealand.

Horticulture NZ director Kate Trufitt has been appointed the new chief executive of Potatoes New Zealand.

All packaged alcoholic drinks sold in stores must from today, 1 August 2023, carry labels warning that alcohol can cause harm to unborn babies.

Wine tastings get underway this week for the 2023 New World Wine Awards.

Westland Milk Products has received a gold ranking from independent sustainability auditors EcoVadis.

Wellington charity Compassion Soup Kitchen is launching its annual appeal on August 1.

Seeka director Robert Farron has resigned and will leave the grower and exporter’s board on Friday 4th August 2023.

Some 125 New Zealand wineries are in the running to be selected for Air New Zealand’s business premier cabins and some lounges.

Kiwigarden is recalling specific batches of its Greek-style yoghurt drops & whole blueberries due to the size of blueberry pieces, which could pose a choking hazard.

New Word’s Family2Family appeal resulted in 23,867 donated food bags being supplied to City Missions and foodbanks across New Zealand.

The fourth year of the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Good Employer Awards has seen a range of players from dairy, horticulture, meat processing, and food production make the shortlist.

Fonterra will this year provide native seedlings and resources to 22 schools participating in the Trees for Survival programme. 

The National Party’s finance spokesperson, Nicola Willis, has claimed that Prime Minister Chris Hipkins plans to “recycle a failed old Labour policy” of removing GST from fresh fruit and vegetables ahead of the October election.

The Commerce Commission has granted clearance for Reward Supply Co to acquire 100% of the shares of Southern Hospitality.

Mainfreight boss Don Braid struck a downbeat note at the company’s annual shareholder meeting, warning of “a sobering year or more ahead of us as we cope with a global recession”.

Marlborough-based wine producer Giesen has added two international awards for its 0% wine range to its trophy cabinet.

Nelson’s Sprig + Fern Brewing Co says it will not put prices up despite the government’s recent increase in alcohol excise tax.

Epic Brewing has gone into liquidation, with a sale process launched today.

The cost of living for the average household increased by 7.2% in the 12 months to June 2023, according to Stats NZ.

Fonterra is allocating $50m to start an on-market share buyback programme next month.

Venerdi is recalling of specific batches of its Gluten Freedom brand Broken Black Rice & Polenta Sourdough due to the presence of an undeclared allergen, namely sesame.

Four scientists from Plant & Food Research have been recognised for their contributions to the primary sector with awards from the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science (NZIAHS).

A new partnership between Woolworths New Zealand and Netball New Zealand sees the supermarket group become the naming rights partner of the Future Ferns.

The proposed sale by Fonterra and Nestlé of their Dairy Partners Americas (DPA) Brazil joint venture to French dairy company Lactalis has caught the eye of staff at Brazil’s antitrust watchdog CADE.

Farmers have voted in favour of Fonterra’s capital return scheme.

New Zealand Venue Co has bought the Morningside Tavern and neighbouring event space, Glasshouse, in Auckland.

The National Party says it will establish a minister for hunting and fishing to bring forth a raft of changes, including a new Department of Conservation hut partnership.

A Waikato dairy company has been fined $32,500 over its failure to notify National Animal Identification and Tracing that it was moving 910 cattle onto its farm.

Vertical strawberry farming venture 26 Seasons has pushed go on its capital raise.

Exports of milk powder, butter and cheese rose to $1.77bn in June 2023, up 11% compared to the same month in 2022.

Supply chain technology company TradeWindow says it has concluded a strategic agreement that will see UK-headquartered technology company nChain take a 19.99% stake for $11.1m.

The Supreme Winner of the third annual Vegan Society Vegan Cheese Awards was Sonntag’s Cumin Gouda Style.

Foodstuffs North Island participated in the Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai Cook-Off – which took place at St Matthew-in-the-City.

Mangoes and dead tarantulas are among recent items intercepted by Biosecurity New Zealand, as seizures jump from 2693 in June last year, to 9061 this year.

Kiri Allan has resigned from all her ministerial positions after being charged with reckless driving and resisting arrest.

New Zealand-based agritech company Bluelab has signed a commercial partnership with US water specialist Micro Grow.

The former chief executive of failed honey export company Oceania Natural has been hit with the highest possible court penalties for market manipulation.

Hospitality New Zealand has welcomed legislation that allows venues to extend trading hours without having to apply for a special licence so patrons can watch live televised Rugby World Cup matches.

This year’s North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the year title has gone to The Bone Line’s vineyard manager, Tristan Van Schalkwyk.

Blis Technologies delivered revenue growth of 18% and a break-even EBITDA result for the first quarter ending 30 June 2023.

MetroMart is the latest retail brand to sign a wholesale agreement with grocery company Woolworths New Zealand.

The founder of Sri Lankan tea company Dilmah has died, aged 93.

ExportNZ is hosting an All of Government Roadshow around New Zealand running from July 25 through to August 4.

The New Zealand Food & Grocery Council is hosting an interactive workshop on unconscious bias next week.

The latest Fine Food New Zealand event attracted record numbers of exhibitors and delegates, according to organiser XPO Exhibitions.

A 34-year Fonterra veteran is taking up the top job as chief executive officer of Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

Hospitality businesses can open longer for the men’s Rugby World Cup after the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2023 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill passed its third reading.

Registrations are now open for Foodomics 2024. 

A new $2.5m Four Square has officially opened its doors today in Auckland’s Onehunga, owned and operated by local business-woman Alex Gage-Brown.

A Hawke’s Bay butchery has been named the Supreme Winner in both bacon and ham categories of the 100% New Zealand Bacon & Ham Awards.

The Business Payment Practices Bill, which will reduce the stress and costs to small businesses of long payment wait times, has passed its third reading. 

Cooks Coffee chief financial officer, Craig Brown, is resigning with effect from 31st July 2023.

Countdown is recalling specific batches of its Woolworths brand Pickled Onions as the product may contain foreign matter, namely glass.

Wānaka’s Rippon Vineyard has been named the best in Australasia and eleventh in the top 50 worldwide.

New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association is launching the fourth year of its Top NZ Cheese Store accreditation programme.

Cardrona Alpine Resort has launched a new food venture and named it ‘Carol’s’ in recognition of a long-serving staff member.

New Zealand’s plant-based cheese manufacturer Angel Foods has completed its latest fundraise.

Animals Like Us, Nibblish, T&G Global and The Apple Press’ Sally Gallagher have been shortlisted in the 2023 Hawke’s Bay Export Awards.

Edible tableware manufacturer Twiice is making moves in Australia.

Hansang Trading is recalling specific batches of two of its Lotte brand cookies due to the presence of undeclared allergens.

Fisheries New Zealand is consulting on further amendments to recreational and commercial fishing rules for the Fiordland Marine Area.

Kiwisaver’s socially responsible investment fund, Booster, has added a stake in Calocurb to its portfolio.

Mainfreight says it is adopting a more prudent approach to cost management and will remain sales-focused in the face of an incoming slowdown.

Kiwifruit exporter Zespri said sales are tracking “significantly better than last season and at a level more comparable with 2021,” with around half of its crop now delivered.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has opened consultation on a review into anti-competitive land agreements across the wider economy.

First Union members who work in supermarkets are the latest group of workers to be formally accepted by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to begin negotiations for a Fair Pay Agreement.

Felton Road vineyard supervisor, Nina Downer, has been named Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year 2023 for the second year running.

Foodstuffs’ price increases were ahead of supplier increases on the same product categories measured in the Food Price Index in June for the third month running.

A food & beverage supply chain initiative has been confirmed as among 19 transport projects to share in $6.4m of funding from the government’s Low Emission Transport Fund.

The Ministry for the Environment and the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council are hosting a webinar on the Waste Action and Investment Plan.

Registrations are now open for the 2023 Joint Conference of the Nutrition Societies of New Zealand and Australia.

SkyCity will open a new Pacific-inspired restaurant in October headed by chef Michael Meredith.

Savor has confirmed key details of its upcoming Annual Shareholders’ Meeting and nomination of directors.

Fonterra has pushed back it’s upcoming special meeting to approve its proposed capital return.

The unique floating coffee and burger stop on the popular Lake Dunstan Cycle and Walking Trail is up for sale.

The Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) says that after 40 years of the Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (CER), progress is required in some key areas.

Food-truck market Pop Up Eats Horowhenua is returning from Wednesday 19 July 2023.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is consulting on a proposed new import health standard (IHS) for giant river prawns, macrobrachium rosenbergii.

PepsiCo’s Australian and New Zealand chip brands Smith’s, Bluebird, and Twisties as well as its international Dorito’s corn chip brand have been crowned official snacks of FIFA 2023.

Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty has made further appointments to the government inquiry into the response to the 2023 North Island severe weather events.

Australian non-alcoholic spirits maker Lyre’s has announced the closure of its latest strategic funding round, raising A$34.5m.

Foodstuffs-owned Pak’nSave says its artificial intelligence-powered online mealmaker tool for customers is proving popular, being accessed by more than 33,000 people since it launched a month ago.

Dairy farm reporting software company Trev has acquired red meat specialist Cloud Farmer, a pioneer of farm recording in New Zealand.

Retail NZ has appointed Carolyn Young as its new chief executive, to succeed Greg Harford, who is stepping down from 21 July.

Next weekend, Auckland will play host to international trade ministers as New Zealand hosts the 7th Commission Meeting of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Raw drinking milk producer Dreamview Creamery Real is recalling specific batches of raw milk as the product may contain listeria.

Exports of milk powder, butter, and cheese from Māori businesses totalled $49m in the March 2022 quarter, down $9m or 15% from the same quarter a year ago, according to Stats NZ.

The benchmark index of international food commodity prices declined again in June, led by price decreases for all major cereals and most types of vegetable oils, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The government is investing $4.6m from the Climate Emergency Response Fund into four projects tackling food waste.

The government is contributing a further $500,000 to the Post Your Support initiative, a community fundraising campaign supporting farmers and growers to fix cyclone-damaged fences and growing structures.

Two thirds of consumers in New Zealand change their visitation habits based on the time of year, according to the latest CGA Consumer Pulse Report.

New Zealand Food Safety has issued a public health warning against collecting shellfish from the Pelorus Sound area in the Marlborough Sounds.

Auckland’s Restaurant Month is back from 1-31 August 2023.

Administrators have been appointed to fledgling Waikato dairy processing business Happy Valley Nutrition.

DoorDash is launching in Auckland in a move the company said marks a significant milestone in its expansion in New Zealand.

Woolworths New Zealand agrees 12.3% wage increase over two years for supply chain teams in a new Collective Employment Agreement with FIRST Union

The Better Packaging Co has raised $5m in a Series A investment round to support expansion, particularly in the United States.

Fisheries New Zealand is calling for feedback on the proposed temporary fisheries closure of Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island) and nearby islands.

The total value of New Zealand wine industry exports for the year to May 2023 was $2.4bn, up 25% on 2022, according to New Zealand Winegrowers.

Good Spirits Hospitality has received final bids as part of the sales process for its nine-strong portfolio of venues.

Dr Rob Lake has been awarded the 2023 Significant Contribution to Food Safety Award, sponsored by New Zealand Food Safety, at the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology Awards.

Northland’s first Brew of Islands beer festival will be held in Kerikeri this month with an array of food, brews and drinks for locals and visitors.

The Coffee Club and chicken restaurant chain Bird On A Wire are the latest big names to sign the Australia-New Zealand Better Chicken Commitment. 

After almost 20 years of working in supermarkets, Mike Turney has taken the reins as the new owner operator of Four Square Tokomaru Bay.

Sanford’s Big Glory Bay Salmon has won the inaugural Food & Beverage Producer Award at the 2023 Primary Industries New Zealand Awards.

Zespri has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with its two largest distributors in China in an effort to bank a 50% uptick in sales over three years.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins will travel to Brussels to witness New Zealand signing the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement before heading to Stockholm and the NATO Leaders’ Summit in Lithuania.

Seeka’s 2022 carbon footprint increased to 22,839 tonnes C02e compared to 19,864 tonnes C02e in 2021, according to its 2023 sustainability report.

One in five meal-kit customers say they believe they receive better value for money than if they had purchased their meals through the supermarkets, according to research by Canstar.

Comvita has signed what the company described as “a significant long term partnership” with Olé supermarkets in China.

Foodstuffs has launched an inaugural Emerging Supplier Competition searching for new products with the potential to disrupt a category and change the way consumers shop.

The NZ Food Safety Science & Research Centre delivers value of $164m to New Zealand annually, according to the findings of a new study it commissioned.

Cheese exports rose $763m or 35% in the 12 months to May 2023, compared with the previous year reaching $3bn, according to Stats NZ.

The government has made virtually no progress on implementing healthy food policies in the last three years and without reform New Zealand will fail to meet its international obligations to the Paris Agreement and towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, according to a new report.

Multiple importers are recalling specific batches of Durra brand Tahina and Halawa products due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

P&O Cruises says it will be spending $5m on Kiwi food and beverage to supply its Pacific Explorer during its Auckland season.

The artificial sweetener aspartame is set to be declared a possible carcinogen next month by the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) cancer research arm, according to reports.

From Saturday 1 July 2023, the sale and manufacture of many single-use plastic products are being banned, restricted or phased out.

All food businesses now need to do yearly mock recalls.

The 2023 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards are open for entries from New Zealand’s food and fibre sector employers.

Registrations are now open for the third annual Vegan Society Cheese Awards.

Zespri has completed what was a smaller 2023 harvest, and has started sending fruit off to market.

Central Hawke’s Bay producer Lindsay Farm is recalling of specific batches of its Organic Raw Milk (unpasteurised) as the product may contain Campylobacter bacteria.

Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirit Co is backing the Dry July New Zealand Trust for the second year in a row.

Following on from its gold Sofi award, Lewis Road Creamery’s 10 Star Certified Salted Butter has been named the 2023 Sofi Product of the Year.

The number of filled jobs rose 0.2% in May compared with a year ago, according to the latest Stat NZ figures on employment indicators.

The Warehouse is expanding its fresh fruit and vegetable trial to a further five stores and three new regions.

Marlborough Wine Estates Group has completed the 2023 vintage with volumes up 1.7% on the 2022 vintage and in-line with pre-vintage expectations for the 2023 vintage.

The government is seeking feedback on changes to regulations for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that will foster research and improve health outcomes.

Mānuka honey specialist Comvita reported record sales in the recent 618 shopping festival in China, up 12% compared with last year’s event.

Foodstuffs is preparing for the removal of single-use plastic bags from all supermarkets and grocery stores from 1 July, as part of a government phase-out of certain single-use plastics.

Countdown says the weather across the East Coast has impacted the supply of fruit and veges.

Rangatira Investments has reported a net profit of $20.4m for the year to 31 March 2023, up 122% on the previous 12 months.

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Fisheries New Zealand is consulting on proposed changes to sustainability measures for orange roughy (ORH 3B), including catch limits and allowances.

The government is making $6m available for community food providers across New Zealand, although full details are yet to be revealed.

Affco New Zealand has been sentenced in the Gisborne District Court for health and safety failures at its Wairoa plant.

Countdown is consulting with around 400 of its meat department team and FIRST Union on proposed changes to its North Island meat department team structure. 

The average carbon footprint of wild-caught fish harvested and processed at sea by New Zealand’s deepwater fishers is estimated to be one of the smallest among animal-based protein sources, a study has found.

Goods exports rose $189m or 2.8% to $7bn in May 2023, compared with the same month last year, led by milk powder, butter, and cheese.

The Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand has signed the Government Industry Agreement deed for Biosecurity Readiness and Response (GIA).

My Food Bag’s application to de-list from the Australian Stock Exchange has been accepted.

Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency for Taranaki, has launched their Branching Out growing trials with the planting of the first crop, garlic.

Australian mānuka honey producers have followed New Zealand’s industry by confirming it will not appeal the recent Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand decision.

New World Hutt City is recalling a specific batch of its New World Hutt City brand NZ Beef Prime Mince as the product may contain foreign matter, namely white plastic.

New Zealand agri-science consultancy is opening a new office in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to cater for growth in the region.

DairyNZ has appointed Waikato-based Campbell Parker as its new chief executive.

The 2023 harvest of New Zealand’s largest horticultural export has largely ended with the crop now being shipped to overseas markets.

Maketū Foods is recalling a specific batch of its Maketū Pies brand Steak & Mushroom Pie due to the presence of an undeclared allergen, namely fish.

The largest agricultural event in Southern Hemisphere attracted just over 105,000 attendees over its four days.

A Minister of Hospitality is just one of seven asks the hospitality industry has of whatever government is elected on October 14.

NZ Brewers Fest 2023 is taking place at Upper Hutt’s Brewtown on Saturday 14 October.

The Mānuka Honey Appellation Society will not appeal the recent Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand decision.

Foodstuffs North Island has opened the $46m Warkworth Pak’nSave

Good Spirits Hospitality is expecting final bids shortly as part of the sales process for its nine-strong portfolio.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta has welcomed the adoption of a new global treaty to protect and restore high seas biodiversity.

Christchurch biotechnology company PharmaZen says it has successfully filled 15 vacancies this year, which will help it overcome a poor first half of FY23 due to labour shortages.

New Zealand Trade & Enterprise says the business delegation travelling with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to China will have the dual aims of boosting the economy as well as New Zealand’s relationship with the Asian giant.

The government must step up efforts to support the rural sector so that all Kiwis can access safe, healthy and affordable food, says Animal & Plant Health New Zealand.

Hospitality New Zealand has applied to become the bargaining agent for hospitality employers, which would see it enter negotiations on an industry pay arrangement under the Fair Pay Agreements Act.

Prolife Foods’ Haddrell’s honey business has bagged two gold medals at the 2023 London International Honey Awards for its Mānuka Honey UMF™ 22+ and Limited Edition Mānuka Honey UMF™ 25+.

Invest South and Mainland Angel Investors have invested in Frist Table, bringing the Queenstown-based venture’s capital raise to $3.5m.

Foley Wines says the harvest for its 2023 vintage totals 8,137 tonnes across its Marlborough, Martinborough and Mt Difficulty wineries, a 12% decrease from the previous year.

A goats milk lip balm school project has picked up the Young Innovator of the Year Award at the 2023 Fieldays Innovation Awards.