Hubbard Foods gets funding from trade body

Hubbard Foods is to get funding of up to $183,600 from Trade and Enterprise New Zealand (TENZ) to help make it more competitive in the international market.

The funding -- for "consultancy services" -- would help Hubbard Foods, owned by Auckland mayor Dick Hubbard, to improve its manufacturing capability and enhance export prospects, the firm said.

The consultancy services would support a range of projects Hubbard Foods was undertaking, it said in a statement.

These projects would support the implementation of a $1.15 million investment by Hubbard Foods in capital equipment and support services.

Executive director David Irving said TENZ's support was timely and Hubbard Foods would make good use of the money.

"This funding will help the company lift its operational performance to an international standard, which is needed to sustain and increase exports," he said in the statement.

The firm had a choice to remain either a "good New Zealand business" or ramp up its international competitiveness.

"We compete with international and multinational companies in the breakfast category so we have no option, particularly if we want to sustain export growth," Mr Irving said.

The firm's $1.15m investment would include a "major" piece of cereal manufacturing equipment, and reconfiguring of its operational facilities.

- NZPA