Peanut butter founder to help others develop new food products

The company behind the successful Pic's peanut butter has won Government funding to help New Zealanders develop new food products.

Pic's peanut butter was started in a Nelson garage and is now a global success.

The Government's Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) is to invest in a 'food factory' in Nelson for start-up food producers after the idea was put forward by Picot Productions.

Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau said the initiative would receive $778,000.

"I am really excited the PGF is supporting the construction of the food factory, an initiative spearheaded by Picot Productions Ltd, which produces Pic's peanut butter," he said.

Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau said the funding would help with the construction of the food factory.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau said the funding would help with the construction of the food factory. Photo credit: Newshub

The food factory would provide start-up food companies with a collaborative environment to develop new food products.

"The 'top of the south' region is known for its high-value horticulture products, as well as artisan products such as cider, cheeses, olive oil and baked goods," said Tabuteau.

The finished project would see a series of enclosed, fully equipped, commercial kitchens to enable aspiring food and beverage entrepreneurs to test their product's concept, potential scalability and marketing in a supported environment.

Advice and support would also be available, along with market opportunities and exposure to visitors and the tourist market.

Newshub.