Company Profile

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.