A new trade partnership between a New Zealand company and its Pacific partners could see more food products from the region sold in New Zealand stores.
Pacific Trade and Invest teamed up with the Produce Company which distributes more than 3000 products to restaurants, cafes and caterers around New Zealand.
Flavoured Kava supplements Photo: RNZI / Indira Stewart
Products from 12 Pacific companies were showcased this week at the Fine Food New Zealand trade expo in Auckland to promote the new partnership.
Among the products were flavoured kava shots, gluten-free breadfruit flour, cassava flour, cocoa cubes from Samoa, and organic spices from Vanuatu.
Manager Joe Fuavao said industry partners have shown great interest in Pacific products.
"A lot of the cafe owners, the restauranteurs that have come across our stand - you know, they've seen the word Pacific and started to have a look at what we have on offer," Mr Fuavao said.
"I think it's excited a lot of the exhibitors today and a lot of visitors for our stand. They see a lot of exotic products and want to see what they could source that would give them a little bit of an edge in the market."
Organic virgin coconut oil Photo: RNZI / Indira Stewart