FOODSOUTH is Open For Business

NZFIN’s southern hub, FoodSouth, is officially open for business to assist with food and beverage product development and early stage commercialisation.

The FoodSouth pilot plant, situated at Lincoln University, was officially opened by Callaghan Innovation Chair, Sue Suckling, on 25^th November. Following the opening, which was attended by prominent South Island food and beverage industry leaders and supporters, FoodSouth opened its doors for tours of the purpose-built facility by potential users.

Around 200 business owners and innovators from across the South Island viewed the FoodSouth offering. In each of the three process rooms, key users demonstrated how they might benefit from access to the food safe pilot scale facilities. Lincoln University showcased extrusion technology - a key area of expertise within their Food Science programme – as well as their sensory science capabilities, and the strengthening links between science, students and industry. ANZCO Foods’ demonstration in Room 2 explained how FoodSouth will provide a local export certified space to trial new product ideas and test these in market without disruption to commercial production.

A highlight of the tour was Cookie Time in Room 1, making batches of new cookie flavour variants. The sweet smell of baking, humming machinery, bright branding and tasty samples was augmented by a captivating talk about the benefits of doing development work at FoodSouth rather than on a large scale at their factory.

Representatives from Callaghan Innovation, Canterbury Development Corporation, Ministry for Primary Industries, NZ Food Innovation Network and NZTE were also on hand to discuss with firms how their organisations can provide additional support and assistance in growing their businesses.

For more information about FoodSouth’s equipment and capabilities, go to the FOODSOUTH tab on this website, or contact our Business Development Managers: