Invivo wins Export Award

New Zealand wine producer Invivo Wines has been awarded the TNT Express Emerging Exporter of the Year trophy at the Air New Zealand Cargo Export Awards held at a gala event at Auckland’s Langham Hotel.

Invivo Wines co founders Rob Cameron and Tim Lightbourne were at the awards to accept the trophy. Cameron, who is also Invivo’s winemaker, commented “It hasn’t being the easiest environment for producing and selling wine since we launched our first vintage in 2008, however, being proactive with our export customers with marketing support, managing production, delivering a quality product and solid growth while remaining profitable has been key for Invivo”

Convener of Judges Hugh Cronwright said: “Despite the ongoing economic stresses around the world, New Zealand exporters continue to battle on and win against remarkable competition. One of the key attributes shining through over and over again is the amazing innovation our exporters are delivering, along with excellent customer service and in-market support,” Mr Cronwright said. “For instance, though wine is hardly a new export, Invivo has taken a very different approach in both its marketing and winemaking”

Industries represented at the awards included finalists from hi-tech companies, online retailers, plastic, steel and food manufacturers. Invivo was the only beverage company represented on the evening. In total, 6 trophies were awarded, Mr Cronwright comments “The judges wholeheartedly congratulate all the finalists, the award category winners, and in fact all those who entered. “Every entrant had a great story to tell, and all of them have every reason to be proud of their achievements. The country desperately needs more of your kind!”

Other winners:
Endace Hi-Tech Exporter of the Year Award and Supreme Award Winner: Rakon
Westpac Exporter of the Year (total sales over $35million): Sistema Plastics
QBE Insurance Exporter of the Year (total sales under $35m): EasiYo Products Ltd
DB Breweries Deal of the Year: BCS Group Ltd
Baldwins Intellectual Property Consultants & Services Exporter of the Year: Academic Colleges Group Ltd

Background
The ExportNZ awards have been held for over 20 years and are now managed by the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA). EMA also operates ExportNZ Bay of Plenty and ExportNZ Waikato whose award winners will be announced on June 23rd in Mt Maunganui. www.exportnz.org.nz