Business Central July 2021

68 | PRODUCTION Cosana New Zealand T T Karen Phelps Cosana New Zealand operates from Taupo, which Chris calls the “honey capital of New Zealand”. A new entity with extensive industry experience in the honey market has just launched and aims to offer clients a ‘one stop shop’ when it comes to the supply and export of honey. Cosana New Zealand is the sister company of those in Japan and Europe but CEO Chris Bowman says it will operate with a difference. “Traditionally honey supply and export companies maintain relationships with their clients until they build their own brand big enough to just focus on that. “At Cosana New Zealand all our clients are important and while we will work for Cosana in other countries they will be treated just like any other customer,” he explains. Chris and his recently formed team have extensive expertise in the industry to hit the ground running. As Ex COO of King Honey and Manuka Health NZ he was responsible for building up those businesses, to levels that attracted keen investors. King Honey recently sold to Me Today Limit- ed for $36m. He is also part of the Apiculture New Zea- land standards and regulatory focus group, which works closely with MPI on decisions affecting the industry, and has been nominat - ed to sit on the board. Cosana was founded in Kobe, Japan in 2006 with the aim of developing and manufactur- ing high quality and readily available health products. In 2008 Cosana started the distribution of Manuka honey products in Japan. Today Cosa- na is the most well known brand for these products in Japan as Cosana has continuously invested in research and studies for these products, says Chris. This means that Cosana New Zealand has strong backing and expertise, which will ena- ble it to ensure high quality and sustainable supply for customers. Chris says Cosana New Zealand can also supply other bee related products as required by clients including pollen, venom, propolis, royal jelly and even Manuka oil. He says that New Zealand honey is distinct as eighty per cent of the country’s flora is unique, which was a major factor in Cosana’s decision to start Cosana New Zealand to secure supply. “This uniqueness is a natural consequence of the fact that New Zealand has been isolated from the rest of the world for 80 million years and its nearest neighbour is 2000 kilometres away. The plants have developed defence systems to survive in isolation. Central to the plant’s defence system is the production of bioactive substances to protect against disease. The combination of New Zealand’s natural sub- stances and the scientific expertise of Cosana researchers is the spirit with which we develop our products. This provides scientifically proven, effective health products that promote human health and longevity,” he explains. New firm a ‘one stop honey shop’ Cosana New Zealand operates from Taupo, which Chris calls the “honey capital of New Zealand”. It will take care of customers’ needs from procurement of honey right along the supply chain to export and logistics. It will operate to ISO9001 standards and certifica - tions include BRCGS Food Safety, MPI and FDA accreditation, AsureQuality and Halal certification through the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand. Chris says that Cosana New Zealand is al- ways looking to bring innovative new products to the market and that company will look to widen its markets as it grows its presence. LBL Lilburn Builders Ltd New House - Alterations - Extensions kirklilburn@gmail.com 027 666 8174 Master Builders R e g i s t e r e d AUTO ELECTRICAL & AIR-CONDITIONING ON ALL CARS, TRUCKS, TRAILERS, HEAVY MACHINERY AND BOATS Ph 07 378 5717 or Glen 027 273 0388 356 Rakaunui Rd, Taupo (off Centennial Dr) Proudly supporting King Honey We specialise in Solar, Gas and Plumbing, including new housing, domestic, commercial and industrial applications with rapid response service in maintanence and repairs. We are available for emergency calll outs with no after hour call out fee 4/7 Manuka Street Taupo · office@rigbyplumbing.co.nz 0800 474 429 ( 0800 4 RIGBY )