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NZIFST Newsletter - Nibbles # 448, September 16th, 2025

In this issue:

Next Nibbles Date: September 30th, 2025

Auckland Branch presents a FED Talk - Ultra Processed Foods with Dr Emma Beckett  on Sept 17th from 6pm in Online. Click here for more details and to register

Canterbury Westland Branch is hosting a Student Careers Evening on September 23rd from 5.30pm at Lincoln University. Click here for more details and to register. 

Auckland Branch is hosting a Tip Top Icecream Factory Tour on Oct 8th 11.30am at theTip Top Factory in Mt Wellington. Click here for more details and to register

Canterbury Westland Branch is hosting a Talk and Treat Chocolate Factory Tour on Oct 14th from 2pm at Mind Your Temper in Burnside. Click here add your name to the waitlist. Please RSVP by 7th October.

Central Branch presents a FED Talk - It's Cheese, but Not as We Know It - China Cheese Consumption on Oct 23rd from 5.15pm in Palmerston North, Wellington & Online. Click here for more details and to register

Waikato Branch ask you to Save the Date for their End of Year Branch Dinner on Nov 13th at the Windows Restaurant at Wintec in Hamilton. More details to come.

EHEDG New Zealand asks you to Save the Date for Advanced Hygienic Design Course being held on Nov 2nd - 6th in Christchurch. Click here for more details.

 

Other Food Industry Events

 

 
   

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Are you interested in learning more about importing food into New Zealand? We invite you to watch our webinar recording, Food Importing 101: Understanding the Basics of Food Importing.

The webinar provides a high-level overview of the key steps and responsibilities involved in importing food, with a focus on food safety.

It covers:

  • Key food safety responsibilities as an importer
  • Understanding what to expect at the border
  • Accessing tools and support to help you succeed

Click here to see the recording 

Please note, this is a link to a YouTube video.

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Events

NZIFST Members can attend AIFST Webinars at the AIFST Member Price. 
If you are an NZIFST member, you can find the discount codes here. 

23 Sept: Shelf Stable Series Webinar 4: Sustainable by Design – Circular Packaging and Upcycling of By-Products

14 Oct: Shelf Stable Series Webinar 5: The Future Retail Shelf and its Disruption, Foodservice, and Export Potential

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The New Zealand Association of Scientists (NZAS) invites you to be a part of a survey of Scientists and Technologists

The aim of this survey is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the science and technology environment in New Zealand.

For the purpose of this survey, "scientists and technologists" include all those who have trained in the physical, chemical, biological, engineering, mathematical, social and health sciences and who are (or have previously been) involved in research related activities. This includes research support and administration roles.

Click here for more information and to participate.

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Do you have a food industry related event you would like to advertise with us?
Contact the NZIFST Executive Manager to find more about costs and discounts by offering discounts to NZIFST Members.

Food New Zealand Latest Issue

Aug/Sept 2025

READ IT NOW ON ISSUU

Featuring in the August/September issue

  • NZIFST Conference Highlights and Awards
  • Who is responsible for food safety:
    • Aotearoa's top scientists dive right in
  • JC Andrews Address:
    • From Farm to Fork and Beyond
  • Micro and Nano - A serious plastics issue?

Food Industry Consultants Directory - Now Live!

We have been working with the team at Gecco to get the Food Industry Consultants Directory onto the new website in a format that is searchable by keywords, business name, and area serviced.

Click on the banana phone to see who is currently listed, and pass on the details to anyone you know who needs advice on a wide variety of food related projects.

If you would like to advertise your consulting services with on the directory click here for more details.

 

Demonstrating Value Workstream Update

As one of the four workstreams in the NZIFST Strategic Plan, we're excited to share an update on the exploration of a new brand name for NZIFST. (Please note: our legal name will remain unchanged.)

We're seeking a name that:

  • Honours our legacy while taking us into the future
  • Reflects our vision of “a supportive and networked community driving a vibrant and sustainable food industry”
  • Appeals to a broad spectrum of professionals across the food sector

Throughout August, all members had the opportunity to submit name ideas via our website, branch events, and committee meetings. The response was fantastic — 118 ideas submitted, resulting in around 85 unique names after deduplication.

Here’s a breakdown:

  • 54 ideas came from 30 individual member submissions
  • The remainder were contributed by branches and the stream team’s brainstorming sessions

Thank you to everyone who participated — your input is invaluable.

Below is a visual snapshot of the most common themes and words. (The larger the word, the more frequently it appeared):

What’s next?

Over the coming weeks, the team will review all submissions and develop a shortlist. 

This will be shared with members in late October for feedback — so stay tuned and be ready to have your say.

Once again, thank you for helping shape the future of NZIFST.

Best wishes from the Demonstrating Value Stream Team

John Lawson, Supriya Sally, Megan Sinclair, Michelle Neyra and Aswathi Soni

2025 Earle Travel Fellowship Winner

Stephanie Trower

  

Stephanie Trower, an NZIFST member, and Canterbury Westland Branch Secretary has been awarded the Earle Travel Fellowship in Technology for 2025.
Stephanie is the Product Innovation and Development Manager at Original Foods in Christchurch.  She and her team are responsible for product development of many of the delicious sweet treats that we see in our supermarkets.

Congratulations Stephanie, we can't wait to hear about your travels.

Have you got something to crow about?

Launched a new product? Been nominated for an award?
Let us know, so we can share your news and celebrate with you!

Things we have seen recently:

New Zealand Food Award Nominations for NZIFST Members*

Emerging Talent - Food Science & Technology

Gabrielle Lobo* - NZFIN

Aimee Wang* - Fonterra Research & Development Centre

Grace Queenin* - Griffins

Niki Wang - Alpha Healthcare Ltd

Health & Wellbeing 

Meat Broth - High Protein Beef Broth  Wilhelm Zabern* of Zamati 

 

Primary Product Sector Award

Blackcurrant with Kamahi Honey - Cold Smoked Salmon 
David Galbraith* of Aoraki Mt Cook Salmon

Chilled Frozen/Cold Chain Award

Zesty Salmon Spread - Yuzu & NZ Lemon
David Galbraith of Aoraki Mt Cook Salmon

 

Please let me know if we missed your product that has been nominated for the New Zealand Food Awards this year, and we can highlight you next time.

Having issues with the website? 

We all know that new systems have the habit of not quite working as they should.

If you are having any issues with anything in the new system/on the website, click on the Having Issues? link in the Quick Links on the front page (see the image to the left), and this will take you to some How to Guides, and a form to let us know what your issue is.  We will do our best to get your issue fixed as quickly as possible.

Are you interested in learning more about importing food into New Zealand? We invite you to watch our webinar recording, Food Importing 101: Understanding the Basics of Food Importing.

The webinar provides a high-level overview of the key steps and responsibilities involved in importing food, with a focus on food safety.

It covers:

  • Key food safety responsibilities as an importer
  • Understanding what to expect at the border
  • Accessing tools and support to help you succeed

Click here to see the recording 

Please note, this is a link to a YouTube video.

Exporting food and fibre products overseas?

 

The Ministry for Primary Industries’ Exporter Help team supports new and established New Zealand exporters with advice and ongoing support on regulation and certifications. We make it easier to understand exporting requirements so you can reach more markets overseas and grow your sales with confidence. Contact us for free expert advice on exporting requirements. Contact: 0800 674 490 or visit: mpi.govt.nz/exporterhelp

MPI Consultations, Legislation, Standards and Reviews.

If you are interested in what MPI is currently working on, check here for Consultations, and here for Legislation, Standards and Reviews.

To hear more about food importer responsibilities, upcoming changes to imported food requirements, current events such as recalls related to imported foods and future webinars, you can subscribe to the quarterly Food importer news by visiting this page: Food importer news | NZ Government (mpi.govt.nz) or the actual link: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/import/food/food-importer-news/

Call for submissions

FSANZ invites written submissions on the assessment of the following application via the FSANZ Consultation Hub.

General procedure

New applications and proposals 

FSANZ has completed an administrative assessment and accepted the following application. An opportunity to comment will be available at a later date, which will be publicly notified.

General level 1 

Date accepted: 11 July 2025

Commencement of assessment

Assessment of the following applications has now commenced. An opportunity to comment will be notified at a later date. 

Gazette - Amendment No. 243

Amendment No. 243 to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code was published by FSANZ on 2 September 2025 (FSC 183). It included amendments resulting from the following proposal: 

Gazette - Amendment No. 244

Amendment No. 244 to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code was published by FSANZ on 16 September 2025 (FSC 184). It included amendments resulting from the following application and proposals: 

For information about progress on all current applications and proposals, including anticipated consultation opportunities, see the Food Standards Work Plan.
Previous Notification Circulars and Gazettes are available on the FSANZ website. 

 CHANGING YOUR JOB? 

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT IT!

If you have changed jobs, or are back in New Zealand from overseas, please email your news to the team at Food New Zealand so it can be included in the journal.

 

Job Vacancies - Food Industry Professionals Wanted

Packaging Specialist   Food Technologist
 Nelson Permanent/Full time    Canterbury Permanent/Full time

New Zealand King Salmon is seeking a passionate Packaging Specialist to lead the design, development, and optimisation of packaging across its premium product lines. Reporting to the New Product Development Manager, this newly created role blends technical precision, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

You’ll ensure packaging meets global standards, enhances shelf-life, and supports supply chain needs. Ideal candidates will have a degree in packaging or food technology, 5+ years’ experience, strong project management skills, and deep knowledge of packaging materials and regulations

 
  • Be part of the plan to achieve new product growth and innovation
  • Kiwi-owned entrepreneurial consumer driven FMCG company
  • Develop a wide range of skills to set up your food technology career

Company Logo
Head of Operations   Maintenance Planner
 Auckland Permanent/Full time    Auckland Permanent/Full time
  • Lead operations for a fast-growing, export-driven manufacturer.
  • A New Zealand-based company in the natural health and nutrition sector that is entering a major growth phase.
  • With revenue expected to rise significantly in the coming years, they are seeking a Head of Operations to lead operations and ensure the business scales effectively.

Company Logo

  
  • Lead CMMS and planning improvements on a high speed food manufacturing site.
  • Strengthen preventive maintenance and reduce unplanned downtime.
  • Work in a practical team that values trust, ownership, and improvement.

Company Logo
Add your job here
   

Do you have a job in the food industry that you would like to advertise on our website and in Nibbles.

Click here for more details.

 

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www.nzifst.org.nz

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