The Kiwi Craft Makers bringing Innovation to New York

The representation of Aotearoa New Zealand at the Good Food Mercantile show in New York in June promises to be an immersive journey into the heart of the country's rich culinary and cultural tapestry, highlighting groundbreaking products and the innovation of some of the best craft makers in the world. 

From the lush green pastures to the fertile soil and pristine waters, New Zealand offers a bounty of outstanding, great-tasting, and nutritious food and drink products. These offerings are not just about flavor but also about the sustainability of the ingredients and processes involved.

At this year's Good Food Mercantile show, attendees can expect to encounter groundbreaking products that not only cater to current trends in food and wellness but also offer a glimpse into the innovative spirit of New Zealand's craft makers and merchants. 

This year's interesting tastemakers are Lewis Road Creamery, which presents their premium New Zealand butter, sourced from 65-day pasture-raised cows, certified 99% grass-fed, and regeneratively farmed. Their commitment to quality is evidenced by third-party audits, ensuring top-notch standards. With an emp by third-party audits, ensuring top-notch standards. With an emphasis on ethical sourcing and sustainable practices, Lewis Road Creamery offers consumers not just butter but a taste of New Zealand's pristine pastures. For those seeking exceptional dairy products with a conscience, Lewis Road Creamery 

Plant-Based Innovations for Snacking that tread lightly on the Planet: 

• Raglan Food Co, the #1 selling plant-based yogurt in New Zealand, is now coming to America to celebrate its 10-year anniversary! Raglan Food Co's yogurt has a uniquely rich and delicious taste and texture, much like dairy but made from coconuts. In a blind taste test versus US plant-based yogurt competition, Raglan Food Co's yogurt scored the highest. A recipe that matches the natural beauty of the land and people where it was born. American consumers can indulge in the velvety smoothness of this tasty yogurt in four luscious flavors: Strawberry, Blueberry, Vanilla, and Plain, all available in 5.3-ounce single servings. Raglan 5.3-ounce yogurt cups can be found on FreshDirect.com and in select New York City stores for SRP $2.99. Raglan will be rolling into more stores beginning in Summer 2024.
• Wild Nation Vege Bites offers a flavorful journey with simple, real ingredients and no additives or preservatives. Their crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, vibrant center bursting with mouthwatering flavor combinations. Produced by Greenmount Foods, known for zero waste and chef-inspired creations, these bites are designed to tantalize taste buds. With varieties like Jalapeno and Plant-Based Mozzarella, Smashed Pea and Mint, and Smoked Chipotle Sweet Potato, Wild Nation Vege Bites promise a memorable taste sensation. 
• Off-Piste Provisions is a pioneering plant-based meat company from New Zealand that offers an adventurous twist on jerky. Crafted entirely from plants with 45% protein and no BS additives, their Plant-Based Jerky promises a guilt-free indulgence. Founded by former beef producer Jade Gray, the brand embodies a commitment to veganism, organic sourcing, and sustainability. 

Upcycling your Charcuterie Board to a gourmet level: Rutherford + Meyer presents gourmet wafers and fruit pastes for cheese pairings alongside their innovative Upcycled Grain Crisps. With flavors like Three Seeds, Garlic & Olive Oil, and Natural, their wafers offer a satisfying crunch. Their fruit pastes in Quince, Fig, Pear, Plum, Apricot, and Cherry add a burst of natural sweetness to any cheese platter. The Upcycled Grain Crisps, crafted from spent grains, come in Fig & Cardamom, Cranberry & Coconut, Raisin & Rosemary, and Orange & Sesame flavors, offering a unique snacking experience.

Alcohol-Free Cocktail Dupes with Afterglow Technology: AF Drinks US Ltd introduces Free AF, a line of mocktail alternatives inspired by popular cocktails such as Aperol Spritz, Paloma, Cuba Libre, and Vodka Spritz. What sets these drinks apart is their Afterglow™ technology, a 100% natural botanical extract that replicates the pleasant warmth of alcohol without the actual alcohol content. This innovation ensures that Free AF's non-alcoholic cocktails taste as delicious as their alcoholic counterparts. From the Italian & Sharp Apero Spritz to the Spicy and Zesty AF Paloma, each beverage promises a satisfying and refreshing experience without the need for alcohol. Discover the taste of Free AF at af-drinks.com.

This Peanut Butter Brand is Skyrocketing into Space. Fix & Fogg USA, Inc. will highlight its range of sustainable and delicious nut butters at the show. Crafted in New Zealand, their products are B Corp certified, vegan-friendly, NON-GMO certified, palm oil-free, and devoid of harmful additives or refined sugar. The brand offers Super Crunchy Peanut Butter, Crunchy Almond Butter, and Everything Butter, providing a variety of flavorful options for consumers.

Lush New Zealand pastures produce quality meats. 

• Atkins Ranch is showcasing its premium lamb raised by a network of family farms nestled in the lush pastures of remote New Zealand. Their lambs roam freely, grazing on 100% grass, resulting in flavors and textures that are globally coveted. Featured at the show are Atkins Ranch Ground Lamb and Boneless Lamb Loin. 
• First Light Farms' mission to produce delicious, ethically raised meat has earned them acclaim, with Forbes hailing them as "the best beef in the world." From Wagyu Beef Ribeye to Elk Medallions, First Light Farms delivers exceptional quality and taste. 

The representatives look forward to saying Kia Ora (a warm Kiwi welcome) at the show. 

Inquiries can be made to Noel Morrison, noel.morrison@nzte.govt.nz. 

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NZ Trade & Enterprises