New Zealand has a flourishing food and fibre sector, with businesses sending products around the world every day.
The country’s strong reputation for producing consistently high-quality and trusted products, positions the sector to drive sustainable growth that benefits all New Zealanders. Global demand shows no signs of slowing; with export revenue forecasted to continue growing.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is committed to doubling the value of exports to $106 billion by 2034, a goal that relies on all parts of the food and fibre production system. MPI’s Exporter Help service supports businesses to expand into overseas markets and navigate their exporting journey.
Exporter Help
Exporter Help delivers one-to-one advice, and develops educational resources such as guides and webinars, to assist food and fibre businesses understand the rules and become more confident in sending their products overseas.
The free Exporter Help service is available to businesses of all sizes, no matter where they are in their exporting journey. This means any business can seek support; from those just exploring the idea of exporting, to those that are already established and need specific requirements clarified.
Exporter Help works to provide accurate and up-to-date information, enabling businesses to work efficiently and avoid costly mistakes. The team has supported many businesses, including wine producer Giesen Wines.
Giesen Wines’ export success
Giesen Wines specialises in dealcoholised and low-alcohol wines alongside their traditional wine portfolio, and was the first to produce and export dealcoholised New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
Founded in 1981 by brothers Theo, Alex, and Marcel Giesen, the business has grown from its early beginnings into a globally successful brand. The company began exporting in 1988, initially sending wine to Great Britain.
Today, Giesen products are exported to over 25 countries, and are among the top-selling premium dealcoholised wine brands in the United States.
Throughout Giesen’s export journey, the Exporter Help team has provided support with a range of export-related queries. These have often arisen due to differing regulatory requirements in overseas markets, particularly for dealcoholised products.
Exporter Help has worked closely with other MPI teams to provide tailored advice, ensuring Giesen has a clear pathway to export their dealcoholised wines, that product definitions are met, and that the appropriate certification requested by overseas markets can be supplied.
Thanks to Exporter Help’s assistance, Giesen has the confidence to continue exploring new export opportunities and to proudly represent New Zealand on the global stage.
Giesen is just one of thousands of businesses that Exporter Help has supported, and continues to support, on their export journey.
Contact the Exporter Help team with your exporting questions by emailing exporterhelp@mpi.govt.nz, calling 0800 674 490, or by visiting the MPI website.
