New Zealand firm signs pact with Philippines on food trade
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AUCKLAND, New Zealand (via PLDT) - The Philippines and the Sanitarium Health Food Company (SHFC), a leading New Zealand food manufacturer, have forged a partnership agreement intended to bolster the two-way trade of food items between the Philippines and New Zealand
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, who is accompanying President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her five-day trip to New Zealand and Australia, briefed members of the Philippine media on the key features of the agreement during Mrs. Arroyo’s tour of the company’s facility near the Auckland international airport this morning, capping her four-day visit to New Zealand.
From the SHFC complex, the President went straight to the airport for the trip to Canberra, Australia on the second leg of her two-nation Asian trip.
Also with the President were Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Trade Secretary Peter Favila and Ambassador to New Zealand Bien Tejano.
SHFC officials led by Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kevin Jackson, General Manager Pierre Van Heerden, General Manager for Exports Dean Powrie, Marketing Manager Mark Roper and Nutrition Services Manager Kim Stirling welcomed the President.
Yap said the agreement with SHFC is part of the $30-million Philippine agriculture export package consisting of fresh and processed agro-fishery products signed during the President’s visit to New Zealand.
Under the agreement, the DA would facilitate SHFC’s linkup with Filipino suppliers who can meet the market and production requirements of the New Zealand health food company.
“We can pursue the sale of fresh and processed fruit and fruit products from the Philippines like mangoes, bananas and banana chips, nuts and desiccated coconut with SHFC, which is a leading supplier of breakfast
cereals and health food products,” Yap said.
SHFC is a leading maker of quality, healthy and plant-based foods such as breakfast cereals and vegetarian products.
Founded in 1898, SHFC’s flagship product, Weet-Bix, has remained a top seller in the Australian and New Zealand breakfast cereal market for almost 40 years now.
SHFC is wholly owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which affords them tax benefits as the company directs its profits back into the church, community and other humanitarian projects across the globe. (OPS) (davaotoday.com)
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