Trade & Export

The group details its indirect emissions for the first time and circles 2025 for setting reduction targets.

“This is the first time in more than 20 years that we have encountered this issue,” Zespri COO Jason Te Brake says of the discovery of the pests on board a European charter vessel.

Independent gelato manufacturer Island Gelato Co has started a strategic push into independent grocery gaining a listing in Farro as part of a five-year growth plan.

LeaderBrand has officially opened its 11-hectare mega greenhouse project in Tairāwhiti, with Regional Development Minister Shane Jones doing the honours.

The Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has wrapped up a week-long mission to Southeast Asia accompanied by a senior business delegation including Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell.

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With product manufactured in NZ, the exporter says rising shipping and storage costs have taken a toll but a debt call pushes it over the edge.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin have agreed to upgrade the two countries’ current bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership by 2026.

NZ should become a nation of ‘mini-multinationals’ to help drive exports, according to a new report.

Aotearoa’s food and fibre sector is hitting well below its potential, according to the former boss of global FMCG giant Unilever, Paul Polman.

Zespri’s 2024 sales season in China is underway, with a 40% increase in fruit destined for Greater China this season.

TradeWindow’s $2.2m capital raising programme has gone unconditional, after reaching the $1m threshold following commitments from chief executive and founder AJ Smith, together with another cornerstone shareholder.

The Auckland-headquartered premium mixer company says it is unable to make a debt repayment.

Westland Dairy Company is not expecting to have to top-up the $25.9m upfront payment it made as part of a deal to take full control of a loss-making infant-formula joint venture it formed in 2016.

Dairy exporter Fonterra says it has so far contracted 10,000 tonnes of product under the NZ-UK Free Trade Agreement.

Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay, has “concluded productive discussions” with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship.

Zespri International is drawing on modern-day behavioural theory to come up with an innovative way to try and increase daily fruit consumption in Singapore.

Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will visit China next week, in what will be the government’s first trip to the country since it came to power.

Representatives from 24 New Zealand businesses and organisations will be joining Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on his trade trip to South East Asia next week.

The company delivers a 43% jump in profit, diversifying into higher-value dairy products as part of its five-year turnaround strategy.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines this week, accompanied by a senior business delegation.

The Christchurch snack company adds Auckland’s Bootleg to its portfolio, deepening its reach into the domestic category as well as adding new export potential.

Red meat exports came in at $932m in February 2024, up 10% on the same month last year when exports dropped by almost a fifth as global economic conditions deteriorated.

Seafood New Zealand says the United States’ decision to lift the injunction on New Zealand seafood is “a good result for Aotearoa” and a vote of confidence in the country’s fisheries management.

Sluggish export sales and lower prices saw the processor’s income plummet from a record result the previous year.

A temporary ban on some New Zealand fish exports to the United States has ended.

Rockit Global says it is heading into what will be its biggest season yet, with the company to export around 200 million apples – almost double last year’s volume.

The fast-tracked implementation of New Zealand’s Free Trade Agreement with the European Union is a significant boost for Zespri and the kiwifruit industry, according to the exporter.

Goods exports from New Zealand rose to $5.9bn in February 2024, up by 16% compared with the same month in 2023.

The dairy co-operative pumped more milk solids through its higher margin foodservice and consumer channels, helping to lift interim profit by 23%.

Parliament is this week set to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European Union Free Trade Agreement into force months earlier than originally slated.

Minister of Agriculture and Trade Todd McClay says Riverland Foods’ manufacturing plant in Christchurch is an example of how access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.

The first quarter of 2024 has put some lustre back in New Zealand’s agricultural sector, according to ASB, however, it warned that the rising tide in commodity markets is not lifting all boats.

All fresh commodity exports to Fiji now require an ‘Additional Declaration’ on the phytosanitary certificate confirming that the consignment is free from Fall Armyworm.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit New Zealand next week. 

Zespri’s first charter shipment of the 2024 New Zealand kiwifruit season has departed the Port of Tauranga bound for Shanghai.

A strong recovery in the operational and financial performance of Inghams’ NZ business set it up for expansion, according to CEO Andrew Reeves.

Rockit is gearing up for the spiritual month of Ramadan with a new campaign following what it says is strong success across Gulf Cooperation Council countries over the past three years.

Dairy product price forecasts in most key regions indicate a better year following a challenging 2023, says Rabobank.

Ongoing volatility in global markets continues to dampen demand for NZ’s red meat, with exports starting the year 8% down.

Zespri has kicked off its hunt for a new chief executive with the appointment of Seqel Partners as its global search partner.

Zespri is facing stiffer competition for shelf space in Europe, with a surge in fruit brands offering a premium kiwifruit product.

Waikato sheep milk company Maui Milk has ended its milk collection season early after facing falling demand in China.

Trade Minister Todd McClay has launched public consultation for a trade agreement between New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.

The produce business says its $64m loss reflects both Cyclone Gabrielle’s impacts and tougher economic conditions.

Marlborough Wine Estates and grape grower Terra Vitae Vineyards say they are both feeling the impacts of global economic headwinds slowing demand for their products.

CEO Michael Franks says the 2023 harvest was difficult with a warm wet winter, cyclones and hail affecting orchards.

Indonesia’s vice president, Ma’ruf Amin, will visit New Zealand next week, the first here by an Indonesian leader since 2018, according to deputy prime minister, Winston Peters.

Rising costs and stalling sales presented tough first-half trading for winemaker Delegat, with net profit falling 18% although the period was not without wins.

The company’s latest results are markedly down, with the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle and Covid-19 still making themselves felt.

CEO Dan Mathieson says all categories other than Organic SunGold are expected to deliver record per-tray returns.

The value of exports of milk powder, butter, and cheese fell to $1.8bn in January 2024, down 3.6% compared to the same month last year.

The plant-based jerky business founded by Jade Gray says the cost of being on NZ shelves is no longer viable for the manufacturer.

New Zealand kiwifruit growers are cautiously optimistic that the 2024 season will be much better than recent years.

After a difficult few years, CEO Dan Mathieson says the 2024 crop is “looking excellent and there’s a lot of excitement and optimism in the industry”.

The bank calls on Kiwi manufacturers to adopt more digital technologies not only to boost the sector’s waning contribution to GDP, but to future-proof operations.

Canada continues to seek to avoid dairy market access being utilised despite a successful legal challenge by New Zealand last year, according to the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand says today’s National Lamb Day is “a milestone in New Zealand’s history”.

The apple exporter’s full-year loss is going to be far worse than previously expected, now that it has got to the bottom of a “complex” Cyclone Gabrielle insurance claim.

The Kiwi spirits producer lands a listing it has been chasing “since day one,” securing shelf space in the upmarket British supermarket chain.

Red meat exports from New Zealand totalled $10.2bn in 2023, a drop in value of 11% as prices softened but volumes rose.

The Riddet Institute has analysed the global nutrient trade over time and its impact on health, with interesting results around countries of differing wealth and health.

The Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund is backing Māori Kiwifruit Growers’ export potential.

The opportunity to boost New Zealand manufacturing productivity and growth has been laid out for small business minister Andrew Bayly.

Zespri’s international sales programmes are tracking ahead of last year following a strong start to the season despite some disruption stemming from Red Sea attacks, according to the kiwifruit exporter.

Air New Zealand carried $3.3bn worth of premium export goods to markets in the year to June 2023, according to a report on the airline’s impact.

This year is set to deliver a mixed bag for exports across fruit, wine and meat products with varying volumes being delivered to some challenging markets.

Milk powder, butter, and cheese led goods exports down 8.7% to $5.9bn in December 2023 compared with the same month last year, according to Stats NZ’s latest overseas merchandise trade statistics.

New legislation to implement the New Zealand-European Union Free Trade Agreement has been introduced to parliament.

Rockit Global’s drive into China includes what says is its “strongest Chinese New Year yet”, working with renowned local artist, Mr Chen Zhao.

Deer Industry New Zealand is losing its chief executive, after Innes Moffat resigned from the organisation.

Heath Wilkins the founder and managing director of New Zealand cooperative Golden Bay Fruit has died aged 54.

A US lobby group has walked away from its battle to secure greater import tariffs on New Zealand lamb.

He leaves after 21 years with the kiwifruit co-op to take a role with global berry company Driscoll’s.

Trade Minister Todd McClay is to visit the World Trade Organization in Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates.

TradeWindow says it remains on track to hit its revenue guidance for FY24 at $6m to $6.5m, in a third-quarter trading update.

A New Zealand company that uses artificial intelligence-enabled audio sensors to monitor respiratory health on commercial animal farms, has entered two agreements to trial its products in China.

Māori authorities exported $150m worth of goods in the September quarter of 2023, a fall of 16% compared with 2022, according to Stats NZ.

All New Zealand dairy products are now able to enter China duty free, with the end of safeguard duties on milk powder, according to Trade and Agriculture Minister, Todd McClay.

New Zealand’s food and fibre export earnings are expected to fall 5% next year, due to weaker export revenue for the country’s three largest sectors: dairy, meat and wool, and forestry.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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 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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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”.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Comvita has received B Corp Certification.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 New Zealand economy entered a technical recession in the three months to March 2023, marked by a second consecutive quarter of negative growth with a 0.1% drop in GDP.

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.

Rockit Global has signed a 12-month deal with Lulu Hypermarkets across the Middle East in a move it says is the first memorandum of understanding in its category.

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.

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.

Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth, Rino Tirikatene, is in Singapore to meet with Singaporean counterparts, promote business investment for wāhine entrepreneurs, and explore investment opportunities for Māori land-based aquaculture.

Synlait has won approval to re-register A2 Milk’s Chinese labelled infant formula product.

The UK/NZ Free Trade Agreement will support the continued growth of the New Zealand spirits industry while offering important opportunities for imported product, according to industry body Spirits 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.

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

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

New Zealand businesses will begin reaping the rewards from the free trade agreement with the United Kingdom from today.

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.

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Supply Chains agreement will help guard against disruption, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association.

“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.

Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor is travelling to Detroit in the United States to represent New Zealand at the annual APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting from 24 – 29 May. 

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins must secure from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a commitment to restart negotiations for a FTA, says the National Party.

Exports of milk powder, butter, and cheese – New Zealand’s largest export commodity group – rose to $2bn in April 2023, up 26% compared to the same month last year, according to Stats NZ’s latest overseas merchandise trade statistics.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise received an allocation of $29.8m for Exporter Support Cost Pressure in Budget 2023.

A write-down required following an assessment of Cyclone Gabrielle damage will push the apple exporter to its second annual loss running.

A difficult start to 2023 due to extreme weather and cost inflation will give way to a better half of the year for growers and farmers, according to Westpac.

Measures that will improve labour costs and availability are among the top priorities for the industry.

A nine-strong delegation of emerging Māori food and beverage business leaders is heading to Southeast Asia in an effort to develop trade ties in the region.

NZCS has received a $2.5m purchase order from a leading distributor for consumer products in China, Gold Saint International Resources Group.

The snack brand is investing heavily in its UK debut at a high street health food chain, and hoping it will lead to some key accounts in grocery too.

This year’s challenging weather and reduced yields across its supplier orchards has led to lower export expectations.

New Zealand red meat exports in March totalled $1.1bn, a 4% decrease on March 2022, as values contracted, according to the Meat Industry Association.

The fast-tracking of the UK FTA is giving exporters hope of new avenues for growth as costs pile up at home, but there is realism around competition and market forces.

From 31 May, tariffs on more than 97% of exports to the United Kingdom, including wine, honey, and onions, will be eliminated.

The mānuka honey exporter credits its break-even harvest model for seeing it through the challenging season, which has seen volumes fall sharply.

PM Chris Hipkins says he is “optimistic” about getting an entry into force date for the UK-NZ FTA.

New Zealand’s persimmon season is now underway with the 2023 crop expected to be slightly lower than normal, given the impact of both cyclones Hale and Gabrielle.

Entries are now open for the New Zealand International Business Awards (NZIBA) 2023, which celebrate the success of the country’s exporters.

The meat processor continues to build scale with its premium product range, winning new foodservice and retail orders for Pure South Handpicked Lamb.

Zespri has officially opened three flagship China stores in Qingdao, Chengdu and Beijing.

The sale of Kono Seafood follows that of snacking business Annies as part of a strategic reset of what is now largely a beverage and hort group.

Goods exports rose $40m or 0.6% to $6.5bn in March, compared with the same month last year, led by a big jump in preparations of cereals, flour, starch, and milk including infant formula.

Total exports of apples from the port of Napier in March 2023 were valued at $61m, up 2% from March last year, according to data from Stats NZ.

Zespri has reported positive market conditions and demand for its kiwifruit, with improved fruit quality this season.

New Zealand Coastal Seafoods has extended its existing supply contract with Victorian distributor, Aquadev, trading as Matchless Food, for a further 12 months.

The produce exporter warns that a poor harvest could tip into an operating loss.

National Party leader Christopher Luxon says a free trade agreement with India will be a major strategic priority for his government if it is elected in October.

The apple exporter adjusts its growth plans following Cyclone Gabrielle, but CEO Mark O’Donnell tells the Ticker there is one upside to the below-forecast harvest.

With the heft of Nestlé now behind it, South Taranaki’s Egmont Honey is jumping into new export markets, adding retailers and working up NPD opportunities.

The government’s ban on live cattle export coming into effect at the end of the month is short-sighted and a further blow to farmers, the livestock industry maintains.

But more frequent extreme weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle “could create a series of negative supply shocks”.

Following an “extensive recruitment process”, Zespri goes internal to fill the newly created role of chief operating officer, promoting Jason Te Brake.

Scales is expecting an underlying net profit of between $14 – $19m in 2023, according to reinstated guidance.

A deterioration in global economic conditions saw New Zealand’s red meat exports drop by almost a fifth in February, with volumes to the UK sinking to a 35-year low.

Silver Fern Farms grew its annual profit 82% last year, triggering a $250m investment programme which will likely see an expansion of its carbon-zero products.

Zespri says it is seeeing strong demand in the market for the early supply of kiwifruit but has suffered a delay in harvesting due to weather and the poor opening of flower buds.

The 10th World Avocado Congress is to be held at the Aotea Centre in Auckland next week, running from April 2-5.

A first-of-its kind study reveals the nutrients and bioactive compounds of NZ-grown stone fruit, with only minor differences from processing.

Existing markets will grow and doors will open in new markets as the new laws come into play, says Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor.

The company returns a slim profit and improved cashflow after revamping its fish farming operations to combat mortality.

New Zealand food and beverage companies are some of the most active exporters to Australia, benefitting from 40 years of a “gold standard free trade agreement” between the two nations.

Harvest has started on the first of T&G Global’s portfolio of apples destined for export to consumers and customers in Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia and Thailand.

Up to 30% of the 2023 pipfruit crop from the Hawke’s Bay could be at risk, making a dent on the $900m annual export trade, MFAT said.

Seafood exporters Sealord and Wakatū Incorporation are part of a newly-formed group of Nelson Tasman marine sector stakeholders which has received government backing to grow the sector.

Zespri has lifted its 2023-2024 season orchard gate returns guidance for most varieties – with caveats.

The first shipment of the 2023 New Zealand kiwifruit season has left the Port of Tauranga, carrying around 2,500 tonnes, or more than 600,000 trays, of Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit to customers in Japan. 

Gross domestic product (GDP) fell 0.6% in the December 2022 quarter, following a 1.7% rise in the September 2022 quarter, according to quarterly figures released by Stats NZ.

The government will host trade ministers from 10 Asia Pacific economies at a meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission members in Auckland on 15 – 16 July.

Tech entrepreneur Mike Casey has a vision for a fossil fuel-free food production system in NZ and has established a Central Otago cherry orchard as his proving ground.

SeekaFresh worked with Perfectly Imperfect founder Wendy Zhou to save over half a tonne of cherries deemed both export and local market rejects.

The New Zealand pipfruit crop has been re-estimated after Cyclone Gabrielle affected parts of the East Coast of the North Island.

Twiice has its sights set on the UK – and is looking for backing to unlock the opportunity to scale into the vast Northern Hemisphere market and continue to stamp out single-use plastic.

The first month of the year saw New Zealand red meat exports value drop 7% compared with January last year, even as the total volumes of red meat exports to all countries increased.

Kiwifruit specialist Zespri is reshaping its leadership team, elevating its global territory executive officers to presidents in addition to recruiting for a chief operating officer.

Goods and services exports for the December 2022 quarter totalled $24.7bn, up from $20.5bn in the December 2021 quarter, according to Stats NZ’s quarterly international trade statistics.

New boss Aimee McCammon says a review of Pic’s export portfolio through a sustainability lens could see it consider localising manufacturing or making supply chain improvements.

Christchurch plant-based manufacturer Grater Goods is looking to scale up manufacturing to expand in NZ and make a move into Australia.

Delegat’s former international sales manager, Andrew Stafford, is “ideally suited to lead the next stage of growth for our business on the global stage,” MWE says.

The company suffered from ongoing pandemic disruption and a poor year for its powerhouse apples division.

Both companies increased global case sales in a strong first half, although they grew demand in different parts of the globe.

Trade Minister Damien O’Connor has travelled to Tokyo to meet with Japanese counterparts and engage with New Zealand businesses in market as part of New Zealand’s 2023 export growth agenda.

Mānuka honey company Comvita has delivered a barnstorming set of interims results setting records for a 61% increase in operating profit to $11.6m in the six months to 31 December.

The latest estimate from Zespri indicates that around 70% of the kiwifruit producing area in the Hawke’s Bay and 25% in Gisborne suffered moderate-to-significant damage from Cyclone Gabrielle.

New Zealand’s goods exports rose to $5.5bn in January 2023, up 14% compared to the same month last year, according to Stats NZ.

The dairy processor navigates a “very challenging market” to deliver double-digit interim earnings and revenue growth.

“Of our group operations, the material impact at this time is to Mr Apple’s orchards,” the company says, withdrawing its 2023 profit guidance.

T&G Global says its initial take on Cyclone Gabrielle damage includes flooding at some of its own and its partner growers’ apple orchards, and a loss of power at its Whakatu post-harvest facility.

Synlait is moving to one of the last steps in its Chinese infant formula re-registration.

Comvita, Delegat and Tegel are among the suppliers facing disruption, while the NZFGC is gathering information to feed into short and longer term government response.

The growth potential of the avocado market remains very strong, however, production is developing too quickly now, according to international researcher Eric Imbert.

The total value of New Zealand seed exports for the calendar year 2022 totalled $221m, down 9% on the previous year, according to data issued by Stats NZ this week.

The sector plans to double the farmgate value of production as part of a new government and industry strategy.

Dairy and meat led value growth in 2022 and apple exports also grew, despite overall fruit falling.

The New Zealand apple industry is expecting fruit of good quality and size as it heads into the 2023 export harvest season, according to New Zealand Apples & Pears Incorporated.

Co-founder Sally Gallagher is taking charge of growing exports for the Hawke’s Bay firm, which owns Boring Oat Milk and The Apple Press brands.

New Zealand’s red meat sector has launched a comprehensive package of proposed policy changes, ahead of the general election, aimed at growing export revenues and increasing jobs.

Zespri’s quality costs for the 2022 growing season are estimated to be around $500m, illustrating the importance of addressing fruit quality issues quickly, according to Craigs Investment Partners.

The Mānuka Charitable Trust is continuing its fight to protect the term mānuka, after withdrawing a recent UK challenge for what it described as “technical reasons”.

Container service T.S Lines has arrived at Wellington’s CentrePort.

CEO Dan Mathieson says provisional fruit loss in shipments to Asia and Europe neared 20% in Q4.

TradeWindow has confirmed an agreement to provide its long-standing customer, Silver Fern Farms, with its Cube global trade platform.

Tight global beef supplies and steady demand for New Zealand beef are expected to support good farmgate prices for Kiwi beef producers, says Rabobank.

Miniature apple exporter Rockit Global is looking to reach new consumers in the US after launching a new partnership with 14-year-old Olympic medallist Sky Brown.

CEO Mark O’Donnell on why he’s aiming for such an ambitious harvest and how he sees costs and prices evolving in the year ahead.

“Our aspiration is to make this iconic Kiwi brand a global success story. We’ve decided this is an important focus for our fifth decade,” says MD Guy Pope-Mayell.

The impact of ongoing CO2 shortages on the food industry has led the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council to establish a pan-industry group to liaise on the escalating issue.

TradeWindow is planning to raise up to $20m via a non-underwritten capital raising to drive growth, scale and profitability.

Gross domestic product rose by 2% in the September 2022 quarter compared with Q2, according to Stats NZ, and it was accompanied by a revision upwards for the June 2022 quarter from 1.7% to 1.9%.

Lifting the quality of harvest practices provides a key opportunity to improve the quality of next season’s kiwifruit, according to Zespri’s November market update.

NZ’s export revenue could fall by a quarter if the rise of alt-dairy sees it grow to take a 60% stake in the global dairy protein market, according to a new report.

Total exports of goods and services for the September 2022 quarter increased to $22.2bn, up from $17.7bn in the September 2021 quarter, according to Stats NZ.

NZ’s largest export, dairy, is on track to grow revenue by 6%, horticulture by 5%, and seafood by 4%.

“We know that beyond the physical, we’ll also see changes at a regulatory level, along with a heightened expectation from our customers and consumers that we are adapting our approach,” Zespri’s sustainability boss says.

Red meat exports for October 2022 were worth $737m, a 6% increase on the same month last year, according to the Meat Industry Association.

“Food and fibre business will have to adapt quickly to the likely changes any sustained recession will bring,” says KPMG’s global head of agribusiness Ian Proudfoot.

A US court ban on New Zealand exports of several fish species from two North Island fisheries is only a preliminary decision although it has the potential to “dent” exports, according to Seafood New Zealand.

John Parker says fresh opportunities and products from the company will help bring people back to honey again.

Zespri’s forecast range of corporate net profit after tax for the year ending 31 March 2023 is $225m to $235m, including licence release income.

Price increases for dairy has helped boost New Zealand’s export values for October according to the latest overseas merchandise trade report from Stats NZ.

What categories are hot and what is the top is the most important variable for NZ exporters looking to clinch a deal?

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A rapid deterioration in the quality of its Envy apples and poor Northern Hemisphere trading could see the listed grower fall $5m into the red.

Zespri’s last charter vessel carrying some of the final volumes of this season’s New Zealand kiwifruit crop is on its way to Tokyo and Kobe in Japan.

The paneer maker is on the hunt for new capital as it ramps up production, with further supermarket and exports deals in the pipeline.

An upgraded ASEAN free trade agreement has been signed, streamlining customs procedures and providing commitments to support the flow of essential goods.

The Sustainable Trade Index, launched in Singapore overnight by the Hinrich Foundation and the International Institute for Management Development, ranks New Zealand first of 30 economies that undertake international trade in a manner that supports long-term global sustainable development.

New Zealand’s free trade agreement with the United Kingdom is now a step closer with the passing of two Bills, Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor says.

Westgold butter is now on the shelf of 550 Walmart stores across 19 states as part of drive into the US market.

Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth Phil Twyford is traveling to Cambodia for trade negotiations with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“We have had to change the way we make things,” says owner Marcus Moore, as the ice cream maker grapples with difficult conditions.

High global prices continue to drive export growth for New Zealand red meat with the September value coming in at $777m – a 21% increase on last year, according to analysis by the Meat Industry Association.

An expected record cherry season from Southern Hemisphere growers will test post-Covid demand in key markets like China, according to a new report from Rabobank.

The government has requested the establishment of a panel to hear its dispute against Canada regarding the administration of dairy tariff rate quotas (TRQs) under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

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Synlait says it will manufacture A2 Milk infant formula products bound for the US market after temporary approval to supply was granted by the FDA.

A2 Milk Company shares jumped from $5.75 on Thursday morning to $6 today after it received temporary approval to sell its infant milk formula products in the United States.

Exporters need to be better at explaining why our products are premium, with international consumers increasingly associating NZ with ‘expensive’.

A new majority owner for Waiheke Island’s Stonyridge Vineyard has plans for export growth.

“We’re becoming an export-driven business,” Guy Pope-Mayell says after deepening its reach into Japan with a new Costco contract.

International wine heavyweight Edmond de Rothschild Heritage paid $10m to buy Akarua in Central Otago from local rich-listers the Skeggs family.

Kiwifruit sector Orchard Gate Returns are likely to be revised down as a result of the quality issues experienced this season, according to Zespri.

The Napier-based business picked up the top gong, as well as the best large business accolade at the award’s first in-person event since 2019.

A bumper September was one of the drivers behind an new al-time high in New Zealand annual wine exports.

The company says launching direct-to-consumer sales will allow it to get close to the consumer before a potential move back into Australian retail.

Goods exports jumped 37% or $1.6bn to $6bn in September 2022, compared with September 2021, according to the government’s latest Overseas merchandise trade statistics.

Freshly minted B Corp Blue Frog Cereal is heading into its Woolworths range review with the number one selling premium muesli in Australia’s A$1.5bn category.

The startup aims to challenge New Zealand’s food system through its plant-based products, developed with a ‘global-from-day-one’ mindset.

The grass-fed export brand will extend a project to help Kiwi farmers get premium product into the US.

Export incomes are under pressure from weaker global demand and falling commodity prices, but volumes are on track to recover from their current constrained level according to Infometrics’ latest forecasts.

The Foreign Minister says an historic visit to Aotearoa New Zealand by the Indian Foreign Minister provides an opportunity to strengthen the relationship in areas like people to people exchanges and climate action.

After negotiating a staged buyout of the 76-year-old firm, its GM is overseeing the launch of its first NZ-made product.

The value of beef exports to China jumped to $235m in August 2022, up 91% compared with the same month last year, according to the Meat Industry Association.

Minister for Trade and Export Growth, Damien O’Connor is heading to Singapore this week for the sixth Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership commission meeting.

T&G Global said a new record has been set for the sale of Envy apples over China’s Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hudson will become NZTE’s GM of export customers, leading the focused support provided to around 1,400 exporters, many of them F&B businesses.

Zespri says it is reviewing its onshore quality assurance processes and its offshore supply chain to help address quality concerns with its kiwifruit.

The Auckland beverage business has a new part-owner, expanded to Australia, and is growing its brand beyond plant milk.

Exports of livestock by sea will stop on 30 April 2023, following the pass of the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill today.

Fonterra has commenced a pilot of digital capability that will enable customers to have greater visibility of their cargo through the delivery process.

Delegat Group says it plans to invest $51.9m in 2023 to provide earnings growth in the years ahead.

Kono is a Kiwi business that proves “time and time again that purpose and profit can go hand-in-hand,” says the new campaign.

Minister of Trade and Export Growth and Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor is travelling in India and Indonesia for trade and agricultural meetings.

The deer industry is marking the seventh year of a growth strategy which has resulted in the development of a successful venison market in China, and strong growth in the US.

“We have invested in the brand, people and our ability to execute on growth,” says chief executive Tony Burt after a tough H1, with some margin growth expected in H2.

Gross domestic product rose by 1.7% in the June 2022 quarter, following a 0.2% fall in the preceding March quarter, Stats NZ said.

The value of New Zealand wine exports has risen to $1.95bn, recovering the ground it lost in 2021 when export value fell for the first time in 26 years.

Zespri says it will to get to the bottom of the quality issues that are marring this kiwifruit season and curbing returns to growers, according to its latest update.

Price rises across dairy commodities drove an annual increase in the value of exports for dairy products, according to Stats NZ.

Food Safety Minister Meka Whaitiri will address the World Dairy Summit in New Delhi this week, the flagship event of the International Dairy Federation.

Synlait has received regulatory sign-off to continue to sell its major client A2 Milk’s infant milk formula in China.

New Zealand’s red meat sector achieved sales of $1.1bn during July, a 26% increase on the same month last year, according to an analysis by the Meat Industry Association.

Milk powder, butter, and cheese contributing around a quarter of the $872m worth of goods that were exported by Māori Authorities in 2021, according to a new report released today by Stats NZ.

Among the big opportunities from the new partnership could be a push in Europe for the Waikato company’s mānuka honey brand Haddrell’s.

High value innovation is alive and well in NZ but increased collaboration could unlock a greater international opportunity, says NZFIN’s boss.

Zespri growers have voted not to progress a proposed expansion of Zespri kiwifruit plantings in the
Northern Hemisphere.

Premium mixers company East Imperial has appointed Leung Yick Company as its exclusive distribution partner in Hong Kong.

Māori-owned food and beverage company Kono has reported an outstanding 2022 harvest despite early environmental challenges during the growing season.

The Government intends to review the dairy quota allocation system to maximise export returns for New Zealand’s dairy industry, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced.

Global demand for cheaper cuts of beef is expected to increase in the year ahead as rampant inflation and slowing economic growth see consumers trade down, says Rabobank.

Taupō low carbon dairy processing business Miraka will host the United Kingdom Secretary of State for International Trade, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, during the minister’s first visit to Aotearoa New Zealand.

The company is investing in building a global brand to reach its target of 400 million apples sold globally by 2025.

Ongoing global demand for petfood saw global protein division earnings jump 88%, offsetting a drop in horticulture earnings.

While shipping rates are set to improve, labour market constraints and concerns around Chinese demand remain ongoing challenges for the seafood industry, according to Sharon Zollner.

Input prices for Kiwi exporters are also on the way down with costs like shipping container rates falling 40% compared to a year ago.

Falling foodservice spend is hitting sheepmeat export volumes hard, with Rabobank identifying further downside risks for the sector.

F&B firms are expected to be among the clients of the new advisory firm Sherriff has set up with ex-Icebreaker colleague and Goodman Fielder CFO Dave Anderson.

“Conventional fruit returns are likely to be at the bottom and possibly even below the ranges published in June,” chief executive Dan Mathieson said.

Move Logistics Group is gearing up its new oceans business with its first trans-Tasman sailing scheduled for Q4 2022.

Native Sparkling, Tom & Luke, Angela Clifford and Auld Farm Distillery all took home well-earned silverware from export and arable awards.

Red meat exports in June were 15% higher than last year at $1.1bn largely driven by pricier beef to China, according to an analysis by the Meat Industry Association.

Trading resumes in A2 Milk shares after the company says it is still awaiting a decision from the FDA clearing the way for its infant milk powder to go the US.

After a strong initial recovery from the effects of Covid-19 in 2021, New Zealand is likely to feel the impact of slowing global trade well into 2023, according to ASB.

Worthy Pacific Group has established a new FMCG distribution business focusing primarily on food and beverage and health and wellness product for Pacific customers.

NZ boss Peter Lange will exit the business.

Rockit Global and FreshMax are both in the running for the 2022 ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards.

After a year of learnings in the domestic market and a close look at the US, Greenlea Premier Meats subsidiary Restore Wholefoods takes its tonic to Asia.

As well as being prepared for scale across the ditch, Kiwi exporters must invest in marketing support and deliver competitive prices, according to new research.

The premium dairy company is taking its single serve sustainable butter product global, supported by a significant investment in its Hamilton plant.

Free trade with the United Kingdom is a step closer with the United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement Legislation Bill having its first reading in parliament yesterday, Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor announced.

The government is working with supermarkets to assess the risk posed by food products as part of measure to protect against foot and mouth disease which threatens a $10bn hit to the economy.

NZ food and beverage producers cannot just rely on promoting sustainability attributes to get cut through in international markets, according to new research from NZTE and Kantar.

The dairy company secures a new UHT milk supply contract and renews its deal with its first Chinese customer, Mengniu.

The New Zealand Export Credit Office (NZEC) has streamlined its process for Trade Credit Insurance.

The strategic considerations behind the EU agreeing the NZ FTA demonstrate some of its current thinking about the direction of its global trade policy and its international ambitions, according to University of Canterbury’s Serena Kelly and Mathew Doidge.

The fast-changing international trade environment and the need to future-proof the food and fibre sector have prompted a review.

Sales to the US$1.4bn market currently only comprise 3% of Comvita’s $192m revenue, but that is set to change following EU FTA.

The National Party has criticised the prime minister’s claim the that Free Trade Agreement New Zealand signed with the European Union was “arguably one of the best dairy deals that anyone has had with the EU”.

For Maori businesses, exports of milk powder, butter, and cheese in the March 2022 quarter came in at $58m, up $23m or 65.8% from the same quarter a year ago, according to Stats NZ.

“We need to get much better at turning and scaling our ideas into world leading firms.” – NZTE’s Craig Armstrong on investing in F&B innovation and scale.

Beverage maker Native Sparkling, and snacking category players Tom & Luke and Rutherford & Meyer have all been shortlisted for this year’s ExportNZ ASB Wellington Export Awards.

A clutch of Aotearoa’s food and beverage companies are in the 31-strong delegation of businesses on a trade mission to Melbourne and Sydney this week, led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

The trade mission will showcase Kiwi food and beverage in Melbourne and Sydney.

New Zealand’s red meat sector overcame a significant drop in export volumes to achieve sales of $1.1bn during May 2022 – a 28% increase on the same month last year, according to an analysis by the Meat Industry Association.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and UK leader Boris Johnson have agreed to a new fast-tracked customs process, which they say will benefit exporters accessing both markets.

The highly anticipated new free trade deal between New Zealand and the European Union has unlocked access for food and beverage exporters after negotiations went to the eleventh hour.

The small red meat quotas are a missed opportunity and will continue to constrain exporters, MIA says.

A trade agreement with the European Union must include commercially meaningful outcomes for New Zealand’s meat and dairy exporters, National’s Trade and Export Growth spokesperson Todd McClay says.

Future food technologies are an opportunity for traditional food and fibre.

The United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement Legislation Bill has been introduced to the House.

Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva and Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Sam McIvor will be in Brussels this week as negotiations between the European Union and New Zealand for a Free Trade Agreement enter a critical stage.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Te Taurapa Tūhono, has released its first Sustainability Report, detailing its support for export businesses to adopt sustainable approaches as well as its pursuit of sustainability in its own operations.

Jacinda Ardern will leave this weekend to tout trade and tourism as NZ seeks to reconnect with overseas markets.

New Zealand cheesemakers have called on the government not to give in to the “demands of Eurocrats” which would strip them of the right to use common description terms like Feta, Parmesan, and Gruyere, as part of EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

The brain food producer worked with agency Previously Unavailable and Simon Endres on the new look and positioning.

Zespri has shipped more than half of this season’s kiwifruit crop, although one of its vessels has suffered a mechanical failure at sea.

Trade Minister Damien O’Connor is in Geneva for the World Trade Organisation Twelfth Ministerial Conference, where he will help progress New Zealand’s ongoing free trade agreement negotiations with the European Union.

Export revenue from New Zealand’s food and fibre sector is expected to reach a record $52.2bn in the year to June 2022, says the government.

The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand is calling for the European Union to move beyond dairy market protectionism in its trade negotiation with New Zealand.

MIA and B+LNZ raise concerns that the EU’s rhetoric on ambition is not being matched in an agreement governing agricultural access.

New Zealand red meat exports hit a record $999.6m in April, up 16% on the same time last year according to the Meat Industry Association, which warned ongoing volatility in China indicates head winds in the coming months.

Zespri is expecting to have a lower crop volume than last year of around 172 million trays, including approximately 106 million trays of SunGold Kiwifruit and 66 million trays of Green.

PM Jacinda Ardern attended the New York launch of Silver Fern Farms’ USDA-approved Net Carbon Zero By Nature 100% Grass-Fed Angus Beef.

The government is investing $20.3m to modernise New Zealand’s trade certification system in a move its says will help build on Aotearoa’s global reputation for producing trusted food for export.

NZ Grass Fed Products, which sits alongside SP’s Lewis Road Creamery, is targeting growth through the wholesale and foodservice channels.

Silver Fern Farms, Fonterra and Zespri are accompanying Jacinda Ardern, and she will attend a launch event in New York for NZ’s sustainable meat exports.

Exports were up 17% compared with April last year, according to Stats NZ, with food commodities performing strongly.

For the first time since Covid-19 travel restrictions were implemented, Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s leaders will be heading to key export markets to advocate on behalf of New Zealand farmers.

Seeka expects its 2022 kiwifruit harvest will fall short of forecasts due to lower crop volumes and a tight labour market, but said that it is too early to provide current year earnings guidance.

Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor is set to travel to Thailand this week to represent New Zealand at the annual APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting in Bangkok.

Quarterly exports up 17% year on year, however March picture mixed as China restrictions continue and processors struggle with staffing at home.

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The Wellington-based natural soda syrup company looks to D2C to drive overseas growth as it marks 10 years of business.

To help ease port congestion as a result of China’s Covid-19 restrictions, Zespri has redirected one vessel scheduled to go to mainland China and Taiwan to Japan and Taiwan.

Shanghai port congestion could prolong elevated freight prices, while the foodservice shutdown means strong headwinds for dairy demand.

Zespri has stood up a number of work-arounds in China to combat Covid-19 lockdowns which are slowing the distribution of kiwifruit from Shanghai port.

Boring Oat Milk’s Morgan Maw is casting her eye around international markets to assess the next move for what is New Zealand’s first fully domestically manufactured oat milk.

 Entries and nominations are now open for the New Zealand International Business Awards 2022, the national gongs for export businesses.

The value of total good exports rose strongly in March 2022, driven by increases in dairy products, beef, and aluminium.

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Japan and New Zealand have pledged to better understand respective priorities in agriculture, fisheries, forestry and food systems and build a closer partnership through collaboration on new ideas, technologies and solutions to common challenges.

A working group to help build resilience against current and future supply chain disruption has been announced as part of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s trade mission to Singapore.

The first of T&G Global’s Envy apples are departing Hawke’s Bay for Asia this week.

If supply chain disruption turns structural tactical responses like pricing changes will not be sufficient.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will lead a trade mission to Singapore and Japan from 18-24 April.

Milk powder, butter, and cheese made up 39% of total exports by Māori authorities in the December 2021 quarter, according to Stats NZ.

NZ shelves could run dry of vodka following the imposition of significant tariffs on Russian products.

Proper Snack Foods GM Andy Leonard says challenging shipping and rising costs provided extra motivation to establish manufacturing across the ditch.

Zespri is procuring 14m SunGold kiwifruit trays ahead of market demand, in advance of main-pack, to ensures it has the volume of gold it need to meet increased market demand.

The company is struggling to meet demand for its zero alcohol products and could soon sign-off a new $2m+ investment.

NZ solidifies its position as the world’s largest kiwifruit exporter, with strong global demand indicating more headroom for growth.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise in Tokyo has launched a landing page through Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten, that focuses on New Zealand products.

The Auckland business expands into hundreds more Woolworths stores as it pushes the nascent premium cereal category across the ditch.

The first of this season’s T&G jazz apples are en route to Europe from Port Nelson.

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New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has released new resources on sustainable packaging for exporters, in response to global trends and requirements for businesses to reduce waste and non-renewable material use.

Disruption is expected to continue into 2023 with pricing to remain high for years.

“If you go in undercooked you could just come unstuck” – Fix & Fogg founder Roman Jewell on ramping up its US presence.

The cost of greener shipping, from the Financial Times.

The co-op’s innovation into hop oil is allowing it to explore new food and beverage categories.

R&D is the foundation that will drive NZ’s alcohol beverages sectors forward, delivering a unique offering on the world stage.

Dairy giant Fonterra is exiting its businesses in Russia and withdrawing from a joint venture partnership with Unifood.

The Central Otago juice company is targeting Australia to double sales across four states.

Agriculture spins-offs such as packing and grading equipment now outstrip apple exports, while the nature of meat products has changed.

What is the opportunity for New Zealand food and beverage in the Middle East?

The government brings forward border reopenings for visitors from Australia and visa waiver countries like the US and UK.

New Zealand’s re-opening of its borders to Australian visitors in mid-April and visa waiver countries in early May will do more than just help tourism, writes the Ticker’s Paul Yandall.

The innovative beverage maker plans to push up its valuation ahead of dusting off a delayed $5m capital raise.

New Zealand red meat values remained strong in January despite pressure on export volumes.

A documentary of the journey of 3 Māori Boys Ltd, makers of beverage Wai Mānuka, courtesy of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

The beverage business enjoys a big bump in revenue with online sales tripling and retail and foodservice channels growing.

New Zealand’s food exports to Russia total around $233m, and include dairy, apples, seafood and wine.

Experience director Jennifer Kerr replaces Andrew Ferrier as chair after nearly a decade in that role.

The sheep milk company is looking to diversify from its heavy reliance on the Chinese market, with the US, Japan and Singapore in its sights.

A Rabobank report on the beef sector says global demand will keep prices high, with a raft of challenges plaguing the sector.

The seafood industry says tariff free access into the UK is a major bonus after the government signed a free trade agreement this week.

The avocado oil producer’s acquisition commercialises its waste-stream and provides an export opportunity to boot.

New Zealand Winegrowers says the freshly signed free trade agreement with Britain will support future growth and encourage exporters to focus on that market.

The deal, signed by Damien O’Connor in the UK overnight, will save NZ exporters $37m a year on tariffs.

The move is understood to affect only a small amount of product, primarily butter.

New Zealand exports of milk powder, butter, cheese, jumped 15% to $1.6bn in January when compared with the same month a year earlier.

Zespri is forecasting its total fruit and service payment for the 2021-22 season to be $2.38bn, up from $2.25bn last season.

The beverage business wins a major distribution deal for its immunity tonic with the Australian supermarket giant.

New Zealand seed exports dipped 5% in 2021 compared with the prior year, to come in at $236m.

The company says the results are inline with expectations and that it has made progress on its turnaround initiatives.

The Commerce Commission has formed a working group with four other regulators to identify possible cartel behaviour in global supply chains.

Andrew Childs’ and Hannah Miller Childs’ Chur brand is about to re-enter Australia after cutting ties with their distributor there last year.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will undertake a trade visit to the United States in May focused on New Zealand’s high-technology export sectors, including agri-tech.

Upgrades to New Zealand’s free trade agreement with China will enter into force on 7 April.

But the company says it is seeing benefits from a renewed focus on the domestic market and a sales drive overseas.

New Zealand’s 2022 apple and pear crop is predicted to reach 601,000 tonnes – inline with expectations – although Omicron, supply chain and labour shortage issues continue to plague the sector.

F&B stakeholders including HortNZ and NZKFG are still waiting to see if exporters are considered critical businesses.

New Zealand’s red meat exports reached $10bn in 2021 despite Covid challenges and some softening in the major China market, says the Meat Industry Association.

Global supply shortages will underpin firm commodity prices for dairy this year, while returns for kiwifruit will stay elevated thanks to strong demand, says Rabobank.

One of the world’s largest live export ships is back at Timaru port this weekend and is expected to attract protesters.

But they will still need to go into self-isolation, says Jacinda Ardern.

Labour shortages are the most pressing concern for the country’s primary sector but global prices should remain strong, according to ANZ’s latest Agri Focus report.

Bostock has partnered with Milford Private Equity to grow and market a South Island organic apple variety to overseas customers.

The snack food startup adds fruit powder to its product arsenal and Costco to its customer list.

Food importers and exporters could close the year battling “significant supply chain chaos,” with little respite in the new year, warns ASB.

The value of New Zealand’s red meat sector exports reached $693m during October, a 27% increase year-on-year, according to the Meat Industry Association.

New Zealand produce exporter Te Mata Exports says it has acquired the exclusive rights to new early season apple variety, Bay Queen.

Marlborough Wine Estates says it has grown its international distribution significantly since July 2021.

The seafood company secures new opportunities for product formerly destined for Foodstuffs, but not at the same price.

The SOE targets the healthy ageing category for the longterm commercial success of its ‘world first’ product.

The Auckland craft beer business says it is making a multi-million dollar investment into its brewery and scaling up staff numbers.

New Zealand’s national honey production in the 2020-21 season was down 24% on the previous season to 20,500 tonnes, according to the Ministry for Primary Industries.

A successful trial sees the alcoholic seltzer company secure shelf space in three supermarket chains in Japan.

The Lewis Road founder says his new advisory firm is looking to work with F&B founders with a global proposition – often in exchange for a stake.

The meat processor invests in a bone broth brand to move up the value chain and into retail both at home and abroad.

The last of this year’s crop of Zespri Kiwifruit has left Port of Tauranga, concluding another strong but challenging season of New Zealand-grown kiwifruit, says the co-op.

The monthly value of goods exported in October 2021 rose to $5.3bn in October 2021, up 12% compared with the same month last year, according to Stats NZ.

Pāmu Farms has signed a deal with distributor Ciels that will see a range of premium nutritional supplements sold in Vietnam in the new year.

Halal-certified red meat exports increased 13% during the 2020-21 season with most product going to non-Muslim markets, says the Meat Industry Association.

A push across the ditch in 2018 has seen the premium popcorn business grow 50% year-on-year.

The apple exporter seeks capital to invest in meeting global demand for its Jazz and Envy apples.

Agility and resilience are watchwords for meat producers in a rapidly evolving market still suffering Covid-19 challenges.

Marlborough Wine Estates has appointed Winesellers its exclusive USA importer for its OTU Estate brand.

Chocolate maker Whittaker’s has been crowned exporter of the year at the 2021 ExportNZ ASB Wellington Export Awards.

Mussels were the hardest hit of Sanford’s three divisions, with rebuilding profitability a priority for 2022.

Milk and honey spread brand Onetai has landed in Asia and the Pacific but wants domestic sales to be the “foundation of the business”.

Mānuka honey company Comvita said it recorded record sales in line with its forecasts for November’s Singles Day or 11:11 – the world’s biggest shopping event and key event in its focus growth market of China.

While 2021 hasn’t all gone to plan, Mondelēz NZ’s MD says it will still be a strong year with growth to follow and a possible global opportunity for a Kiwi confectionery favourite.

New Zealand exports to the UK could increase by 40% with food and beverage the big winners, according to ANZ research.

But more growers and farmers would need to convert to organic to hit the $4.7bn target by 2030.

US consumers are a big focus for the dairy company’s increased volumes, and the UK is on the agenda thanks to the proposed FTA.

New Zealand’s meat and wine exports have enjoyed a strong September 2021 quarter with the value of the former surging.

The company built its reputation on beer and cider but a move into spirits has enabled its first foray across the ditch.

More than 160,000 people have visited the New Zealand Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai since it opened on 30 September.

The tie-up is part of the exporter’s expansion of its higher value active living ingredient business.

Rising costs, supply chain concerns, food miles and a desire to support local are headwinds highlighted in a new report.

The produce giant will use the cash to fuel its growth strategy, as it faces a profit squeeze from Covid-19.

Kombucha has been flagged as a strong global growth category for the New Zealand beverage sector.

The company is exploring a licensing deal as it looks to leverage New Zealand’s global reputation for dairy products.

Onions New Zealand says the government’s commitment to invest $2.83m to enhance the competitive advantage of the country’s onions producers will help transform the industry.

Any government move to reduce international visitor numbers post-Covid to concentrate on higher spending arrivals could affect Kiwi food exports, says a new study.

Some 78% of New Zealand exporters citing increased costs and unpredictable transport options as the number one barrier to exporting, according to the latest ExportNZ-DHL Export Barometer

Dairy giant Fonterra has hiked its 2021/22 farmgate milk price range to $7.90 – $8.90 per kg of milk solids, with a midpoint of $8.40 per kg, up from $8.

Plaudits are rolling in for the government’s in-principle free trade agreement with the United Kingdom, which could result in a $1bn boost to GDP.

The deal will eliminate tariffs on all NZ honey, wine, kiwifruit, onions, and a range of dairy and meat products.

Alliance Group has extended its partnership with global retail giant Marks & Spencer landing a deal to supply a range of value-add beef and lamb to its Singapore division.

Nelson natural drinks company Chia Sisters has completed brand refresh for its entire range of pressed juices, smoothies, sparkling and superfood drinks.

A hearing into NZ King Salmon’s plan to develop the country’s first open-water salmon farm kicks-off today – with rivals expected to watch closely.

The produce giant warns its FY21 profit could fall as much as 76% from the $16.6m it posted in 2020.

Zespri RubyRed will hit the shelves in commercial volumes in March with around 250,000 trays expected.

Dairy company Fonterra wants to increase the value of its $3bn foodservice business, Anchor Food Professionals, to $5bn.

The Nelson snack food startup is scaling up and chasing US export growth following a $2.5m capital raise.

Comvita has reported its first quarter EBITDA improved by 10.6% compared with Q1 last year.

Food exports were strong in H1 but it’s an uneven recovery from Covid for infant formula, cherries and some seafood.

The sharp fall in tourism trail sales in NZ has prompted the Christchurch company to test the international appetite for its granola snack bars.

The business founder on expanding into export, building a global brand, and whether she’d ever sell her non-alcoholic drinks firm to an alcohol company.

The cereals business is nearing $5m in total sales underpinning its Australian premiumisation strategy.

Under new leadership, the apple cider vinegar company is planning a domestic drive and looking for new export opportunities.

The 350 biggest global food firms are assessed on their environmental, nutritional and social impact. Who is leading and who is lagging? 

The Canterbury-based company is testing market opportunities for New Zealand soybean protein and new foods.

Fonterra, Comvita and Zespri are three of the big New Zealand food firms looking to boost their exposure in the United Arab Emirates through Expo 2020 Dubai, which launched overnight after a year’s Covid delay.

The value of New Zealand’s red meat exports topped $650m in August 2021, up 26% on the same month last year, says the Meat Industry Association.

With demand now exceeding supply and fish sizes recovering, the salmon company signals a second half revival.

The global economic and foodservice recovery is underpinning strong demand, but the high Kiwi dollar will eat into export returns.

The meat exporter is driving into e-commerce in the US and is looking to join big online marketplaces like Amazon.

Kiwifruit exporter Zespri says it continues to work constructively with authorities following a positive test result for Covid-19 in China on a sample of fruit from the Bay of Plenty.

The Coromandel startup hit the market with a dual launch in Singapore and NZ four years ago, but it’s the US where it’s now going for growth.

The deal opens access to the US market for the Auckland-based company’s gluten-free, keto and paleo products.

Even when Covid-era shipping disruption is unwound, it appears unlikely that pricing will return to 2019 levels.

Chinese private equity players FountainVest and Boyu have been linked to $1bn-plus bids for Ziwi.

The premium mixer business is making major inroads in retail, preparing to put boots on the ground in the US, and is about to go live on Amazon.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern is one of more than 90 world leaders who are set to participate in the historic UN Food Systems Summit next week.

The government has approved a managed isolation and quarantine allocation pilot for exporters.

Raglan Food Co has launched into the Pacific Islands and is eyeing entry into the Middle East with grocery heavyweight Spinneys following expansion in Asia.

The company’s new CEO Nick Hammond talks culture, scale-up challenges, China, and the prospects for growth.

Manuka honey exporter Comvita has appointed a trio of new board directors, namely Bridget Coates, Yawen Wu and chief executive David Banfield.

New Zealand needs a coastal shipping fleet for domestic and regional services and a nationally co-ordinated system for chartering international vessels to overcome current international supply chain issues, according to the Maritime Union.

T&G Global has launched an integrated marketing campaign in key Asian markets to encourage consumers to celebrate full moon festivities with Envy apples as mid-autumn festivities approach.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has said it is making continued progress towards a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom. A deal was meant to be concluded at the end of August.

With housebound consumers picking up the pinny, the global vanilla extract exporter has seen its channels change and sales lift.

T&G Global has launched the first global marketing campaign for its Jazz apple brand following a recent brand refresh.

The plant-based milk business will ring-fence 1% of sales revenue to invest into making oats a “viable and exciting” alternative for farmers to grow.

Shortlisted for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award, Matthew Bennett says his snacks company is expecting significant growth from across the Tasman this year.

Both high profile and emerging food firms are among the 53 finalists named in the New Zealand International Business Awards 2021, run by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

Export prices for goods rose 8.3% on the previous quarter in the three months to June 2021, while import prices rose 4.8%, according to Stats NZ.

A month out from Expo 2020, NZ trade commissioner for the UAE, Kevin McKenna, tells the Ticker about the opportunities for Kiwi food and beverage exporters.

New Zealand exported red meat and co-products worth $870m during July 2021 – a 29% increase on the same month last year, according to the latest analysis from the Meat Industry Association.

The new international genetics and variety management business says it has around 50 premium apple, pear and berry projects lined up.

The iwi investor is trying to buy a chunk of the seafood company, although it says it has “no current intention” to launch a takeover.

A smaller vintage sees the value of exports drop 3% just as industry achieves its 10-year $2bn goal.

The Otu Estate owner counts the cost of a smaller 2021 harvest and investment into growing its branded wine sales.

What does a move from volume to value look like in practice, and how do we go about achieving it?

The National Party has appointed new spokespeople to a range of portfolios related to New Zealand’s food system.

Marlborough Wine Estates Group has appointed the Hayward Bros as the UK distributor for its OTU Estate brand.

Kaimoana (seafood), including fish, crayfish, and mussels was the Māori authorities’ top commodities export in 2020 at $311m. 

The prolonged impact of Covid-19 and a rapidly changing China market has prompted the company to launch a growth strategy review.

A turnaround is taking hold at the honey company, which is focussed on growth in the world’s two biggest honey markets, China and the US.

Exports of fish, crustaceans, and molluscs were up $35m or 29% in July to reach $155m, according to Stats NZ.

Diversified focus put agribusiness on track to to deliver full year net profit of between $32 – $37m.

The snap lockdown has piled more pressure on already congested supply chains, says the company’s MD, Don Braid.

Apple wine and honey tariffs to be slashed, but no particulars yet for the red meat sector.

With China and Korea its number one and two markets, Grove is looking to Thailand and Vietnam for further growth.

A New Zealand chef who pioneered the development of avocado milk has teamed up with a buttercup squash grower to develop a new plant-milk destined for export markets in Asia.

The United Arab Emirates presents a fertile market for New Zealand food and beverage exports particularly for fruit and honey products, according to new research from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

Zac Robinson and Angus Brown are preparing for a $5m capital raise to take Ārepa’s nootropic drinks to the world.

Organic apple grower Bostock New Zealand says it has seen a 136% increase in organic apple sales this year across its direct retail programmes in China.

The produce giant’s new business has launched with two initial partnerships.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has appointed David Dewar the first New Zealand Trade Commissioner to the Pacific, based in Fiji.

The Meat Industry Association has launched a campaign to help address the industry’s chronic shortage of employees – currently standing at around 2,000 people.

Summer storms, supply chain disruption and labour shortages all weigh on first half performance.

NZHFC made representations such as “100% New Zealand” knowing the royal jelly ingredient was from China, finds a court.

Exports from the New Zealand red meat sector reached $937m in June, up 16% year-on-year, according to the Meat Industry Association.

Bootleggers tonic and mixers brand is set to launch into Australia following the appointment of a local sales agent and the securing a contract to supply what it says is the country’s largest liquor retailer.

Taulelei is teaming up with brand specialist Tabitha Harris to launch a new venture focusing on “business design through story, strategy and brand”.

Wellington nut butter maker Fix & Fogg was named the supreme prize winner at the Wellington Gold Awards on Thursday night.

The Maritime Union of New Zealand has called for “innovative responses” to ongoing shipping congestion that is causing delays in New Zealand’s supply chain.

A year on from its purchase of Hop Federation, the Ticker talks to Kono’s CEO about the brewery’s integration, exporting during a pandemic and whether more acquisitions are on the cards.

The value of NZ exports continues to climb hitting a new high of $6bn in June this year.

Japanese demand for premium products, products that are safe, sustainable, and trustworthy fits NZ’s F&B profile.

Patsy Bass, co-founder of West Coast spirits powerhouse Reefton Distilling Co, hires two senior executives to lead the company’s drive into export markets.

The total value of exports reached $4.55bn in the year to March, up 8.3%.

The Golden Bay craft gin maker has made it into the “notoriously difficult to enter” North American market.

Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett has called on the government to release more MIQ rooms for New Zealand exporters returning from offshore travel – or allow them to skip it altogether.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand is confident US demand for meat protein will remain high through 2021 as demand from the recovering foodservice sector continues to challenge available supplies.

Functional food startup Soochi plans to pioneer a ‘prejuvenation’ drinks category in Asia Pacific after hitting two milestones this month: signing off seed funding and launching into Foodstuffs supermarkets.

New Zealand exported red meat and co-products worth $877m during May, according to the latest analysis from the Meat Industry Association.

Growing consumer demand and more interest from supermarkets is paving the way for expansion for gluten free pioneer Pavillion Foods.

Honey exports are on track to rise 13% to $480m in 2020-21 according to MPI’s latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries.

Covid-19 induced congestion in the global shipping industry is likely to continue well into 2022, with skyrocketing costs hitting New Zealand primary producers hard, according to ANZ.

The seven-year old company formerly known as Raglan Coconut Yoghurt is on a mission to change the world one plant-based product at a time.

The fortified foods firm plans to double production and boost exports to Australia while it explores markets further afield.

Miniature apple company Rockit Global has expanded its footprint from Hawke’s Bay to Gisborne where it will now establish a management team, and potentially a new packhouse.

The Flying Winemaker group has signed a distribution deal which will see its wine sold in foodservice outlets across Mainland China.

Monthly goods exports were up $461m to $5.9bn after a 12% rise in dairy products in the month of May, according to StatsNZ.

“We’re right on the cusp of growth which is always a challenging time to navigate,” says new GM Bonnie Slade.

The US is likely to remain the largest market for wine and beef exporters over the coming 12 months, according to NZUS Council.

An interactive map showing import and export, and financial data for each New Zealand port has been released alongside a report from the Auditor-General’s with the results of the 2019/20 audit of port companies.

The future of meat prices and production are likely to be challenged by the emergence of a cultivated meat sector on track to become a US$25bn global industry by 2030, according to a new report from McKinsey.

New Zealand’s food industry is in a prime position to capitalise on Covid-era export opportunities but must overcome capacity challenges on home soil first.

New Zealand is over-reliant on global shipping operators leaving the country’s imports and exports exposed, says the Maritime Union.

New Zealand’s food exporters can expect a free trade agreement in principle with the UK in August and “substantive progress” on an EU deal by the end of the year, says trade and export growth minister Damien O’Connor.

New Zealand’s food and fibre sector is predicted to post a 3.4% rise in export revenue to hit a record $49.1bn for the year ended June 2022.

The fisheries company expects to come in ahead of $26m full year profit guidance despite disruption at Sealord.

Supply chains continue to suffer from severe congestion globally according to New Zealand Trade & Enterprises latest bi-monthly update for May, although some headroom in seafreight to Australia may be on the horizon.

Export disruptions, labour shortages and regulatory pressures are hurting morale in the sector.

The Taihape-based food firm will start exporting to Australia after securing a deal with distributor Scalzo.

A smaller than hoped for 2021 harvest means many New Zealand wineries will face tough decisions over who they can supply in their key markets, according to NZ Wine.

The growth is being driven by a big increase in exports to Australia – but that may not last, says NZ Avocado.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand has reported strong growth and increased demand for grass-fed, pasture-raised beef and lamb in the US.

Competition for container space is fierce, driving up costs alongside congestion and uncertain scheduling.

New Zealand red meat exports remained steady in April with a total of $863m worth of meat and co-products exported to global markets, according to the latest analysis from MIA.

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation ministers responsible for trade have acknowledged the need for action to address trade tariffs in the agricultural sector at the 12th World Trade Organisation ministerial conference.

NZ exports with an environmental focus can command the best potential returns, according to new research.

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Total exports of goods and services fell $14.3bn or 16.5%, to $72.6bn in the year ending March 2021, as visibility of the full Covid-19 affected year emerged, according to Stats NZ.

Christchurch-based family business Cookie Time believes it has “cracked the code” to exporting its iconic homemade cookies into the world’s third largest economy of Japan.

Trade minister Damien O’Connor will lead a ‘virtual’ trade mission to Japan this week to promote New Zealand’s relationship with one of its largest trading partners.

Dionysus Investments says it is at the start of an ‘ultra premium’ Asia strategy.

Jacinda Ardern and Scott Morrison have concluded their meeting at the resort – was there anything in it for food and beverage?

Can the country’s food exporters learn lessons from another sector heavily exposed to a single source of income?

Increased volatility and global supply chain disruption are dogging exports to the US, but strong demand for NZ products including beef and wine are supporting long-term growth.

Pic Picot is a step closer to selling a 100% Kiwi peanut butter following the completion of a successful crop trial.

The kiwifruit giant said it delivered record per tray returns across all categories in the 2020/2021 season.