The creation of the Hawke's Bay Food Innovation Hub is a step closer after a $215,000 grant from central Government's Provincial Growth Fund was announced today.
A Food Innovation Hub would bring together businesses and stakeholders in the food, beverage and agricultural technology sectors to collaborate and conduct research and development.
The grant will help fund a feasibility study and business case for the project, which has the support of Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Hawke's Bay Regional Council and businesses.
Hastings District Council, Napier City Council and 13 other organisations engaged in the food, beverage and agri-tech sectors have contributed another $35,000 towards the study and business case.
A Discovery Phase report was completed in the third quarter of 2017 with input from more than 50 food and beverage-focused organisations in Hawke's Bay, which confirmed real interest in the concept.