Though food and beverage now accounts for more than half of New Zealand’s total exports, this isn’t nearly enough by the standards of the National-led Government and a group of industry experts, who are together working towards the goal of growing manufactured food exports to $150 billion (or by 270 per cent) by 2025.

New Zealand’s favourite bubbly is celebrating its 30th birthday, a milestone which represents 30 years of Lindauer bringing the fabulous carefree sparkle to every occasion.

The world’s food business eyes are focused on New Zealand as the industry’s first NZ Food Innovation Showcase gets closer.
October’s NZ Food Innovation Showcase runs from October 16 to 18 at Auckland’s newly-built Viaduct Events Centre. With strong interest from international and local visitors, those showcasing Kiwi food, food science and innovation are buzzing about the opportunity to re-affirm our nation’s position as a highly trusted and sought-after global food supplier.

It’s been an extraordinary year in Christchurch since Cantabrians were shaken from their beds on September 4, 2010 – followed by thousands of aftershocks, lost lives, shattered homes and businesses. People in Christchurch’s food, beverage and hospitality industries have shown incredible strength, and support for each other through these exceptionally challenging times – here’s three inspiring stories from Garden city-based Linda Bennett.

Singer, Justin Bieber is now so popular that there’s a dessert named after him. According to Delish.com, British department store, Harrods has created an ice cream sundae called the Beiber Bocker Glory.

A  Kiwi has become the latest president of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD). Donald Nelson, technical best practices director for Lion Breweries, is the first New Zealander to hold the 12-month office.

By KATHRYN STEANE

I’ve never seen someone smile as much during an interview as Jason Hay. But who could blame him? He’d just been named Weston Milling’s 2011 Trainee of the Year, following the Weston Milling Trainee of the Year Competition in Napier.

I’ve just got back from a road trip to Napier and I want to share my experiences of buying coffee and food along the way, because if they are examples of how many of us do business, then we are seriously in trouble.

  As the new owners of Viands Bakery in Te Awamutu, the Kearns have well and truly made their mark in baking fame taking out the Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Award in July and now The Bakery of the Year award in August.

Industry leaders have been recognised at the bi-annual Environmental Packaging Awards, which celebrate companies and individuals who champion environmental issues and packaging product stewardship.

Restaurants, cafes and catering companies registering for the restaurant industries annual DineAid 2011 appeal can now sign up online at www.dineaid.org.nz OR menumania.co.nz.

The charitable campaign kicks off for the festive season this November 1 and runs through until December 31 – and never has there been such a reminder that a little goes a very long way, demand on NZ food banks is up 40 per cent with a higher number than ever of New Zealanders facing “Low Food Security”.

‘Lickability’ – it’s the trendy term causing a stir in foodie havens nationwide. Lickability is something we’ve all experienced and it’s this sort of longing for and then enjoying the first taste that both professional chefs and home cooks strive to recreate.

Q Gardens has been making its own recipes for delicious sauces, chutneys, preserves and relishes for more than 10 years. Now the company is turning its hand to something a little bit different and quite unique – tailoring its artisan products and skills to your individual requirements.

New gluten-free products that taste like the real thing are just some of the innovative foods the judges have noted in this year’s New Zealand Food Awards.

Nominations are being sought from around the country for the Coca-Cola Amatil Young New Zealander of the Year 2012 as part of the New Zealander of the Year Awards.

New Zealand’s already vibrant food and packaging industry is getting a further boost in 12 months thanks to a change for the top-rated Foodtech Packtech show.

Culinary superstar, Gary Rhodes is set to join a stellar line-up of chefs and foodies when he attends Taste of New Zealand from October 19-22 at Victoria Park, Auckland.

Pasquale Wines is in celebration mode, having recently won several prestigious awards.

An innovative Kiwi company has taken country of origin labelling to a whole new level by allowing shoppers to meet the farmers who grow their bananas right in the shopping aisle – even though they’re 11,000 kilometres away.

Diversified Business Communications is adding another seafood event to its portfolio.

Small businesses in New Zealand believe that ‘doing good is good for business’ – particularly when it comes to supporting their staff and local communities – but they rate helping people far above helping the environment.