FOOD industry experts from New Zealand are gearing up to take the lead in discussing innovative food solutions focused on new ways of delivering nutrition , fraud prevention and food safety at the FHA2018 International Conference , held this week at Singapore Expo and Suntec Singapore .

Day 1 Pre-Masterclass Under the Maori name Nuku ki te Puku ( Everyday Good Nutrition for Human Wellness ), a group of New Zealand innovators is holding a pre-conference Masterclass today ( April 24 ) at Singapore Expo . Exploring the latest innovations aimed at improving health and nutrition for the Asian market , this venture connects F & B businesses from New Zealand ’ s indigenous Maori community with leaders in science and innovation to develop novel solutions for the food industry .

Called New Nutrition : High Value Consumer Designed Nutrition , this pre-Masterclass session features Nuku ki te Puku board member Wayne Mulligan . “ Research

shows that there has been a rise in dietary issues and nutrient deficiencies in Asia , including Singapore ,” he explains . “ This comes alongside an epidemic of Type 2 diabetes and an increase in lung conditions linked to urban pollution .”

Mulligan adds : “ We are focused on developing nutrition that will address these issues and are looking forward to contribute to the industry discussion around how we can help deliver more high-value nutrition to consumers across this region .”

Aside from nutrition solutions , other New Zealand food leaders are looking into the increasing demand for safer food in their discussions , highlighting fraud prevention methods and some of the key factors to consider when entering markets such as China .

Kerry Russel , general manager of AsureQuality , South-east Asia and China , will be speaking at the session Where does Your Company Sit When it Comes to Food Safety & Fraud Prevention , on Day 2 ( April 25 ) under the Food Safety and

New Zealand Trade Commissioner Hayley Horan : “ New Zealand ’ s reputation as a trusted food producer has never been more relevant , and our businesses are ahead of the pack in meeting this need .”

Supply Chain track at Singapore Expo .

He says : “ Food safety is a priority for consumers across Asia . At the same time , social media is making it easier for consumers to raise any concern about their food . This makes it even more important now for food companies , especially the small

and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ), to ensure that they have best practices around food safety and risk management in place to protect their reputation . I look forward to sharing some of the basics around food-testing regimes and procedures with other industry leaders at FHA2018 .”

With robotics and agritech development a keen topic in Singapore , New Zealand Trade Commissioner Hayley Horan is pleased that the country ’ s food leaders are also involved in this conference discussion at FHA2018 through Plus Group of Companies ’ managing director , Steve Saunders , who will be presenting Robotics and Agritech Development on Day 3 ( April 26 ) under the Food Product Development Technology & Innovation Forum track , also at Singapore Expo .

“ New Zealand is a frontrunner in the field of agribusiness and we are really excited to share how we ’ re harnessing new developments in robotics . As we continue to develop clever ways to improve efficiency and productivity , our

businesses are evolving from being trusted food producers to food-tech leaders ,” Commissioner Horan says .

The speakers are joining 22 other food companies from New Zealand who are exhibiting more than 60 innovative products at the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise booth 5J1-01 , Singapore Expo . Some of these products include sheep milk from Spring Sheep New Zealand , and syrups made using real ingredients for flavouring from SHOTT Beverages .

Commissioner Horan applauded New Zealand business ’ commitment to innovation for the Asian market : “ The focus from consumers and regulators on food safety has risen dramatically across Asia . People are now becoming more aware of the food they ’ re buying and where that food comes from . New Zealand ’ s reputation as a trusted food producer has never been more relevant , and our businesses are ahead of the pack in meeting this need .”