Innovation

    NZ Fresh Cuts are widely regarded as pioneers in the New Zealand fresh cuts industry after driving innovations in the marketplace for over 15 years. In 1990 we achieved our goal of establishing sprouts as a mainstream grocery item by being the first company to install refrigerated cabinets in New Zealand. We were also first to introduce bagged salads and baby peeled carrots into the New Zealand marketplace, and have proactively driven developments in modified atmosphere packaging and lidding stocks that prolong the shelf life of fresh cut produce.

    Back in the 1980s we even made a major impact on the global growing of alfalfa sprouts by adapting the rotary drum system for growing them, which is used throughout the world today.This new technology, which we invented, totally revolutionised our business by enabling us to produce sprouts with precise computer control over all facets of their growing - from heat and lighting to nutrient systems. This has enabled us to optimise the growing conditions and produce thousands of kilograms of consistently high quality sprouts, every month of the year.

    In order to always deliver the best possible products, NZFC are constantly researching new plant varieties, new products, new natural fertilising regimes, new sanitising methods, new presentations, new production methods and systems for facilitating improved nutrition, colour, taste, and `crunchy’ freshness. In the past five years we have proactively invested in the latest production technologies such as a custom-built high-capacity harvester, vacuum cooling, high humidity fogged cool stores, air drying for delicate baby leaf produce, iodine systems, a dedicated mung bean growing system, automated filling and packing lines, sorting and washing lines, and production management systems - and further investments are planned.

    Salad Shakes - Greek Taverna SaladOur innovative product development has also been recently recognised with the successful launch of the award-winning, internationally patented Salad Shakes®, which we developed in partnership with Dashboard Diner Ltd. In 2006 Salad Shakes® – Greek Taverna won two gold medals at the Massey University Food Awards. The innovative grab and go salad impressed the judges with its café-quality taste and unique retro packaging and was awarded first prize in two categories, FMCG Meal Solutions and the Crop & Food Research Fruit & Vegetable Award. The Judges for the Massey University Food Awards FMCG Meal Solutions category referred to Salad Shakes® as a likely category creator.