Promoting the Quality and Safety of Produce: New Zealand Holds 'Made with Care' Produce Presentation Event

The New Zealand Embassy's Commercial Section and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), the New Zealand government's business development agency, held a 'New Zealand Produce Presentation Event: Made with Care' for media and influencers at the New Zealand Embassy in Japan on Tuesday, May 12. They introduced the deliciousness, safety, and high quality that characterize New Zealand produce and provided an opportunity for attendees to taste the products.

This event was held as part of the 'Made with Care' global campaign, which NZTE is rolling out in key export markets including Japan, Australia, China, the US, and the UK. Producers and export managers for apples, kiwifruit, avocados, and squash traveled from New Zealand for the event. The campaign message, 'Made with Care,' expresses the characteristics of New Zealand products, which are produced with a focus on ethical values such as consideration for people, society, and the environment, in addition to deliciousness, safety, high quality, and rich nutritional value.

The event welcomed culinary expert and registered dietitian Megumi Fujii, known for her book 'Fujii Bento,' who proposed bento recipes that leverage the deliciousness and nutritional value of New Zealand ingredients. As a program blending New Zealand and Japanese food cultures, an interactive session was held where participants packed ingredients to create their own original 'Made with Care BENTO.'

To start, participants were welcomed with fresh smoothies made from New Zealand produce and a performance of the 'haka,' a traditional ceremony of the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand. This was followed by a welcome address from Lucy Duncan, the Acting New Zealand Ambassador to Japan. The Ambassador stated, 'New Zealand and Japan have built a precious relationship over many years, based on mutual respect, trust, and a commitment to quality. Both our countries place great importance on quality, consistency, and attention to detail. We are proud to bring New Zealand products to the Japanese market and to contribute to the high standards that Japanese consumers demand.'

Peter Crisp, Chief Executive of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, also commented: ''Made with Care' is not just about the New Zealand produce itself, but the thinking behind it. 'Made with Care' means caring for the land and its people, representing care at every stage from the soil to the market. This approach is also strongly influenced by Māori values in Aotearoa, New Zealand. In particular, Kaitiakitanga: the responsibility to protect and nurture the land for future generations, and Manaakitanga: the concept of care, respect, and responsibility for people, including customers, partners, and consumers. These values are especially important in the agricultural sector, as the quality of fresh produce is shaped over time by careful accumulation at every step.' He reiterated the 'Made with Care' philosophy that New Zealand cherishes.

(Image Caption: New Zealand's Acting Ambassador Lucy Duncan and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Chief Executive Peter Crisp)

Afterward, various New Zealand export companies gave more detailed presentations on the features of New Zealand produce.

New Zealand is blessed with a rich natural environment, including a temperate climate and fertile soil, and the nation is promoting sustainable initiatives, including the reduction of environmental impact. This stance has been recognized, earning global trust as a supplier of safe and secure food. New Zealand produce, in particular, has the following characteristics:

- High quality and safety: Strict production standards and sustainable agricultural practices - High nutritional value: Fresh and nutrient-rich produce - Affinity with Japanese food culture: Naturally fits into the Japanese dining table, including bento boxes

Six companies exhibited at this event, each speaking about the appeal of the New Zealand produce they produce:

- The Fresh Fruit Company of New Zealand (Freshco) https://www.freshco.co.nz - Freshmax NZ Fruit https://www.freshmax.group