Show Notes
Navigating Pacific Food Supply Chains with John Stokes Discover how John Stokes leverages his extensive experience in food distribution from New Zealand to the Pacific, creating sustainable and profitable regional supply chains. This episode delves into the intricacies of exporting Pacific-grown produce, overcoming logistical hurdles, and building local markets.Main Topics: The evolution of food distribution and supply chain models in the Pacific Opportunities and challenges in exporting premium Pacific produce Strategies for leveraging local growers to add value and reduce reliance on imports The importance of research, relationships, and understanding local market dynamics Future opportunities in regional exports, including premium products and niche markets
In this episode: We celebrate Dave’s birthday along with the Matariki celebration John Stokes shares his journey from the Auckland restaurant scene to founding "Eat the Kiwi" and expanding into Pacific markets Insights on establishing supply chains for high-end products tailored for super yachts and resorts The significance of local sourcing and supporting regional growers Overcoming freight and logistical challenges faced when exporting to New Zealand and beyond Opportunities for small premium food businesses to tap into Pacific markets The potential for Pacific producers to export back into New Zealand and Australia
Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to John's background and Pacific food logistics 02:18 - John's transition from Auckland restaurants to Pacific markets 04:00 - Building relationships with Pacific growers and traders 07:15 - Establishing supply chains for super yachts and resorts in Vanuatu and Samoa 09:32 - Evolution of the supply model from New Zealand to local sourcing 11:45 - Overcoming export challenges and freight logistics 13:38 - The importance of market research and local partnerships 16:00 - Shifts in demand for higher quality food in Pacific resorts 17:55 - Opportunities for small businesses in Pacific markets 20:09 - Common mistakes in Pacific market entry and how to avoid them 31:16 - Export of Pacific produce (like limes) back to New Zealand 34:44 - Supporting local producers through branding and storytelling 37:42 - Future exploration and regional market potential 40:45 - Key advice for businesses entering the Pacific region 41:30 - Challenges and lessons learned from Pacific trading ventures 43:09 - Closing remarks and vision for the future of Pacific food trade
Resources & Links: Eat the Kiwi https://dynamicvanuatu.com/ https://www.heilalavanilla.co.nz/ https://www.whittakers.co.nz https://www.markwellfoods.co.nz/ https://dsrupt.com/
More from Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod
In this episode, Dave and Glen engage with Giles Jephcott, chair of the New Zealand Pacific Business Council and MD at Astrolabe Shipping, discussing his journey and experiences in the Pacific business landscape. They explore the significance of relationship building, the success of recent business missions, and insights from the Samoan business community, while also reflecting on future improvements and plans for the council. The conversation explores the challenges faced in logistics, and the role of organizations like the New Zealand Pacific Business Council and Astrolabe Shipping. Insights into market strategies, brand loyalty, and the evolving consumer landscape in the Pacific are also discussed.
The Two Palagi attended the Oceania Renewable Energy Summit so Dave and Glen discuss the summit itself and have a Talanoa with Cook Island's energy regulator Dean Yarrall. Dean also leads the Office of the Pacific Energy Regulators Alliance (OPERA) so has a unique region-wide view of energy transition and the challenges and opportunities in the Pacific. Dave also ran the Pacific stream of the summit so got to interact with some great speakers! Takeaways Climate and energy focus Regulatory challenges in Pacific Chapters 00:07 Introduction to Two Palagi 07:11 Discussion with Dean Yarrall 08:07 The Oceania Renewable Power Summit 09:12 Dean Yarrall's Background and Role 11:40 Transitioning the Cook Islands Energy System 16:43 Innovative Solutions for Energy Management 17:10 Complexity of Renewable Energy 19:54 Solar Power in the Pacific 22:29 Economic Factors 24:00 The Role of Regulators 25:43 Independent Power Producers 38:50 Talanoa Summary 41:02 Insights from the Pre-COP Meeting 44:10 Prospectus of Renewable Energy Projects 45:57 The Week Ahead and Outro Resources Two Palagi Website - https://twopalagi.com Contact Two Palagi - [email protected] Oceania Renewable Power Summit - https://oceaniapowersummit.com/ OPERA - https://gem.spc.int/projects/opera 'Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod' and all related content, trademarks, intellectual property, and copyright are the exclusive property of 2PP Pacific Commerce Ltd, a New Zealand-registered company. All rights reserved.
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