As the fuel shortages bite, worsening the cost of living crisis, and food processors Watties and McCain plan to close some of their plants - there are renewed calls from a food advocacy group to prioritise more food for domestic consumption. Eat New Zealand, which has a membership of farmers, fishers, food manufacturers, chefs and consumers, is highlighting a growing trend to import food, raising concerns over resilience of supply for local consumption. Its chief executive Angela Clifford says the group would like a strategy to support both commercial manufacture destined to be sent overseas, and secure domestic food supplies for New Zealanders. Foodstuffs sent these comments over food security and local supplies. New Zealanders can be confident that food supply remains secure. While there are cost pressures in parts of the supply chain - including fuel - there is no indication of any risk to the availability of food in our stores. We have long-standing relationships with New Zealand growers and manufacturers, including partners like Wattie's, who have produced a significant portion of our Own Brand frozen vegetables. We value the role local growers play and recognise how important it is to keep food production viable in New Zealand.
