www.foodtechnology.co.nz 27
develop unique and novel hemp food
products for current markets, and to
support businesses preparing for future
opportunities,” says Ms van Wijk.
Scientists and technicians at Cawthron
Analytical Science have specialist
expertise in natural product
chemistry and are looking forward to
working with hemp seed products. A
known source of valuable nutrition,
hemp seeds are rich in Omega3,
protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
The hemp seed industry is growing
at pace. Last year, production scaled
up from 200ha to 1,200ha and New
Zealand Hemp Industries Association
(NZHIA) deputy chair Richard Barge
expects this progress to continue as
markets for low-THC industrial hemp
open up.
“Hemp offers significant opportunities
for New Zealand. Recent changes
to domestic legislation mean hemp
producers can once again service
the food market with hemp seed
products. This is beneficial to hemp
seed consumers who enjoy the health
benefits of this nutritional food while
also stimulating economic development
in regions where the hemp plant
is grown.”
“In addition to its strong nutritional
profile, hemp also contains CBD, a
bioactive increasingly recognised for
its therapeutic value in helping consumers
manage health conditions.
We can leapfrog to a world-leading
position if we enable ourselves in this
space,” says Mr Barge.
The New Zealand Government recently
approved the therapeutic use
of CBD, and while there are strict controls
in place, the move highlights the
potential for high-value nutraceutical
and functional food products.
“We know that here in New Zealand,
our farmers grow great produce supported
by favourable climatic conditions.
We’re looking to develop and
add value to our products so we can
best serve premium, international
markets; leveraging off New Zealand’s
clean green image, while growing a
crop that reinforces that reputation.
“To realise this ambition, producers
will need to access the range of services
that laboratories such as Cawthron
Analytical Science is offering,
from product development, through
to stability trials and validating label
claims,” says Mr Barge.
Cawthron Analytical Science offers a
routine 5 – 10 working day turnaround
time for testing hemp
products for CBD, CBD-A,
THC, and THC-A.
To access this service or for further information on analytical
R&D services contact bdteam@cawthron.org.nz
/www.foodtechnology.co.nz
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