Support for exporting innovative food and fibre products

AgResearch is part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute. They deliver research to the pastoral, agri-food, and agri-technology sectors. 

Who they can help

• Export-oriented start-ups.
• Small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Industry groups. 

What they can offer

AgResearch can help from concept development through to pilot-scale trials.

They have expertise in:

• food and nutrition science
• environmental sustainability
• food safety
• novel ingredients
• biomaterials.

They also offer opportunities to co-develop innovative products and technologies. Plus, they have facilities to support product development.

Find out more on the AgResearch website

The BPA helps New Zealand businesses turn low-value biological by-products into high-value products. Alliance partners include:

• The Plant and Food Research, AgResearch, and Scion Groups of the Bioeconomy Science Institute
• Callaghan Innovation Biotechnologies Group
• New Zealand universities. 

Who they can help

Businesses at any stage of development, from idea generation to commercialisation.

What they can offer

• Co-investment funding for research and development.
• Strategic consultancy and support with commercialisation.
• Connections to expert scientists and engineers.
• Pilot plant trials and access to equipment.

Find out more on the BPA website

Foodeast Haumako is a food innovation hub, located in Hastings. 

Who they can help

Food, beverage, and agritech businesses at any stage of development.

What they can offer

• An environment where innovators can come together to share knowledge and experience.
• Leasable office and warehousing/production spaces, meeting rooms, and a dedicated conference space. 
• The 'Sustainable is Attainable' programme, developing viable alternatives for food waste and by-products. 

Find out more on the Foodeast website

The FoodPilot is a research and development facility on Massey University's Manawatū campus.

Who they can help

Businesses who want to run bench-scale experiments through to small-scale processing trials and manufacturing.

What they can offer

• An open-access facility that operates under a Risk Management Programme (RMP).
• The ability to process a range of materials for human and animal consumption and for export. 
• A large collection of pilot-scale processing equipment. 
• An experienced team of technologists, technicians and operators.
• The opportunity to collaborate with expert academics from Massey University.

Find out more on the FoodPilot website

NZFIN is a network that makes it easier for industry to commercialise food and beverage innovation.

Who they can help

Food and beverage businesses of any size and at any stage. From product development to commercial manufacturing.

What they can offer

• Accessible food-grade facilities located across the country.
• A wide network of expertise to help businesses develop, refine, scale, and commercialise their innovations.
• Professional services to overcome specific technical or business challenges.
• Training and education to grow food and beverage businesses and upskill their processing technologies.

Find out more on the NZFIN website

Ngawha Innovation & Enterprise Park is a business park set on 240 hectares of green fields development in Kaikohe. They focus on fostering high-value manufacturing, innovation, research, and development. 

Who they can help

Businesses in the food and beverage and natural products sectors, at all stages of development.

What they can offer

• Support services to help businesses grow and innovate.
• Co-working spaces with several meeting areas and a café.
• Ready-developed sites with special planning resource consents in place.
• Laboratories for nutraceutical and food manufacturing research.

Find out more on the Ngawha Park website

Plant & Food Research is part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute. It supports the horticulture, viticulture, arable, seafood, and food and beverage sectors. They are located in 14 sites across New Zealand, including Lincoln, Palmerston North, and Auckland.

Who they can help

Organisations of all sizes, from small start-ups to large multinational companies.

What they can offer

• Research and development services. 
• Partnering for competitive grants.
• Science that can be applied to all points in the food value chain.
• Expertise in a range of supporting fields, from intellectual property to international development.

Find out more on the Plant & Food Research website

NZIFST represents people with an interest in food science and technology, and the food industry as a whole.

Who they can help

NZIFST is an individual membership organisation for people who work in the food industry. Members come from industry, academia, government, and other sectors.

What they can offer

• Networking and knowledge sharing. 
• Professional development through webinars and events, including the NZIFST Annual Conference. 
• Fortnightly newsletters and Food New Zealand – the official journal of NZIFST.
• The Food Industry Consultants Directory.

Find out more on the NZIFST website