With Resource Consent granted, the land purchased and funding confirmed, a start will be made on building Hawke’s Bay new food innovation hub, ‘Foodeast’, in September.
The establishment of a new commercial entity this month, signals the handover of the project from Hastings District Council and the Foodeast Establishment Board to a newly formed company. “It is a very exciting time,” says inaugural board chairman Craig Foss.
“On completion Foodeast will provide a modern state of the art innovation centre, where food industry players can base themselves or meet, collaborate and innovate. This will be a step change for our food and beverage industry; one that will foster product innovation to enable our industries to develop new offerings for both the New Zealand and international markets.” Craig Foss
Foodeast will offer commercial and industrial spaces available for lease, hot-desking and meeting and collaboration spaces, all built around a café and surrounded by landscaped grounds. On site, Foodeast will have a small in-house team linking businesses to mentors and advisors, to enable them to commercialise new products.
The project’s three investors are Hawke’s Bay Regional Investment Company (HBRIC) 67%, and Hastings District Council and Progressive Meats (16% each). The development of the facility is supported by $12m of funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
First published by Foodeast. Click here to read the full article.