About OPENZ

OPENZ was formed in 1995 to encourage and support companies and organisations who have an interest in exporting New Zealand-made certified organic products.

Not all OPENZ members are currently exporting, but find it worth their while to belong to a representative collective that brings credibility and unity to the organic sector.

Members range from New Zealand’s largest food companies - including Fonterra, Heinz Wattie's Australasia, ENZAFRUIT and ZESPRI International, to others that are small, family concerns. Together, OPENZ members market an impressive variety of products including lamb, beef, poultry, fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen and canned vegetables, honey, dairy products, eggs, grain, baby food, wine, juice, vinegar, flaxseed oil, herbal teas and wool.

In order to ensure the integrity of New Zealand's organic exports, OPENZ requires its members' products to carry internationally recognised certification. In New Zealand, the three certifying agencies associated with OPENZ are BIO-GRO New Zealand, The Bio Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association and AsureQuality New Zealand Ltd.

While OPENZ’s focus is to help members sell their products internationally, its activities have positive spin-off for the whole New Zealand organic sector. OPENZ supports a vibrant domestic market because it will help develop the experience and infrastructure within the industry necessary for sustainable export growth.