Food And Beverage Taskforce Pleased

11 July 2007

Food And Beverage Taskforce Pleased With Government Response

In 2004 the Food and Beverage Taskforce was established to help enhance New Zealand’s role in the international food industry, and today the taskforce welcomed the government’s response to their work.

Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard yesterday announced the government’s response to the Food and Beverage Taskforce report with a package of initiatives focused on maintaining the sector’s current strengths, developing new products and developing new international markets.

Taskforce Co-chair Tony Nowell said he was pleased to see the seriousness with which the government has responded to the future challenges and opportunities facing the food and beverage sector. “Yesterday’s announcement demonstrates a strong belief that the food and beverage sector is critical to achieving New Zealand’s economic transformation,” said Mr Nowell.

“The various government initiatives highlighted yesterday add in excess of $100 million worth of extra effort towards developing a sustainable and successful balance of economically competitive commodities, added value niche products and new growth markets.”

The high level government-appointed taskforce was set up in December 2004 to develop an industry-backed agenda for taking the sector to the next level of performance. In August 2006, the taskforce presented its final report to the government, identifying challenges and opportunities facing the sector and outlining key recommendations for taking the sector forward. “Our report was ultimately a call for action by the sector itself, its leaders and the many individuals who work within it,” said Mr Nowell.

“We said there was no viable future for the sector if it waits for the government to take it by the hand, however improved alignment and considerably more collaborative activity between sector players themselves, and with government agencies, are key requirements for success.”

“It remains now for both government and sector leaders to keep each other honest to the transformational vision encapsulated in yesterday’s government response.”

ENDS

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