Kiwi consumers love to play fair. In a recent Colmar Brunton survey 69 per cent of respondents stated they are more likely to buy a product if it is Fairtrade. The good news for the industry is that we’re now very well placed to cater for these ethically minded customers beyond their daily coffee fix.

DineAid trustees, supported by RANZ and HNZ, invite restaurant, cafe and catering owners and managers to register for the annual DineAid 2011, Nov 1 – Dec 31 and sign up today online at www.menumania.co.nz

BY KATHRYN STEANE

Conscious Consumers continues to take the country by storm, having recently arrived in the Waikato.

More than 40 cafe owners, suppliers and other people showed their support for the project by attending a launch party at Hamilton’s Zinc Café & Eatery; where they enjoyed sustainable food served in eco-friendly packaging.

By Cynthia Daly

A group of budding business operators have come up with a rather unique product they hope will win them a Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Award.

But far more importantly, they hope someone will notice their product and take it to new highs of production, marketing and consumer use.

Story and photos by Cynthia Daly

Attending the opening in September of the Hansells Food Group Innovation Centre and Bakery Line in Auckland had been one of those ‘oh I’d like to cover that’ moments for Prime Minister, John Key, but at the end of the bakery tour he had to admit the aroma of freshly baked Aunt Betty’s Classic Tarts proved just too tempting.

Calling all lovers of Earl Grey tea – here is your chance to select a brand new Twinings Earl Grey blend especially for New Zealand.

There’s nothing better than the warm breezes and soft shores of the Pacific – so kick back and enjoy the summer season with a taste of the tropics, thanks to Domino’s new and improved Hawaiian Pizza.

Fresh and aromatic is one way to describe the 2011 Wild South Marlborough Pinot Gris, which captures the vivacity of the region.

While Kiwi kids have the 5+ A Day message loud and clear, their grown-up counterparts are lagging behind.

Show your support for Conscious Consumers by signing up to the programme’s monthly emails (starting December).

Trade Aid – New Zealand’s only fair trade food and craft organisation – is continuing its successful ‘Give Good Gifts’ campaign for the third year, to encourage people to consider the sustainable and ethical implications that come with the presents they buy this Christmas.

Carrots can go well in a cake (especially if it’s the kind with cream cheese icing); just not in English pound cake. In the article Jason’s time to shine (printed in our September issue), we wrongfully stated that an English pound cake made by Jason Hay as part of his winning entry for the Weston Milling Trainee of the Year Competition contained carrots – when really we meant to say currants.