The Hon. Penny Simmonds, right, tastes ANDFOODS’ innovative plant-based whipping cream, while, from left, Associate Professor Alejandra Acevedo-Fani, Distinguished Professor Paul Moughan and University Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes look on.
Politicians get a taste of food innovation
Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere, left, tours the precision fermentation laboratory with Professor Munish Puri, centre, and Dr Rajesh Sathymoorthy on Thursday.
14 September 2026 – In a month of ministerial visits, the Riddet Institute shared its latest food research breakthroughs with politicians from both sides of Parliament who tasted alternative dairy products and toured the laboratories.
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Hon. Penny Simmonds’ August visit included an overview on the Riddet Institute by Acting Director Distinguished Professor Paul Moughan and an ANDFOODS product tasting of its new plant-based whipping cream.
Then last Thursday, the Institute welcomed Opposition MP for Palmerston North Tangi Utikere to learn about current research projects and tour the precision fermentation laboratory.
The visits highlighted how cutting-edge research is unlocking new opportunities in sustainable food production and advanced nutrition.
The Riddet Institute is a New Zealand Centre of Research Excellence, hosted by Massey University in Palmerston North, focusing on advanced food research.
