Kāpiti Coast District Council, in partnership with the Economic Development Kotahitanga Board, will work with the district’s food and beverage sector on several initiatives to help grow, strengthen, and promote the sector over the next six months.
Kāpiti Coast District Mayor K Gurunathan says the district must build off the sector’s current momentum and look at ways to continue to grow and prosper in the long-term.
“The recent announcement that Sustainable Foods and Rosa Foods, two companies that recently moved to Kāpiti, are planning a ‘centre of excellence’ for plant-based foods and sustainable food manufacturing is very exciting for our district.
“Council looks forward to seeing the centre of excellence come to life and working with the sector on a blueprint for future growth. I encourage sector stakeholders to get involved with this important mahi.”
Neil MacKay, Chair of the Economic Development Kotahitanga Board, said one of the pillars of the district’s Economic Development Strategy 2020-2023 is to support key sectors, including high growth sectors like food and beverage.
“The arrival of Sustainable Foods and Rosa Foods was one of the catalysts for developing a blueprint for this sector. Having a plan in place will benefit the whole district. It will be our roadmap to creating more job opportunities for local people, attracting new businesses, and growing the local economy.
“Right now, we are working to formulate the building blocks of the centre. This work will be completed over the coming weeks and will be the start of developing a wider food and beverage ‘cluster’ that will focus on the consumer, innovation, and sustainability.
Kāpiti Coast District Council Economic Development Manager, Mark Ward, says the Council will be working across the food and beverage sector to develop the blueprint.
“We want everyone to be involved – from our farmers, to our manufacturers, to our hospitality business owners.
“The agreed blueprint will also support a joint funding bid to the Ministry for Primary Industries to support the implementation of the plan, including regenerative horticulture initiatives.”
Justin Lemmens, Sustainable Food’s Chief Executive Officer says he’s excited for what’s to come and encourages other sector stakeholders to get involved.
“Sustainable Foods is raising up to $2 million to expand production, product development and build the team to deliver on the business strategy,” Mr Lemmens said. “With existing partnerships with Foodstuffs, Progressive Enterprises, and Food Service Distributors, the goal is to take these products to the international market.
