62 | An expanding international footprint The company has SPCA Certified status, having been involved with the blue tick scheme since approximately 1995. New Zealand Egg Group is cracking new markets across Asia and the Pacific as the family-owned business continues its growth strategy, powered by a state-of-the-art liquid egg plant and an expanding international footprint that now spans from Singapore to Japan. The Levin-based company, which boasts four generations of family involvement, has positioned itself at the forefront of New Zealand’s egg industry through strategic acquisitions and innovative production methods that are opening doors to lucrative export opportunities. “Export is a focus for the company going forward. New Zealand is a small market in its own right so finding quality export markets is an important part of our growth strategy,” says one of the company owners Nick Bennik. The company’s international expansion has its products now reaching Singapore and Hong Kong as key markets while also supplying the Maldives, Pacific Islands and Papua New Guinea. Recent market development has extended its reach to Korea, Macau and Japan, demonstrating the global appetite for New Zealand’s premium egg products. Central to the growth strategy is a recently installed new liquid egg plant that has been operational for approximately seven months, transforming whole eggs into raw ingredient products for manufacturing clients. “It’s given us opportunities to access manufacturing markets providing yolks, whites or whole eggs on mass for other companies to manufacture into products. It will be a big part of our company’s future going forward and there are plans to manufacture our own range of value add products,” explains Nick. The expansion builds upon a foundation laid by strategic acquisitions in 2021, when the company acquired Frenz, primarily focused on export markets, and local producer A & A Foods, significantly boosting production capacity. T T Karen Phelps AGRICULTURE New Zealand Egg Group These moves consolidated the company’s position as one of New Zealand’s premier wholesale egg suppliers. The business traces its origins to 1967 when Harry and Wilhelmina Bennik established Benniks Poultry Farm Ltd in the Horowhenua region, though the family’s involvement in egg production began in the mid-1950s. The Dutch immigrants initially leased a dairy farm near Wellington with a small egg production facility that sparked what Nick describes as their “passion for all things chicken”. He says what sets the company apart is its early commitment to animal welfare. It was among the first commercial farmers to voluntarily abandon cage systems in 1995, transitioning to barn and free-range production methods. This move towards ethical farming practices has proven invaluable in today’s market, where consumer consciousness about animal welfare and sustainability continues to grow globally. “Consumers are far more engaged with where their food is coming from. It’s a trend that will continue. People like the story from the farm gate to the plate. Animal welfare and sustainability are key concerns for consumers today,” says Nick. The company has SPCA Certified status, having been involved with the blue tick scheme since approximately 1995, reinforcing its commitment to high welfare standards that resonate with international buyers. Nick is one of the second-generation owners of New Zealand Egg Group alongside brothers Harry and Paul and sister Janie. “We’ve all been involved in the business all the way through from our childhoods. We all helped on the farm and were mentored by Mum and Dad. It set down a good foundation for high animal welfare practice and care, instilled values in us around providing a good quality product and service,” explains Nick. “We have four generations of family working in the business proving we are highly committed to being a great operator. We are proud of our longevity within the industry. Our customers know we are a ‘stayer’.” We focus on providing business advice and accounting solutions, so our clients can focus on what they do best! RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | THERMAL IMAGING | EV CHARGERS PROUDLY SUPPORTING NEW ZEALAND EGG GROUP (06) 364 6146 (24 Hours) admin@ppel.co.nz www.ppel.co.nz ojifs.com Packaging Central 0800 220 500 casectrl@ojifs.com Proudly supplying quality corrugated packaging to
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