Industry keen as foodeast-haumako build progresses
The construction of foodeast-haumako, Hawke’s Bay’s home of food and beverage innovation, is well underway and industry is showing strong interest in the facility.
The foodeast-haumako Innovation Factory will be finished by the end of November, while the main building, the foodeast-haumako Innovation Centre, is due to be completed by March 2024.
At a site visit on Friday, shareholders, funders and guests heard why Skybright, an innovative health food company, is interested in leasing space in the facility.
Skybright’s Steve Boggs showcased the Hastings’ company’s work on fermentation-derived novel protein products, the stage they were at in the laboratory, and why the company believes foodeast-haumako is a good fit for it.
“We consider that foodeast-haumako offers an enhanced fit-for-purpose facility where we can develop and test our products for the local and international markets. We are very keen to see it reach its potential.”
Steve Boggs – Skybright
foodeast-haumako board chairman Craig Foss said the level of industry interest prior to the build completion is exceeding expectations. “It was fantastic to have Skybright present to our shareholders, funders and others working alongside us. It is a fast-developing company with a fantastic future. The presentation by Steve gave our partners a snapshot of the huge difference this facility will make to primary industry in our region.
“The vision of the establishment board, driven by Hastings District Council, and that of our current board and shareholders, is coming to fruition.”
The kaupapa of the facility is one of innovation – providing the food and beverage industry with connections that will assist businesses to develop new products and enhance existing ideas, to take them to national and international markets.
Hastings District Council, Hawke’s Bay Regional Investment Company (HBRIC), and Progressive Meats are the shareholders in foodeast, while Kānoa, the Government’s Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit, is the principal funder.
HBRIC chairman Dan Druzianic said seeing the progress of construction was exciting. “It’s been a long journey but it’s really kicking along now and we’re very keen to help create and shape food innovation in our region.”
Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said the presentation by Skybright highlighted the original vision for foodeast-haumako – the food and innovation for Hastings Hawke’s Bay, the Food Bowl of New Zealand.
“The centre will provide huge opportunities for us to attract innovative businesses which will develop new products and sustainable ways to meet the food needs for future generations. These new businesses will add real value to our economy as well as employment opportunities for Hawke’s Bay. We have had a vision for a food innovation hub for a long time and it is incredibly exciting to see it coming together.”
Sandra Hazlehurst – Hastings Mayor
Progressive Meats founder Craig Hickson said the flexibility of the spaces in the new facility would undoubtedly maximise the range of businesses attracted to use it. “It is going to be very interesting to see what develops out of the bouncing of ideas and the brainstorming you get from having a range of forward-thinking people in a site dedicated to innovation.”
Friday’s site visit concluded with a tour of the construction. Mr Foss said that, as originally envisaged, the spaces would be flexible, with some parts long-term leased and others available for booking for a range of uses including collaboration, demonstrations, events, and education and training. A small dedicated foodeast-haumako team will be focused on matching businesses with product innovations with specialists able to help them develop, test and commercialise their products.
For more information contact:
Diane Joyce – Joyce Communications
joycecomms@outlook.com
021 612270