At Markwell Foods NZ, seafood isn’t just a product – it’s our passion and our largest category. To stay ahead of global trends and bring the best to New Zealand, our General Manager and Import Manager make it a point to attend the Seafood Expo Global every year. This year’s event, held from May 6-8 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, was no exception.
With over 35,000 seafood professionals from more than 150 countries, the expo is a bustling hub of innovation and networking. As our Import Manager, John Morley, aptly put it:
“We go each year to catch up with many of our current suppliers and potential new ones, all under one roof, from all over the globe.”
But our journey didn’t stop in Barcelona. Post-expo, our team visited leading frozen food manufacturers across Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and the Netherlands. These visits, encompassing both current and prospective suppliers, are integral to our commitment to sourcing diverse frozen food categories and expanding our extensive product portfolio to better serve your business.
We’re excited about these developments and remain committed to bringing global innovations to the New Zealand market. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to evolve our offerings to meet your needs.
Our dedication to innovation has led us to expand into new categories across our portfolio. A prime example is our recent introduction of “Magic Waffles” from Belgium. These are no ordinary waffles – they feature the filling inside and represent a first for the frozen dessert category in New Zealand. We now have many of our foodservice distributor customer ranging them, with retail packs on the way – ideal for supermarkets and food retailers.
Markwell Foods is widely recognised as a leading importer of frozen foods, supplying both foodservice businesses and supermarkets across New Zealand. But there’s more to our story.
Our Primal Meat Trading Division, led by Mark Robson, specialises in sourcing and supplying a diverse range of primal meats for both domestic and global markets. Our extensive portfolio includes Beef, Veal, Lamb, Mutton, Poultry, Pork, Venison, Goat, and more—sourced from premium New Zealand producers and trusted suppliers worldwide.
Our strong supplier relationships enable us to provide specialty cuts and exotic options, helping our partners differentiate their offerings and meet evolving customer demands.
Why partner with Markwell Foods Meat Trading Division?
• Deep market expertise and global reach
• Agile, responsive team with local and international experience
• Access to premium and specialty meats for every requirement
Get in touch here – meatexportteam@markwellfoods.co.nz
Markwell Foods has long been known for delivering high-quality frozen food solutions across Australasia. But beyond the familiar aisles of New Zealand and Australia, the company’s export arm has quietly become a trusted supplier to the retail, foodservice and HORECA sectors throughout the Pacific Islands.
At the heart of this success is Seira Lepua, Markwell Foods’ Pacific Islands Export Manager, whose passion for customer connection and practical problem-solving has helped shape the company’s growing footprint across some of the world’s most geographically diverse markets.
Seira Lepua, Markwell Foods’ Pacific Islands Export Manager, leading growth through strong relationships and customer-first solutions.
Building the Pacific Connection
Seira’s role evolved naturally from opportunity and demand.
“Like most things in business, it wasn’t by initial design,” she says. “It began with a few requests, and we realised there was real demand. From small beginnings, we developed systems to support export growth.”
Today, Seira leads export operations—coordinating everything from export certification and logistics to maintaining strong local partnerships. Her week is a mix of answering enquiries, pricing container options, and as she puts it, “always finding ways to increase the shopping basket.”
Connecting New Zealand to the Pacific — Markwell Foods proudly supplies island markets from Fiji to Samoa and beyond.
Meeting Island Markets on Their Terms
Exporting to the Pacific isn’t as simple as sending a container to one country. Each island has its own regulations, customer preferences, and logistical challenges. Success depends on flexibility and genuine human connection.
“You need strong relationships, and an understanding that every customer is different—even within the same country.”
To meet diverse needs, Markwell Foods offers customers the ability to order as little or as much as they need. This approach keeps stocks fresh, costs manageable, and sailings frequent—all crucial for remote markets with limited cold storage and shipping schedules.
Understanding Pacific Consumers
The Pacific Islands’ retail, foodservice and hospitality sectors are more sophisticated than many realise.
“Supermarkets in the Pacific look just like those in Australia or New Zealand,” says Seira. “Consumers want the same trusted brands and quality—they won’t settle for less.”
Lifestyle changes are also shaping new trends. As families become smaller, there’s rising demand for ready-to-eat meals, smaller portions, and air-fryer-friendly options. Growing migrancy is also influencing flavours and driving innovation across local menus.
Behind the Scenes: Navigating Supply and Sustainability
Exporting meat and seafood to remote islands requires balancing minimum quantities and certification rules. Seira explains “You might get a request for 50 kg of a premium cut, but plants can’t process that small with export certs—so you need to find smart solutions that work for everyone.”
Despite rising freight costs, Markwell Foods has focused on stability.
“We’ve worked hard to keep pricing consistent to help customers manage costs.” Seira explains.
Looking Ahead
Introducing new categories initially created hesitation in some markets – but Seira says trust has turned that around. “Once customers saw the value, quality, and ease of purchase, confidence followed.”
It’s this mix of reliability, adaptability, and personal connection that continues to define Markwell Foods’ Pacific story. As island economies evolve, the company remains committed to being a partner of choice—supporting growth through trusted brands, flexible supply, and strong relationships.
Markwell Foods — the preferred choice for quality frozen foods across the Pacific.
🌐 To learn more or connect with Seira about export opportunities in the Pacific, visit markwellfoods.co.nz or get in touch directly via LinkedIn.
We are pleased to announce our acquisition of Five Star Foods Fiji, a prominent foodservice distributor based in Nadi, Fiji.
This strategic acquisition marks a significant expansion of our presence in the South Pacific and introduces a direct-to-customer distribution model in the region. Five Star Foods Fiji has established itself as a trusted supplier within Fiji’s foodservice industry, known for its commitment to quality and customer service.
In the initial phase, Five Star Foods Fiji will operate under a co-branded identity, featuring both the Five Star Foods and Markwell Foods logos. This approach ensures continuity for existing customers while introducing them to the broader offerings of Markwell Foods. Over the next 12 months, we’ll implement a comprehensive rebranding initiative to transition the business to operate solely under the “Markwell Foods” brand.
“We are excited to welcome Five Star Foods into the Markwell Foods family,” said Andrew Crean, Managing Director of Markwell Foods New Zealand. “This acquisition aligns with our strategic vision to expand our footprint in the South Pacific and reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional products and services to our customers.”
“Joining forces with Markwell Foods presents an incredible opportunity for growth and innovation,” said Bob Penn, Managing Director of Five Star Foods. “Our shared values and dedication to quality make this a natural fit, and we look forward to the enhanced capabilities this partnership brings to our customers.”
About Five Star Foods Fiji:
Five Star Foods Fiji is a leading foodservice distributor in Fiji, supplying a wide array of ambient, frozen, and chilled products to restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets. Known for its reliable service and quality offerings, Five Star Foods has built a powerful reputation within the Fijian market.