Canada is New Zealand's primary source far pork used in ham production and Canadian fruit and vegetables are used by local processors, including McCains New Zealand. This is an increasing figure, as there is a trend for food product made elsewhere, particularly in Australia, to be imported and packaged in New Zealand. The most significant factor about the New Zealand food retail and distribution sector is the domination of independent retailers. The players in the food distribution sector include brokers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, brand owners and manufacturers. Brokers Brokers perform the role of importing product on a consignment basis and arranging services required by the principals.
Brokers hold overseas agencies and also represent local manufacturers and local importers.
The basic level of service provided is sales and merchandising. The larger brokers are very well set up to drive sales with networks of sales representatives. Locally based companies, importers or manufacturers, also use brokers for sales and merchandising functions. Some brokers also provide full invoicing and accounting services and arrange warehousing and distribution. Some undertake sales and distribution functions.