A new Government-backed initiative between New Zealand and Canada is set to transform how Kiwi businesses commercialise food innovations, significantly boosting food exports. The partnership, which follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the New Zealand Food Innovation Network (NZFIN) and the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) this month, aims to fast-track the development and global market reach of New Zealand's food sector.This collaboration will provide Kiwi businesses with access to cutting-edge technologies, market intelligence, and vital research and development support. Through the established Canadian network, New Zealand businesses will now have the opportunity to tap into Canada’s 40 million consumers, expanding their reach to a new and lucrative market.The initiative is also part of a broader strategy to connect food innovators across New Zealand and Canada. Grant Verry, Co-CEO of NZFIN.By sharing knowledge and expertise, businesses will be able to commercialise new products, foodtech solutions, and intellectual property more effectively, driving transformative growth in both countries' food sectors. This effort builds upon New Zealand’s entry into the Asia-Pacific Food Innovation Network, which began in 2024 with countries including Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore.This network focuses on enhancing food security, nutrition, and economic growth in the ASEAN region.Agriculture is New Zealand's largest export industry, making up nearly half of all goods and services sold offshore.The Government has committed to doubling the value of food exports by 2030, with forecasts predicting that food and fibre exports will reach $56.9 billion by mid-2025. To meet this ambitious goal, the Government invests heavily in agri-food research, with over half a billion dollars spent annually on developing innovations that can create new value-added products for export markets.A key element of this initiative is the new Catalyst model, developed by NZFIN. The Crown-funded programme connects a network of food innovation facilities across New Zealand—including Auckland, Waikato, Otago, Palmerston North, and Canterbury—with international partners in Australia, Singapore, and Indonesia. This global network of experts and facilities provides businesses with the support needed to develop value-added foods and technologies, as well as access to millions of dollars worth of specialised research, manufacturing, and production equipment.Grant Verry, Co-CEO of NZFIN, emphasises that many food entrepreneurs face significant barriers when attempting to commercialise innovations. The expanded network, which now includes Canada and the Asia-Pacific region, offers Kiwi businesses the capital, expertise, and global access needed to succeed.“By extending support for New Zealand food innovation beyond territorial and regulatory boundaries, we are unlocking market access through a unified system,” says Verry. “This ecosystem ensures businesses can scale and compete globally with the same level of support and expertise they would receive in New Zealand.”NZFIN, which was established in 2011, continues to play a vital role in helping Kiwi food and beverage businesses develop and commercialise innovative products that meet global demand, fostering significant economic growth for the sector.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood? We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]