The Food and Grocery Council welcomes the release today of the latest investor guides to New Zealand’s Food and Beverage Industry.

Launched by Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy, the guides contain analysis of trends and opportunities in the industry which can be used to attract investment, assist with business strategy and guide government policy.

They show a strong and diversified sector that has uncapped capacity to export more, says FGC spokesman Brent Webling.

“New Zealand is already a major global food and beverage exporter, but the conclusion that we have significant untapped capacity to export more, and in fact are ‘well positioned to triple our food and beverage exports over the next 15 years’ is a great vote of confidence in the sector.

“The guides have identified a wide range of emerging growth categories within the sector, including infant formula and dairy nutritionals, a growing range of products in the snacking category, yoghurt, UHT milk, avocados and processed chicken, and that’s very reassuring for the future.

“Investment in these areas will further help boost the food and beverage export sector, which currently contributes around $29 billion to the New Zealand Economy.

“These guides are a magnificent resource for food companies and policy makers alike. Completed by highly-respected food industry consultants Coriolis Research with the assistance also of NZ Trade & Enterprise, they will help FGC’s members make critical business decisions, and inform market development and investment decisions.

“The food and beverage industry is already a major contributor to the economy, but there is always opportunity for growth and expansion. To do that companies need opportunities and access to good information that reports such as these can provide.

“The information and analysis will greatly assist food companies and I’m sure their release will be welcomed by the wider food industry.”

The new guides are available on the MBIE website here.