New Zealand’s New Science Initiative Set to Boost Food Exports

New Zealand is taking a major step forward in driving the global growth of its food exports with the launch of a new government-backed initiative aimed at accelerating the commercialization of the country’s food innovations. In a move designed to help Kiwi businesses meet the ever-growing global demand for food products, New Zealand has partnered with Canada’s Food Innovation Network (CFIN). This collaboration promises to provide Kiwi companies with valuable resources such as emerging technologies, market intelligence, and R&D support to expand into the Canadian market, which is home to 40 million consumers.

A Global Partnership for Food Innovation

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between New Zealand’s Food Innovation Network (NZFIN) and the Canadian Food Innovation Network marks the start of a collaboration aimed at enhancing the global exchange of food manufacturing knowledge. The goal is to accelerate both domestic and export growth in the food sectors of both countries while driving the adoption of cutting-edge technologies worldwide.

The new partnership will help companies in both New Zealand and Canada more efficiently commercialize innovative food products, food tech solutions, and intellectual property. This, in turn, will create new opportunities for businesses looking to scale and enter new markets globally.

Expanding Opportunities through Strategic Networks

This initiative with Canada comes on the heels of New Zealand’s participation in the Asia-Pacific Food Innovation Network, a collaborative platform involving Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Established in 2024, this partnership aims to promote food security, nutrition, innovation, and economic growth in the ASEAN region.

Agriculture is New Zealand’s largest export industry, contributing almost half of the country’s total goods and services sold overseas. The country invests more than half a billion dollars each year into agri-food research, making the development of new food innovations vital to the success of its export markets.

Catalyst Model: Creating a Global Ecosystem

As part of the new initiative, New Zealand has introduced the Catalyst Model, an open-access applied science and commercialization organization funded by the government. This new model links various food innovation facilities across the country, including those in Auckland, Waikato, Otago, Palmerston North, and Canterbury, along with applied innovation facilities in Australia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

These networked facilities will allow businesses to develop value-added foods, food technologies, and food production systems while accessing a global network of food scientists, process engineers, and advanced manufacturing equipment. The Catalyst Model is designed to provide a clear pathway for food innovators to take their ideas from conceptual research all the way to market launch and export expansion.

Aiming for Global Growth: Doubling Food Exports by 2030

The establishment of this international initiative aligns with New Zealand’s ambitious goal to double the value of food exports by 2030. Forecasts indicate that the country’s food and fiber exports will reach $56.9 billion by mid-2025, highlighting the growing importance of food innovation to the national economy.

Grant Verry, Co-CEO of NZFIN, points out the challenges entrepreneurs face in scaling their food innovations to the level of export success. He emphasizes that this new initiative is designed to break down those barriers by providing businesses with access to a much larger pool of capital, expertise, and food manufacturing options. Whether they are working on conceptual ideas or finalizing products for global markets, Kiwi food and beverage firms can now receive expert guidance to quickly commercialize their innovations.

“We’re unlocking market access through a unified system,” says Verry. “Our innovation ecosystem, replicated across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, ensures businesses can scale and compete globally with the same level of support they would receive domestically.”

What’s Next for New Zealand’s Food Export Landscape?

As the world continues to face increasing demand for sustainable, innovative food solutions, New Zealand’s latest food innovation initiative positions the country as a key player in the global food export market. The partnership with Canada, coupled with the Catalyst Model and the Asia-Pacific Food Innovation Network, is setting the stage for New Zealand food businesses to thrive internationally.

With government support, advanced technologies, and international partnerships, New Zealand is on track to not only meet but exceed its food export goals. By providing businesses with the tools they need to innovate and scale, New Zealand is paving the way for a bright future in global food exports. Stay tuned for more updates as this transformative initiative unfolds.