An Auckland company that makes ready-to-eat organic soup and risotto was recognised at the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise International Business awards last month.
Pitango Innovative Cuisine has been in business for seven years.
Despite the recession, chief executive Wade Gillooly says sales have climbed. Turnover was almost $12 million in the year ending June. Sales were up 30%.
He says people are trading down - buying less takeways and more healthy meals in supermarkets
Mr Gillooly says the company is looking to improve its sales distribution in Australia and also looking to other markets, such as Hong Kong.
He hopes Pitango's green credentials - its food is certified organic and carbon neutral - will help sales to Asia and Europe.
Pitango has also embarked on a carbon-zero process over the past three years to "future-proof" the busess.
Mr Gillooly says Pitango may consider a public listing down the track in order to finance its plans to become the largest chilled soup and food manufacturer in Australasia and the Pacific Rim.
