Massey food tech passes 50 year taste test

When Massey’s Bachelor of Food Technology degree was introduced in 1964, it was a first for New Zealand.

After 50 years of leading the country in educating food technologists the university is excited to celebrate its rich history.

“Food technology is such a vital part of Massey’s history and reputation, and of its future,” Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey says.

“Our graduates, like Dick Hubbard, have helped build the New Zealand food industry and have gone on to run their own businesses or work for some of the most prestigious and international companies.”

As the New Zealand food industry has grown over the past five decades, so has Massey’s Food Technology programme. The degree, initially offered at the Manawatu campus, expanded to its Albany campus in 1995, and has been taught in Singapore since 2008.

While the past 50 years have proven to be successful for the programme, the future looks bright as well, says Mr Maharey. “The plan for a FoodHQ – New Zealand’s Food Innovation Gateway in Palmerston North – cements Massey’s leadership of the industry, and will enable our food technologists to collaborate even more closely with leading researchers and industry partners,” he adds.

Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health head Professor Richard Archer says, “we have so much to celebrate. This is truly an exciting time for the programme and it’s all due to a legacy of hard work.”

To celebrate 50 years, a symposium featuring industry leaders and food technology staff will be held on June 30 at the Manawatu campus.

For more information about the Food Technology 50th anniversary celebration Visit:https://alumnionline.massey.ac.nz/event/event_foodtech50years