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

Aussie's Laguna Bay gets nod to snap up three Otago dairy farms
Primary Sector

Aussie's Laguna Bay gets nod to snap up three Otago dairy farms

The adjoining properties are being leased to Fortuna Group.

Riley Kennedy 21 Nov 2025
a2 Milk's shareholders appear udderly content with its direction
Primary Sector

a2 Milk's shareholders appear udderly content with its direction

It's been two months since the dairy company took over its new Pōkeno facility.

Riley Kennedy 21 Nov 2025
Alliance Group returns to profitability
Primary Sector

Alliance Group returns to profitability

The Dawn Meats deal was approved by shareholders last month.

Riley Kennedy 20 Nov 2025