New Zealand’s food and beverage industry is the backbone of the export economy, accounting for 46% of all goods and services exports, a figure that underscores just how vital this sector is to the nation’s success.
But with global standards and consumer expectations rising, the pressure on Kiwi manufacturers to deliver reliability, traceability, and uncompromising food safety has never been greater.
“International best practice points the way. Take Teisseire, France’s largest fruit syrup producer. By partnering with Burkert Fluid Control Systems and adopting decentralised, intelligent valve control, Teisseire transformed its production, boosting efficiency, hygiene, and reliability,” says Pauline Boyd, marketing and communications manager at Burkert. Boyd says the move to Burkert’s 8681 control head slashed energy use, reduced switching times, and made cleaning and maintenance faster and easier, all while minimising contamination risk.
“Why does this matter in New Zealand? Because the same challenges and opportunities face New Zealand’s food manufacturers.”
Government data shows that 58% of Kiwi businesses undertook innovation projects in 2023, developing or introducing new or significantly improved goods, services, or processes. For food and beverage exporters, the stakes are even higher: robust, data-driven process management isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must for compliance, audit readiness, and brand trust.
“Burkert technology is designed for this reality. Integrated diagnostics, feedback, and fieldbus connectivity at the valve level mean real-time visibility and control at every process step,” says Boyd. Maintenance is streamlined, downtime drops, and rapid cleaning cycles support both local and global food safety standards.
“For New Zealand, embracing proven automation like Burkert’s isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about safeguarding our competitive edge and cementing our status as world leaders in food quality, safety, and innovation.”
Sponsored content: For more information visit www.burkert.co.nz.