FMCG Business Mag Column: Annual Conference 2024 – Shared Horizons
FMCG Business December 2024-January 2025 by The Intermedia Group – Issuu
Wellington, Te Whanganui a Tara, hosted this year’s NZFGC Annual Conference, with over 200 delegates coming together in the capital city. This gathering is NZFGC’s biggest annual FMCG event, bringing together New Zealand’s food, beverage and grocery industry, featuring inspiring sessions on sustainability and leadership, along with keynotes from industry leaders and government officials.
On the opening night of the conference, NZFGC unveiled the second season of the Shared Horizons online series. This initiative, in partnership with ASN Media, showcases the latest innovations, inspirations, and leadership within New Zealand’s food and beverage industry. Season two features companies such as Booth’s Logistics, Comvita, Danone, Dole, George Weston Foods, GS1 NZ, McCashin’s Brewery, NZ Sugar, Plant & Food Research, Sanitarium, and Tegel. The themes for this season include ‘Sustainability’, ‘The Future of Manufacturing in Aotearoa’, ‘Reformulation and Innovation’, and ‘Engaging Communities’, highlighting inspiring stories that are crucial to New Zealand companies today and in the future.
Hosted in the Grand Hall in the Parliament precinct, Minister of Finance, Hon Nicola Willis, welcomed delegates with a positive message for the FMCG industry, emphasising the government’s focus on trade and overseas investment to drive New Zealand’s economic growth.
Conference day one at the new Tākina Convention Centre was packed with sessions on leadership, the latest trends, regulation, and digital innovation. The conference began with rugby legend Tana Umaga, who shared his humbling leadership journey, focusing on his commitment to honouring his parents’ legacy and acknowledging their sacrifices. Updates on industry and trends from Argon & Co’s team, Circana, NextGen and ANZ, ending the day with updates from the Grocery Commissioner and Minister of Commerce, Hon Andrew Bayly.
The Gala Dinner at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, supported by Cardinal, provided a fantastic opportunity for networking and reconnecting after a full day. Attendees were treated to an opening performance by the incredible Kristen Te Rito and concluded the evening with a performance by Wellington’s The Hustle.
Day two of the conference started with a panel discussion on the ESG challenges and opportunities for FMCG businesses, followed by time with Woolworths New Zealand and then Foodstuffs North Island and South Island. The day continued with insights on food waste and its untapped value for businesses, as well as changing consumer attitudes towards health in New Zealand, and was wrapped up by the dynamic Paula Bennett.
NZFGC’s Annual Conference demonstrated the strength of our FMCG community, delegates leaving with valuable insights and a shared commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the industry.
