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www.foodtechnology.co.nz 51 INAUGURAL KIWI CICERONE APPOINTED New Zealand’s first certified Cicerone (beer expert) Josh Scott is looking forward to supping a few pints as a new member of the technical judging panel to judge the craft beer group within the Countdown Alcoholic Beverage Category at the NZ Food Awards run by Massey University. The founder of Moa Brewing Company says he feels honoured to have been invited to join Bite magazine’s Ray McVinnie, chef Geoff Scott and World Kitchen television host and chef Nici Wickes as a judge, and says his appointment is an acknowledgement of New Zealand’s love affair with craft beers and its growing global reputation as home of worldclass brewers. “While we’ve had a challenging season in terms of hop production, the craft beer culture is thriving in New Zealand,” he says. “I’d like us to reach a point where our reputation for producing top-notch, real beers is up there with our reputation for world-class wines. This is a great opportunity for brewers to put their hat in the ring and see how their beers stack up against other beverages. Accreditation marks like that of the New Zealand Food Awards are a great way to boost brand profile and gain distribution and export opportunities.” The big markets for New Zealand craft beer are the United States, Britain and Europe, while Japan, Vietnam and China are also growing. Massey University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says it is great to have someone of Scott’s calibre and passion joining the panel. “Craft beer is an exciting market segment. While more and more of us are enjoying craft beers here in New Zealand, it also represents a fantastic opportunity to add value and grow export earnings.” The university, which runs the annual awards, has agreed to extend the deadline for this year’s entries following requests from the food and beverage industry. For the past 30 years, the awards have enabled food and beverage operators to boost the profile of their business and brand, grow sales and achieve national and international profile. They are open to small and large food and beverage manufacturers, primary food producers, food service providers and ingredient supply companies. This year’s winners are eligible for prize packs including business support, product promotion, product development and consultancy with partners.  www.foodawards.co.nz. FOR ALCOHOL INDUSTRY that a focused research programme with clear and transparent objectives is critical,” Brewer says. “The Minister of Health and Minister of Science and Innovation are to be congratulated for releasing a comprehensive statement of strategies and approaches to ensure the significant investment in health-related research is better focused and more wisely spent. We are therefore pleased to see that Action Nine in the strategy is aimed at building industry partnerships. It is also pleasing to note how closely aligned this strategy is with the NZ Health Strategy released last year which also talks about more cooperative approaches. We look forward to being involved as the Health Research Strategy is implemented.” "The Minister of Health and Minister of Science and Innovation are to be congratulated for releasing a comprehensive statement of strategies and approaches to ensure the significant investment in health-related research is better focused and more wisely spent."


FT-Jul17-eMag-1
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