Good Food Boost programme seeks out best up and coming good food businesses

The competition has been run by the Sustainable Business Network (SBN) and Auckland Events, Tourism and Economic Development (ATEED) for five years.

The Good Food Boost seeks out the best up and coming ‘good’ food businesses. The winners get free expert help and mentoring from Auckland’s top foodies.

The competition has been run by the Sustainable Business Network (SBN) and Auckland Events, Tourism and Economic Development (ATEED) for five years.

This year’s winners are:

• Savour plant-based cheese that is delicious, vegan and organic, and designed to have a low impact on the environment.

• Foodprint: a new digital platform where eateries can sell surplus food, reducing food waste.

• Foodie Babe: freshly-cooked, nutritious, organic vegetable baby meals that are delivered to the door.

• Hunt and Gather: an ethical honey business that puts the environment, bees and family first.

This year’s expert mentors are:

• Chris Morrison, founder of All Good Bananas and Karma Cola

• Megan May, founder of Little Bird Organics

• Martin Yeoman, Strategy Partner at The Enthusiasts

• Paul Johnston, Supply and Distribution Manager from Health Life Foods

• James Griffin, Project and Advisory Lead, Sustainable Business Network

Emma Brosnahan, Advisory and Project Lead at SBN says: “Good food means considering more than just the bottom line of profits. It’s thinking about where food comes from, how it’s grown and made and where it goes: to the consumer and if it’s going to be food waste.

“These products and services are part of the solution to restoring our food system to one that is more resilient, healthy, diverse and environmentally and socially responsible. I’ll be excited to watch these businesses grow through the mentoring process.”

ATEED General Manager Economic Development Pam Ford says ATEED is keen to support Auckland food and beverage entrepreneurs and small businesses, given the role they play in the regional economy.

“Auckland has nearly 3000 food and beverage businesses and 96 per cent of those are small and medium-sized enterprises. About 400 new food and beverage businesses have been established in the five years to 2018. The overall sector employs more than 30,000 people in Auckland.

“We’re glad to partner with the Sustainable Business Network on the Good Food Boost in a programme that enables Auckland businesses to grow in a sustainable way, gain recognition, and make connections to extend product reach and access new market opportunities.”