FMCG talks to some of the exhibitors about their new product developments.

About 80% of the food grown, produced and manufactured in New Zealand is exported, which means that a significant proportion of our overseas income comes from food exports.

Much of this success is due to a focus on quality and innovation, with some excellent examples on display at the NZ Food Innovation Showcase, held in October at Auckland’s new Viaduct Events Centre. Timed to coincide with Rugby World Cup’s final weeks, visitors from all over the world were able to see, sample and enjoy the country’s newest food products and technology.

Industry leaders share new developments

History and innovation is something that Hansells is familiar with. Sophie Pinchen says the company has been operating for over 75 years and always strived to be innovative.

“Being among peers in the business community who also value these things, as well as being able to share some of our innovation with others, is what attracted us to participate in the NZ Food Innovation Showcase,” says Pinchen.

“Alfa One Rice Bran Oil Spread is the only spread on the market that we’re aware of that is made using rice bran oil, which has several health benefits over other oils. The majority of spreads on the market contain large amounts of palm oil, which comes from plantations that have replaced valuable rainforests and damaged or destroyed whole ecosystems in some cases. With a great natural taste and less than half the saturated fat of butter, no hydrogenated or trans fats, and no artificial colours or flavours, Alfa One spread is a great choice. It also helps to lower your cholesterol absorption.”

Also at the showcase, Kohu Road is a leader in its field of world class ice cream and sorbet products. Michelle Preston of Kohu Road said the company sets the benchmark in New Zealand for quality and clarity of product.

“We use the least ingredients, no additives and still make the most delicious tasting, rewarding and satisfying ice cream/frozen dessert on the market. Kohu Road is an innovator, a leader and a trend setter,” says Preston.

“Kohu Road is also a maverick company, launching a brand of ice cream double the price of any other on the market yet growing that high-end product through the worst recession since 1932. Uniquely we combine many important factors with one singular tipping point game changer: our ice cream is the cleanest, freshest, simplest, most understated, un-hyped, quiet product in its category. The most important factor, though, is that it tastes the best. As the most delicious product available in spite of the significantly higher price it is the best value for money in the consumer's mind, it is, as we are so often told, ‘worth it’.”

Another exhibitor, John Smart of Airborne Honey, says his company’s slogan of ‘better by a country mile’ says it all. “We have been producing honey in the South Island for 100 years. As far as Airborne is concerned, every label claim has the backing of 100 years of experience plus 25 years of laboratory experience and a comparative database containing more than 30,000 records. Airborne Honey is natural . . . it’s nature’s perfect food and we can trace the jar right back to its point of origin. Airborne cares for its honey from start to finish, you could say from the hive to the table.”

Another natural New Zealand product that is strong on innovation is The Village Press.

“The Village Press olive grove is sited in the golden wine triangle of Hawke's Bay adjacent to major wine company vineyards,” says Wayne Startup.

“It’s managed by people fully involved in the olive industry. The Village Press olive oil is produced from quality olives pressed in the old style by Hawke's Bay's first, and New Zealand's largest, traditional press. The process is gentle and pure to ensure smoothness of texture and depth and purity of taste. Producing olive oils by their single cultivar allows chefs and consumers to experience the varying tastes, textures and sensory delights of the several varieties of olives grown by The Village Press. Ensuring cold pressing means the nutritional and acclaimed health benefits of olive oils are retained as the molecular structure is not altered in the processing.”

Latest technology

Among other highlights at the showcase was AsureQuality Limited with a new initiative for independent quality assurance. Using the latest technology to gain a unique insight into the integrity of a producer, customers can now instantly view the characteristics of a product.

Greenshell New Zealand Limited showed their modified atmosphere packaging for freshness – snap frozen mussels in a microwaveable pack and delicious artisanal sauce accompaniments, while Aria Farm Ltd was on site to explain their innovative equipment to bind meat with no additives to create premium products that cook from frozen. An Aria Farm spokesperson said they have launched the first vegetable and meat frozen stir fry in Australasia and Asia.

Hellers Limited were also at the event to talk about Hellers free farmed bacon, which was first to market with a premium quality cardboard sleeve design, modified air and rigid packaging.

Easi-Yo Products showed Kiwi ingenuity at its best with its world’s leading yogurt making system. Their unique yogurt recipes with all natural ingredients include gluten free and vegetarian options and the latest range, which includes real pieces of dried fruit.

Ti Tonics and the Bell Tea & Coffee Company Ltd showed off their innovative beverages and Piako Gourmet Yoghurt – who were the first to sell NZ yoghurt at Harrods in London, presented their creamy textured frozen yoghurt, as well as a NZ first: Piako’s dual muesli/yoghurt pack.

Meanwhile, Clevedon Valley Buffalo Company representatives at the showcase said: “We have bred the first herd of milking buffalo in NZ, enabling us to be the only producer of buffalo mozzarella, ricotta, and blue cheese in NZ. We are also proud to be the only producer of buffalo yoghurt in NZ.”