Tangible FTA Rewards
New Zealand Food Week last week revealed the tangible, delicious rewards of Korea signing the Free Trade Agreement with the country last year. The products unveiled are expected to be significantly more affordable due to the ratification of the New Zealand-Korea Free Trade Agreement.
Among the newly launched world-class New Zealand products and brands are Monteith's Brewing Company, which is recognized as the leader in the New Zealand craft beer market by carefully brewing in small batches to develop full natural flavors; Moa Brewing Company, which focuses on brewing super premium handcrafted beers, offering different styles of beer that are rounded off through the use of winemaking techniques; and Killinchy Gold premium ice cream and sorbets made from fresh milk and high-quality cream.
“New Zealand is the largest exporter in the world of dairy products and a major supplier of beef, kiwifruit and seafood to international markets,” says Ryan Freer, New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Korea.
“New Zealand dairy products have increased 42 percent year-on-year by weight,” added Freer. “It’s great to see more and more Korean consumers enjoying New Zealand produce here and to celebrate that during New Zealand Food Week. With more than 100 years of experience in food production, science and exporting quality products, New Zealand employs modern technological practices which ensure all food produced is sustainable and safe.”
The success of the New Zealand dairy industry is built around a natural environment suited to agriculture and an efficient pasture-based dairy production system. New Zealand's temperate climate, good rainfall and environmental conditions result in healthy pastures ideal for dairy cows.
New Zealand is one of only two countries to export more than half its total food production, and Korea is its sixth largest export market worth US$1.257 billion.
New Zealand Food Week included Food Connection trade show events in Seoul and Busan, New Zealand wine festivals in both cities and a New Zealand ice cream day at Lotte.
Food Connection featured over 30 participating companies and cooking demonstrations by well-known chef Jinho Lee to show how New Zealand food and ingredients can be utilized for a variety of delicious local and international cuisines. To top it off, visitors were invited to “step into New Zealand” and discover the source of its amazing produce through a virtual reality headset.
Also featured during the week are dairy products and ingredients, honey, meat, seafood, chocolate, fruit, wine and beverages from more than 30 New Zealand businesses.