Vol. 7 I No. 10
From floor to pour, engineered for every drop.
Key 1634
Functional Sika floor coatings & joints for all areas. SIKA NZ | 0800 745 269
editor’s note
Publisher
Tania Walters
General Manager
Four Exhibitions, One Big Opportunity
T
here is something rather sensible about bringing four major food industry exhibitions together in one place. Gulfood Manufacturing 2026, taking place in Dubai from 3 to 5 November, is doing just that, with three other exhibitions running alongside it at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Gulfood Manufacturing focuses on ingredients, processing, packaging, automation, and supply chains. Alongside it are ISM Middle East, covering sweets and snacks; GulfHost, focused on foodservice and hospitality equipment; and Private Label Middle East, bringing together private label and contract manufacturing. Four exhibitions, each with its own specialist audience, but with plenty of common ground. For anyone travelling internationally to attend a trade exhibition, the cost of flights, accommodation, and time away from the business is considerable. Having access to four complementary events over three days makes good commercial sense. Visitors can meet existing suppliers, investigate new technologies, and explore opportunities they might otherwise have missed. For exhibitors, the opportunity is equally interesting. A packaging supplier may attract interest from manufacturers, private label producers, and foodservice businesses. An equipment manufacturer might find customers outside its traditional market. Bringing these audiences together creates opportunities that separate exhibitions may not offer. There is also something to be said for seeing the wider industry working together. Food manufacturing does not operate independently of retail, hospitality, or
2 I fbtech.co.nz
foodservice. Decisions about ingredients, packaging, production efficiency, and product development often have consequences across several sectors. Of course, putting four exhibitions together does not automatically make them more worthwhile. Visitors still need to navigate the halls, find the right suppliers, and have time for worthwhile conversations. The organisation of such a large event matters just as much as its size. But I like the thinking behind this approach. Rather than asking businesses to attend several different exhibitions, the organisers have recognised how closely connected these sectors have become. It raises an interesting question for exhibition organisers elsewhere, including New Zealand. Could more of our specialist trade events benefit from sharing a venue and dates, while retaining their individual identities? Sometimes the best innovation is simply making it easier for people to do business.
Kieran Mitchell
Editor-in-Chief Caitlan Mitchell
Content Managers
Pam Vasquez-Gutierrez Caroline Boe Aidan Stanley Charles Jones
Editorial Associates Jenelle Sequeira
Graphic Designer Myah McQuay
Contact Us
Retail 6, Heards Building, 2 Ruskin Street, Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand +64 9 304 0142 info@reviewmags.com
ISSN 2744-3566 (ONLINE) ISSN 2744-5895 (PRINT) F&B TECHNOLOGY launched to facilitate the connection between food and beverage suppliers of technology, ingredients and packaging across the food and beverage manufacturing sectors for fmcg and foodservice. Copyright 2026
PF1233
Our Partners: food& grocery COUNCIL NEW ZEALAND
TANIA WALTERS Publisher
WAREHOUSE STORAGE BY VOLUME Volume design racking and shelving systems around how your operation actually works. And then supply and install them across New Zealand. We ask the right questions. Get the details right. And take responsibility for the outcome.
hello@volume.co.nz 0800 180 280 volume.co.nz
news
From Cleantech To Space: 2026 KiwiNet Awards Winners Announced The winners of the 2026 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards showcased extraordinary science-led New Zealand innovations being transformed into new industries, businesses, skilled jobs and global opportunities.
⮞ READ MORE ONLINE
4 I fbtech.co.nz
news
Carlsberg Britvic Proposes Closure of Marston’s Brewery Carlsberg Britvic informed colleagues and trade union partners that it is proposing to close Marston’s Brewery in Burton upon Trent, together with its primary logistics operation based at that site, in 2027. The company will keep certain priority ale brands, including Hobgoblin, McEwan’s and Brooklyn, in its multibeverage portfolio, while actively seeking new homes for other cask and regional ale brands.
⮞ READ MORE ONLINE
October 2026
I5
news
New ACOPs Clarify Farm Health & Safety Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden launched two new Approved Codes of Practice [ACOP] that outline practical steps businesses and workers can take to meet their health and safety responsibilities on farms. She said these will provide practical, sector-specific information to help farmers, growers, contractors, workers and other agriculture businesses prepare for upcoming changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
⮞ READ MORE ONLINE
MODULAR WALL SYSTEMS
HygieneClad
HygieneClad helped us lift the standard of our Hygiene areas. The smooth, non-porous finish was the only panel that supported the level we needed for regulatory audits Modular Wall & Ceiling Panel Liner
Regulatory Compliance
PH + Chemical Resistant
Non-Porous Non-Corrosive
Easy Maintenance
Supply Only or Supply & Installation
www.modularwallsystems.co.nz
09 526 1943 6 I fbtech.co.nz
AUCKLAND
TAURANGA
WELLINGTON
CHRISTCHURCH
news
Investment In Key Waikato Freight Link A major Waikato transport route will receive government funding to replace a nearly century-old bridge. The Regional Infrastructure Fund will fund the Piraunui Stream Bridge replacement project on State Highway 26 with NZD five million. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said that SH26 is an important route for Waikato communities, businesses and freight operators.
⮞ READ MORE ONLINE
YOUR PARTNERS IN TASTE.
More than a flavour. A partnership. Flavour is where first impressions are made and consumer loyalty is won. Essential Flavours brings together technical expertise, continued investment in Australian manufacturing and research, and close collaboration to help brands develop products with lasting consumer appeal across local and export markets.
Essential flavours are available exclusively in NZ through Sherratt Ingredients.
WWW.SHERRATT.CO.NZ
October 2026
I7
tech & equipment
Advanced Metal Detection for Heavy Washdown Areas Metal detection plays a critical role in meat and alternative meat processing — where maintaining food safety often means balancing rigorous sanitation requirements with reliable contaminant detection.
F
requent washdown procedures, demanding production conditions, and natural product variation can all impact inspection performance, making equipment design just as important as detection capability. The CEIA THS/210®-MBH9 addresses these challenges through a combination of cutting-edge detection technology, hygienic construction, and operatorfocused design. Engineered specifically for wet processing environments, the system combines exceptional metal detection performance with IP69K construction to support food safety and production
8 I fbtech.co.nz
efficiency. Applications range from fresh and processed meat products to poultry, seafood, meat-alternatives, dairy products, and ready meals, where effective contaminant control and hygienic operation are essential. A key feature of the THS/210-MBH9 is its hygienic design. Built for intensive washdown environments, the system is built with AISI 316L stainless steel housing and FDA-compliant materials. This sanitary design supports residue-free cleaning and is engineered to withstand the high-pressure, high-temperature washdown procedures common in food
processing facilities. Developed over several years of research and development, the rugged touchscreen interface was specifically engineered to provide long-term reliability in harsh washdown environments while maintaining intuitive operation. The interface allows faster startup, simplified product changeovers, and quick access to inspection settings, helping operators work more efficiently while reducing maintenance concerns often associated with equipment operating in wet environments. At the core of the THS/210-MBH9 is CEIA’s exclusive multi-spectrum
technology. Particularly valuable for meat and meat alternative applications, the technology manages product effect caused by natural variations in moisture, salt content, blood, temperature, density, and viscosity. By automatically compensating for these variables, the system maintains high detection sensitivity while reducing false rejects, unnecessary product waste, and production interruptions. The metal detector also incorporates CEIA’s built in Auto-QC function, a factory calibrated verification system that simulates the passage of ferrous, nonferrous, and stainless-steel test pieces through the detector aperture. This allows processors to verify detector performance automatically without interrupting production or conducting manual test passes, helping simplify quality assurance
procedures and minimise downtime. Additional detection modes enable the THS/210-MBH9 to be optimised for wet products, dry products, and products packaged in metallised materials, providing flexibility for processors managing multiple production lines or diverse product portfolios. Smart connectivity capabilities further support production monitoring and system management. By combining hygienic design, advanced inspection technology, intuitive operation, and automated verification capabilities, the THS/210-MBH9 provides food processors with a practical solution for strengthening food safety, reducing waste, protecting brand reputation, and improving production efficiency in demanding washdown environments.
Heat and Control are experts in inspection solutions for the food industry and the exclusive supplier of CEIA equipment throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Africa.
“By automatically compensating for these variables, the system maintains high detection sensitivity while reducing false rejects, unnecessary product waste, and production interruptions.”
Meet the next generation of fully digital metal detection systems Built specifically for wet and wash-down intensive food processing environments, the CEIA THS/210®-MBH9 combines advanced metal detection performance with multi-spectrum technology and full digital architecture. This is the ideal solution for producers seeking consistent contaminant control and efficiency in wet food processing environments. Where reliable contaminant detection and rigorous sanitation requirements go hand-in-hand. info@heatandcontrol.com
I
heatandcontrol.com
October 2026
I9
tech & equipment
Robust, High-Ambient CO₂ Condensing Unit Hillphoenix, part of Dover Food Retail and a leader in sustainable cooling technology, has launched Advansor FlexONE, a compact CO₂ condensing unit designed to deliver flexible refrigeration for modern food retail and industrial applications.
T
he new condensing unit (CDU) is designed to help end users modernise refrigeration infrastructure by reducing reliance on synthetic refrigerants and their associated long-term cost uncertainty and regulatory challenges. Built for walk-in coolers and freezers, phased remodels, capacity expansions, and distributed refrigeration strategies, the unit combines natural refrigerant performance with a compact footprint and service-friendly design. Key business benefits of Advansor FlexONE include: Sustainable Refrigeration: Powered by natural CO2 refrigerant with a global warming potential of 1 and ozone depletion potential of 0, the unit helps businesses reduce regulatory exposure and prepare for long-term environmental compliance. Compact, Flexible Design: With a compact footprint, the system suits space-constrained installations, rooftop placements, and retrofit applications where flexibility matters. Load-Matching Efficiency: Variablespeed compressor technology dynamically matches cooling performance to real-time demand, supporting efficient operation and reliable product protection. Built for Real-World Serviceability: Removable panels, organised piping, accessible service points, and a technician-friendly layout help simplify commissioning, maintenance, and diagnostics in the field. High Ambient Resilience: The fullsystem design combines a VFD-driven variable-speed compressor, advanced
10 I fbtech.co.nz
oil control, a large-capacity condenser coil, and an energy-efficient EC fan to maintain stable cooling performance in extreme ambient temperatures exceeding 100°F. Electrical Versatility: Available in both 208V/3Ph and 460V/3Ph configurations, the condensing unit can be more easily integrated into existing facility infrastructure. “Advansor FlexONE represents another step forward in our commitment to practical, sustainable refrigeration innovation and our focus on delivering solutions that are designed and assembled
in the USA,” said Senthilkumar K Shanmugam, Hillphoenix Senior Product Manager. “It gives customers a compact and scalable CO2 solution that simplifies deployment and service while supporting the future of refrigeration.” Designed for small- to mediumformat supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, micro-fulfilment environments, and industrial cold-storage applications, the system also suits retailers pursuing phased store upgrades or targeted refrigeration capacity additions without replacing the full system.
spotlight
may look like maintenance issues, but a single piece of foreign matter entering the production process can cause failed inspections, shutdowns, and costly product recalls. HygieneClad is a revolutionary noncorrosive wall and ceiling lining system designed to help facilities maintain high hygiene standards long term. Its seamless, non-porous surface doesn’t absorb moisture, rot, rust, or corrode. Because it’s non-absorbent, it withstands rapid, heavy washdowns, making it essential for meeting strict HACCP, FDA, and NZBC food safety and demanding commercial hygiene requirements.
Maintaining Long-Term Hygiene in Critical Manufacturing Environments Modular Wall System (MWS) specialises in supplying and installing modular wall systems for hygiene-critical manufacturing and storage environments.
I
ts BRANZ-approved PVC panels are ideal for cleanroom partitions, modular cleanrooms, hygienic wall cladding, internal wall partitions, movable walls, and commercial partitioning, offering a durable, bacteria-, mould-, and chemical-resistant solution that is quick to install, low maintenance, reusable, and designed to meet strict hygiene, food safety, and compliance requirements. More New Zealand manufacturing businesses have moved to the HygieneClad system because it solves a real problem for New Zealand manufacturers, especially in food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals: long-term hygiene. One of the biggest issues MWS
highlighted was that traditional insulated panels in food processing facilities tend to deteriorate. Although cleanrooms and hygiene-care spaces are designed to protect production, product quality, and people, the room itself can become part of the problem when the wall system is difficult to maintain. In wet or highly sanitised environments that require frequent chemical washdowns, protective coatings can be damaged, allowing corrosion to develop underneath. Over time, bubbling paint, rust and flaking coatings can create serious contamination risks. Repainting may improve the appearance, but it only hides the underlying problem. These deteriorations
SPECIFIC DRIVERS FOR HYGIENE-CLAD DEMAND: • Strict Regulatory Compliance: Facilities require surfaces that produce low bacterial counts during routine swab testing. Systems like Hygiene-Clad are BRANZ-approved and meet modern hygienic construction codes. • Reduced Cleaning Costs: Traditional walls require frequent painting, repair, and tedious grout scrubbing. These PVC systems are virtually maintenance-free and easy to wipe down. • Long-Term Durability: The non-porous sheets do not rot, rust, or corrode when exposed to moisture or harsh sanitising chemicals. • Fast, Seamless Installation: The patented tongue-and-groove system with hidden fasteners reduces bacterial traps and speeds installation. • Fire Safety Savings: HygieneClad panels carry a Class A fire rating, improving facility safety and potentially lowering insurance premiums. As a trusted supplier of quality wall and ceiling systems for commercial and industrial projects, MWS has installed a wide range of hygienic cleanrooms throughout New Zealand for cleanrooms, food processing facilities, laboratories, pharmaceutical environments, and other controlled areas. For customers who prefer to manage their own installation, MWS can also supply the HygieneClad system directly. For more information, email info@modularwallsystems.co.nz or visit https://www.modularwallsystems.co.nz/
October 2026
I 11
celebrate
50 Years of Ferrero Lithgow Established in 1976 as Ferrero’s first factory outside Europe, the Lithgow plant initially produced Tic Tac before introducing Nutella production in 1978.
T
oday, the factory produces only Nutella, manufacturing about 15 million kilos each year for Australia, New Zealand and markets in East and North Asia. Guests came together to reflect on the people, work and values that have shaped the site over five decades, with the celebration featuring speeches, staff awards, the cutting of a special 50th anniversary cake, and activities exploring sustainability, food safety and quality. Among those attending Ferrero’s 50th anniversary event were Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains, Andrew Gee MP, Member for Calare, Paul Toole, MP, Member for Bathurst, Cassandra Coleman, Mayor Lithgow City Council, and Eric Mahony, Deputy Mayor Lithgow City Council, alongside employees, former employees, families and local community partners. Christopher Hinton, Region Industrial Manager at the Lithgow factory, said the anniversary celebrated the people behind the milestone. “Fifty years is an incredible milestone, but what makes it special is the people behind it. This celebration was about bringing together the many local friends
12 I fbtech.co.nz
and families who have all contributed to the Lithgow factory, and celebrating the pride, commitment and memories they have built here,” said Hinton. “It has been fantastic to see former colleagues reconnect, families come together, and our current team share what they do with the people who matter most to them. That sense of pride and connection is something really special to Lithgow.” A highlight of the day was the NSW Government’s Sustainability Advantage Program presenting Platinum Project recognition, delivered by Trish Doyle MP, acknowledging the sustainability outcomes achieved at Ferrero’s Lithgow site. The recognition reflects local employees’ contribution to these achievements and was a fitting addition to the celebration of the factory’s history and future. Ferrero’s international and local leaders, past and present, also attended to mark the milestone. Ferrero has continued to invest in the Lithgow site’s future, with AUD 30 million invested over the past three years, including a rooftop solar array capable of generating up to 20 percent of the factory’s electricity needs and a new electric hazelnut roaster that has reduced gas requirements by nearly 90 percent.
October 2026
I 13
logistics
20 Minutes with Stephanie Krishnan Stephanie Krishnan is Associate Vice President at IDC, responsible for shaping research across manufacturing, supply chain, and retail, with a particular focus on Asia/Pacific and worldwide supply chain strategies.
STEPHANIE KRISHNAN Associate Vice President IDC
I
n an exclusive with F+B Tech, Krishnan discussed the biggest technology shifts currently reshaping logistics and warehousing across the F&B sector, alongside emerging themes such as agentic AI, physical AI, cybersecurity, and sustainability. According to Krishnan, tight labour supply and rising labour costs have driven F&B businesses to seek automation now rather than in a few years. She highlighted that AI has moved into planning and execution, particularly demand sensing and inventory placement, because short shelf lives leave little room for forecast error. Visibility has also extended to the product itself, with temperature, freshness, and traceability data now feeding operational decisions rather than only compliance reports. Additionally, warehouse automation has shifted from a large capital project to a modular approach, allowing F&B operators on tight margins to add autonomous mobile robots and goods-toperson systems in stages. “Automation helps most by improving the quality and timeliness of the data that
14 I fbtech.co.nz
planning depends on. When receiving, putaway, and picking are scanned or machine-executed, inventory records become accurate in near real time, and forecasts built on accurate records are far more useful,” said Krishnan. “For New Zealand F&B businesses that deal with seasonal peaks, export schedules, and perishable stock, this translates into fewer stockouts, less expired product, and better lot and date control. AIassisted forecasting adds value when it connects to execution, so a change in the demand signal changes what gets picked, replenished, or reallocated that day.” Automation depends on live order, inventory, and location data moving between the warehouse management system, ERP, and equipment controls. When those systems are linked by oneoff connections, every new machine adds another integration to build and maintain. IDC’s 2026 Worldwide Manufacturing Survey found that 63 percent of ANZ manufacturers describe their IT and OT integration as point-to-point or fragmented by site, and only 7 percent have a cross-site, near-real-time data fabric today, although about a third expect one within 18 months. Key indicators Krishnan highlighted that showed an F&B business is ready to transition from manual to automated logistics include order accuracy or shrink problems despite extra labour/ overtime, temporary labour becoming a permanent cost, difficulty finding or keeping warehouse staff, peak periods that stress the operation, and inventory records
that cannot be trusted without frequent manual counts. She suggested businesses should start with a capable warehouse management system, clean product and location data, and common integration standards, then automate one constrained process, such as picking, palletising, or internal transport, before expanding. Because New Zealand is a smaller, more dispersed market, Krishan added that lower volumes per site and long distances between producers, ports, and consumers make the return on large fixed automation harder to justify than in larger Asia/Pacific markets. Plus, IDC’s New Zealand research noted that some capital-intensive automation projects in manufacturing and private logistics have been delayed by budget constraints. However, operational technology has remained the fastestgrowing area of New Zealand IT spending, at a projected 9.4 percent CAGR through 2029, so the intent to automate is there. Larger ANZ manufacturers have also shown where that intent is heading. In IDC’s
2026 Worldwide Manufacturing Survey, about 40 percent of Australian respondents described their physical AI and automation maturity as scaling or autonomous, and another 37 percent as industrialising. “The more realistic path for New Zealand is flexible, software-led, and modular automation rather than the largescale fixed systems seen in some larger markets,” said Krishnan. Krishnan also said the most common pitfalls were automating a broken process, underestimating integration work, and treating the project as a technology purchase rather than an operating change. IDC’s 2026 Worldwide Manufacturing Survey showed that the biggest barriers to scaling physical AI and advanced automation for ANZ manufacturers were cybersecurity and OT safety concerns, change management or user acceptance, and high implementation costs. Additionally, ANZ F&B manufacturers commonly cite complexity in integrating AI with existing operational systems as a barrier to wider AI adoption. So, her
advice was to scope and budget integration with the warehouse management system, ERP, and transport systems at the start; review security before go-live; and clean master data first. “Train and involve people early because automation changes the nature of warehouse roles. My advice is to phase the rollout, test integration before go-live, establish a baseline, and define the success measures (accuracy, throughput, labour hours, waste) before the project begins,” she added. Over the next few years, Krishnan believes physical AI will have the greatest impact on logistics and warehousing because it brings AI-driven decision-making into the physical work of the warehouse. “The direct technologies are the machines that do the work: autonomous mobile robots, cobots, and AI-guided picking systems that can handle varied items such as mixed cases and irregular packaging, which widens what can be automated in food and beverage.” Krishnan said that intralogistics
automation is already a top-three physical AI priority for ANZ manufacturers in IDC’s 2026 Worldwide Manufacturing Survey. The enabling technologies determine how well those machines perform. Computer vision and IoT sensing provide them with accurate, real-time information on inventory, quality, and cold chain conditions, and agentic AI can replan labour, inventory, and transport decisions as conditions change. While full adoption remains limited, IDC research shows two-thirds of ANZ manufacturers are already testing or deploying agentic AI. Krishnan expects the biggest gains when robots and these enabling layers connect to warehouse management and planning systems rather than operating as standalone tools.
October 2026
I 15
logistics
ANZ Freight Operators Lift Tech Spend Origin Logistics Technology Outlook 2026: operators are getting systems ready for AI, but fewer than half can show what their technology returns and only one in four can see every job, its status and its cost in one live view.
D
espite high fuel costs and a run of business failures across the sector, two thirds of freight and logistics operators in New Zealand and Australia (68%) expect to spend more on technology in the next 12 months, up from 52% in 2025. Cost reduction and efficiency is the most common reason to invest, named by 77%, according to the Origin Logistics Technology Outlook 2026. Getting systems ready for AI and automation is a big part of that spend. 41% name enabling AI or automation
16 I fbtech.co.nz
as a reason to invest, and the share of operators running AI in production has almost doubled in a year, from 15% to 28%. Alan Dowsett, Head of Origin, says AI is also changing how that technology gets delivered: the cost and time to deliver integrations, prototypes and development work have improved substantially in the past 6 months. The survey closed on 4 September after six months of volatile diesel prices, and ASIC data shows insolvency appointments in Australian transport, postal and warehousing more than doubled between FY22 and FY24.
TECHNOLOGY SPENDING IS UP, BUT PROOF OF RETURN IS MISSING Far fewer operators can demonstrate what that spending returns. Fewer than half (48%) measure what their technology investment delivers. Six in ten (61%) say they have full or most visibility across their business, but only a quarter (26%) can pull every job, its status and its cost into one live view right now. “Legacy systems get the blame, and the money is there to replace them,” said Alan Dowsett, Head of Origin. “I’m not convinced replacement is the answer to all problems. Most operators already own the data. It’s locked in systems that don’t talk to each other, and replacing one often just moves the problem.” “What operators can’t see, they can’t charge for or fix,” Dowsett said. “When the job, its status and its cost sit in different systems, extras like waiting time, demurrage and variations slip through without being billed, and nobody notices until month end. Customer service teams spend their day answering ‘where’s my freight?’ by phone and email because the answer is spread across three screens. Join that data up and you bill for the work you did, your customers can check their own jobs, and your people stop chasing information. That’s what keeps customers coming back.” The survey backs this up. Operators with a single live view are nearly three times as likely to give customers full or most visibility of their operation (56% against 20%). REPLACING SYSTEMS TO ENABLE AI ADOPTION IS A PRIORITY FOR MANY Many operators are planning to replace systems anyway. Close to six in ten (58%) expect to upgrade or replace three or more systems in the next 12 months,
and the transport management system is the one most often on the list (51%). AI is becoming part of the case: 41% name enabling AI or automation as a reason to invest, and a quarter (26%) say a current system can’t support AI or automation. The track record is a caution. Only 12% said their last significant implementation landed on time, on budget and as expected. “Where replacement does make sense it is the TMS,” Dowsett said. “It’s the system of record for every transport job, so it’s where automation and AI either work or don’t. Operators upgrading it to get ready for business growth and AI are making a sensible call, as long as the new system connects to everything around it.” AI IS SET TO AUTOMATE MANUAL TASKS Operators are clear about where they would trust AI first. Document classification (51%) and route or load planning (40%) are the two decisions they are most willing to let AI make without a person checking. Most (82%) want AI to cut manual work, against 18% who name reducing headcount or cost. “The operators we talk to want their planners and admin people doing more valuable work: looking after customers and handling the exceptions that need a person,” Dowsett said. “AI-powered route and load planning cuts the hours a transport planner would spend building runs and the fuel burned driving them. And AI Document classification takes hours of keying off the admin team. These provide early returns with straightforward measures.” AI ADOPTION IS OUTPACING STRATEGIC PLANNING Use of AI is moving faster than the planning around it. Nine in ten operators have staff using general AI tools day to day, and the share running AI in production has almost doubled, from 15% to 28%. Only one in five has a documented AI strategy, and 7% can point to a clear, measured return. “This year is different, because AI is changing how IT gets done, not just how it shows up as a feature,” Dowsett said. “Integration that took months can now happen in weeks. New functions can be added onto legacy systems without rebuilding them, and a working prototype takes days, not months. Most
of the AI in this industry arrived from the bottom up. Operators who measure their technology spend are four times more likely to have AI in production, and those who start deliberately now will be hard to catch.” INTEGRATED SYSTEMS, NOT BUDGET, SETS THE LEADERS APART The operators most satisfied with their pace of change are not the ones spending most. Four in ten are satisfied, and they are no more likely to be increasing spend than anyone else (66% against 70%). What sets them apart is how well integrated they are. Two thirds rate their systems as well integrated, against 18% of the rest, and they are more likely to measure the return (59% against 40%) and to bring technology to customers before being asked (79% against 52%). “The operators pulling ahead aren’t necessarily outspending anyone,” Dowsett said. “They’re joining things up and taking what they build to customers before being asked. This is the year for operators with a good plan to make the investment they’ve
already made pay off: join their systems up and get one view of the operation.” KEY FINDINGS AT A GLANCE • 68% expect to spend more on technology in the next 12 months, up from 52% in 2025 • 77% name cost reduction and efficiency as a reason to invest • 48% measure what their technology investment returns • 26% can see every job, its status and its cost in one live view • 58% expect to upgrade or replace three or more systems, and 51% their TMS • 12% said their last major implementation landed on time, on budget and as expected • Nine in ten have staff using general AI tools, 20% have a documented AI strategy and 7% can show a measured return The full report, including year-onyear comparisons and the complete survey results, is free at www.origin. Operators can still take the survey today and request a personalised benchmark against their peers.
October 2026
I 17
logistics
Logistics Remains a People Business AI has moved beyond its role as a digital assistant and has begun to take action across supply chains, according to the new DHL Logistics Trend Radar 8.0.
T
he report found that advances in AI, robotics, and automation have transformed not only logistics operations, but also the workforce itself. As intelligent systems become increasingly capable of planning, deciding and acting autonomously, organisations must rethink skills, safety, governance and employee experience while building more resilient and sustainable supply chains. “Supply chains are changing faster than ever as AI and workforce trends increasingly influence one another,” said Katja Busch, Chief Commercial Officer, DHL and Head of DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation. “The organisations that succeed will be those that understand these shifts early and are able to turn them into practical advantages for their business and their people. The Trend Radar helps them focus on the developments that will matter most.” AI BECOMES AN OPERATING LAYER ACROSS LOGISTICS AI in logistics has evolved from assistance to autonomy. One of the Logistics Trend Radar 8.0’s most significant findings was the emergence of Agentic AI, which the report identifies as one of its most impactful trends. Unlike earlier generations of AI that primarily respond to prompts or analyse information, Agentic AI can autonomously plan, decide, and act toward defined goals, enabling closer collaboration between intelligent
18 I fbtech.co.nz
technologies and human expertise. Alongside this development, AI Analytics has enabled organisations to uncover patterns, anticipate disruptions, forecast outcomes, and recommend actions at unprecedented speed and scale. These developments have created increasingly autonomous and adaptive supply chains, enabling tasks such as anticipating inventory shortages, rerouting shipments around disruptions, and dynamically adjusting transport capacity in real time. The Radar also introduced new trends that reflect AI’s influence beyond operational efficiency. AI Commerce has transformed how consumers and businesses discover and purchase products, Compute Economy highlighted the strategic importance of computing infrastructure and data centre logistics, while Humanoids represent an emerging, longer-term trend that could redefine AI-enabled automation in physical environments. These signal further transformation across digital and physical supply chains, from AI-assisted purchasing journeys to AI-enabled automation in warehouses. “Until now, AI has helped people perform tasks more efficiently. The next chapter is about action,” said Klaus Dohrmann, Vice President of Innovation and Trend Research, DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation. “We’re entering an era of autonomous and physical AI, where intelligent systems can actively perceive the world, navigate complex environments, and
make decisions with minimal human intervention.” THE FUTURE OF LOGISTICS REMAINS A PEOPLE BUSINESS The Logistics Trend Radar 8.0 placed a major focus on how work has changed as AI, automation, and robotics become increasingly integrated into logistics operations. Technologies such as wearable sensors, remote operations, collaborative robotics, and AI-powered workplace assistants have helped create safer, more productive, and more engaging work environments. By reducing repetitive tasks and supporting day-to-day decision-making, these technologies allow employees to focus on highervalue activities such as problem-solving, customer service, and operational oversight.
Employee Belonging and the Augmented Workplace also emerged as key trends as employees increasingly work alongside AI assistants, collaborative robots, and digital tools. These technologies will reshape hundreds of roles across frontline operations, technical professions, and knowledge-based functions, creating demand for new skills and new ways of working. For business leaders, the challenge is no longer simply introducing new technologies, but ensuring employees have the skills, confidence, and support to use them effectively. Thomas Ogilvie, Chief Human Resources Officer and Labour Director at DHL Group, said technology has transformed the way we work, but people remain the driving force behind every successful supply chain. “We’re already seeing AI assistants,
wearable devices, and collaborative robots helping employees work more safely, reduce repetitive work, and focus on higher-value tasks,” said Ogilvie. “The future of logistics will not be defined by human versus AI, but by how effectively organisations combine human expertise with increasingly capable technologies.” RESPONSIBLE AI BECOMES A BUSINESS IMPERATIVE As AI systems take on more autonomous responsibilities, organisations must deploy them responsibly, securely, and transparently. The report highlighted trends including AI Ethics and Cybersecurity 2.0, which help organisations balance innovation with governance, resilience, and security. As intelligent systems become
increasingly embedded in critical operations such as demand forecasting, inventory planning, and transport decision-making, robust safeguards and human oversight are becoming as important as the technologies themselves. SUSTAINABILITY REMAINS A LONG-TERM BUSINESS PRIORITY As in previous editions, sustainability has remained a core driver of logistics innovation. Trends such as Decarbonisation, Sustainable Fuels, Circularity, Heavy Vehicle Electrification, and Light Vehicle Electrification demonstrate how organisations have deployed electric delivery fleets, scaled alternative fuels, and redesigned supply chains for reuse and resource efficiency while pursuing lower-carbon operations.
October 2026
I 19
Supplier A-Z
Driving Productivity with Heavy Vehicle Changes Associate Transport Minister James Meager has confirmed that 28 proposals to change heavy vehicle rules will reduce compliance costs and improve productivity for New Zealand’s transport operators.
H
e said consultation has begun on practical changes that would make it easier for operators to get on with the job, support more productive freight movements, and maintain high safety standards. The proposals form Phase 3 of the Heavy Vehicle Productivity workstream under the Government’s Land Transport Rules Reform Programme. It includes: Allowing heavy vehicles to carry more weight and freight, reducing the number of vehicle movements on the roads. Exempting fire trucks from mass limits so they can get to where they need to go and fight fires, not mountains of paperwork. Allowing crane trucks and sucker trucks to operate more easily under specialist vehicle weight limits. Giving overdimension vehicle operators
20 I fbtech.co.nz
more flexibility about when and where they can operate, including on Auckland motorways and tolled roads. Relaxing travel time restrictions for overdimension vehicles and loads to make better use of our roads. Shifting load pilot vehicle signage and other detailed operational requirements for overdimension travel out of the rules and into transport instruments to make small, common-sense changes more quickly. The consultation also sought feedback on exempting rigid agricultural vehicles from existing mass limits, subject to restrictions to protect critical infrastructure. The agricultural sector has strongly called for this change, and the Government has listened. Meager added that this continued earlier work which delivered practical changes to reduce red tape, including simpler 50MAX and HPMV requirements,
more flexible licensing for low and zeroemission heavy vehicles, and new load pilot signage. The proposals have been developed alongside heavy vehicle operators, emergency services, KiwiRail and local government. They’re now seeking feedback from them, the wider industry and the public to ensure the details are right. “Not every issue needs another rule. We looked closely and found some can be dealt with more effectively through operational changes. This includes streamlining applications for operators who need both overdimension and overweight permits,” said Meager. “Freight keeps New Zealand moving. This is about fixing the basics and ensuring we have practical, up-to-date rules which help operators work safely and efficiently, rather than tying them up in unnecessary red tape.”
logistics
90 Years Representing New Zealand’s Road Freight Industry National Road Carriers (NRC) was founded in 1936 by 29 Auckland owner-carriers to give small operators a united industry voice they lacked.
JUSTIN TIGHE-UMBERS National Road Carriers (NRC) CEO
N
RC CEO Justin TigheUmbers said that, 90 years on, it is time to reflect on decades of change, including economic cycles, regulatory reform, fuel shocks, infrastructure rebuilds, workforce shortages, and political transitions. A key achievement of the association included advocating for High Productivity Motor Vehicle (HPMV) legislation. Passed in 2010, the change allowed trucks with a HPMV permit to weigh more than the previous 44-tonne limit and stretch past 20 metres long. Other recent changes include major improvements to health and safety and vehicles, plus new technology and processes such as containerised freight, swing lifts, vehicle booking systems, GPS, and 24/7 port access. NRC Chair Ian Newey said New Zealand depends on a safe, productive, and resilient road freight system. “As we celebrate 90 years of representing New Zealand’s road freight industry, we not only recognise NRC’s proud history, but look to our future,” he said. “We are committed to continuing to advocate for operators, deliver valuable services, and strengthen the industry for decades to come.” A year-long 90-year anniversary
programme has been planned, starting today to recognise the industry’s past and help shape its future. Headlined by platinum sponsor and longtime supporter of NRC, Z Energy, it will include a co-ordinated programme of industry workshops, 90 stories in 52 weeks, media, videos and industry engagement. Gold sponsors include Fruehauf, Teletrac Navman, Halls Cold Chain Logistics and Carters Tyre Service. Silver sponsors include BPW New Zealand Ltd, Chester Grey Chartered Accountants & Advisors, MITO, MARSH and NZI. Other businesses are coming on board as
bronze sponsors, with opportunities to get involved still available. Tighe-Umbers said sponsors supported the programme to promote their businesses, tailor their partnership with NRC to meet their business objectives, engage with their target audience, and show their support for the industry that keeps freight moving. The anniversary celebrations will engage NRC’s members as well as associated businesses and industry stakeholders across New Zealand. The special milestone will culminate in a special black-tie dinner celebration, planned for September 2027.
October 2026
I 21
logistics
Learn from Real Automation Projects For many businesses, automation is no longer a future consideration. It is becoming essential to improve efficiency, increase accuracy, address labour challenges, and build more resilient supply chains.
L
ogistics Automation New Zealand has announced exclusive facility tours as part of its 2026 programme, giving delegates a rare opportunity to move beyond the theory and see these technologies operating in real-world environments. Taking place alongside the exhibition, the tours provide access to three leading New Zealand operations: Farmers, DHL Supply Chain and NZ Safety Blackwoods. Each showcases a different approach to automation, showing how businesses use robotics, intelligent software, and automated storage systems to transform warehouse performance. SEE NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST MUSHINY MINI SORTER IN ACTION AT FARMERS The Farmers Distribution Centre tour offers visitors the opportunity to see the newly installed Mushiny Mini Sorter, the first deployment of its kind in New Zealand. Designed to streamline high-volume order processing, the system automates sorting tasks that traditionally require significant manual labour, helping improve throughput while maintaining accuracy. Mushiny has become a global warehouse automation provider, delivering intelligent storage, picking and sorting solutions to businesses in more than 50 countries. Its technologies are used across retail, e-commerce, 3PL and manufacturing operations, helping organisations improve storage density, reduce handling and accelerate fulfilment. For attendees, this tour offers a practical view of how advanced sorting technology
22 I fbtech.co.nz
can be integrated into a large-scale retail operation and the benefits it can deliver in speed, scalability, and operational efficiency. INSIDE DHL’S NZD90 MILLION AUTOMATED HEALTHCARE FACILITY The DHL Supply Chain tour will take visitors inside the company’s new NZD 90 million Life Sciences and Healthcare facility in Auckland, one of the country’s most technologically advanced logistics operations. Powered by a fleet of 41 Geek+ Goodsto-Person robots deployed by Automate-X, the facility represents the largest robotic deployment by a third-party logistics provider in New Zealand. The technology delivers products directly to operators, eliminating the need for workers to walk warehouse aisles, significantly improving productivity while reducing physical strain and enhancing workplace safety. The 14,100sqm facility also includes 12,000 temperature-controlled pallet locations, specialised cold-chain environments ranging from 2°C to -30°C, and infrastructure designed specifically for pharmaceutical and healthcare products. The project has expanded DHL’s healthcare logistics capacity while setting a new benchmark for automated warehousing in New Zealand. HOW NZ SAFETY BLACKWOODS CONSOLIDATED FIVE DISTRIBUTION CENTRES INTO ONE The transformation at NZ Safety Blackwoods demonstrates how automation can solve one of the biggest
challenges facing modern supply chains: managing growth while maintaining service levels. Visitors on this tour will explore the company’s new national distribution centre, which has consolidated five separate sites into a single purpose-built operation. At the heart of the facility is a Kardex AutoStore system, incorporating high-density storage, robotics and intelligent picking technologies. The project supports more than 100,000 product lines, with 32 robots retrieving inventory and delivering it directly to
operators. Products can be presented for picking every four seconds during peak periods. The new automated operation is expected to fulfil approximately 4,000 product lines daily while improving inventory visibility, order accuracy and fulfilment speed. The tour will also showcase innovations such as the Kardex Intuitive Picking Assistant and the integration of warehouse management technologies that are helping create a smarter, more efficient fulfilment operation.
MORE THAN A TOUR While exhibitions offer a chance to discover new technologies, these facility tours offer something even more valuable: the chance to see automation delivering measurable results in live operating environments. From robotic goods-to-person systems and automated sorting technology to high-density storage and intelligent fulfilment solutions, attendees will gain first-hand insights into how leading organisations solve operational challenges and prepare for future growth.
Whether your organisation is just starting its automation journey or looking to optimise an existing operation, the Logistics Automation New Zealand facility tours provide practical lessons, real-world examples and direct access to the people and technologies driving transformation across the industry. Places are strictly limited and available to registered Logistics Automation New Zealand attendees. Delegates are encouraged to secure their preferred tour early to avoid missing this exclusive behind-the-scenes experience.
October 2026
I 23
Flexible Workforces: are your Employment Arrangements Fit for Purpose? Supermarkets, FMCG suppliers, manufacturers and distributors often need workforce flexibility to respond to seasonal demand and fluctuating workloads.
T
hat can mean using a mix of permanent and part-time employees, casual employees and contractors across stores, warehouses, manufacturing sites and distribution operations. Having a mixture of employment arrangements can be challenging to
24 I fbtech.co.nz
manage. A key employment law risk can arise when there is a mismatch between the contractual arrangement and how the relationship actually operates. That mismatch may exist from the outset or develop as working patterns change. The key for employers is therefore not only choosing the right arrangement at the
beginning, but ensuring it continues to reflect reality. Contractors: greater certainty under the new gateway test The distinction between an employee and an independent contractor has long been a challenging issue to navigate. In this sector, contractors may be used
Insights
for specialist, project-based or support work across areas such as logistics, merchandising or distribution. Calling someone a contractor does not, by itself, determine their legal status. If a contractor is later found to be an employee, the business may face employment-related obligations that were not accounted for. The Employment Relations Amendment Act 2026 introduced a new contractor gateway test from 21 February 2026, providing a clearer route to contractor status. The gateway has five statutory criteria: a written agreement which makes it clear that the provider is a contractor, freedom to work for others, sufficient control over when work is performed or an ability to subcontract within the parameters of the test, the ability to decline additional work without the arrangement being terminated, and a reasonable opportunity to obtain independent advice. If all criteria are met, the worker will be treated as a specified contractor. If any are not met, the existing common-law analysis applies to the true nature of the relationship. The gateway is not retrospective. Contractor status for periods before 21 February 2026 continues to be assessed under the common-law approach. Businesses should therefore distinguish between historic status and whether current and future arrangements satisfy the new gateway. The introduction of the new gateway test provides a timely opportunity for businesses to review their existing contractor arrangements and, where practicable, ensure they meet the statutory criteria to provide greater certainty around contractor status and reduce the risk of future disputes. Casual employees: when flexibility becomes regularity Casual arrangements can be particularly useful where supermarkets and related businesses need extra staff to respond
to seasonal peaks or variable demand. A genuinely casual arrangement generally involves no obligation on the employer to offer work and no obligation on the employee to accept it, with no regular pattern or expectation of ongoing employment. The contractual documentation should reflect that intention. The difficulty is that the relationship can change over time. An employee initially engaged to cover variable demand may gradually begin working the same shifts each week, be rostered well in advance, or become someone the business routinely relies on.
“The risk is not flexibility itself, but failing to recognise when the legal arrangement no longer fits the reality of the relationship.” No single factor automatically converts a casual employee into a permanent employee. However, regular work patterns, advance rostering, ongoing work without significant breaks and business reliance on the employee can indicate that the relationship is no longer genuinely casual. Employers should therefore monitor casual arrangements rather than assume the original label will remain appropriate. A useful sense-check is: if the word “casual” was removed from the agreement, would the relationship still look casual? Where the answer is no, the business should consider whether the employee should be treated as a permanent employee rather than a casual. This is particularly important in the context of leave entitlements. Where an employee has incorrectly been treated as casual and
paid holiday pay on a pay-as-you-go basis, the employer may still be liable to provide their annual holidays entitlement, without being able to offset the holiday pay already paid. This can effectively result in the employer paying twice for leave entitlements. Avoiding the “set and forget” approach Flexible workforce models are valuable in industries where staffing needs can change quickly. The risk is not flexibility itself, but failing to recognise when the legal arrangement no longer fits the reality of the relationship. Businesses using agency or labourhire workers should also be mindful that engaging workers through a third party does not necessarily remove employmentrelated risks. Under New Zealand’s triangular employment provisions, a business that exercises control over agency workers may be joined to a personal grievance claim where its actions have contributed to the grievance. Businesses should therefore ensure there is clarity around the respective responsibilities of the agency and the business, particularly when managing performance or conduct issues. Regularly reviewing contractor arrangements against the new gateway criteria, checking whether casual working patterns remain genuinely casual, and ensuring agency arrangements are appropriately managed can help businesses identify issues before they develop into disputes or unexpected liabilities.
CHRIS BALDOCK Partner, PwC Legal PwC New Zealand
October 2026
I 25
Insights
Mintel’s Global Predictions for 2027 Mintel’s Global Predictions for 2027 suggest that the next stage of consumer innovation may have less to do with creating new products and more to do with how existing products work together.
F
or manufacturers, retailers and service providers, this raises questions about where future growth will come from and who will control the relationship with consumers. The research company describes the shift as “Products to Systems”, arguing that consumers are increasingly assembling combinations of products, services, technology and everyday habits to achieve particular outcomes. Better sleep, sustained energy, healthier ageing and weight management are among the examples identified. The commercial argument is compelling. According to Mintel’s Global New Products Database, just 33 percent of global consumer packaged goods launches over the past year were genuinely new products, compared with 43 percent a decade ago. Innovation continues, but much of it involves improvements to existing products rather than entirely new propositions. Mintel believes this creates opportunities beyond traditional category boundaries. A consumer seeking better sleep, for example, might consider food, supplements, household products, technology and changes to their daily routine. Each competes for a place in the same purchasing decision, despite occupying different markets.
26 I fbtech.co.nz
Food and beverage manufacturers are already seeing this convergence. Protein has moved beyond sports nutrition, while hydration, digestive health and functional ingredients increasingly overlap with wellness and personal care. Mintel predicts that consumers will become more deliberate about combining these products to support their individual goals. The implications extend to supermarkets. Established product categories remain important for purchasing, merchandising and supplier negotiations, but they may not always reflect how consumers make decisions. Retailers have opportunities to connect complementary products, provided the benefits are credible, and the shopping experience becomes easier rather than more complicated. Technology adds another commercial dimension. Mintel anticipates that artificial intelligence, wearable devices and personalised recommendations will increasingly influence which products consumers select. For suppliers, this raises the prospect of competing not only for shelf space and shopper attention, but also for inclusion in automated recommendations. There is a question of control. If an AI assistant, connected appliance or digital platform determines which products best
suit a consumer’s needs, established brand loyalty could become less influential. The business managing that recommendation may gain considerable influence over purchasing decisions. Mintel also identifies changing expectations in household care, where consumers may increasingly favour solutions that manage cleaning and maintenance rather than purchasing
individual products. Similar thinking is emerging in beauty, where skincare, nutrition, treatments and technology are becoming more closely connected. However, the predictions deserve some scrutiny. Consumer interest in a connected solution does not automatically establish willingness to pay for it. Nor does combining several products necessarily produce a better
outcome. The evidence supporting individual health and wellness claims will remain important, particularly where brands promise measurable benefits. For New Zealand businesses, the value of Mintel’s predictions lies in reconsidering where their products fit into consumers’ wider routines. International examples provide useful direction, although they do
not establish that New Zealand shoppers will behave in the same way. The interesting commercial question may be whether future competitors will come from the same product category at all. A manufacturer investing in its next product launch could find that another business, offering an easier way to achieve the same result, has already changed the purchasing decision.
October 2026
I 27
28 I fbtech.co.nz
meet the grower
Piñata Farms Brings Sunshine for Summer Piñata Farms, Australia’s largest pineapple producer, has begun its Far North Queensland pineapple season as Queensland’s south-east production winds down for summer.
D
ebuting a bright new “hello sunshine” label in its first major branding update in five years, the Mareeba operation harvested its first pineapples of the 2026–2027 season. The tropical fruit, now sporting a vibrant new look, is back on supermarket shelves after a south-east Queensland winter shortage. General manager tropicals Stephen Scurr said the Mareeba harvest was about two weeks behind schedule after cloudy September weather slowed ripening. Scurr said the volume of fruit picked would progressively increase as the weather warmed. He expected the northern operation at Paddy’s Green, at the northern end of the Atherton Tablelands, to produce about 200,000 trays of premium pines between October and March. Picked and packed on site, the fruit is transported to Piñata Farms’ Wamuran packhouse for distribution to leading supermarkets around Australia. Scurr said the mid-2026 shortage was due to a mass natural flowering triggered by consistent rain for the first six months of 2025. It repeated a similar natural flowering event in 2023 that led to an eight-month national shortage. Piñata Farms has grown pineapples in the Mareeba district since 1998, helping supply leading supermarkets nationwide
year-round. Its Wamuran farms produce pineapples from February to October. Piñata Farms’ bright new “hello sunshine” pineapple labels have now rolled off the line and into the marketplace. Sales and marketing manager Rebecca Scurr, who led the brand redevelopment, said the new “hello sunshine” look captured the fresh, fun spirit of Piñata Farms pineapples while giving the brand a distinctive presence on supermarket shelves. “We wanted our pineapple labels to make shoppers smile and reflect the freshness, flavour and sunshine associated with Australian-grown pineapples,” she said. “We’ve updated the brand for today’s consumers while retaining the quality and familiarity people know and trust. The new look celebrates what goes into growing every single Piñata pineapple.” Piñata Farms has also harvested a small volume of pineapples at Sunshine Coast tourist spot, the Big Pineapple, in recent weeks as part of a collaboration with the iconic tourist destination to reintroduce live pineapple growing as part of a significant redevelopment. As the planting continues, pineapples are grown progressively so visitors can see the fruit at distinct stages of their twoyear growth cycle, from freshly planted tops to flowering plants and harvestready fruit.
October 2026
I 29
growing nz
“What’s in it for Me?” As scrutiny of processed foods continues to grow, a new generation of health-conscious consumers is increasingly drawn to products promising natural health benefits.
E
nter the world of “natural nutraceuticals”, where ingredients such as lion’s mane and cordyceps mushrooms are marketed with claims ranging from improved cognition and memory to immune support and reduced symptoms of ADHD. But how well are these claims supported? Are they backed by peerreviewed research and long-term studies, and, perhaps most importantly, are these ingredients actually safe to consume as part of a food product? In Australia and New Zealand, novel
30 I fbtech.co.nz
and non-traditional foods are periodically reviewed by the ANZ Advisory Committee on Novel Foods (ANCF), with its findings published by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). The latest guidance for lion’s mane and cordyceps is clear: “Safety not established, requires assessment before it can be sold as a food in Australia and New Zealand. Adverse effects have been reported in the scientific literature.” This means these ingredients cannot simply be added to food products and sold in Australia and New Zealand without first meeting the applicable
novel food requirements. Yet in June 2024, Uncle Frog’s Mushroom Gummies were recalled following the addition of lion’s mane. The Guardian reported cases involving “disturbing hallucinations, dizziness and involuntary twitching” after consumption. One South Australian teenager was reportedly found unresponsive, requiring medical treatment, although he subsequently recovered. The product is no longer available. The incident highlights a broader misconception “natural” does not automatically mean “safe”. For emerging food businesses and start-ups, the excitement surrounding an innovative or “healthy” ingredient can sometimes outpace the necessary food safety and regulatory due diligence. Without appropriate assessment, products can reach consumers before their safety, regulatory status or suitability for use in food has been properly established. This creates risks not only for the business, but potentially for consumers who reasonably assume that a product available for sale has already undergone the necessary safety checks. While processed foods continue to attract significant scrutiny from consumers, the standards governing their production exist for precisely this reason: to protect consumers and ensure food safety. Innovation in food is exciting. But before asking “What’s in it for me?”, perhaps the more important question is: “Is it safe?” JUSTIN MAHER Founder & Food Technologist
Diminishing Future of Local Mushrooms Global trends have shown a decline in mushroom consumption, leading the industry to struggle. At the same time, the exotic mushroom sector has seemed to be experiencing growth and an increase in the number of growers.
A
ccording to Daniel van Schie of Quality Mushrooms Ltd, Agaricus bisporus production in New Zealand has currently reduced by about 60 tonnes per week compared with the past 20 years, while mushroom prices have remained the same as 20 years ago. van Schie believed that the decrease in consumption actually indicated a decline in meat consumption. Still, given the state of the economy and mushrooms’
perception as an expensive luxury rather than a staple of the diet, this added to the industry’s challenges. Additionally, increasing costs across the board have made survival in the industry increasingly difficult. “Mushroom prices have not increased but rather decreased to encourage an increase in consumption, which is why there are only three Agaricus growers left in the country. In the early 90s, there were close to 40 growers,” said van Schie.
“In Australia, the industry has been experiencing the same issues for the last three years and has gone from around 47 growers to 33, resulting in a decrease of over 11,000 tonnes per year.” He added that if there is not much change in the near future, the mushroom industry in New Zealand will continue to shrink, potentially to the point of nonexistence, and will then be largely reliant on imports of frozen mushrooms from China and fresh mushrooms from Australia.
October 2026
I 31
growing nz
Avocados Return to Shelves as a Sure Sign of Spring Few things say spring in New Zealand quite like avocados coming back onto the shelves, and this season’s crop is shaping up nicely, with volumes tracking slightly ahead of last year.
L
ocal marketers spoken to say the New Zealand marketplace experienced some heavy supply weeks early season as Exporters started their programmes offshore. Successive weeks of 100k trays of nonexport fruit fell out of the Class 1 export programmes. The domestic market here in New Zealand is very volume sensitive and values suffer when volumes get over 50,000 trays per week. The Australian Avocado crop is down significantly this year and that is driving increased demand for NZ Avocados from
32 I fbtech.co.nz
across the Tasman. For New Zealand exporters that presents opportunity to send Class 2 avocados to Australia. That additional volume exported should help lift the domestic value baseline, and we expect to see the market respond, with the upward trend to continue through October and into November. Here in New Zealand ripeness management at the shelf is more important than ever. Mike Swan, marketing manager of avocado company Southern Produce says the ideal avocado display gives shoppers a clear choice: ripe fruit ready to eat tonight,
sitting alongside greener fruit to take home and ripen later in the week. “Clearly separating different stages of ripeness and using simple signage makes it easier for shoppers to select the right avocado for when they want to eat it,” he says. Sorted displays also cut down on handling and squeezing, which matters for fruit quality — research into sorted displays has shown noticeably less bruising when shoppers can identify ripeness stages at a glance. Swan adds that consumer education still has ground to cover: many New Zealanders don’t realise a ripe avocado can go straight
into the fridge to slow further ripening, a simple tip that improves the eating experience and cuts food waste. Cartology category data shows avocados’ strongest basket affinities are with sauces, dips and premium hummus, Mexican foods, corn chips, seasoning, sour cream and taco shells — pointing to avocado as a meal-occasion item rather than a standalone produce pick. Positioning avocado alongside tacos, salsa, corn chips and sour cream turns a single-ingredient purchase into an easy dinner solution, and there’s further room to build other meals
with wraps, breads and salad ingredients to capture lunch and dinner occasions too. Swan says avocado is now a popular breakfast go-to on toast. “However, there’s plenty of opportunity to inspire more lunch, dinner and snacking occasions — adding avocado to wraps, sandwiches and salads, using it in tacos and bowls, or making guacamole for afternoon snacks and entertaining.” Nutrition is part of that pitch: avocado is a nutrient-dense whole food, and pairing that message with simple, everyday meal ideas gives shoppers another reason to add it to the
regular shop rather than treating it as an occasional indulgence. At an industry level, sustainability and responsible growing practices remain a focus for the sector, alongside ongoing work to improve productivity and quality. For supermarket buyers, Swan says that adds up to a locally grown product with a genuine story behind it — from orchard through to retail. “I always remind people, we don’t import any avocados into Aotearoa, we grow them all here ourselves, a fact we should be very proud of!”
October 2026
I 33
WHEN MANUFACTURERS NEED A SUPPLIER WILL THEY FIND YOU? BOOK YOUR LOGO IN THE FB TECH SUPPLIER DIRECTORY NOW
PUT YOUR BRAND IN FRONT OF NEW ZEALAND’S FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS