Aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation, research and development in the food, beverage and agricultural technology sectors, this appointment was the next step for the Food Innovation Hub project that had already received a grant of $200,000 from the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund.

Alongside the Government grant, regional entities including Hastings District Council, Napier City Council and 13 other organisations engaged in the food, beverage and agri-tech sectors contributed $35,000 towards the study and business case. Sapere Research Group was chosen for its extensive experience in completing feasibility and business cases for the three industries. Previously, a discovery phase report was completed in the third quarter of 2017 with input from more than 50 food and beverage-focused organisations in Hawke’s Bay, which confirmed real interest in the concept. . . . .>