T&G: WTO 'misled' over Zespri
Date: 9 Jun 2011Listed fresh produce company Turners and Growers has accused the Government of misleading the World Trade Organisation about the status of kiwifruit exporter Zespri as a "state trading enterprise". The company said the Government's latest notification to the WTO about why it maintains a state trading enterprise for kiwifruit exports is incorrect and misleading, and, unhappy with Trade Minister Tim Groser's response to the issue, it has asked Prime Minister John Key to intervene as ... more
Winemakers welcome excise changes
Date: 2 Jun 2011Alterations to the payment procedures for wine excise announced today by Minister of Economic Development David Carter and Minister of Customs Maurice Williamson will be warmly welcomed by affected wineries says industry organisation New Zealand Winegrowers. The changes mean around half of New Zealand’s 700 wineries will have a longer time to make excise payments to government as returns will now be able to made either six monthly or yearly, instead of monthly. “This simple ... more
FGC welcomes MAF ruling on infant formula, Heitiki to drop brand
Date: 2 Jun 2011The Ministry of Agriculture’s declaration that the Heitiki infant formula products are safe has been welcomed by the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council (FGC). “We commend MAF for working so swiftly on this investigation demonstrating once again the strength and rigour of New Zealand’s food safety system, says Katherine Rich, CEO of the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council. “We also welcome Kiaora’s decision to remove its website and change its packaging ... more
FGC backs call to investigate Heitiki infant formula
Date: 31 May 2011The New Zealand Food and Grocery Council (FGC) yesterday strongly backed Minister Tariana Turia’s call for a full investigation by regulators into the status of Heitiki Infant Formula and the credentials of the company Kiaora New Zealand International Limited. “We endorse the Minister’s concern, and thank her for raising this issue at the highest level, said Katherine Rich, CEO of the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council. “FGC has 6 members involved in the ... more
Marmite and Vegemite smuggling: Denmark's new crime
Date: 26 May 2011New Zealand’s food and grocery companies are incredulous at Denmark’s bizarre decision to make breakfast spreads like Marmite and Vegemite illegal under food safety laws, says Katherine Rich, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Food & Grocery Council. This bizarre decision of The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration to ban these iconic Kiwi brands is one of the world’s best examples of what happens when governments don’t pay suitable attention to the ... more
SPCA Blue Tick for free range chicken
Date: 25 May 2011Is your chicken truly free range – and what exactly does that mean? Consumers will soon be able to buy chicken meat that carries the SPCA Blue Tick of accreditation – signifying that the farming methods are in line with the specific welfare standards prescribed by the society. The SPCA’s Blue Tick programme is the only independently audited animal welfare standard in New Zealand and identifies animal products produced in a manner that is guaranteed to be humane. ... more
