Foodstuffs North Island (FSNI) is connecting local and emerging food suppliers with supermarket owner-operators and merchandise teams through its Artisan Expo program.

Held at the Naumi Hotel in Wellington, the event brought suppliers together with FSNI store owners and merchandise teams. Suppliers were able to present their products, receive feedback and better understand what it takes to grow in grocery.

Artisan Expo follows an initiative introduced by FSNI after a fire at New World Victoria Park in Auckland last year, which disrupted some suppliers’ access to customers.

The grocery team was led by Jocelyn McCallum, head of merchandise – grocery food. The team connected affected suppliers with other store owners across the network to maintain distribution opportunities.

Following the response, FSNI developed the concept into a broader program, connecting suppliers with store owners and buyers across the network.

Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin said Artisan Expo was an example of the locally owned co-operative model in action.

“Some of the best grocery ideas start pretty small, around a kitchen bench, in a family business, or from someone spotting a gap and having a go.”

Store owners can identify products for local customers, while suppliers receive feedback and insights into customer demand and distribution opportunities.

Kelli-Jo Walker, founder of Wild Fermentary, said these connections are important for small producers.

“Supporting local producers isn’t just about putting products on shelves,” she said. “It’s about building stronger regional food systems, backing Kiwi innovation and giving customers more choice.”

Access to the retail network can support investment as businesses expand. Revivealicious Foods founder Jeremy Dixon said opportunities through Foodstuffs, including Emerge and Artisan Expo, had helped the business take its next steps.

“The early stages of a business are fragile, and getting products into stores quickly can make a huge difference,” he said. “Being able to meet with key buyers and store owners in one place, without having to travel around the country, is a significant opportunity for a small business like ours.”

Quin said supporting emerging suppliers was about creating opportunities for businesses that bring innovation and agility to the network.

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