2011-06-20 14:00 
SINGAPORE, June 20, 2011
/PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Singapore's leading chefs and hospitality
personnel were treated to the "fresh tastes of New Zealand" at the
country's largest ever food and beverage showcase here today.
Organised by New Zealand Trade and
Enterprise (NZTE), 30 New Zealand companies showcased delicacies
including tender grass-fed beef and lamb, fresh seafood such as
oysters and greenshell mussels sourced from clean oceans, dairy
products like natural ice cream and uniquely crafted cheeses,
nutritious kiwifruit and juices, fresh fruits and vegetables, fine
wines and other beverages, as well as specialty foods.
"New Zealand is coming to Singapore
in a big way," says Ziena Jalil, New Zealand Trade Commissioner to
Singapore. "The scale of this premier food and beverage event
demonstrates New Zealand's commitment as a long-standing trade
partner of Singapore and also our belief in the opportunities we
see here as well as the solutions that New Zealand companies can
provide. With a booming retail market and strong growth in the
hospitality sector, particularly with the establishment of the
integrated resorts, we see huge growth opportunities for New
Zealand food producers and their local partners."
Singapore is New Zealand's sixth
largest bilateral trading partner. In ten years, New Zealand
exports to Singapore increased by more than 85 per cent, with food
and beverage exports growing by a massive 147 per cent over the
same period. Food and beverage exports (including meat, dairy,
seafood, fruit, vegetables and beverages) currently make up more
than 70 per cent of New Zealand's total exports to Singapore.
Award-winning New Zealand chef Jason
Dell who created culinary delights for guests at the event said:
"There is a growing trend around the world of consumers placing
increasing importance on food safety, and constantly seeking new
tastes, high quality and health benefits. New Zealand's unblemished
record as a safe, trusted provider of food and beverage products
means our produce has an edge."
Adam Haywood, Director of Food and
Beverage at The Sentosa Resort and Spa, who attended the event,
said New Zealand is well positioned to provide solutions to new
challenges facing the food service sector. "New Zealand offers a
solution that few countries in the world can match. A wide range of
sustainably sourced food and beverages of the highest quality, or
put simply - pure tastes from a pure place," Mr Haywood said.
New Zealand Trade
and Enterprise (NZTE) is the New Zealand government's national
economic development agency. For more information on New Zealand
Trade and Enterprise visit: www.nzte.govt.nz
SOURCE New Zealand Trade and
Enterprise