He notes that F&B exports contribute significantly to the New Zealand economy. In the year to June 2015, New Zealand exported US$29 billion worth of food and beverages, which accounted for close to 57 percent of total goods export, adding that over the last decade, export of F&B products has increased by 73 percent.

To continue this impressive growth, Armstrong advises that the topics that should dominate F&B companies 2016 agenda include food safety, food labelling, health claims and the addition of nutrients to foods (high-value nutrition). He says that NZTE currently works closely with about fifty F&B exporters that are developing health-related foods and beverages for this increasingly concerned and regulated global market. It also works with its NZ Inc. partners to connect New Zealand-based F&B businesses with opportunities that will help them take advantage of these global trends and add value to their business.

Armstrong suggests tat those wanting to make the move towards high-value nutritional products or keep on top of law changes that might affect their business in various markets, there is a range of health, technical and market development initiatives being run around New Zealand over the coming months should consider attending.

March

FGC Health & Technical working group meeting

This session is likely to coincide with the proposed review of the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice around food advertising to children and will also look at research and innovation pathways.

Contact: Food and Grocery Council 

New Zealand Future Farms Conference

Part of the New Zealand Agri Investment Week, this conference features insights into changing global consumer preferences and areas of future growth, 100 minutes of agri-innovation, and emerging trends on sustainability and GMOs.

Contact: Destination Manawatu 

April

High-Value Nutrition Science Symposium and European Advisory Services (EAS) Regulatory Workshop 

Part of the High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge, the Symposium brings leading international speakers to Auckland to provide insights into the food-for-health market trends and global regulatory environment.

Contact: High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge 

May

NZTE, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment have a joint mission to Japan of ten businesses in the Innovation-2-Industry area. Attendees will also visit the International Food Ingredients & Additives Exhibition and Conference.

Expressions of Interest are now closed for this mission, but interested parties are invited to contact NZTE for more information about similar, future opportunities and what can be learned from this visit.