Exports growing for food company

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Health food company LHF, which yesterday opened a new $12 million facility in Auckland, is alert for more brand acquisitions as it looks to grow its exports.

After the purpose-built Avondale premises were officially opened by Prime Minister John Key, LHF general manager Bennie Hendricks said business continued to grow and exports were starting to take a hold.

The company is selling about 30 tonnes of product a week.

"We are exporting Bean Supreme products to Australia as well as Naked Organic products. Of our vegetarian range [Bean Supreme as well as co-packed product for Sanitarium under the Vegie Delights brand] 20 per cent is exported," he said.

"On the dips, the challenge is slightly bigger because the short shelf life makes it difficult. We are working on extending that."

It currently exports one container every month to Sydney.

"We've just secured an export contract with Woolworths for Naked Organic risottos and we actually start exporting that next week," he said.

The company's brands, which include Lisa's, Naked Organics, Bean Supreme, Olive Grove, Kato and Sahara – are all plant-based, non-GE and generally locally-sourced.

LHF is owned by the New Zealand Conference Association – a charitable trust better known by its trading name, Sanitarium Health Food Company.

- © Fairfax NZ News