40 | State-of-the-art food park opens in Wiri In Auckland, the food park is providing a big boost to the local economy, with 400 staff working at the site during peak periods. PRODUCTION Hilton Food Group T T Kim Newth Equipped with the latest automation solutions, Hilton Foods New Zealand’s world-class food park in Wiri, Auckland is dedicated to delivering quality, variety and range innovation to Countdown shoppers nationwide. Commissioned in 2021, the state of the art facility supplies Countdown with consumer ready packs of beef, lamb, pork, poultry and seafood products. With technologically advanced equipment and processes, the facility operates in line with leading global manufacturing standards and processes. “Our multi-protein facility is quite unique in New Zealand,” says Paul Maltby, General Manager at Hilton Foods New Zealand. “Whilst Hilton Food Group (HFG) has vast experience producing all proteins, this is the first such facility to bring them all together under one roof. “We also form part of a precinct in the industrial estate, where we are physically joined via an airbridge to the Auckland Fresh Distribution Centre (AFDC) that is operated by Primary Connect and which forms part of the Woolworths Group. This model simplifies the supply chain for both fresh produce and protein, bringing efficiencies in both labour and delivery schedules.” Hilton Foods Group first became established in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region in 2012, following a joint venture agreement between HFG and Woolworths Group. Hilton Foods operates a number of technologically advanced facilities in Australia, including a flagship plant in Melbourne, Victoria and another leading edge facility in Brisbane, Queensland. The strong partnership Hilton Foods developed with Woolworths Group and their proven success in spearheading the change in quality of case ready meat in Australia provided Hilton Foods the opportunity to commission the food park in Auckland. “For Countdown, we have been able to leverage the latest automation solutions to deliver a multi-category solution. The food park in Auckland is operating in a very similar way to the Australian sites, with its key point of difference being the multi proteins under one roof.” In Auckland, the food park is providing a big boost to the local economy, with 400 staff working at the site during peak periods. With considerable expertise as industry leaders in manufacturing and the entire value chain, Hilton Foods New Zealand is proud to promote a culture of ambition. “For our people, we offer a culture of internal development, opportunity, cross-functional learning and exposure to the broader HFG global network.” Consumer tastes and preferences are constantly changing. For HFG, market insight data is fuel for innovation. By staying up to date with what consumers are interested in, HFG can quickly adapt in line with emerging trends across key areas - such as household finances, health and wellness, convenience and ease, environment and sustainability, and experience and enjoyment – and seamlessly translate these trends into food products. Hilton Food Group is a global business, based on understanding local cultures, tastes and consumer needs. With scale across 11 countries, 22 facilities and operational experience in 13 markets, natural synergies have developed enabling collaboration, the sharing of expertise and learnings across markets, and tailored product propositions to new ones. As a member of the Food Network for Ethical Trade and a founding member of the Seafood Ethical Action Alliance, HFG is demonstrably a socially responsible business committed to seeking positive change in global food supply chains. “We have strong commitments to our products, our people and our planet.” With a mission to make nutritious protein more sustainable, HFG works to create value for customers in ways that support people, ethics, equity and science-led environmental impacts. Minimising the footprint of packaging across the supply chain is a key commitment for HFG, both in Australia and New Zealand. “Our facility in Auckland uses 100% curbside recyclable trays.” “This model simplifies the supply chain for both fresh produce and protein, bringing efficiencies in both labour and delivery schedules.” Proud to support Hilton Food Group
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