From March issue NZ Manufacturer magazine                                   www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz

 By Mark Devlin, Managing Director, Impact PR

New Zealand’s food manufacturing sector has long been the pride of our nation—an industry built on innovation, quality and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability.

Yet, in an increasingly competitive global market, even our best ideas need a boost to flourish on the world stage. The recent announcement of a Government-backed export initiative with Canada is a significant step in that direction.

A new era for Kiwi food exports
 The latest initiative, which saw the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) and its local counterpart New Zealand Food Innovation Network (NZFIN), promises to accelerate the commercialisation of Kiwi food innovations.

It is designed to give our food and beverage firms access to emerging technologies, comprehensive market intelligence and robust research and development support. With Canada’s 40 million consumers within reach, this collaborative programme could open a new frontier for New Zealand’s agricultural exports—a sector that accounts for nearly half of all goods and services sold offshore.

The move is part of a broader strategy to double the value of New Zealand food exports by 2030. Recent forecasts predict that our food and fibre exports will reach a staggering $56.9 billion by mid-2025.

For an industry that already invests over half a billion dollars annually in agri-food research, such ambitious targets underline the urgency of transforming research outputs into commercially viable products.

Building an international innovation ecosystem
 At the heart of this initiative lies the innovative ‘Catalyst Model’ developed by NZFIN. This model is engineered to create a domestic international ecosystem, seamlessly integrating food innovation facilities across Auckland, Waikato, Otago, Palmerston North and Canterbury with applied innovation hubs in Australia, Singapore, Indonesia and now, Canada.

This interconnected network will support every stage of product development—from ideation and prototype development through to pilot scale trials, market launch and export expansion.

What excites me most is the potential this ecosystem holds for reducing the barriers that have traditionally stifled the growth of value-added food products.

By linking local businesses with global expertise, specialised technologies and significant capital, this programme offers a defined pathway for turning promising research into export success stories. In an industry where only a fraction of innovations ever reach the market, such support could prove transformative.

From concept to commercial success
 Entrepreneurs in the food sector often face a steep climb when attempting to commercialise their innovations.

The NZFIN initiative is uniquely positioned to change that narrative. By offering tailored support—from guiding firms through the intricacies of scaling production to providing access to a global network of food scientists and process engineers—this new initiative ensures that even the most nascent ideas can be nurtured into market-ready products.

Grant Verry, NZFIN Co-CEO, has articulated the vision succinctly: Kiwi food and beverage firms can now bring an idea to the table and receive the guidance needed to transform that idea into a tangible export.

The initiative’s comprehensive approach—extending beyond territorial and regulatory boundaries—ensures that businesses can compete on the global stage with the same level of support they receive domestically.

Why this matters for New Zealand Industry
 These initiatives are more than just an export programme; it is a clear statement about New Zealand’s future in food manufacturing. Our industry has always been about more than just food—it’s about innovation, sustainability and a commitment to quality that the world admires.

By harnessing our local ingenuity and connecting it with international expertise, we can not only meet global demand but also drive transformative change across the sector.

For manufacturers and food innovators, this is an opportunity to reimagine what is possible. It offers a chance to move away from the traditional, often fragmented approach to product development and embrace a model that is integrated, forward-thinking and truly global.

This, in turn, will generate not only increased export earnings but also foster a healthier, more dynamic food manufacturing landscape here at home.

A call to optimise and innovate
 As someone who has spent over two decades in FMCG public relations and business transformation, I am thrilled to see our government and industry leaders taking such decisive action.

Now is the time for Kiwi manufacturers to capitalise on this initiative, to optimise their operations, embrace new technologies and ultimately, to lead the charge in global food innovation.

In my view, the success of this initiative will be measured not only in export dollars but in the broader impact it has on the competitiveness and resilience of New Zealand’s food sector.

This is a critical opportunity to build a more connected, innovative and prosperous industry that reflects the very best of what New Zealand has to offer.

NZ Manufacturer March 25 by Media Hawkes Bay Limited – Issuu