The pair co-founded the institute in 2003 to focus on the science underpinning future foods and human nutrition.
To date, their work has contributed to the health benefits of kiwifruit, which is giving Zespri an edge globally, and a technology that allows high doses of fish oil-derived omega-3 to be added to food products without a fishy smell and after-taste.
"We have done a lot of work on fruit and vegetables and a huge amount in the dairy industry, which is not quite as relevant to the Heretaunga Plains," Mr Moughan said. "But Graeme Avery at Sileni Estate winery is a great friend of ours and does a lot of work with us."
His early education was a large driver in his career, he said.
"Those early days in Hawke's Bay were very formative and I think, with the science in particular, it was St John's College where we had great teachers, inspirational teachers.
"Not only in science, but I also gained a love for arts and writing, and that's really a skill I put back to the nuns at St Joseph's. They really knew how to write."
Prof Moughan lived in Hawke's Bay until he was in his mid-twenties, and now resides in Palmerston North with his wife Meredith and three children, Jane, Stella and Michael.
