Why the cluster is formed?
New Zealand's food exports was worth approximately $55 billion in 2023 and contributes significantly to its economy. The primary sector includes dairy, meat, seafood, wine, and horticultural products. Dairy products and premium meat have historically been among the top exports for New Zealand.
Additionally, the country’s wine industry has garnered international acclaim, producing award-winning wines. New Zealand’s wine exports in the 12 months to May 2023 was at $2.4 billion. Amid these successes, New Zealand needs to commit to sustainable practices to preserve the land for future generations. New Zealand also needs to move away from commodification of beef and lamb, and focus on value add to the industry.
Alongside food export initiatives is interest in strengthening local food systems to enhance food security and reduce environmental and social impact. Examples include grower direct marketing, farmer’s markets, the adoption of organic and regenerative farming methods, improved waste management, sustainable food branding and communications and the development of new food products. Significantly, the development of a strong local food system is not at odds with international export but rather provides a firm base for new business initiatives.
The cluster takes a fork-to-farm approach, and places considerable emphasis on the perceptions, attitudes, behaviours and practices of the consumer. This is especially important with respect to the adoption of novel foods, e.g. insects in a Western context, as well as the willingness to purchase food products which may offer different characteristics in terms of how, where and why they were grown.
About the cluster
The aim of the cluster is to establish a platform for collaboration among like-minded academics and practitioners to make a difference to New Zealand food and wine producers in the local and international markets.
The goals of the cluster are to:
- help develop local food systems networking opportunities for academics and practitioners.
- engage with local food and wine producers to share knowledge of local and international markets.
- help local food and wine producers establish sustainable practices.
- pursue and disseminate impactful research outcomes.
The cluster approach to achieve its goals includes collaboration and network opportunities for academics and practitioners, as well as other key stakeholders in the local food (eco)systems. The members offer both quantitative and qualitative research skills that can help to develop networks in the local food ecosystem.
Among the planned activities for the period 2024 -2026 are:
- Pursue co-funding and research grants initiatives with industry and government agencies.
- Host a local food and wine summit.
- Host local and international conferences on food and wine tourism/local food systems, waste management in tourism and hospitality.
- Host Food Systems Special Session panel.
- Conduct regular research seminars to showcase UC Business School food-related research.
- Increase research outcomes in this area (e.g., journal papers, book, white papers).
- Create a UC Business School database/repository of research outputs and theses that relate to food research.
