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The NZ division of the global pizza franchise manages to skirt the rising costs and falling demand seen across the group.

The Commerce Commission is setting up an anonymous complaints system for suppliers as part of its oversight of the $22bn grocery sector.

Stock with a cost value of up to $450,000 has been returned to suppliers of failed online grocery retailer Supie, as liquidators continue to seek buyers for the company’s assets.

Seafood NZ says better information is needed and a wider range of options considered over proposals to restrict bottom fishing.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 8 December.

The company is forecasting profit of up to $35m in 2024 – double that of this year’s guidance – as it leaves the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle behind and leverages the global pet food boom.

Woolworths brings back a smash hit, Scapegrace goes for the Perfect 10, and Duck Island Ice Cream releases a trifecta of treats.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

It is hoped that combining the companies will enable scale and help exploit export opportunities.

Fonterra’s first quarter profit after tax is up 85% on the same time last year as the dairy exporter banks better margins across its portfolio.

The production of commercial infant and toddler foods could be in for a shake-up after shortfalls between products and rules were brought to government attention.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

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.

Lessons from across the ditch on how NZ’s new grocery code can help improve the industry – but only if suppliers choose to use it.

Revenue and gross profit were up and so were payments to Australian owner Woolworths Group.

The integration of artificial intelligence into food businesses is expected to accelerate in 2024.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

It’s a mixed bag from the investor’s food interests, with Rangatira saying in its interims that it’s committing more to kiwifruit, lobster’s “strong”, but it’s been tough for red meat.

The company expects an improved performance after a restructure of its Australian business and debt pile.

The Massey University distinguished professor is ranked among the world’s best after making Stanford University’s list of the most influential scientists in food science and technology.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The Countdown owner’s bottom line comes under increasing pressure, with nearly $50m added to its finance bill alone.

Australia’s major supermarket groups are to come under scrutiny in a senate probe of their pricing and profits.

NZ joins more than 130 countries to sign the Leaders Declaration on Food Systems, Agriculture and Climate Action.

Innovations are emerging to minimise greenhouse gas emissions and ensure sufficient food supply.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 1 December.

A ‘for sale’ sign has been hoisted over Waiheke Island’s Tantalus Estate Vineyard, following a challenging pandemic.

What has the QSR fraternity cooked up for the festive season? Krispy Kreme, Pizza Hut and Subway unveil new Christmas treats.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The breakfast specialist lands a contract with the US giant’s Auckland store that ticks the boxes for sales margins and sustainability.

Halting work on industry transformation plans is a top three priority for the new government, with the proposal second on the coalition’s 100-day plan.

The Labour Party has revealed its shadow cabinet tasked with holding the coalition government to account, with the Green Party also unveiling its opposition line-up.

A mix of established manufacturers to startups have been selected to supply a 14-strong lineup of new onboard snacks.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Despite tens of millions of dollars committed, food industry transformation plans look set to become victims of coalition negotiations, with ACT planning to stop all work on ITPs.

The French bakery extends its grocery range to pastry, filling the gap left by the exit of Goodman Fielder’s Edmonds brand from the freezer.

The ex-CEO of The Better Health Company Group, Scott Johnson, will take the reins at the probiotics firm.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The baking behemoth that owns bread brand Tip Top and Big Ben created a top three category competitor when it acquired rival Dad’s Pies.

The celebrity chef and Carlos Bagrie’s Royalburn Station partners with the Wellington brewing institution to launch a new beer.

The cluster of hospitality venues near Queenstown are using a restored and repurposed 160-year-old farm.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Foodstuffs South Island has restructured operations at its Trents Wholesale business as it looks for growth from its B2B division.

The mānuka honey specialist says it will struggle to deliver its promised double-digit earnings growth in its 2024 financial year as demand in its core China and US markets softens.

The inclusion of hospitality alongside tourism in a government portfolio is deserved recognition of a $14bn sector, say industry groups.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

List MP Andrew Bayly becomes a key player in the effort to address competition concerns in NZ’s grocery sector.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 24 November.

Arnott’s puts a gluten free spin on one of its classics, Goodfood Group extends its dairy free brand, Duck Island and Garage Project’s new collab, and its strawberries and cream from Brown Brothers.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The alt-protein player says it is outperforming the troubled plant-based sector with an increase in sales, despite a category-wide contraction.

Plant-based protein needs to move from novelty to mainstream, and ‘more of the same’ will not be enough to make a successful transition, according to Mintel.

The latest results make for sober reading, with the meal kit company eating cost increases to grow customer numbers.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Its latest results show a bumper year for the global foodservice distributor in New Zealand, complete with a big uplift in its bottom-line performance.

Supermarket dollar sales hit another record, but Kiwis are becoming more discerning with their spend.

The new annual fund aims to drive innovation fostering sustainable growth in the multi-billion dollar kiwifruit sector.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

A familiar face is back at the top of the annual survey, pushing confectionary giant Mondelēz from the top of the rankings.

The salmon farmer signs an exclusive distribution agreement that could deliver it sales of up to $10m as it looks to build back its fluctuating China business.

The egg wholesaler has collapsed in the wake of a supply shortage brought on by changes to both regulation and impending supermarket sales.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The number of NPD launches may be slowing but innovation is working harder for NZ’s top food manufacturers, with value growth on the rise.

Poultry group Inghams had an improved year in New Zealand contributing to its Australasian turnaround, with both plumper revenue and profit in 2023.

A healthy smattering of food system faces have made it into Time Magazine’s 100 most influential climate leaders in business rubbing shoulders with bankers, politicians, and oil and energy tycoons.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 17 November.

The list of hundreds of known creditors of failed online grocery retailer Supie runs the gamut of small to large food and beverage manufacturers.

The horticulture and viticulture industries want more Recognised Seasonal Employer workers but it is taking a toll on the Pacific Islands, write Massey University researchers.

Hellers and Bluebird combine in a meaty merger, Prolife Food extends its snack game, and Hop Federation celebrates 10 years.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Shareholders are stumping up cash to pay creditors and enable the Hawke’s Bay drinks business to continue trading.

Kiwi food companies that took the plunge to become B Corps have seen it pay off with better-than-average sales growth.

The lawsuit is believed to be among the first by a US state to target a major plastics producer.

The way food packaging is designed can have a significant influence on what parents buy and children consume, write Australian health researchers.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

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.

A difficult trading environment leads to changes in the ranks, with alcohol and tobacco specialists losing ground.

Food and beverage deals help lift overall activity to be “better than expected” for the period.

Pals and Geisen have been shortlisted in FoodBev’s prestigious World Beverage Innovation Awards.

Do shoppers favour uncluttered package design and, if so, why? Texas Christian University’s assistant professor of marketing, Lan Anh Nu Ton, takes a closer look.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The seafood company delivers lower profit on its best revenue in five years, and bats away questions over the abrupt departure of two directors.

ComCom says the deal, which turns Sealord into NZ’s largest seafood company, is unlikely to substantially lessen competition.

The founder of $100m beauty bar business Ethique has shifted her focus from waste reduction in the cosmetics industry to the $1.44tn global drinks industry.

The increase in annual and monthly food prices continues to slow, with the latter coming in negative for the second month in a row, according to Stats NZ.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The owners of the independent ice cream company have put it up for sale after five years of ownership.

NIQ’s annual Breakthrough Innovation report took in NZ for the first time this year, so which Kiwi brands have been named innovation leaders?

But costs remain stubbornly high, especially for grocery items like noodles, potato chips, and cooking oils.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Indicative bids are in for Synlait’s consumer dairy business, however, they are reportedly short of the expected price-tag of around $130m.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 10 November.

FSL Foods launches an exclusive in Countdown, Goodfood adds to its Food Snob range, Harmony delivers a banging banger, and new Seltz Drops drop.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Firms such as Fonterra, Frucor Suntory and Heinz Wattie’s are expected to decide the future of the failed online retailer, with liquidation the most likely option.

The 52-year-old business in Australia owes about A$50m – A$55m.

The dairy co-op plans to cut its scope 3 emissions by adopting an intensity reduction goal rather than a hard target for cutting overall on-farm greenhouse gases.

Again Again is continuing its circular economy drive joining with 36 New Zealand retailers and breweries including DB and Lion for its latest packaging push.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Suppliers are divided over the risks and opportunities of the proposed Foodstuffs merger, with smaller manufacturers fearing they have more to lose.

CEO Raewyn Bleakley says the industry group will “actively participate” in the consultation process regarding the proposed merger.

“The clearance process includes the opportunity for interested parties – including suppliers – to respond to the proposed merger,” ComCom said.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

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 two Foodstuffs co-ops are looking to merge, creating a $13bn grocery behemoth led by current FSNI boss Chris Quin.

The iwi has lodged an appeal and judicial review of the decision of the expert panel to reject its open ocean salmon farm plan near Stewart Island.

Ngāi Tahu’s seafood business delivered an improved FY23 result despite the turbulent economic backdrop which contributed in-part to the poor year at its shrinking honey operations.

NZ should develop aquaculture specific legislation like Norway and Tasmania to achieve sustainable growth, according to the company behind Bluff’s commercial deepwater port.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Lane calls on suppliers to consider wholesaling products directly to combined convenience and route trade buyers – a move that would shift power from the duopoly.

The New Zealand beverage business behind Ch’i drinks has defended its trademark territory against a Singaporean food company – with partial success.

From developing cutting-edge tech to transform agri, private players are working with industry to disseminate innovation.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

And it’s neither Wellington nor Christchurch, says the US retail giant’s NZ boss.

Listed food industry supplier MHM Automation has received a $151.4m takeover offer from US-based Bettcher Industries priced at a more than 80% premium to its shareprice.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 3 November.

Early Christmas cheer from Whittaker’s and Nestlé, Me Today’s new infused honey range, and Frucor Suntory’s latest coffee in a can option.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Co-founder Angus Brown says the beverage business has not been clear enough about the way it has worded its health claims.

NZ’s first grocery commissioner calls on industry to support new entrants or they could become subject to a wholesale code of conduct.

The burgeoning grocery supplier moves on another household staple in an effort to grow sales in the sector.

A Chinese company with $48bn of international assets including 70 science parks is looking to New Zealand to explore the opportunity of developing a local food, health and tech incubator.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

In the wake of Supie’s collapse, Huckleberry’s owners say it will take govt support to bring true competition to the capital-constrained NZ market – and they’re ready to take the call.

Food and beverage sector stakeholders from around the country are gathering in Sydney for the New Zealand Food & Grocery Council’s annual conference, which falls days after Supie’s collapse.

The dairy co-op says Neil Beaumont is leaving this Friday having only just starting in February.

Tapping into the average person’s concerns over the environment may help spur collective action and beer could be a good test.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

“We fought so hard to introduce competition in the market so that Kiwis could get a fairer deal for their groceries,” says the online retailer’s founder.

One of the early backers of the collapsed online supermarket says there were “several factors” that scuppered the startup, but it wasn’t a lack of effort by founder Sarah Balle.

Market commentators, food industry stakeholders and politicians speak out on the state of competition in the grocery sector following the failure of supermarket challenger Supie.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Sarah Balle’s grocery challenger runs short of cash after a key investor pulls support, leaving the company facing a creditors’ bill of around $3m.

Levelling the playing field for new entrants to the grocery sector is one of the top three issues on New Zealand’s inaugural grocery commissioner’s fix-it list.

With AI producing results when it comes to NPD, think tank Te Puna Whakaaronui takes a look at what is happening globally and asks, ‘what should be happening in New Zealand?’

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Burger Fuel shareholders are in line for a $4m payout related to a proposed tie-up with Subway that never came to pass.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 27 October.

Rutherford & Meyer put a twist on a classic, Paddy Gower and Karen O’Leary get involved in NPD, and a Garage Project cult favourite gets a spicy makeover.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

A number of food and drink brands and producers are recognised for their significant growth.

The Regional Strategic Partnership Fund has backed dozens of projects since it was launched – how has the food system fared?

The startup behind plant-based product Vince is raising funds so it can add to its manufacturing capacity ahead of a planned supermarket launch.

Cultivated chicken, next-gen avocado, a new kind of vegetable and a raft of kitchen and cooking innovations make the publication’s top inventions of 2023.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

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

Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci says a difficult economic environment and a competitive landscape in NZ will dent its first half results.

“A decision will be made as to next steps including whether to open an investigation,” says a spokesperson for the competition watchdog.

The red sheds retailer continues to expand into grocery, with its fresh food offer entering more stores across the country.

Restaurant Brands has reported increasing sales in a third-quarter trading update, but there is no word on how its bottom line is faring following a first half when profit plummeted on rising costs.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

A trio of food firm leaders are heading for the exit, including the chair of troubled dairy processor Synlait, who only took up the role 10 months ago.

The honey and VMS company is in talks with its lenders after warning that it is likely to undershoot its sales forecasts – with a capital raise and asset sales still on the table.

The dairy giant’s nutrition science solutions ventures arm has been given a new name and added three investments to its portfolio.

New NZ research found carbon leaching out of existing plastic pollution has a negligible impact on climate change, with the production of new plastics the bigger concern.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Purpose-led vanilla producer Heilala Vanilla takes home the supreme silverware at the prestigious New Zealand Food Awards 2023.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 20 October.

Green Meadows Beef adds pickle, Lewis Road gets a citrus twist, Tip Top and Frucor Suntory collab in the chiller, as do Ben & Jerry’s and Tony’s Chocolonely, and Good Cocktail Co’s new garnish.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The NZ-owned firm has gone into voluntary administration in Australia, with a sale or restructuring the preferred options for the 53-year-old business.

A refill and reuse model is one of the best ways food and beverage businesses can start tackling sustainability, says NZTE head of sustainability Florence Van Dyke.

Over the last 30 years, US$3.8tr worth of crops and livestock production has been lost due to disaster events, according to the first global estimation of the impact of disasters on agriculture.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The NZ product traceability company lands a second major coffee contract.

The New Zealand venison industry and aviation pioneer has died following a short illness, aged 85.

One of the world’s biggest and most influential food and beverage trade events showcases leading industry innovation.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Inflation means more dollars spent at supermarkets, but some categories are losing out.

The Countdown owner launches an ‘enhanced’ range of private label meat products, following a three-year review and increased investment in its North Island meat plant.

HelloFresh is performing better than Kiwi meal kit company My Food Bag in New Zealand, according to the German giant’s latest financial results.

The dairy companies have failed to resolve their dispute over A2’s right to cancel Synlait’s exclusive supply arrangements.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The tech entrepreneur-led venture, which recently drafted in former Fix & Fogg export specialist Sarah Sherriff, is preparing for the butter big-time.

The only certainty following Saturday’s election is the ‘uncertain’ nature of the next government’s exact make-up and who will pick up the important food-related portfolios.

New Zealand’s horticulture exports slimmed down to $4.65bn in the year to June 2023, according to a revamped Fresh Facts 2023, although kiwifruit and apples still lead the charge.

Once a cornerstone for food retailers, brand loyalty is suffering as consumers prioritise cost savings.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Ramped up trade, removing GST from fruit and veg, and more grocery reforms are among the food-related pledges made in the run-up to tomorrow’s general election.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 12 October.

Its a drinks-heavy line-up led by the latest from Hendrick’s Gin, a seasonal release from Hop Federation, and Pals departs from pastels.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Tackling communication around processed food and the use of technology in meal planning, shopping and cooking should be front of mind for brands.

The agritech startup’s latest investment round is also supported by an Auckland-based deep tech investor.

Monthly food prices fell 0.4% on the back of falls for fruit and vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce.

Trust Codes COO Emma Wheeler considers the food system challenges that need to be navigated if NZ is to move to a better food system.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Moana’s $125m-plus deal with Sanford was brokered in a very different economic environment, so how will the iwi-owned business navigate the current volatility?

Turbocharging the primary sector, cracking the India opportunity and securing more free trade agreements are part of the National Party’s plan to boost New Zealand’s exports.

Rural-focused New Zealand is suffering from a downturn in commodity prices and the severe weather earlier in the year, however, the impacts are not being felt evenly, according to Westpac.

Amid calls for a second ‘green revolution’, Sweet Briar College’s Glenn Davis Stone debunks the standard legend of India’s input-intensive agricultural overhaul, and what it really means for food supplies and self-sufficiency.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

A Sri Lanka organics giant is sizing up the NZ opportunity with a road map that includes pouring hundreds of SKUs into the market, and potentially its own organics supermarket.

Ārepa is making strides across Australasia, driving into convenience with two recent account wins across the ditch after adding country managers for the two respective territories.

The airline is turning over the final selection of new snack suppliers to the public, with a shortlist of 30 drawn-up.

Initiatives for decarbonising the food system are spearheaded by large companies, and the proposed measures can often be problematic for farmers.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The salad company’s profit plummets as costs rise and there are supply shortages due to extreme weather.

All but one department saw higher supplier costs in September compared with August, with seafood costs among the fastest increases.

A bumper harvest did not translate into a bumper profit for grape grower, which nonetheless delivered a solid performance in a year disrupted by Cyclone Gabrielle.

The annual list recognises companies that built connections with their audiences and made an impact on their customers.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 6 October.

Two innovative New Zealand food system startups have attracted international backing as they continue on their respective commercialisation journeys – and zone in on the US.

Southland processing company Blue Sky Meats has seen its profit normalise after a record 2022, and is banking this year’s substantially lower surplus in order to undertake capital investment.

A line-up of limited editions and summer specials from Rebel Bakehouse, Wellington Chocolate Factory, Coca-Cola Oceania, DB Breweries, and Good Sh*t Soda.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The iwi is shutting down its honey operations in the North Island and will tap into The Mānuka Collective to support its South Island business.

The Tasman brewer is the latest food and beverage firm to look for external capital as it looks to accelerate its growth.

Fonterra is stepping up its commercial probiotics game by forming a partnership with what it describes as a world-leading Irish research centre specialising in human microbiome.

A new quality mark designed to assist customers and consumers identify genuine, high-quality Greenshell mussel powder has been launched.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The startup co-owned by Australia’s largest dairy co-op revealed the investment as stakeholders such as NZ’s FoodHQ and Miruku presented at AltProtein23 in Melbourne.

“I believe this is a genuine model offering food security and community agency,” says Eat NZ’s Angela Clifford.

The value of New Zealand red meat exports in August 2023 fell 16% on the same month last year as demand from China softened, according to the Meat Industry Association.

A new study shows value can be created from food waste by turning it into highly desirable nanocellulose.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The oat milk and banana business hits the fundraising trail for a one-off capital injection to support an export drive.

With the countdown on to the general election on October 14, New Zealand Food & Grocery Council chief executive Raewyn Bleakley lays out first actions depending on the outcome.

The manufacturer says it will instead reduce supply to its Pacific and Asian markets.

Pāmu has voluntarily released its first climate-related disclosure report as the state-owned farming company becomes more mindful of climate risks, particularly after Cyclone Gabrielle.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The breakfast specialist is sizing up the Aus market, where it sees potential to get a better margin shipping product direct than it receives in grocery domestically.

The Christchurch craft brewer teams up with Auckland peer to form a strategic sales and distribution partnership for the North Island.

Support for new entrants could include finance, making sure land is available, regulatory changes, incubating innovation and accelerating competition.

Snacking company Bluebird Foods took home one of the most coveted awards after being named packaged supreme supplier of the year.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

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

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 29 September.

The watchdog could turn to litigation should it find that Sanitarium’s actions are in breach of the Commerce Act, according to the competition watchdog’s chair, John Small.

Investors who focus on the capital-intensive side of food investment can have a big impact on global food security and affordability, writes UBS’ Darren Rabenou.

With summer around the corner, Heineken goes low-carb, Asahi collabs on a Major Major flavour, Six Barrel Soda’s feel-good vibes, and KFC gets into jewellery.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

How much did Intersnack pay to take full control of the Nelson-based snack company?

Proper Snack Foods is temporarily stopping production of its kūmara crisps following the fallout from Cyclone Gabrielle, but has developed a new product to fill the gap via an Australian workaround.

The retailer’s CEO says measures to improve wholesale access in NZ’s $22bn duopoly-dominated grocery sector have not yet helped the red sheds.

A new strategy for Hospitality New Zealand and more integration with businesses and stakeholders are top of the agenda for the association’s new chief executive, Steve Armitage.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The country’s largest meat processor reveals the emissions for the first time but it has not yet set a reduction target.

The Oyster Bay owner is ploughing hundred of millions of dollars into asset growth as it works towards a goal case sales of more than four million by 2026.

Ten manufacturers spanning meat products, meals in a jar and pet food have been named finalists in the Foodstuffs Emerging Supplier Competition.

UPFs rely on energy-intensive manufacturing processes and long supply chains, which can lead to substantial emissions.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Peter Simmons joins the private equity-backed plant-based food manufacturer “to lead the team and business into the next chapter”.

A line in Synlait Milk’s account reveal the amount the dairy firm received after launching an $8.8m lawsuit over its Talbot Forest Cheese Co acquisition.

After a post-Covid bounce, the UK coffee chain franchise lost momentum, says Cooks Coffee, which is pushing on with its other brand Esquires.

Significant environmental benefits can be gained by producing affordable, sustainable, and healthy food.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The flow of dollars through supermarket tills continues to grow, with demand for staples and ‘fakeaways’ increasing.

The dairy company has listed a litany of factors that have contributed to its “poor” financial performance.

“Ultimately the Reusabowl model would not scale to make the impact we all wanted as founders,” the team behind the reusable packaging organisation concluded.

Zero-alcohol products do not cause the physical harms associated with alcohol, but they are not without risk, according to new research from Monash University.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 22 September.

CEO Miles Hurrell says a sale of the NZ consumer business is not on the cards, despite a dire year, so what else did he and his CFO have to say about the embattled division?

Allpress gets in on the iced coffee game, Dilmah goes for flavoured iced tea, Pete’s Natural collabs for kids, Whittaker’s pumps out two limited editions, and Eta has a fundraising collab.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Profit rockets 170% to $1.6bn but no thanks to its consumer division, which plunged to a $164m loss on the back of brand write-downs.

Sole owner John Bostock has appointed Craigs to run a sales process for a minority stake in the Hawke’s Bay horticulture business.

Salmon farmer made the most of improved operations and strong demand for salmon in the first half, with a profit of $10.6m – quite the turnaround from last year’s $24.5m interim loss.

Hospitality and food businesses in Queenstown could face months of water workarounds until a permanent fix is found to the resort’s cryptosporidium outbreak.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The discovery that Kiwis could not name a single hot dog brand set the then-new owners of the Christchurch company off to stake a claim on the snack.

A sugary beverages tax, product reformulation, and strengthened cross-agency collaboration are among the recommendations made by health officials to cut unhealthy food consumption in NZ.

NZFGC boss Raewyn Bleakley is open to exploring options when it comes to potential government regulation in the food space but wants more detail.

Global drinks company Pernod Ricard is revisiting a potential sale of its Australian and New Zealand wine brands – a divestment it explored in 2019.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Sealord’s proposed purchase of Independent Fisheries is the largest seafood deal in NZ in 30 years – how did it come about and what does it mean for the Nelson-headquartered business?

Operators also say they have seen an unusually high number of staff sick in recent days, although the exact cause is unknown.

Longstanding names from the food system mix with new entrants to make the list of fifty finalists selected for the New Zealand International Business Awards 2023.

To solve a complex problem you need subtle and connected changes that are designed with and are acceptable to those with the most to gain.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The company says the numbers do not stack up to continue investment in the current environment.

The government agency is consulting over changes to its exporter strategy, including the export customer team led by Craig Hudson, ahead of funding contracting in 2024.

Synlait Milk is disputing that its major customer, A2 Milk, has the right to cancel its exclusive arrangement after said notice was given on Friday.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 15 September.

An acquisition of the Christchurch-based fishing business would make Sealord the country’s biggest seafood business.

Privately owned pet food and confectionery company Mars has issued a fresh set of net-zero pledges, including a new 2030 target.

Pure Delish rolls out its wellness range, Ferrero launches a novel Tic Tac, State of Play mixes it up, and an experimental offering from Six Barrel Soda.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

In an open letter to industry, Pierre Van Heerden sets out his expectations for both retailers and suppliers.

The Thai-owned global drinks business snaps up NZ premium spirits producer Cardrona Distillery for an undisclosed sum.

Current ocean management systems put commercial interests ahead of environmental ones – as illustrated by the salmon farmer’s Blue Endeavour proposal, the institute says.

Foodstuffs’ price rises were ahead of supplier increases for the fifth month running, but remain consistently below FPI.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The green light for the 10-year ACE lease makes Moana the largest inshore fishing business in the country.

Fruit and vegetables such as grapes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and nectarines contributed to a rise in monthly prices in August, after a contraction in July.

Simon Limmer has been confirmed as the new boss of wine business Indevin Group just days after announcing his resignation from being chief executive of Silver Fern Farms.

Pāmu is launching a seven-year $10.5m genetics programme, which aims to produce sheep with top meat quality traits, lower methane emissions, finer wool and a greater tolerance for hot weather.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Majority owners Navis Capital is reviewing its ownership of the egg producer, which could result in a $400m-plus sale.

Could edible packaging and potato milk soon be hitting the market in New Zealand?

A healthy line-up of food and beverage companies and initiatives are among the 76 finalists in this year’s Sustainable Business Awards.

Like it or not, there are lots of good arguments for eating insects – both in animal feeds and on human plates.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The gluten-free specialist has upsized into a new factory and is adopting a “defensive strategy” in its entry into Australia.

The recent monthly supplier price increase trend – driven by frozen in August – could be the harbinger of a ‘new normal’ when it comes to food pricing, according to Infometrics.

There is only one area where New Zealanders plan to increase their spending in the short term and that is groceries, according to Tony Alexander’s latest spending plans survey.

Seafood New Zealand is urging marine protection election promises to “be firmly based in science” after the Green Party promised to ban bottom trawling.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 8 September.

A new global knowledge exchange programme to support Māori innovators in agri-food tech has been launched, expecting to place up to 15 leaders over the next three years.

The QSR group is looking at options to continue expanding its footprint in NZ after new franchisee demand dwindles in the tough economic climate.

Nespresso brings back its limited-edition seasonal flavour, Mondelez refreshes its Cadbury Roses, and Sealord adds to its foodservice offering.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The partnership with one of the world’s leading food innovation platforms will help champion Kiwi firms and tackle the challenge of scaling.

Iwi group NIOW secures an additional $600k from the govt to help fund its large sustainable aquaculture project.

A clutch of food and beverage manufacturers were in the spotlight at the TVNZ-NZ Marketing Awards, with companies including Rockit and Silver Fern Farms taking home trophies.

Dr Debashree Roy from the Riddet Institute at Massey University has won the Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand competition.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

If re-elected, the party says it will use the money to help transform NZ into a global leader in sustainable agri.

A trade ruling finds in favour of NZ, after dairy exporters miss out in an estimated $120m in revenue from the Canadian market.

Ongoing investment into trade liberalisation and resilient infrastructure is required to support the continued growth of the dairy sector, according to a new report by Sense Partners.

A new list of the world’s richest food and beverage billionaires has been published, with China’s Zhong Shanshan topping it.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The global dairy giant’s new GM of NZ and Aus, Kathy Cavill, fills the gap left by former boss Rodrigo Lima.

Agriculture and the production and export of beef and lamb should be at the heart of a new economic strategy for New Zealand, according to a manifesto from New Zealand’s red meat sector.

CEO Doug Paulin says the company has already reduced its total emissions by nearly a quarter.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The change both supermarket groups wanted and a claim from NZFGC that retailers had been trying to take advantage of the time before the code was implemented.

The homegrown peanut trials supported by Pic Picot are back on track after the washout of last year’s crops.

There has been a reshuffle at the top of Rabobank’s annual ranking of global dairy firms as currency fluctuations, inflation and pricing come to the fore.

As more people consider switching to plant-based diets, the risk of iron deficiency will likely increase, but is NZ ready for iron-fortified foods?

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

NZFGC boss Raewyn Bleakley says the long-awaited code will help create “a better and fairer grocery sector”.

The Chinese food and beverage company is buying the shuttered Waikato dairy factory with plans to revive the cheese and UHT milk processing plant.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 1 September.

Eat Kinda has a new flavour going into Hell Pizza, Taranaki Bio Extracts launches a B2B ingredients range, and Garage Project adds a better-for-you beer.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The nut butter business responds to category and economic dynamics with NPD, as well as looking for manufacturing efficiencies.

The state-owned farming company is preparing “to head into a challenging cycle”, scrapping its full-year dividend and downgrading its net operating profit forecast.

A clutch of future food innovators – both new and established like distinguished professor Harjinder Singh – are among the 18 impressive finalists selected for the eleventh annual KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards.

The global giant was given a brand value of US$22.4bn in the Food & Drink 2023 report, up 8% from last year when it was also top dog.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

CEO Andrew Low on the coffee company’s ambitions and the opportunities to expand overseas.

The embattled honey and VMS company is looking at the sale of assets or raising new capital after another punishing year keeps its balance sheet under pressure.

Progressing primary sector partnerships will form part of taking the India-NZ relationship to the next level, according to Trade and Export Growth and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor.

Māori authorities exported $760m worth of goods in 2022, a fall of 13% compared with 2021, according to that latest data from Stats NZ.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The juice company’s CEO on its $30m bet and the opportunities being explored for its two major brands, The Apple Press and Boring Oat Milk.

Marlborough Wine Estates has followed its peers in growing its export sales, as well as seeing its bottom line shrink at the hands of rising costs.

The government has released four options that would ban bottom fishing from the vast bulk of the Hauraki Gulf as part of its ongoing plan to protect the 1.2-million-hectare marine park.

The government has taken millions of dollars of funding away from food system-related initiatives as part of its $4bn savings drive.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The findings of an inquiry following a complaint from the manufacturer fail to go its way.

The QSR operator says it is pulling out all the operational stops to improve profitability, as the economic environment hampers cost recovery through price rises.

Almost all of the top grocery retail executives canvassed believe private label will be a major and growing source of revenue.

A growing ideological divide over the environment means traditional ways of encouraging people to eat plant-based meat – promoting its green credentials – could be harming sales.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 25 August.

The winemaker reports strong growth in revenue and eyes further opportunities in the US, particularly for Oyster Bay.

The precision fermentation startup Fonterra co-founded with partner Royal DSM last year now has a name, a CEO, and its first funding in the bank.

Griffin’s launches a limited edition Eta offer, Wattie’s enters a new category, Asahi adds an RTD, and Krispy Kreme revives the doggo doughnut.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Persistent price inflation continues to push up the number of dollars flowing through supermarket tills.

Bill Foley’s wine company says paying a dividend on top of $10m capex would expose the business to debt “at a time of extremely high costs of borrowing”.

Lower catch volumes thwarted Sanford in Q3 as strong pricing persisted, while its inshore fisheries continued to drag its wildcatch division and productivity problems plagued its new bioactives plant.

New Zealand’s food and fibre export earnings have been upgraded to a new record of $57.4bn.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci says “the short-term outlook remains challenging” in New Zealand, after earnings fall by a fifth.

The diversified agribusiness’ growing protein division propped up its interim results as horticulture and logistics performances fall due to extreme weather events.

Seeka remains on track for a full-year loss of between $20m – $25m this year after a punishing period for its foundation kiwifruit business.

Brain food brand Ārepa adds newly-released results from a study of athletes, air pollution, and peak performance to its science arsenal

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The honey company says all of its market segments have reported double-digit revenue growth, with Greater China breaking the $100m mark for the first time.

Food manufacturer and retailer Wishbone ran out of road owing creditors more than $2.3m as sales declined and costs ramped up, according to the first liquidators report for its parent company.

The food ingredients giant is teaming up with Australian oat specialist Unigrain to drive “an ambitious growth plan” in the plant-based category in Asia Pacific.

The founder of the Allpress espresso empire is turning his attention to building up an olive and tourism operation on Waiheke Island.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The dairy company delivers a 27% jump in net profit but warns that challenging conditions in its largest market will continue into 2024.

The value of goods exported by New Zealand slumped 14% or $890m in July 2023 with dairy, meat and infant milk formula all heading sharply south, according to Stats NZ.

NZ’s first national freight and supply chain strategy sets out the direction of travel across a 30-year timeframe towards a low emissions, high resilience future.

New capacity in Freightways’ temperature-controlled network will be a “game-changer” after a year marred by Cyclone Gabrielle and Cook Strait ferry disruption, according to the company’s bosses.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

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

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 18 August.

The vanilla bean business signs three deals in two countries with globally known retailers.

The government has today announced its final plan to reduce agricultural emissions and future-proof NZ’s largest export sector, according to Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor.

Sweet new releases from nut butter companies Forty Thieves and Fix & Fogg, which collabs with Cookie Time, while dairy-free darling Angel Food adds a feta to its line-up.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The Kiwi firm is expanding in Australia with its Upcycled Grain Project – a challenger brand in a market dominated by multinationals.

The meal kit company is consolidating into one Auckland DC as part of a focus on costs, but says demand has stabilised in recent months.

A new study from the Riddet Institute has provided the first real comparison of the bioavailability of naturally occurring vitamins between animal and plant-based foods.

Collaboration and innovation are the way forward for the country’s seafood sector, says Oceans and Fisheries Minister Rachel Brooking in her opening address to the Seafood New Zealand conference.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

A month into the job and Pierre van Heerden tells the Ticker he has been fielding concerns from suppliers.

The industry’s annual conference gets underway at Te Papa – the first since a significant change to the seafood association.

Wellington-founded foodservice firm Wishbone is the latest food business to succumb to an environment of rising costs and squeezed profit.

The celebrity chef and entrepreneur’s farming venture and its products are among 61 finalists vying to be the supreme winner.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The craft chocolate company launches a new everyday range, which it describes as its first major expansion since it was founded a decade ago.

There are concerns that Labour’s proposed GST removal on fruit and veges could divert resources from the newly-established grocery watchdog’s main mission.

Beverage brand banks $400k, while the vertical farming venture has five more days to reach its $1.5m target, and potentially another $3m in oversubscriptions.

Deal activity remained on an even keel in Q2 but headwinds could see more consolidation in sectors such as food manufacturing and hospitality.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

An extra $20m in sales was not enough to offset a frothy increase in expenses at the Heineken subsidiary.

The Labour campaign pledge to remove GST from fresh fruit and vegetables has left industry asking questions about how the policy would be implemented.

Food firms like Talley’s secure the lion’s share of the $33m fifth round of the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry initiative.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 11 August.

Annual food prices are still moving up but monthly growth turns negative for the first time since 2021, with avocados, oranges and tomatoes helping the cause.

Foodstuffs’ price increases were ahead of supplier increases on the same product categories measured in the Food Price Index in June 2023 for the fourth month running.

Lewis Road adds Half & Half, street artist Gasp is drafted in for a Doritos limited edition, and Healtheries’ new type of gummy.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The agribusiness builds up its global proteins division by planting a flag in Europe with partner Esro.

The co-op says it is working with its North American distributor to get to the bottom of a potential Listeria contamination.

NZ needs to keep its profile high in overseas markets to stay competitive.

The Brewers Association of New Zealand, Brewers Guild of New Zealand and Hospitality New Zealand have jointly called on the government to freeze excise on beer in 2023 and introduce a new lower rate on keg beer.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The company’s CEO says NZ produces ‘the Ferraris of the global salmon market’ – so why can’t the country take advantage of insatiable demand?

It includes five new seafloor protection areas to preserve habitats with bans on bottom-contact fishing methods.

Seafood NZ wants “true consultation” on proposed Hauraki Gun trawl corridors.

When it comes to food values, eaters have splintered into myriad food tribes, each with their own set of values and facts that blur the distinction between objective and perceived reality, writes Mike Lee.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The Auckland beverage business lands its largest contract to date, entering hundreds of stores in Australia.

Craft beer brand Tuatara is the latest brewer to ditch glass bottles and make the switch entirely to cans.

Auckland craft brewing and hospitality company Brothers Beer has been placed in voluntary administration after being unable to shake off the impacts of Covid-19.

Sustainable food production is a fast growing opportunity for NZ as it looks to build a greener economy.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

A new report takes stock of the country’s position on emerging protein sources, ranging from precision fermentation through to insects.

The government’s final Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan has landed, containing a number of changes from the draft version released in April.

Bakery saw the largest month-on-month increase in costs in July, which saw a spike in monthly price hikes by suppliers as input pressures persist.

Rising input costs, particularly for ingredients and wages in NZ, are hitting Restaurant Brands’ bottom line.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 4 August.

But the company says the long-term outlook for fresh produce remains positive.

New Zealand’s dairy and meat exports are coming under pressure with subdued demand from China playing a major role.

Farrah’s unwraps a new pizza base line, Duck Island teams up with The Avo Tree, and Moa Brewing gets in on the better-for-you action.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Suntory Oceania brings together spirits and alcoholic RTD business Beam Suntory with Frucor Suntory by 2025 in Australia and 2026 in NZ.

CCEP is vowing to “launch new scalable offerings” to stake an ongoing claim on the alcohol segment after it loses its valuable Beam Suntory business.

Ngāi Tahu Seafood’s proposal to construct and operate an open ocean salmon farm off the coast of Stewart Island Rakiura has been turned down by an expert panel.

The consumer advocate asks the watchdog to investigate Woolworths and Foodstuffs for potential breaches of the Fair Trading Act.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The iconic Canterbury cookie company snaps up Rangatira’s Auckland-based bakery business.

Good Spirits Hospitality’s Geoff Tuttle and Nourish Group founder Richard Sigley are part of the group buying the nine-strong portfolio.

Private equity-controlled Mainland Poultry is undertaking a $78.9m sale and leaseback of its New Zealand land holdings freeing up capital for investment.

Strengthened food safety requirements for importers came into effect yesterday.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The Wellington investor has been considering its options for the business since taking full control of it last year.

Board member Craig Ellison shifts into the role of interim CEO as the hunt for a replacement begins.

A new beverage brand produced by a mother and son duo is riding the highs and lows of a startup life, including negotiating a Cyclone Gabrielle curveball.

New Zealand Coastal Seafoods is turning its focus to ramping up its Australian activity after ticking off a number of milestones in the June quarter.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The specialist manufacturer that has helped leading coffee brands including Supreme and Havana develop their coffee-in-a-can concepts is brewing up a fundraise.

The first on-board cameras are ready to go live as part of a $68m government project to increase monitoring on New Zealand’s inshore commercial fishing fleet.

The govt’s consultation on catch limits for NZ’s largest orange roughy fishery brings the deepsea fish into the spotlight again.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

After taking control of Hansells from Walter & Wild, Alan Stewart tells the Ticker what he has planned for the iconic Kiwi brand.

The watchdog is looking closer into whether the deal would lessen competition.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 28 July.

Almighty delivers a twist on a classic, First Light Meats enters a new category, and Krispy Kreme partners with Cookie Time for doughnut indulgence.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The sale of brands developed in NZ and Australia results in a big windfall for the Kiwi division of the Coca-Cola bottler.

Frucor Suntory is tinkering with the formulation of V Green and overhauling its packaging following extensive market research.

A number of large and small food and beverage firms have been listed as creditors of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts.

Air New Zealand has unveiled a new Business Premier menu said to include the largest range of NZ suppliers and native ingredients yet.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Woolworths NZ’s MD tells the Ticker how closer ties with the group’s Australian parent will affect the products on the supermarket chain’s shelves.

Woolworths New Zealand has initiated a full review of its store network, with an eye to beefing up supermarket numbers and consolidating brands.

NZ must diversify its food system to build resilience and mitigate national risks from regional events.

Mushroom coffee, butter boards, and fermentation are among the prominent trends, with TikTok more influential than ever.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Walter & Wild is offloading the rump of the Hansells business it bought in 2018 in a deal that sees the brand being taken in-house by its contract manufacturer.

The Woolworths group follows up last week’s pledge to double down on its trans-Tasman connection with the expansion of its Australian rapid delivery service into NZ.

The luxury mānuka honey company’s latest offering has a $2,500 price tag for a 230g jar.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The watchdog fires off warning letters after uncovering potentially anti-competitive conduct towards Ben Nathan’s now closed online retailer, The Honest Grocer.

Inflation remains a key driver of value growth with supermarket spend jumping nearly 15% in two years.

All systems are go to establish a fully operational Horticulture Technology Catalyst by 2024.

Love it or hate it, we are all responsible for the rise of US canned water brand Liquid Death, according to The Future Market’s Mike Lee.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The NZ-founded drinks brand is raising funds for a drive into the US and Asia.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 21 July.

Some of our cultural conceptions of wine, including its authenticity, actually stem from the commercial nature of the product, says Université du Québec à Montréal’s Vincent Fournier.

Fix & Fogg adds a choc option, Nestlé brings back KitKat Plant Based, Jess’s Underground Kitchen adds protein, and Brothers Beer x Blue Frog = Granola Stout.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

How the small Kiwi venture landed the backing of the world’s number two producer of wines and spirits, and how it will help drive growth.

The NZ division of global confectionary giant Mondelēz delivers a second year of sales growth but joins other FMCG players in suffering rising costs, including restructuring.

The government has pledged $90m from its GIDI fund to help Fonterra accelerate the exit of coal from its operations.

Improved guidelines are needed for the safe harvesting of wild foods, as well as more strenuous monitoring to protect people.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

New backers join the NoLo beverage business ahead of a capital raise to support Australasian expansion.

The proposed $50m oat milk factory slated for Southland now looks likely to be built in Canterbury with broader plant-milk ambitions.

Food was the largest contributor to the June 2023 annual inflation rate, which has come down from the eye-watering rates of last year, but is still high.

One of the final alumni of Foodstuffs’ now defunct Foodstarter programme is gearing up for distribution in the North Island co-operative’s stores.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Pet supplement specialist Newflands looks to break into foodservice with a unique new product for both pets and humans.

The Woolworths brand is returning to NZ as part of the group’s ongoing transformation plan, which will also see $400m invested in stores and a new DC built too.

New Zealand single malt whisky distillery Pōkeno Whisky is claiming a world first with its latest product launch – a single malt matured in totara barrels.

A landmark new report from the WHO focuses explicitly on what the science says about how red and processed meat affects our health – and the health of the ecosystems on which we depend.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Pierre van Heerden sets out his priorities and the timetable for his first report on the state of grocery competition in NZ.

Work on a break-up of the supermarket duopoly is being “held in reserve” in order to let the effects of the current round of reforms percolate through the $22bn sector.

The spirits producer dusts off the Rogue Society label to take on the mass-market international brands that dominate the NZ market.

Does artificial sweetener aspartame really cause cancer? What the WHO listing means for diet soft drinks.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Chobani x Countdown x All Blacks = limited edition, Meyer Cheese marks Matariki, Frucor Suntory expands The Real McCoy, and Six Barrel’s latest experiment.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 13 July.

Annual food prices inflation is climbing again, rising to 12.5% in June 2023 after a month of floating closer to 12%.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Calls for the govt to develop a national food strategy grow, with the directors of the National Science Challenge the latest to add their voice.

New Zealand product traceability company is adding $91m to its balance sheet as it expands to meet growing demand in Europe and the US.

Growing demand for alternative proteins in Asia presents an emerging export opportunity for New Zealand manufacturers, according to a new report.

The honey and VMS company is slashing hive numbers to below 2,000 in a further scaling back of the 18,000 hives it acquired with King Honey.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The former Sanitarium executive and ex-NZFGC chair will start in the role on Thursday.

The search has started for an independent provider to weigh in on disputes between grocery suppliers and retailers, ruling on retail and wholesale claims of up to $5m.

Beneficiaries of New Zealand’s newly signed free trade agreement with the European Union have welcomed the deal, which will provide support through to the front line of food production.

Looking to future food options available to eaters, the onus is largely on food producers to make sure there are good choices available that appease people, planet, palate, and profit, says Mike Lee.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Foodstuffs North Island’s wholesale foodservice distributor, Gilmours, also saw a strong FY23.

Bakery costs rose the most month-on-month, with larger rises than previously reported in chilled foods and grocery too, according to Infometrics.

The beverage brand is looking for up to $1m capital, which it says will be used to accelerate growth and capitalise on current market momentum. 

The agreement – about 14 years in the making – will remove more than 91% of tariffs from its entry into force slated for 2024.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 7 July.

The Chelsea Sugar owner is heading to court this month following MPI filing charges over the 2021 sale and subsequent recalls of contaminated sugar.

Australasian poultry group Inghams has been given the green-light by the Commerce Commission for the upstream acquisition.

Griffin’s Snackachangi goes all-American, Hutchinsons debuts a meal kit brand in NZ, and Nespresso has a new (cold) brew.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Whether it’s cherries or hops or mussels, the country needs to move up the value chain, says NZTE.

Food manufacturers are constantly weighing up the juxtaposition of food waste versus plastic packaging down to individual product level, according to Goodman Fielder’s Hamish Conway.

Breakfast giant Kellogg counted the cost of offshore manufacturing in its 2022 financial results.

Timaru-based Jarved Allan from The Mānuka Collective achieves a supreme hat-trick at the annual Apiculture NZ National Honey Competition.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

A drive to value and the tourist trade support sales at Pak’nSave and Foodstuffs’ foodservice distributor Trents.

Foodstuffs New Zealand is planning to turn its attention to scope 3 emissions this year, according to its recently appointed inaugural head of environmental social governance.

The popular sweetener aspartame could be classified as a possible carcinogen by WHO – but there’s no cause for panic, according to Gunter Kuhnle of the University of Reading.

After steering Hospitality NZ through the pandemic, White signs off on an ’empty tank’ but with high hopes for the resilient industry.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The former Zespri boss says NZ needs new, innovative large businesses to help grow the country’s food and fibre sector.

Comvita makes good on its pledge to consolidate ownership of the mānuka honey sector, buying Singapore’s HoneyWorld.

Lion Group has taken over the remaining 50% of leading Australian spirits brand Four Pillars Gin and will soon control distribution in New Zealand.

The repairs following the summer storms and tourism recovering much faster than expected are among the four reasons New Zealand’s economic slowdown is not as bad as expected, says Dominick Stephens.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Recently installed MD Eliana Glover is trying something new for the frozen food specialist and for the NZ grocery channel, as part of growth plans for the family business.

Mrs Higgins produces a range of premium oven-fresh bakery products from its retail outlets as well as packaged cookies for the grocery channel.

The SFFF fund backs microalgae exploration led by NewFish and the Cawthron Institute, while a whānua-initiated kānuka smoke project also gets cash.

Hundred of delegates are descending on a snowy Dunedin for the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology’s annual conference.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

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.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 30 June.

It joins a number of other food stakeholders opting for green finance, including Yealands, Pāmu, and T&G Global.

Lab-grown meat techniques aren’t new but bringing them up to scale to meet demand will require further development, writes Rochester Institute of Technology’s André Hudson.

Chobani launches two new ranges, Sprig & Fern’s limited edition with a new hop varietal, DB’s Odd Company looks for company, and AF Drinks’ 31-pack is back.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The drinks business tells the Ticker it has ambitious growth plans for its health and functional beverage products.

Wellbeing is proving to be a “massive opportunity” for food and beverage and businesses must find ways to unlock it or miss out on potential profit, an industry audience has heard.

The MOU reflects a shared ambition for Grand Farm and Alliance to be the leading red meat providers in China, says Alliance’s general manager of sales, Shane Kingston.

Botswana Butchery Queenstown wins best restaurant and industry veteran Tony Crosbie is inducted into the Hospitality Hall of Fame.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The acquisitive foodservice company continues to expand, this time picking up a Tegel subsidiary in Wellington.

New Zealand’s leading foodservice distributors are bracing for a downturn in business, but despite worsening economic conditions are not feeling the squeeze yet.

Inflation continues to push up the number of dollars flowing through supermarket tills, with confectionery and yoghurt and dairy desserts in a sweet spot for unit growth.

SkyCity Entertainment’s general manager of Auckland hospitality, David Allot, has been named the Hospitality Industry Leader of the Year.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The Australian distiller is cutting prices for consumers while increasing margin for its on and off-premises partners in the pursuit of global growth in a stratifying sector.

The plant-based venture is scouting for a foothold in what is perceived to be a less competitive NZ market, as grocery gets streamlined at home.

Cooks Coffee is expecting strong store growth in the 2024 financial year, after a year marred by supply chain disruption which also saw its financial performance dip.

It marks the end of Julie White’s tenure as CEO of Hospitality NZ, with Steve Armitage taking over.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The NZ drinks business falls to a $38m loss after racking up costs associated with its exit from the chilled juice category.

The distributor is bringing the best-selling B2B bacon from the US to NZ after a new deal with food giant Hormel Foods.

A newish non-alcoholic craft beer importer and distributor is finding his first mover advantage is being lost to local producers.

NZ’s food industry converges on Auckland for the country’s largest hospitality, food retail and food service event.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 23 June.

This week’s approval of cultivated meat for sale in the US will support the development of sustainable protein this side of the Pacific, according to future food stakeholders.

Vertical farming offers a sustainable solution that uses 98% less water than traditional agriculture and can help support food security, according to Vertical Future’s founder Jamie Burrows.

Breakfast brands Blue Frog and Pic’s collab, as do Nestlé and Arnott’s for a new coffee offering, while Terps & Co has a new limited run for Dry July.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Cawthron Institute’s CEO says refocusing investment in the ocean’s potential could result in NZ becoming climate positive in just one generation.

“It’s going to require some super heavy lifting from a marketing and innovation perspective out in those markets that we serve,” says growth GM Nicola Johnstone.

The kiwifruit exporter is undertaking a review and restructuring all of its business units after forecasting a deep full-year loss.

“The start date of the grocery commissioner is expected very soon,” says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Duncan Webb.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The co-founder of the cell-based seafood startup says the venture has hit roadblocks, requiring more patience from consumers and a lot more money from investors.

Creating a secondary market for byproducts is one viable solution to reduce food waste and loss, according to the executive director of charity NZ Food Waste Champions 12.3, Kaitlin Dawson.

Lower licence income and lower supply volumes are forecast to depress Zespri’s profit even further in the year to 31 March 2024.

Reusable cup venture Turn Systems is one of two New Zealand startups selected in a ten-strong cohort of emerging innovators for PepsiCo’s inaugural APAC sustainability accelerator.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

And a handful of food and beverage ventures make the ‘up and comers’ list too.

Current food production incentives for yield and volume need to be challenged, according to the plant-based bioactives company’s co-founder.

A culture of harmonious partnerships beats disruption when it comes to agrifoodtech, according to the co-founder of a plant trait technologies company that has transplanted from Palmerston North to California, collecting US$24m of backing along the way.

A storage space optimiser for dry good products developed by Gladfield Malt has applications for the dairy industry, and other food system manufacturers.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

When it comes to F&B, what is the most important – brand, taste or price? Four beverage experts including Karma’s Chris Morrison give their views.

When the long-awaited draft code was released, two things were immediately apparent – and one surprise.

Delegates from far and wide have descended on Ōtautahi Christchurch for this year’s E Tipu IFAMA 2023 World Conference Global Forum.

A safe and just Earth will have a food system that regenerates nature, delivers nutritious food to everyone and advances economic well-being along value chains, writes GreenBiz Group’s Seth Olson.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 16 June.

One of the original players in New Zealand’s plant-based food scene is undertaking its third crowdfunding raise to support its expansion into export markets.

Even with the growth of better-for-you brands, there is still a long way to go in loosening the grip that some of the world’s most iconic food brands have on eaters everywhere.

Fast-growing US snack brand Chipoys land in NZ, Lewis Road brings back its Matariki milk, and Hunt and Gather Bee Co adds a new spiced honey.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The company tells the Ticker that it has been going through a period of restructuring.

Lisa King’s AF Drinks is starting an “exciting new chapter” after attracting the attention of global drinks giant Pernod Ricard.

New Zealand is on track to deliver record primary sector export earnings of $56.2bn this year, with categories including dairy, seafood and processed food outperforming.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Food price inflation remains above 12% in May, although dips away from April’s high of 12.5%.

The company has sold the US and Canadian operations connected to Michael Erceg’s Independent Liquor.

Robert Iervasi is stepping down from his role as group CEO Oceania after 16 years with the group.

The weather events of the summer cast a pall over discussions with food and fibre leaders feeding into KPMG’s annual deep dive.

What is the relationship between climate and food supply, why are some of the world’s most iconic CPG food brands at risk, and what can supply chain leaders do about it?

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The strawberry grower is looking to build on current investment to raise millions more in funding.

The watchdog will be running a fine-tooth comb over all parts of the domestic supply chain for fresh fish as part of Moana New Zealand’s proposed $125m-plus Sanford deal.

Following the release of AgFunder’s 2023 global AgriFoodTech Investment Report, Sprout gives its take on the key findings, along with how they fit in with what it is seeing in the market. 

New Zealand’s drinks industry is converging on Auckland on Thursday for the annual New Zealand Beverage Council conference.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The 24-page document covers everything from range reviews and delistings to buy-ins and shrinkage, as well as the scale of the penalties that could be imposed.

The West Coast dairy company buys out its partner’s 60% stake in the loss-making infant formula joint venture.

“Frozen goods, produce, and grocery departments saw the largest monthly movements, with a variety of products seeing larger increases,” says Infometrics.

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act (Community Participation) Bill could be a major blow to the country’s wine tourism, says New Zealand Winegrowers.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 9 June.

Standalone business will incubate, scale and invest in nutrition science ventures via partnerships and M&A, with its first investment already inked.

Global ice cream company Froneri’s recent headway made at the operating level in New Zealand has melted away, after a tough 2022 saw it streamline its product range to combat supply chain disruption.

Angel Food’s cracks plant-based sour cream, Mondelēz continues to pump out the lump innovation, and Hubbards goes light with Collision Crisps.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The craft beer brewer secures a significant contract across the ditch and also strikes a deal to finally allow it to use its Behemoth brand in that market.

Synlait has reached a settlement in the legal action over its circa $38.5m purchase of Geraldine speciality cheesemaker Talbot Forest Cheese.

Fishers, marine farmers, kaitiaki/tiaki, and researchers from around the country were among the recipients of the MPI-hosted awards.

While Brexit has added cost and uncertainty for businesses, it has opened the door for the UK to diversify its dairy trade with other partners like New Zealand.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Its latest results come in the same month that the company completes its exit from New Zealand’s pie category.

The West Coast distiller has signed a three-year supply contract with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

After three consecutive months of year-on-year declines, New Zealand’s red meat exports stabilised in April lifting 2% on a year earlier to $996m, according to MIA.

With calls emerging for a national food strategy in NZ, there are some lessons about what works and what doesn’t from Canada’s Food Policy, which was introduced in 2019.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The biotech nutrition company rallies a number of heavy hitters with global experience to assemble a governance board and team of advisors ahead of a growth capital round.

The founder of Gisborne vegetable growing and processing business LeaderBrand is among the food system pioneers recognised in the 2023 King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours list.

Mediation agreements with DOC and the McGuinness Institute will be formalised into consent orders by the Environment Court, according to NZKS.

The recent mānuka honey trademark decision highlights how ill-equipped NZ’s laws are for protecting Māori taonga and mātauranga Māori.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 2 June.

The decision to divest the consumer cheese businesses comes four years after investing around $150m to acquire them.

A parliamentary petition calling for the government to develop a national food strategy goes live today. So who is behind the push to design a better food system, why do they think we need it and what would it do?

A trifecta of free-from innovation this week, with alt dairy from Goodfood Group’s Veesey brand, and 0% beer from State of Play and Asahi, as well as WCF’s new classic.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The $2bn snacking department continues to buck the trend, delivering both unit and value growth in NZ.

The government and alcohol industry representatives have joined the chorus of international stakeholders questioning Ireland’s plan to introduce comprehensive health labelling of alcohol products.

A relatively new joiner to Fonterra is to act up as chief operating officer replacing current COO Fraser Whineray who is leaving the co-op next month.

What does a slowdown in household spending really look like, and which areas of the economy are taking the hardest hit? Infometrics economist Sabrina Swerdloff takes a look.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

The premium pet food brand founded by former Icebreaker supremos Jeremy Moon and Rob Achten secures national ranging across Australia.

JH Whittaker & Sons has appointed a new chief marketing officer, drawing on talent from Europe to fill the role.

Zespri International delivered a 34.1% drop in annual profit after what was one of its “toughest-ever seasons”, says chief executive Dan Mathieson.

But the supermarket chain scales back the range of products affected, compared with its 2022 promotion.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

CEO Tiffani Graydon says the company now has its own brand in 350 Tesco stores, as it transitions from supplying overseas retailers with wine for private label.

A second steep increase in beer tax is forecast to stifle investment, innovation and growth and potentially put some brewers out of business.

The company commissions phase one of its $100m Hawke’s Bay packhouse – one of the largest apple packhouses in the Southern Hemisphere.

A proliferation of competitors, the fragmented nature of the market, and the power of supermarket buyers would constrain Moana’s behaviour and preserve competition should the deal go through, states a report.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Nada Piatek’s reusable takeaway cup venture branches out from coffee to team up with Garage Project in a trial targeting the craft beer industry.

Revenue jumped around 40% as sales skyrocket across all three of its channels in NZ.

“We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure supply chains do not constrain the substantial progress we’ve made on trade, says O’Connor, as substantial negotiations on the Indo-Pacific plan are agreed.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

“We believe it’s just a matter of time before we’re the leader in the energy drink category” – the brain food brand throws the gauntlet down to V Energy and Red Bull.

Foxton vertical farming venture 26 Seasons and Nelson’s Snap Information Technologies are both in line for RSPF loans.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 26 May.

Nostalgia is flavour of the week, with Nestlé’s new KitKat innovation and Westgold building out its infused butter range, while Angel Bay collabs on a new limited edition.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

PepsiCo NZ’s Michelle Cassettari on investment in local production, the push for healthier products, and price rises.

The dairy co-op posts an almost threefold increase in third-quarter profit, although its consumer division is still in the doldrums.

Worker shortages over the hoki season cost Sealord $7m last year.

The most effective way to shrink Coca-Cola’s refrigeration emissions may be to shift away from its relentless pursuit to make a Coke within “an arm’s reach of desire”.

A daily roundup of national and international food and beverage industry news, views and analysis.

Mainfreight posted an 8.8% increase in revenue to $5.68bn in its annual result, with a pre and post-tax profit both up 20% to $587.4m and $426.5m respectively.