The humble blackcurrant is about to get a serious upgrade, thanks to a new Government-backed project aimed at transforming waste into high-value health products. New Zealand, Associate Minister for Agriculture, Nicola Grigg, has announced a $276,000 investment in a two-year pilot project with Christchurch based, PharmaZen Limited, supporting a brighter future for New Zealand’s blackcurrant industry.
Source: PFN News Archives - Black Currants on vine.
The initiative, co-funded through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) programme, will see a processing facility established in Canterbury. The focus? Turning blackcurrant waste into “pomace,” a product rich in anthocyanins – powerful antioxidants that give the berries their vibrant colour and are prized for their health benefits in food and supplement markets.
Currently, blackcurrant products like frozen fruit and concentrates contribute nearly 7% of New Zealand’s processed fruit export value. By enabling onshore processing, the new facility is set to take the industry to the next level, improving sustainability and boosting profitability for growers.
Source: PFN News Archives - Black Currant Pomace
“This is about creating new revenue streams and securing long-term resilience for the sector,” says Nicola Grigg. She added that the expansion could also generate new processing jobs in Canterbury, enhancing the region’s economy.
Blackcurrants New Zealand Inc., the industry’s representative body, is on board to ensure a steady supply of fruit for PharmaZen as it scales up production. The total project cost stands at $690,000, with the Government’s funding helping to drive the innovation forward.
“This is just one of the ways we’re working to double the value of exports within the next decade,” Nicola Grigg says. With the blackcurrant industry positioned to squeeze more value from every berry, the future looks as bright.
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