Farm direct won’t fix our food system. Could new retail entrepreneurs?

Farm direct won’t fix our food system. Could new retail entrepreneurs?
Just two food companies control around 80% share of retail food sales in NZ. (Image: Deposit Photos)
Nicola Harvey
“We need to cut a number of players from the supply chain,” says Amanda Langley, an experienced project manager who farms deer on 135 hectares in Hawkes Bay with her husband Ben Anderson. And, “we need to make it a shitload more efficient and streamline a whole lot more control back to the producer.” Amanda is just one of many New Zealand farmers developing their own direct-to-consumer product out of frustration over current returns. But the path from farm to plate is marked by regulatory and labour potholes because...

More Primary Sector

Beefed-up tariffs on Brazil no threat to NZ’s pricing
Primary Sector

Beefed-up tariffs on Brazil no threat to NZ’s pricing

NZ is a high-value premium producer of beef, as opposed to Brazil.

Northland targets $60b regional economy by 2050
Primary Sector

Northland targets $60b regional economy by 2050

The bullish goal represents a six-fold increase over 2024 figures.

Global meat demand surges, but NZ’s supply is lagging
Primary Sector

Global meat demand surges, but NZ’s supply is lagging

It could be costing NZ hundreds of millions of dollars in lost export revenue.

Riley Kennedy 23 Jul 2025