By ELLEN READ
The global icecream market is about to be revolutionised thanks to the clever technology and business nous of an Auckland company.
Homegrown technology which helps chill the product faster and makes it easier to store once packed will be marketed to the world's icecream manufacturers following an agreement between East Tamaki company Ibex and Tetra Pak Hoyer.
In a potentially multimillion-dollar deal, Tetra Pak Hoyer - part of Swedish packaging giant Tetra Pak and the world's leading icecream manufacturing equipment provider - will offer Ibex's chilling and freezing systems to producers around the globe.
Ibex general manager Jonathan Engle said the deal was proof that technology developed by New Zealanders was highly sought-after in the global marketplace.
"Our agreement will put New Zealand technology in front of some of the world's leading food manufacturers. It proves that New Zealand companies can compete internationally if they have the best niche solutions," he said.
Coincidentally, Engle's older brother Michael was born in Aarhus, the Danish city which is home to Tetra Pak Hoyer.
Engle said Ibex's cutting-edge technology clinched the deal and that the company overcame initial concern about New Zealand's distance by having staff on the ground in Europe to manage the contract.
He could not say just how much the deal would prove to be worth, but with each system costing between $1 million and $3 million, the outlook was positive.
Ibex specialises in refrigeration and product-handling technology for the food industry.
The firm's chilling and freezing technology means perishable food gets to the right temperature quickly and stays in perfect condition after packaging.
While the agreement meant huge growth for Ibex, Engle said it planned to stay New Zealand-based while making sales around the world.
"It makes sense to keep the design function here but do the actual cutting of steel where it is most economical, and quality standards can be met," he said.
"This will ensure continued global success, and give us a natural hedge on exchange rates.".
Ibex was founded by Engle's father, Raph, who developed the first carton freezer in 1968.
Ibex
NZ firm scoops global ice cream market
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