Organic NZ in demand in Asia
The Soil & Health Association of NZ, publishers of Organic NZ, are to launch their publication in South Korea.
South Korea has a population of 50 million and is the fastest growing organic sector in Asia. Demand for organics is being largely driven by young families and health issues. As a group, South Koreans constitute the third largest Asian population in New Zealand.
iSpring Ltd, publishers of the Korean edition, export NZ pure spring water and NZ Biogro certified skincare products to the Korean, Japanese and US markets.
Director Masateru Higashida established iSpring in 2011 in response to demand for clean, safe and pollutant free water following the earthquake in Japan. Higashida’s move to NZ, two years ago, was prompted by concerns with skin allergies that affected his young children.
The launch of Organic NZ into South Korea gives the organization and NZ organic exporters access to a large, growing marketplace. Promoting New Zealand organic products, education and eco tourism opportunities builds on New Zealand’s clean, green image, which already has a high profile and strong demand in Asia.
“It is a compliment that the intellectual property of our organization, which has been built over 70 years, has been recognised and valued by iSpring Ltd,” says Marion Thomson, co chair of Soil & Health.
Supported by NZ Trade and Enterprise who have provided valuable mentoring, networks and support throughout the process, this is Organic NZ’s first sojourn into international distribution.
“This export initiative is an example of the sophistication of the organic market and demand in Asia. In South Korea organics is fully supported by the South Korean government,” says Brendan Hoare, chairman of Organics Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Organic NZ – Korean edition will comprise articles from the Organic NZ translated into Korean, and local Korean content, plus New Zealand and Korean advertising. The first issue will be distributed in late November 2012 throughout South Korea via bookstores, organic outlets and skincare clinics.
Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organizations in the world and promote GE free, organic, fresh and healthy food. Oranga Nuku, Oranga Kai Oranga Tangata.