environments and are focused on quality control, all while pushing
the limits of product innovation.
“Hemp seeds are safe to eat, nutritious and do not have a
psychoactive effect. The de-shelled seed can be used to make high-
value milks, cereals, flours, cosmetics, oils, butters, protein powders,
and premium pet food.
From product development
research, through to
stability trials and
validating label claims
Augusta van Wijk
Cawthron Analytical Science
Business Development Manager
[email protected]
C
awthron Analytical Science are now offering their
expertise and services to the growing hemp industry,
following Ministry of Health approval for their laboratory to
test, research, and develop hemp seed products.
To welcome this new capability, Cawthron has developed reliable
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) tests for
Cannabidiol (CBD), Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and CBD and
THC acids.
Augusta van Wijk (Cawthron Analytical Science Business Manager)
enthused by the industry’s possibilities stated, “Hemp is increasingly
being recognised for its food and nutraceutical benefits, and
the industry is energised to make the most of emerging market
opportunities. With our recently extended regulatory capability,
we’re looking forward to working alongside growers and
manufacturers to validate and innovate quality, compliant products
for domestic and international markets.”
Augusta continues, “At Cawthron, we’re experienced in testing,
researching, and developing products within strict regulatory
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The hemp seed industry is growing at pace.
Last year, production scaled up from 200ha to 1,200ha and
New Zealand Hemp Industries Association (NZHIA) Chairman
Richard Barge expects this progress to continue as markets for
low-THC industrial hemp open up.
Hemp seeds have a very strong nutritional profile. Hemp also
contains CBD, a bioactive increasingly recognised for its therapeutic
value in helping consumers manage health conditions. “We can
leapfrog to a world-leading position if we enable ourselves in this
space,” said Mr Barge.
The New Zealand Government recently approved the therapeutic
use of CBD, and while there are strict controls in place, the move
highlights the potential for high-value nutraceutical and functional
food products.
“We know that here in New Zealand, our farmers grow great
produce supported by favourable climatic conditions. We’re looking
to develop and add value to our products so we can best serve
premium, international markets; leveraging off New Zealand’s clean
green image, while growing a crop that reinforces that reputation.
“To realise this ambition, producers will need to access the range
of services that laboratories such as Cawthron Analytical Science is
offering, from product development, through to stability trials and
validating label claims,” said Mr Barge.
Cawthron Analytical Science offers a routine 5 – 10 working day
turnaround time for testing hemp products for CBD, CBD-A, THC, and
THC-A. To access this service or for further information on Analytical
R&D services, contact Augusta van Wijk. q
Cawthron Analytical Science -
Gurmeet Kaur operating the rotary
sample mixer.
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