Emerging Leaders Tackle China And Japan

November 3, 2006

Emerging Leaders Tackle China And Japan

A group of 21 emerging leaders in the food and agribusiness sectors leave tomorrow, Saturday (Nov 4) for a two week study tour of China and Japan.

The participants represent a wide range of operations including cropping, horticulture, wine, meat and small goods, and dairy –supplying both local and international markets.

The group will look at changing consumer and consumption patterns in China’s food sector and the impact of the internationalisation of Japan’s economy on its food industry.

This is the second stage of a programme, called The FAME Experience, designed to give participants the complete supply chain experience, from field to market, across a range of business activities. Mid-year the group visited businesses in the United States and Europe.

Programme co-ordinator Derek Nind from the University of Otago says there is huge enthusiasm among the group for the visit to China and Japan.

“It is an accelerated learning experience, and through the university networks we are getting access to businesses beyond the reach of normal New Zealand business travellers.”

Nind says a key learning from the US and European legs of the programme is that the most successful food businesses can never have too much consumer data, and for the best effect it must be shared throughout the supply chain.

“New Zealand businesses are usually more closed-fisted with any consumer material they collect, and often loathe to share it.”

FAME stands for Food and Agribusiness Market Experience, and the programme was initiated by AGMARDT, with the involvement of Otago, Lincoln and Massey Universities and the ASB as a supporter.

ENDS

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