New Zealand's temperate climate, high rainfall, low density
population, pristine waters and fertile pastures give it a clear
advantage when it comes to producing quality foods and beverages.
These products are sought after and sold in discerning markets
around the world.
New Zealand has a 125-year history in exporting produce and is
one of only two countries to export more than half of its total
food production, giving it an exceptional understanding of
international markets.The country's industry continues to grow.
Export revenues trebled from NZ$6.96 billion in 1990 to over $23
billion in 2010 and it is the largest manufacturing sub-sector in
New Zealand.
Food safety is a priority for New Zealand. It applies stringent
biosecurity measures, is recognized as being animal disease-free by
the World Organization for Animal Health, and has high levels of
food traceability. It has also developed a wide range of systems to
process food in a cost effective way, while retaining sensory and
nutritional properties. New Zealand food products are among the
safest and healthiest in the world.
New Zealand's main food export categories are dairy, meat,
aquaculture, wine and specialty foods.
Current opportunities
Opportunities are available in:
Dairy
New Zealand controls over a third of the global dairy trade and
is a leading producer of bulk commodities, such as whole and skim
milk powders, as well as unique speciality cheeses, ice creams, and
ingredients such as colostrum and lactoferrin.
New Zealand's key strengths are an efficient all-grass farming
system, large scale processing, high R&D expenditure, and
creative marketing capability.
Aquaculture
New Zealand's isolated position in the South Pacific Ocean makes
it one of the world's finest locations for marine farming. Its
pathogen-free aquatic environment and absence of inorganic toxins
means that it is one of the few countries in the world where
shellfish do not require depuration prior to processing.
New Zealand's aquaculture sector has advanced at a rapid rate,
growing 5.7 percent year-on-year since 1995, with aquaculture
exports earning $261.75 million in 2010. The industry is based on
natural competitive advantages supported by in-depth knowledge,
excellent research capability and a spirit of innovation.
Red meat
New Zealand has been exporting high quality red meat products to
the world for over 125 years and is one of the world's premier
locations for pastoral farming.
Sheep, lamb, beef and deer are fed on a pastoral diet of grass,
in a temperate climate, eliminating the need for artificial feed
and housing. This farming environment is complemented by our
disease-free status, tough biosecurity measures and high animal
welfare standards.
Wine
Once small and family-based, the New Zealand wine industry has
flourished and is now a technologically advanced producer of a wide
variety of distinctive, clean and character-filled wines.
Premium wines, shaped by New Zealand's unique geography and
climate, and crafted by our innovative winemakers, continue to gain
international recognition.
Although small in international terms, the New Zealand wine
industry occupies a strong premium niche, based on a distinctive
product and a reputation for quality.
Functional foods
New Zealand's functional food industry leverages off its
expertise as a major producer of healthy, high quality food. The
country has many competitive and comparative advantages in the
health ingredients and functional foods industry, including world
class science, unique raw materials, excellence in food research,
safety and traceability.
New Zealand's internationally renowned research institutions,
together with the country's biodiversity and a pristine growing
environment, make it an ideal place to develop and manufacture
innovative new foods.
Please note that the opportunities listed above
are not endorsed or recommended by New Zealand Trade and
Enterprise, and may be updated from time to time. Investors are
advised to contact our New Zealand-based Investment
Specialist to discuss further and to conduct their own due
diligence and independent advice on the relevant investment, before
committing to any investment.
