What we do

Our competitive advantage

Food & Beverage

Overview

The production, processing and export of quality food products is a significant component of the Bay of Plenty economy. Historically a major food bowl for New Zealand due to its exceptional growing climate, the region's traditional industries based around horticulture, agriculture, fishing and food processing are now at the forefront of the country's drive to deliver innovative meal solutions to meet growing world demand. The Bay of Plenty food industry currently employs more than 9,000 people and has sales of more than $6,020 million per annum, of which over $500 million is for food processing alone. In recent years the industry has grown by 17.5 per cent in value of sales, 10 per cent in employment and 49 per cent in exports.

'AgriFoods'
FOOD, HORTICULTURE AND NUTRACEUTICALS MANUFACTURING AND INNOVATION PARK

'AgriFoods' is a food manufacturing and innovation park concept targeting export-focused organisations producing processed foods, functional foods, nutraceutical products and intermediates. There is also an opportunity to include an innovation centre delivering tertiary and research and development capability. The park will provide an attractive option for national and international businesses to house operations and will meet the needs of a number of rapidly expanding local food manufacturers. Approval has been gained to develop 20ha at Te Puke followed by 52ha (Stage 2) once the Tauranga Eastern Arterial has been completed. Economic development in the region, and in Te Puke in particular, will be significantly enhanced by the progression of a development of this type. A regional food and beverage strategy has been developed to build business capability in the food sector and develop new added-value products. Priority One is also working with University of Waikato to review opportunities to undertake a study of the current and future benefits of kiwifruit to the region to provide the initial basis for quantifying the impact of increasing the economic performance of the sector through innovation.

Aquaculture

Globally the demand for seafood is increasing at the same time as the world’s fisheries are under pressure because of over exploitation and environmental and species protection regimes. Despite increasing cultured marine species production, demand still exceeds supply. A driving force for this global consumption is the increasing awareness of the health benefits associated with seafood.

Aquaculture has been identified as a key sector for growth in the wider Bay of Plenty, with research by Environment Bay of Plenty finding local waters among the most productive in New Zealand. It has been estimated the Bay of Plenty aquaculture industry has the potential to reach $250 million in export sales by 2025. A strategy has been developed by Environment Bay of Plenty which identifies what needs be to done to achieve this level of growth. It includes determining the best species to grow in the Bay, the most effective technologies to use, collaborative opportunities throughout the region, and priority areas for development.

In 2009 a resource consent was granted to enlarge the Opotiki harbour entrance, which is a major step towards the development of the world’s largest mussel farm. The 3800 ha farm will be built in stages and will be located about 8.5 km off the Opotiki coast. While much of the industry is expected to be based in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, processing and logistics opportunities will also provide significant economic benefits for the wider region

Food Bay of Plenty

Food Bay of Plenty is an industry cluster group set up to assist members to grow their businesses, through networking and sharing of technical expertise. It aims to establish Tauranga as a pre-eminent region for food manufacturing and processing, to grow existing businesses and to encourage new enterprises in the region. Members include individuals and businesses that are passionate about production and consumption of food, from growers and producers to processors and manufacturers, as well as chefs and retailers.

Export assistance is a positive method of growing the sector and various initiatives are undertaken in conjunction with government support organisations such as New Zealand Trade & Enterprise. Training in the food industry is a key achievement of the cluster, through establishing courses for basic food technology for untrained employees and providing tertiary scholarships to Massey University to provide future qualified staff.

Food Bay of Plenty supports the food processing industry by undertaking site visits, holding regular seminars with invited speakers, encouraging networking opportunities, and facilitating mentoring services. It also acts as a forum for sharing information and ideas, creates culinary tourism opportunities and expands local industry skills, knowledge and collaborative partnerships. Membership is invited from any company or operator in the industry, particularly for businesses considering relocating to the Bay of Plenty. For further information, visit www.foodbayofplenty.co.nz.

'Plenty of Flavour' Culinary Competition

Developed by Food Bay of Plenty, the six week ‘Plenty of Flavour’ culinary competition was designed to promote ‘buy local’ by showcasing local restaurants and food and beverage producers. During the competition, the region’s best known chefs create dishes inspired by local ingredients to highlight the level of capability that exists in the Bay’s innovative food and beverage sector. Chef Peter Blakeway, of Plenti Foods, is the competition's ambassador. He says "We produce some of the best food and beverage right here in the Bay. This competition makes perfect sense to raise the profile of our region as both a producer of premium food and beverages and a vibrant hospitality trade".