Hawke's Bay exports to Japan are continuing in the wake of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis.
Heinz Wattie's chief operating officer Michael Gibson says there are close relationships between the Wattie's business in Hawke's Bay and Heinz Japan at professional and personal levels.
Heinz Wattie's group export manager Donald Park returned
from a visit to Japan on Thursday last week.
"These New Zealand-made products enter Japan mainly through the southern ports," Mr Gibson said. "We are in close contact with our colleagues in Japan and at this stage no significant disruptions to our operations and exports to Japan are expected."
Heinz Wattie's exports over 20,000 tonnes of canned and frozen products to Japan, and since 2000 the Hastings plant has incorporated a facility dedicated to the production of high quality sauces for that market.
Heinz Wattie's managing director Nigel Comer was also regional CEO Pacific for HJ Heinz, with responsibility for Japan. He contacted the Heinz Japan team last Friday and was advised that all 200 staff, including those in the sales office near Sendai, were accounted for and safe. Heinz affiliates in New Zealand and Australia are assessing with Heinz Japan whether there is any additional support required.
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Heinz Wattie's are with our colleagues and all the people of Japan," Mr Gibson said.
John Bostock, of Bostock Group, said at this point it appeared their squash and onion customers were still operating.
"Our customers have said they are all okay and have demand for fresh food," he said.
Jonathan Brownrigg, of Brownrigg Agriculture, said his customers had difficulties but were coping well.
"There has been some disruption of the distribution network, especially north of Tokyo.
"There is also disruption in Tokyo, I believe, due to the availability of diesel fuel.
"Electricity has been rationed and the repackers are having to work around that."
There was still a good demand for their squash, he said.
"We've got 60 to 70 per cent of our harvest through but we've still got a reasonable amount to send in the coming month."
