Industries

Northland's subtropical climate, fertile soils and rainfall provide an ideal environment for horticulture - the growing of food, and Northland has an abundance of businesses doing exactly this.

A sweet sample of home-grown Northland produce

Produce as diverse as fig, olives, cherimoya, blueberry, banana and Maori potato are being successfully grown and value added in the production of, for example olive oil, cheese, chocolate and wine. Niche markets are being developed for these products.

Northland has a small number of vineyards producing award winning wines with Syrah currently showing exceptional promise.

While the sector is represented by a large number of small businesses, coordination in the region is good, with successful growers markets already established, a database of specialty growers and producers available for anyone who wants to source regional food and a regional coordinator employed to manage regional initiatives.

Northland cheese and Northland Limoncello – it doesn’t get much better!

This sector is also of importance to the tourism industry of Northland with research highlighting the potential of food and wine to bring visitors into the region in the quieter winter season. A food and wine trail, showcasing Northland experiences, to assist these visitors has been developed.

 

Related Websites

• Northland Food and Wine
  The Northland Food & Wine Trail, the region's food heroes and it's famers markets. Be tempted also by Northland restaurants and wineries
  
  
• Northland Growers Directory
  A directory of Northland's specialty growers and producers
  
• MarketNewZealand
  An overview of the food and beverage sector in New Zealand