New Zealand is a Trusted Food Partner

Bangkok--18 Apr--Spark Communications Internationally recognized for producing safe, excellent quality food; Thailand fastest growing export market for New Zealand in 2010 A sound regulatory regime aimed at protecting and promoting public health and safety, and assuring trade partners that New Zealand produced food meets local requirements are key to New Zealand’s export success, according to Acting New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Thailand Khun Thanadej Trakulyingyong. Food and beverage exports from New Zealand have trebled in the last 17 years, exporting products to 180 countries around the world, and the island nation is one of only two countries in the world that exports more than half of its total food production. During this time New Zealand has earned a reputation around the world as a source of safe, high-quality food, and an independent body, the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA), facilitates exports of food and food products by issuing more than 125,000 export certificates annually. “With recent health scares focusing the public on how food reaches their tables, we are confident that New Zealand produce remains an excellent choice for consumers,” says Khun Thanadej. “This is backed up by initiatives such as our unique trace-back system for meat products that ensures disease-free national flocks and herds and our fishery quote management system which guarantees access to a sustainable seafood resource for generations to come. Being geographically close to the Asia Pacific region, New Zealand is a logical source of food and beverage products for Thai customers,” adds Khun Thanadej. One example of how New Zealand shows its commitment to food safety is the trace-back system, which is an industry initiative allowing New Zealand farmers to record data on each and every farm animal from conception to export on electronic databases. Importantly, this system allows consumers to identify where animals were farmed, and stringent checks such as these mean the World Organisation for Animal Health has recognized New Zealand animal herds as having disease-free status. New Zealand is also one of only four countries in the world to be free of bovine spongiform encephalopathy — BSE or ‘mad cow’ disease. Every New Zealand specialty food processor and exporter also has a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points plan in place, ensuring the highest standard of management and monitoring in every aspect of their operation — from manufacturing to distribution. This commitment to food safety at all levels — from government, through food and beverage sectors to individual food companies — means consumers around the world can buy ‘New Zealand Made’ with confidence. Surrounded by pure, clean water and air New Zealand’s natural environment makes it ideal for producing high quality food and beverages. Its geographic isolation on the edge of the South Pacific, combined with strict bio security measures has allowed New Zealand to escape pollution, pests and diseases and help maintain the integrity of its raw products. New Zealand produces a wide-range of food and beverage products and the industry is the country’s largest manufacturing sector. In 2010 Thailand was the fastest-growing export market for New Zealand food and beverage with an increase of over 40 per cent year-on-year from a range of dairy, meat, seafood, fruit and wine products. Sidebar Dairy New Zealand accounts for about two percent of world dairy production but for about one third of international dairy trade. This is because it exports more than 95 percent of its products, unlike most countries in the world where 95 percent of milk is consumed within the country of origin. New Zealand’s agricultural sector is highly efficient as a result of its animals being grass-fed and farmed outdoors year-round owing to a conducive climate. Dairy products produced are safe, healthy and premium quality, while organic production is growing fast. Sustainability is a major focus for the industry and Fonterra, the country’s largest dairy exporter, expects to have 200 certified organic suppliers by 2013. New Zealand dairy products range from basics to highly specialised ingredients. Meat New Zealand is highly experienced at meat production and has a sophisticated and efficient processing system. New Zealand is the world’s largest exporter of sheep meat and also of halal-slaughtered sheep meat. Along with sheep, the mainstays of the industry are lamb, beef, veal and venison, while other non-traditional farming species are being introduced and there is a growing organic sheep and beef industry. New Zealand’s disease-free status and reputation for health and safety means animal-derived raw materials are also sought after for natural medicines and pharmaceuticals. Seafood New Zealand controls the world’s fourth largest fishing zone and its isolated position in the South Pacific Ocean ensures clean waters and a natural environment, making the country one of the world’s finest locations for growing seafood. Around 96 species of fish and shellfish, including Greenshell? mussels, rock lobster, hoki, squid and salmon, are harvested using a Quota Management System that regulates the amount of fish that can be taken, to ensure sustainability. New Zealand’s seafood industry has twice been ranked the most sustainably managed fishery in the world — once by research published in the journal Science and once by research published in Marine Policy - and has a strict quality assurance programme covering testing of water quality and processing methods. Fruit Fruit and vegetables are grown in a clean, green environment where diverse geography and climate and excellent soil quality allows a wide variety of produce to be harvested. As well as fresh produce, New Zealand is a major exporter of processed fruit and vegetables. The industry is committed to safety and sustainability and minimises the use of agrichemicals in horticultural production while organic production is growing steadily. New Zealand is pioneering the development the organic fresh and processed fruit and vegetables and produces organic apples, pears, kiwifruit, peas, sweet corn, carrots, potatoes, onions, avocados and berry fruit. Wine Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand was established as an industry initiative 15 years ago and has now been adopted by growers from all the grape growing regions. One New Zealand winery — The New Zealand Wine Company — has become the first winemaker in the world to achieve carbon zero certification, and the whole industry is committed to sustainability and has a target of seeing all businesses independently audited by sustainability schemes in the next two years. New Zealand has much to offer as a source of food and beverage and a partner in production, processing and manufacturing. Its reputation is outstanding — food from New Zealand is trusted the world over and New Zealand has many decades of experience in exporting to markets in every part of the world. About New Zealand Food & Beverages The food and beverage industry in New Zealand represents half of all the country’s merchandise exports by value and is the lynchpin of New Zealand’s prosperity. Produce from New Zealand is exported to 180 countries throughout the world and is internationally recognised for sustainably producing safe, excellent quality food, making it a trusted global food partner. New Zealand is a leading global exporter of food and beverage and is the world’s largest exporter of dairy products, lamb and casein, as well as being a leading exporter of fresh fruit, frozen beef, cheese and wine. Known for its freshness and flavour due to its excellent natural growing environment, the New Zealand food and beverage industry also leads the way in developing food processing technologies. About New Zealand Trade and Enterprise New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is the New Zealand Government's national economic development agency. It works to stimulate economic growth by helping to boost export earnings, strengthen regional economies, and deliver economic development assistance to industries and individual businesses. Through its global network of offices NZTE works with international businesses and investors, connecting them to New Zealand business opportunities. For more information on New Zealand business visit www.newzealand.com For more information, enquiries or media interviews with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise please contact: Porrawan Parnpan Account Executive Tel: +66 653 2717 Email: [email protected]