NZ sees Cebu as viable for its F&B products

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu's growing tourism industry has prompted the government of New Zealand to strengthen and expand its presence in the province after seeing Cebu as a viable commercial market for the country's food and beverage products.

In an interview, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) regional director for South and Southeast Asia Alan Koziarski said the mushrooming of hotels, resorts and restaurants in Cebu due to the increasing number of foreign tourists in the province makes it ready for the entry of relatively expensive New Zealand-produced food and beverage.

"Cebu is ready for New Zealand products. We feel that Cebu is an untapped market for us. Although these are (relatively expensive) of cost, our products are of premium quality. These are products of research and development," he told The Freeman on the sidelines of the 11th Cebu Food Expo held last week at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Meanwhile, Koziarski said Philippine food-exports are doing good in New Zealand due to the growing Filipino community, of some 25, 000 to 30, 000, in the country.

NZTE is the New Zealand government's national economic development agency. It works to stimulate economic growth by helping boost export earnings, strengthen regional economies and deliver economic development assistance to industries and individual businesses. Through its global network of offices NZTE works with international businesses and investors, connecting them to New Zealand business opportunities.

NZTE showcased for the first time in Cebu its famous products such as Zespri kiwifruit, wines, dairy products and traceable meat at its booth.

Ramoncito Bernales, NZTE's Trade Commissioner said Cebu could expect more activity from the agency in the next eight months. This is part of NZTE's plan this year to engage with Cebu's the food and beverage sector.

He said food and beverage industry players in New Zealand are looking at expanding their distribution channels in Cebu. There currently are 10 direct distributors of New Zealand products in the province.

New Zealand's food and beverage is the country's largest manufacturing sector in terms of total output, exporting to 180 countries around the world. In the last 17 years, food and beverage exports have increased to US$15.77 billion in 2009 from US$4.99 billion in 1990.

New Zealand's exports to the Philippines from January to May this year totaled US$239.1 million, a 67 percent increase from the same period last year. US$271.1 million of the total amount was attributed to the meat and dairy sectors. (THE FREEMAN)