A fresh new approach

Genoese Foods Limited is a family owned New Zealand company specialising in premium gourmet condiments and ingredients based on the superior tastes and aromas of fresh herbs.

The origin of Genoese Foods lies at Parkin Farms which is in the lush growing area of the Horowhenua, the ‘Food Bowl of New Zealand’.

The fresh herbs used in the manufacture of the pesto sauces were originally only grown in the Horowhenua but when Parkin Farms expanded it’s asparagus growing operation to Fiji they decided to grow the herbs there also. Due to the warmer climate the herbs grew wonderfully well, and all year round.
Our continuing close relationship with the herb farm in Fiji means freshness is absolutely guaranteed. So is continuity of supply, because we use the differing seasonal patterns in the two countries to ensure fresh herbs are available all year round.

Careful crop management, harvesting and unique processing of the herbs helps capture the sweetness and freshness of the herbs.

‘Pesto’ the Genoese Food.

In 1993 the original partnership of Parkin Farms and Sean Kerins needed a name for their ‘Pesto’ company.
Pesto is a traditional Italian condiment. With it’s roots in the city of Genoa (Genova) in the Ligurian region of Northern Italy. Hence, the name ‘Genoese Foods’ was born.

While two of the key products in the Genoese range are traditional Pesto and Tapenade, there is nothing traditional about the Genoese approach to ingredient sourcing. Or to the processing and quality systems we have developed.

Advanced Food Science

Two things are important to Genoese in the development of our products.
The first is to maximise the flavour and aroma of our fresh herbs. Our farm-grown herbs are delivered as fresh as possible. Because Fiji is so close to New Zealand, even the Fiji grown herbs can arrive in New Zealand within hours of being picked.

The second important Genoese advantage is the complex combination of advanced food science and careful quality control.

These days the processing of Genoese products is handled in a purpose built factory in Levin, close to the original Parkin farm. Here we use unique processing systems. Over the years we have continually developed our quality assurance programmes, enlisting help from outside experts such as the Food Technology Research Centre at Massey University.

Our processing includes an advanced technique for sanitising fresh herbs. The result is safe, stable products, which if kept chilled have a shelf life of 90 days.
We apply a disciplined approach to sourcing quality ingredients, which has made us a key supplier of quality ingredients to other manufacturers.

Our in house Food Technologist plays a vital role in assisting Genoese Foods in the development of customer specific products for an expanding gourmet world.
For further detail see our Quality Assurance Plan or contact quality@genoese.co.nz

A Food Service Business
- with an emphasis on service.

When you introduce products to a new market there is something you learn very quickly. It’s the value of your customers. It’s a lesson we have never forgotten, and never will.

Our customers are our most important asset. Without our customers, all the fresh herbs we grow would not have found such a growing market.

So our customers requirements in products, pack sizes, type of packaging, ordering and delivery systems are constantly evaluated and met.

If you need more product urgently, we’ll get it to you. Wherever you are, as fast as possible.

The Genoese range that began with traditional Basil Pesto has expanded as peoples' passion for quality fresh ingredients and great taste continues to grow.

In every case freshness, quality and consistency are the Genoese benchmarks.

Ruth Pretty, one of New Zealand’s foremost caterers and proprietor of a celebrated culinary school has this to say about Genoese condiments.

These are just wonderful products to work with. Always fresh, always constant in quality and flavour. They are truly impressive.”