NZCS implements strategic response plan amidst COVID-19 restrictions

New Zealand Coastal Seafoods (NZCS) has provided an update on its operations and business in the context of the evolving COVID-19 situation. As a primary food producer, under current COVID-19 restrictions, NZCS has been deemed an ‘essential service’ by the New Zealand Government, with operations approved to continue during the lockdown period, with a reduced on-site factory presence.

To ensure continuity in product delivery and sales, NZCS has implemented a strategic response plan, including drying, pre-processing and packaging sufficient stock to maintain staff safety while allowing for ease of dispatch to customers during the temporary COVID-19 disruptions. NZCS management is also monitoring developments as they unfold across the globe and ensuring full compliance with the latest guidelines issued by health authorities and governments in the jurisdictions in which it operates.

The company has also welcomed the wage support subsidy it has received from the New Zealand government to support its ongoing operations. Despite current conditions, NZCS has seen an improvement in demand for its seafood products abroad, with the company anticipating a longer term increase in demand for food products that are produced in ‘clean’ jurisdictions such as New Zealand.

Despite restrictions being imposed in New Zealand, the first 1000 kg frozen ling maw order for Supermilkbaba (SMB) has successfully been dispatched and processed through New Zealand border authorities, following approval from the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). NZCS entered a NZ$4.4 million (AU$4.2 million) purchase agreement with Supermilkbaba in March 2020 for the sale of 100 tonnes of frozen ling maw over a 12-month period.