Big Business support Organics

Tuesday, 10 August 2004, 4:21 pm
Press Release: Sustainable Business Network

10th August 2004

Big Business support Organics Business Cluster Forum

An Organic Forum for Business being held on Tuesday August 24th has got the interest of big business. The Organics Sector is still one of the fastest growing sectors in New Zealand and a range of conventional and not-so conventional businesses want to be a part of its success. The forum is seeing strong interest from companies such as Zespri, Agriculture NZ, Fresh Direct, and FRENZ. Business large and small must collaborate if we are to truly win off this current momentum. By working together organics has the potential to become a significant sector for the Auckland Region.

The Forum is being organised by the Sustainable Business Network with support from the Rodney District Council.

As with other business sectors throughout New Zealand clustering has proven to be a successful tool to enhance economic growth, and has been supported by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise. Clustering achieves results by working cooperatively. Businesses involved in clustering are able to benefit from sustainable economic growth by collectively solving sector issues, forming strategic alliances to gain international markets and more.

The forum is asking support from business to be a part of developing the organics sector in Auckland as a key industry for the region for it’s export potential and domestic markets, as well as for eco tourism and its wider role in sustainable regional development. They plan to do this by developing an active network being called Organics Auckland Business Cluster. The belief is that it will have a positive spin off through the whole supply chain, from packaging through transport to the supermarket isles. The Organic Forum for Business will be opened by John Laws, Mayor of Rodney, and include addresses from Jim Kebble owner Commonsense Organics, Jon Manhire CEO Organic Produce Exporter New Zealand (OPENZ), Chris Morrision MD Phoenix Organics, Maureen Maxwell MD BeesOnline and more. The day will also have a strong interactive discussion focus. The Forum promises to be an excellent event for anyone in the business community interested in organics and its associated value chain.

For more information. For a copy of the proposed agenda, or to register to attend, please email Juliana@sustainable.org.nz or call (09) 920 2404.

Venue: BeesOnline, 791 State Highway 16, Waimauku Date: Tuesday 24th August Time: 9:45 am – 3pm Investment: $60.00 incl GST

SBN will also be organising a small trade display area to showcase any products and services involved in organics throughout the Auckland region. Anyone wishing to have a display can contact SBN on the phone number above.

ENDS

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