Business Hawke’s Bay is investing in many other value-added products and industries, Rusby says, including establishing a $100 million infant formula production initiative based on sheep and goat dairy. Goat dairy farming is in its infancy, with just one, Tuku Tuku Dairy Goats, operating south of Havelock North; and all milk supplied by sheep dairy producers is being used by Origin Earth for its cheese and fresh milk sales. Three water packaging plants have been recently established in Hawke's Bay, along with FirstLight Foods – wagyu beef producers who are the only scale producer in New Zealand. Nutraceuticals are also in production in Hawke's Bay, with Agri-lab using freeze drying on animal organs and placentas to produce powders destined for cosmetics and nutritional supplements, and Midwest Pharmaceutics (NZ) providing specialty pharmaceutical ingredients. Processing success includes Home Grown Juices, which supplies raw juice with extended shelf life using processing capabilities of HPP (rather than UHT); and Tony Bish’s EGG – a new and innovative fermenting and aging vessel for fine wine. If the Tuataniwha Water Storage Scheme proceeds, it is anticipated that additional support services will establish in the region to R E G I O N A L R O U N D U P www.foodtechnology.co.nz 37 support agribusiness growth. “Early discussions have happened with NZ Food Innovation Network and local economic development teams to explore new processing capabilities to help local businesses commercialise innovative new products,” Rusby says. “We would ideally like to establish another NZ Food Innovation Network hub here in Hawke’s Bay, and we are working through what technologies could be invested in.” Future requirements will include the Tomoana Food Hub (pictured left), an entire section of land that has preapproval from Resource Management for food and beverage production activity. It is conveniently located near major roads, rail and farms/orchards, and also provides access to storage and logistics services. Cold storage growth is being rapidly addressed in the face of steep growth in fruit yields, and the Napier Port has recently announced its consultation process for growth. “There is a movement within the Hastings District to position the farming as non-GM,” Rusby says. “It is proving to be quite political but potentially a market position for the future.” Hastings’ new district plan prohibits the release and field trials of GM crops and animals. Business Hawke's Bay has a role dedicated to food and beverage (Catherine Rusby) and within the Hub there are several support agencies for food and beverage including Business Hawke's Bay, NZ Food Innovation Network, NZ Trade and Enterprise, Regional Business Partners and Callaghan Innovation. www.hbbusinesshub.co.nz/ Angela Payne from Agri-lab
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