October 23, 2025
Join us to hear our expert panel discuss the consumer trends that New Zealand food and drink exporters need to be very aware of to succeed in global markets such as the UK. You will hear from:
Mark Field, CEO, Prof Consulting Group
Mark has extensive technical and commercial experience in the international food manufacturing and retail industries. Before founding PCG, Mark worked at a senior level across the European red meat and poultry industry for some of the world’s most reputable companies and for over 8 years he headed up Australia’s most significant food...
Massey University Food Innovation Youth Summit | Powered by FoodHQ
October 20, 2025
We’re incredibly proud to officially introduce the Massey University Food Innovation Youth Summit | powered by FoodHQ!
Together with Massey University – Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, we’ve created an immersive experience designed to spark curiosity, drive youth engagement in our food sector, and inspire future careers in New Zealand’s world-class food industry.
Get ready to experience real food tech magic – dive into hands-on workshops, tour high-tech labs, and visit cutting-edge food factories across the Manawatū region. Ever wondered what a Food...
Unlocking Plant Protein Ingredient Value: Australia and New Zealand in Review
October 10, 2025
Unlocking Plant Protein Ingredient Value: Australia and New Zealand in Review.
This report was developed by FoodHQ following the release of Food Frontier’s The Case for a National Plant Protein Ingredient Industry, which sparked important conversations about the future of plant protein across Australasia.
In recent months, we’ve seen a resurgence of discussion around plant protein in New Zealand, and for good reason. We believe New Zealand, like Australia, is now at an inflection point: the opportunity to pivot toward high-value plant protein ingredient production...
The Bioeconomy Science Institute’s student internship programmes 2025-2026
August 27, 2025
The Bioeconomy Science Institute’s student internship programmes are open for applications. Traditionally available through the four groups individually, this year marks the first year under the new entity, providing even more opportunity for rangitahi Māori to gain exposure to Aotearoa New Zealand’s science community.
“Te Puāwaitanga:
Offered by the AgResearch Group, Te Puāwaitanga
provides supported opportunities for tauira to
co-design their research projects alongside
supervisors and Kairangahau. AgResearch provide
a range of opportunities for...
NZ Horticulture Conference
August, 2025
This is your final opportunity to secure a seat at the industry’s flagship event on 26‑27 August. The two‑day programme is packed with sessions tailored to help your business thrive.
Market and economic insights: Hear economist Shamubeel Eaqub unpack macro‑economic forces shaping horticulture and former Walmart COO Jim Haworth explain how global retail trends are reshaping supply chains.
Practical grower sessions: Get actionable strategies on integrated pest management, sustainable pest control, succession planning for families and leadership development.
Building brands and...
High Satiety – Why GLP-1 diet drugs could transform the food industry
July 21, 2025
A new class of weight loss drugs called GLP-1 agonists is
driving down consumers’ appetites at an unprecedented
scale, forcing the food industry to reconsider long-established
assumptions about what we eat – and how much. As GLP-1’s popularity booms, experts are asking, is this a fad or a
fundamental shift for the food and beverage industry?
New Zealand food producers assume they’re feeding an endlessly hungry world. What happens when the world
loses its appetite, eats smaller portions, and no longer wants a leg of...
Is this NZ’s mini Silicon Valley? – Stuff
July 21, 2025
Palmerston North is rapidly evolving into a major economic hub, attracting tech companies, logistics firms, and innovative enterprises thanks to its central location, affordability, and strong infrastructure. With over 120 tech businesses and growing investment in transport and research facilities, it’s gaining a reputation as New Zealand’s Silicon Valley. The city’s economic diversity, resilience, and quality of life are drawing talent and business leaders who see long-term potential in the region.
“Once known for students, sports and sheep, this unassuming city...
FoodHQ Food Technology Scholarship
June 12, 2025
With support from CEDA, FoodHQ Innovation is proud to announce our Food Technology Scholarship is now open for applications! At FoodHQ, we’re passionate about shaping the future of New Zealand’s food and agrifood sectors – and that future begins with our students. This scholarship is our way of supporting the next generation of innovators and changemakers who will lead and transform the industry.
The Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) connects people, place and business in Manawatū. Working closely with our partners, stakeholders and wider business...
Lilian’s learnings and leaving thoughts: Lilian Macharia
May 14, 2025
Last week, we bid a warm farewell to our wonderful intern, Lilian Macharia, as she wrapped up her placement here at FoodHQ.
It has been an absolute pleasure having Lilian as part of our team—her energy, curiosity, and dedication brought so much value to our work and culture. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside her and witness her growth over the course of her internship.
While we’re sad to see her go, we’re also excited to see what the future holds for Lilian as she embarks on her next adventure. We have no doubt she’ll continue to...
Manawatū drives New Zealand’s food innovation
May 2, 2025
“Some areas of New Zealand are showy about their successes, and others are quiet achievers, doing what they do every day with little fanfare. The Manawatū region definitely falls into the latter category, despite its huge significance as a driving force behind one of New Zealand’s most vital industries.“
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