“We’re investing in equipment that is the best available in the world and represents the highest levels of analytical performance,” Comvita chief executive Brett Hewlett said.
“Developing a centre of excellence for honey testing will give us a leading edge when it comes to consumer confidence and trust in our products.
“Our purchase of an isotope ratio mass spectrometer and a UHPLC with a Quantiva mass spectrometer detector means we will also be expanding the size of our laboratory and staffing.
“The Quantiva is the first of its type in New Zealand.”
The investment would enable Comvita to speed up test result turnaround time and improve its ability to service its markets, he said.
It also provided capability to develop additional tests as required for other products and the equipment could also be used for research and development work.
Hewlett said the recent scrutiny of the quality and safety of NZ food products meant increased testing of honey to provide assurances to Comvita’s global customers of freshness, purity, safety, and authenticity had become essential.
High-level assurances of that nature were becoming a worldwide requirement and Comvita was committed to maintaining a leadership position in that regard, he said.
