Food And Beverage Exports Show Growth And Diversification

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment recently released the 2013 Food and Beverage Industry reviews, which shows that New Zealand’s food and beverage sector continues to set the pace in export performance.

General Manager of Tourism, Sectors, Regions and Cities, Lisa Barrett says the food and beverage industry is critical to achieving the Government’s goals of increasing New Zealand exports.

“The pleasing message from these reports is that the sector is more diversified than many think, with real and growing strengths beyond dairy,” Mrs Barrett says. “Processed foods exports continue to show strength and were worth US$1.7 billion (about $2.1 billion NZD) in 2012, $66 million (about $8.1 million NZD) more than 2011.”

The six reports review all the major export categories - processed foods, meat, dairy, seafood, beverages and produce. Beverages were the fastest growing category in absolute dollars in 2012 adding US$117 million, with growth in beer, spirits, cider and soft drinks all making a contribution in addition to wine.

For the first time, these Food and Beverage Industry reviews include profiles of the top 10 firms in each category as well as the major investments and acquisitions. “Firms in this sector are achieving growth based on innovation and added value,” Mrs Barrett says.

The six reports are part of the on-going Food and Beverage Information Project, the most comprehensive analysis of New Zealand’s food industry ever undertaken.

“Together these reports show that there are many opportunities in New Zealand’s food industry and that diversification and added value are no longer just an aspiration, but a growing trend,” Mrs Barrett says.