The latest research on our premium ice cream industry suggests that exporters may find new buyers in valuable overseas markets as consumers increasingly seek premium food.
Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash released a new report for Food and Beverage Information Project. The project is managed by the government agencies MBIE, MPI and NZTE, which oversee innovation, primary industries and trade development.
“The new research finds the possibility of expanding ice cream exports to Australia, Asia and the UK. This suggests that premium ice cream could potentially follow the global success of premium wine and honey exports, ”said Stuart Nash.
“Ice cream is produced in almost all parts of New Zealand and there are around 48 local manufacturers. The challenge is to translate our strong global position in dairy exports into a lucrative global market for our ice cream and other frozen treats.
“Our first local ice cream parlors started with some of the best milks and creams in the world over 100 years ago and continue to make waves. The frozen desserts sector also covers alternatives to cow’s milk and vegetable treats.
“Consumers are interested in ice cream made from sheep, deer, buffalo or goat milk. Plant-based ice creams made from oat milk, coconut milk or soy milk have a growing global market. Gelato and sorbet use the best of our abundant horticultural products.
“The humble hokey pokey in a cone is a Kiwi icon and a summer staple. But artisanal producers have innovated with organic, seasonal, and rich ingredients or flavors such as A2 milk, sea salt, peanut butter, hemp, and turmeric.
“Our free trade agreement with the UK, concluded in principle in 2021, has great potential for exports of ice cream and other dairy products. We look forward to duty-free access to the UK ice cream market and a level playing field as soon as the FTA enters into force.
“Ice cream exporters may also respond to new consumer demands resulting from the global COVID pandemic. There is a growing interest in healthy, sustainable, low-carbon or vegan foods, and in premium products purchased directly from supermarkets for home consumption.
“Kiwi ice cream is well positioned to benefit from four global megatrends in the food and beverage industry. Consumers want easy and convenient meals; are concerned about their well-being and lifestyle; are aware of where their food comes from and how it is produced; and love to indulge in products that are more than the bare essentials.
“New Zealand already has a worldwide reputation as a great place to grow food. We have high quality raw materials and low production costs; a skilled workforce and a processing industry that can be trusted by consumers; and proximity or open access to key markets which are expected to develop further with new trade agreements.
“The report suggests that ice cream producers are building on existing strengths in the dairy export supply chain; target the high-end market and formulate unique Kiwi flavors; and focus on a few developed countries where ice cream consumption is already high.
“We have the natural ingredients, the skilled producers and the premium products that global consumers want and we have new opportunities to drive export growth,” said Stuart Nash.
New Zealand already enjoys duty-free access for ice cream under a number of free trade agreements (FTAs) in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement. of Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
This includes duty-free access to China, our largest ice cream export market, under the New Zealand-China FTA; reduced tariffs in Japan, our second largest export market, under the CPTPP; and duty-free access to Australia and other Asian markets (including Hong Kong, Korea and Malaysia) through our network of FTAs.
