Foodeast-Haumako is abuzz with interest
Foodeast-Haumako has hosted its first two external food and beverage organisations, with more dates already in the diary.
Members of the central region of the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology (Wellington and Manawatū) met with East Coast members (Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti) in Hastings last week, with a tour of the facility on the agenda. On Thursday Hawke’s Bay members of Sustainable if Attainable toured Foodeast-Haumako during their June catch-up.
foodeast-haumako site visit
The food and beverage innovation hub is almost ready to ramp up its activities with the internal fit-out due to be completed by over the next few weeks however in the meantime, word of mouth is creating interest and bookings.
Upcoming events include an apple tasting and conferences, while the Foodeast-Haumako team is working with prospective tenants looking to lease space. The facility, jointly owned by Hawke’s Bay Regional Investment Company (HBRC), Hastings District Council and Progressive Meats and run by an independent board, is focused on growing innovation in the food, beverage and agri-tech industries, which are major contributors to the region’s income and job creation.
Foodeast-Haumako chief executive Michael Basset-Foss said NZIFST conversations covered the need for innovation in the industry, and the potential for Foodeast-Haumako to be a very important link between producers and manufacturers and the experts they need to develop and enhance their products. The strong links between Foodeast-Haumako and the NZ Food Innovation Network (NZFIN) was also seen as a key driver of food, beverage and agri-tech innovation within the region.
NZIFST and Foodeast-Haumako board members also visited the new T&G pack house in Hastings, which boasts the latest in technology. Board chair Dr Nicky Solomon said the pack house exemplifies the type of innovation that helps Hawke’s Bay’s food industries get “ahead of the game”.
“T&G is one of the region’s leading producers and it was inspiring to see innovation in action at their new pack house, and the calibre and commitment of their staff. We are very much looking forward to working across the industry to assist our producers and manufacturers to achieve their aims, which will support the economy of our whole region.”
Dr Nicky Solomon, Board Chair of foodeast-haumako