Industry insiders to share insights on good food business

Industry insiders to share insights on good food business

Leading experts from the food industry will share their tips on growing a good food business at the Good Food Forum on the 25th May at The Cloud in Auckland.
The one-day event, organised by the Sustainable Business Network, is designed to help participants grow a smart, high-performing food business.

“By ‘good’ food we mean considering where food comes from, how it’s grown and made, and where it goes to once the consumer has finished with it, in addition to the bottom line of making a profit,” says CEO of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), Rachel Brown.

“The food industry is an important part of the New Zealand economy. There are global trends that businesses need to be aware of because New Zealand is so dependent on and connected to other countries for our food system. Restoring New Zealand’s Food Systems is an area SBN has identified as critical for transforming New Zealand to a model sustainable nation,” she says.

“We believe it’s vital to ensure we foster the growth of ‘good’ food businesses, to meet the demands of consumers for products that are healthy and improve the wellbeing of people and the environment.”

The Good Food Forum will bring together 16 expert speakers, including:

· Jacqueline Ireland, CEO of Colmar Brunton – speaking about future consumer trends

· John McKay, CEO of AsureQuality – speaking about food traceability

· Richard Wyeth, CEO of Miraka – speaking about sustainability as a pillar for growth, and

· Matt McKendry, MD of Marmot Capital – speaking about investment, funding and business growth.

Transformation Leader – Restorative at SBN Emily Dowding-Smith, who is helping organise the Forum, says the theme is the future of food from a business perspective. It will focus on three core areas to help participants enhance their business growth, while considering future trends.

“First, traceability, which is critical to business success. That means understanding your supply chain and its transparency so you can identify the origin of food products. This is one way businesses can help ensure food is produced and traded in a way that enhances the condition of the environment, the producer and the consumer,” she says.

“Secondly, you need to adapt to and realise opportunities of changing consumer behaviours before they happen. Consumer trends are shifting, with increasing numbers taking sustainability factors into account in their food purchasing decisions. Successful businesses will meet this demand.

“Finally, you need to know how to grow your business, both domestically and through exports. The Good Food Forum will show you how to access responsible investment and design the right financial model to ensure your good food business is a commercial success.”

The Good Food Forum will bring together around 150 food business CEOs, directors, business development managers, operation managers and supply chain managers. It will include the opportunity to participate in interactive discussions and workshops with market-leading businesses.

Details:

Event: Good Food Forum
Date: 25th May 2015
Time: 8.30am - 4.30pm followed by networking and drinks
Venue: The Cloud, Auckland’s waterfront
Cost: SBN members: $170 + GST; non-SBN members: $340 + GST

Further information: www.sustainable.org.nz/good-food-forum

-ends-

© Scoop Media