NZ GROWN GRAIN TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT GLADFIELD MALT GROWER OPEN DAY
More than 250 growers, industry leaders, customers, and rural stakeholders gathered at Gladfield Malt in Dunsandel on the 3rd of June 2026 to celebrate the NZ Grown Grain trademark initiative and recognise the contribution of New Zealand’s arable farmers to the country’s food and beverage industries.
The event, attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, highlighted the growing importance of provenance, food security, and supporting locally grown ingredients across New Zealand’s supply chains.
Developed by the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR), the NZ Grown Grain trademark enables consumers to identify products made using New Zealand-grown grain. The initiative aims to strengthen awareness of local grain production while helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions that support New Zealand growers and manufacturers.
As one of New Zealand’s leading maltsters, Gladfield Malt has embraced the NZ Grown Grain trademark and sees it as a natural extension of the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting local growers.
Speaking at the event, Gladfield Malt Director Doug Michael reflected on the often-overlooked role arable farmers play in New Zealand’s economy and food system.
“Food security is more important than ever. It’s expensive to grow crops, expensive to process them, and even more expensive to ship them around the world. The NZ Grown Grain trademark is a step in the right direction. Get behind it, support it, and be proud of it.”
The event brought together representatives from across the grain value chain, from growers and researchers through to brewers and food manufacturers, reinforcing the critical link between New Zealand agriculture and value-added industries.
For the brewing industry, the NZ Grown Grain trademark represents an opportunity to further strengthen the provenance story behind New Zealand beer. Every beer brewed using New Zealand-grown barley supports local farming families, regional communities, local processing, and domestic manufacturing capability.
Together, growers, maltsters, brewers, and consumers can play a role in supporting a more resilient, transparent, and sustainable New Zealand food and beverage industry.
