West Coast food and beverage cluster

28 February 2025
Development West Coast
DWC is supporting the growth of the food and beverage sector by initiating work to establish a regional cluster that will bring together passionate producers to collaborate, innovate, and grow. This work aims to celebrate the Coast’s unique flavours and commitment to quality, sustainability, and storytelling.

This year, DWC supported a delegation of local businesses to attend the Christchurch Food Show — a first step in building connections and visibility for the region’s food and beverage producers. This event marks the beginning of work to formalise a regional cluster, which will focus on unlocking new market opportunities and strengthening the West Coast’s food and beverage identity over time.

“The Food Show was an exciting and important next step for Cranberries Westland, and we simply couldn’t have been there without DWC’s backing," said Kate Buckley.

"Having the opportunity to personally connect with potential customers, other businesses, and to get a real sense of this part of the food and beverage sector was incredibly valuable. It gave me a clearer picture of the sector and I have a headful of ideas and contacts as a result."

“We’re sincerely grateful to DWC for their promotion and support at The Food Expo in Christchurch. It was a fantastic baptism of fire for us! This event coincided with our first week as the new owners of Blackball Salami. It was such a privilege to be part of a showcase of amazing products from the West Coast."

James and Sue Hardie