The Future of Food

The future of food manufacturing in New Zealand is poised for a dynamic evolution, shaped by technological advancements, sustainability imperatives, and a commitment to quality. Smart manufacturing practices will likely play a pivotal role, integrating automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to streamline production processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure product consistency. Sustainable practices will take centre stage, with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly packaging, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.

New Zealand's strong agricultural foundation positions the nation to explore innovative methods for processing and preserving food, maximising nutritional value while minimising environmental impact. As consumer preferences continue to shift towards healthier, locally sourced options, the food manufacturing sector is expected to adapt, incorporating novel ingredients and production techniques.

New Zealand Food Innovation Network is focused on scale-up support for food and beverage companies. Working with companies to achieve growth, development, and export goals, giving advice, expertise, equipment, and connections to succeed domestically and internationally.

Their purpose-built product development facility at Lincoln University near Christchurch consists of five independent, food-safe processing spaces. Offering equipment to process a wide range of food and beverage products. Applications include extrusion, UHT, snack foods, sauces, powders, beverages, and plant-based products.

Join us as we hear from New Zealand Food Innovation Network on where they see the future of food for New Zealand, and what they are doing to ensure that New Zealand remains at the forefront of sustainable and forward-thinking food manufacturing practices in the years to come.

We hope to see you there!

John Morgan, New Zealand Food Innovation Network

John Morgan is Co-Chief Executive Officer of the New Zealand Food Innovation Network. This Network is part of a national food and beverage export growth initiative. On the Lincoln University site we have FoodSouth a pilot scale food factory located at Lincoln University which opened for business in November 2015. Come January 2025 it has aided 200 clients completing more than 600 projects.

John has worked in industry in management and business development roles for nearly 30 years, the past 20 in the food industry.

John holds an Agricultural Science Degree from Lincoln University and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Western Australia