ABOUT
The SEMINAR
THE AIM
Our goal is to inform you about the untapped, thriving region, widely unknown to New Zealand companies. To inform about its potential and how it ticks and share first-hand market experiences. Also, to enable you to meet, in person, those with regional know-how and to encourage cross-industry synergies.
THE TOPICS
We will cover the general economic profile, market-entry, distribution and logistics, legal and tax requirements, sales and marketing support. We will also bring into focus the sixth-largest economy in the EU – Poland, as the business and logistics hub of the CEE region and the rest of Europe.
WHO’s INVITED
We invite all that are already engaged in business in the EU and are looking for new markets. Those who have tried accessing the region or already launched there but don’t make the most of it yet. We also welcome all those who indirectly support Kiwi international business and want to learn more about the CEE.
BRIEFLY ABOUT
The REGION
“Central and Eastern Europe encompasses the countries in Central Europe, the Baltic states and Southeastern Europe. These former communist states now offer some of the most attractive marketplaces in the world.”
HSBC
Why CEE?
It is a sizable and fastest-growing EU region with already high and significantly increasing wealth and investment opportunities. CEE consumers highly value the premium NZ brand and are more open to novelties than those in mostly conservative Western Europe. Similarly, there is generally less NZ competition, and the entry cost is still comparably much lower.
Who’s there?
Most NZ leading wine brands, Manuka honey, lamb, seafood and other NZs F&B exporters are already well established. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Bobux and a few other award-winning companies have recently created a substantial market share for themselves, while others like Fonterra have been developing and nurturing local investments and partnerships.
Who can help?
Whilst NZTE Europe doesn’t currently cover CEE countries, they look for support and collaboration with businesses. Exporters often look for help via the New Zealand Embassy in Warsaw, CEE countries’ Embassies in NZ, POLANZ members, or personal contacts. Recently, Auckland’s BROADEN trade and marketing agency has established their Warsaw office to facilitate swift market validation, entry and development.
Our Guest Speakers
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland. Since 1995 co-owner and Director of Green Lite Travel agency and tour operator, which works closely with Poland, Lithuania, Russia, and Ukraine. The initiator of POLANZ – Polish New Zealand Business Association and an active supporter of engaging both nations.
With no clinical background and various roles in the hotel and building industries, Jonathan joined Fisher & Paykel Healthcare in 2012. As Global Product Manager, he led the development of F&P’s messaging and sales process for Optiflow Nasal High Flow therapy before taking on the role of Regional Manager – Central and Eastern Europe. He holds a Batchelor of Commerce and completed an MBA with Distinction at the University of Canterbury.
Andrew has been running Bobux since 2015 and has overseen global growth averaging 15% per annum since that time, which has seen the brand double in size. The brand work to position Bobux as a premium brand has worked particularly well in Poland with sales growing by 60% per annum since 2015.
Richard brings expertise in a wide variety of areas, from raising Venture Capital for Central Eastern European power stations to commercialising advanced scientific projects in NZ and Europe, big picture strategy for business or government is his thing. Based in Warsaw since 2009, Richard is our European liaison for our Northern Hemisphere business.
Born in Poland but has lived in NZ for over 20 years following a career in marketing and selling into Europe. Therefore Sebastian has a unique perspective on making NZ brands and offers appeal to the CEE region. Through the creation of the BROADEN.nz agency, he is also very passionate and committed to bringing New Zealand and Poland trade closer and expanding it to other EU countries.
SEMINAR SCHEDULE
WELCOME AND REGION’S INTRODUCTION
Boguslaw Nowak
Consul Boguslaw will welcome all and briefly explain how in the last 30 years of post-communism, the region fast became Europe’s centre of investment, innovation and consistent growth that turned Poland into Germany’s largest trade partner in the EU.
REGIONAL OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW
Richard Pinfold
Richard will share his Kiwi perspective on the region’s opportunities for NZ business. This will focus on Agri, through tech, the growth of Polish logistics and end on Food & Beverage. He will also touch on some specific legal and tax requirements.
FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE
Jonathan Allan
In his presentation, Jonathan will share his experience and approach to managing the CEE region and its recent substantial sales growth propelled by the Covid-19 health crisis and related supply chain challenges.
BOBUX INTERNATIONAL
Andrew Sharp
Having developed Poland to be one of Bobux’s fastest-growing markets, Andrew will share his take on the real Kiwi challenges in dealing with this region and touch on many of the still unrealised opportunities, as well as how their recently developed digital strategy supports the company’s stellar international performance.
FONTERRA
Guest Speaker TBC
REGIONAL ENTRY & SUPPORT
Sebastian Krajewski
In his short presentation, Sebastian will present a case study of adapting the brand and distributor offer to win the largest local natural food retailer and distributor for Wilderness Valley Manuka honey.
Register Now
This is a complimentary event.
THE REGION IN PHOTOS
ARTICLES
Since moving to Warsaw with my Polish wife Justyna in 2009, I have witnessed firsthand the economic explosion that has ignited across CEE, in particular, in Poland.
Since moving to Warsaw with my Polish wife Justyna in 2009, I have witnessed firsthand the economic explosion that has ignited across CEE, in particular, in Poland.