THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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‘Taste of New Zealand’ campaign to showcase food and beverages

‘Taste of New Zealand’ campaign to showcase food and beverages

New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters last weekend launched a year-long food and beverage campaign, ‘Taste of New Zealand’, as part of an ongoing effort to further strengthen trade ties between New Zealand and Thailand.

“Thailand is one of our oldest and most important partners in the Asean region [and] we’re dedicated to expanding our relationship in many areas,” said New Zealand’s Ambassador to Thailand, Taha Macpherson.
“Exports between our two countries have grown by almost 150 per cent since we signed our bilateral Free Trade Agreement in 2005, making Thailand our eighth largest trading partner.”
The total export value of New Zealand food and beverage goods to Thailand in 2018 was 615 million New Zealand dollars (Bt12.5 billion).
“Food and beverages play an important part of our trade relationship, and we are dedicated to extending our collaboration in this sector in the future,” said Macpherson, adding that the embassy was delighted that the country’s deputy prime minister could participate in the campaign launch.

From left, New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Thailand Ryan Freer; New Zealand Ambassador His Excellency Taha Macpherson, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters, Sudhitham Chirathivat, Supattra Chirathivat and Nick Reitmeier - Executive Vice President International Purchase Central Food Retail.
Spearheaded by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, the Taste of New Zealand campaign will build on existing food and beverage partnerships and will introduce more Thais to the diverse range of products from New Zealand. Thai shoppers will have the opportunity to experience the diversity of New Zealand’s food offerings at Taste of New Zealand events being held at Central Food Hall and Tesco Lotus.
Research by global market research firm Mintel found that quality and convenience are the top two deciding factors for everyday purchases among Thai shoppers. New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Thailand, Ryan Freer, said that country’s companies are looking to new opportunities in Thailand created by these changing tastes.
“We’ve seen growing demand for food that fits the lifestyles of busy, urban Thai consumers. We know consumers are paying more attention to what they consume, with an increasing focus on food and drinks that will help them lead a healthier lifestyle.,” said Freer.
“Research shows that almost 79 per cent of Thais are trying to achieve a healthier diet. Our New Zealand food producers are focused on creating safe, high-quality products, which also deliver better nutrition and great taste.”
Food and beverage exports to Thailand grew from Bt9.8 billion in 2013 to Bt12.5 billion in 2018. Dairy products (Bt8.3 billion) and fresh produce (Bt1.4 billion) are some of the largest contributors to Thailand’s retail sector.

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