THE CHIP GROUP

WHO IS IN THE CHIP GROUP?

The Chip Group is made up of a range of players in the food service industry, such as potato growers, chip manufacturers, equipment suppliers and oil makers. We also have health and government members such as the Heart Foundation, The Ministry of Health and New Zealand Food Safety Authority.

WHAT IS THE CHIP GROUP FOR?

Our overriding goal is to improve the nutritional status of deep-fried chips served by New Zealand foodservice* by reducing fat and salt content.

WHY DO WE NEED A CHIP GROUP?

New Zealanders love hot chips – we eat about 7 million servings each week that’s about 120,000 tonnes of chips each year. Because we eat so many of them and they can be high in fat and salt, they have a big impact on people's health. Therefore by making them healthier we can in turn make our population healthier!

WHAT HAVE WE DONE / WHAT DO WE DO?

Growth of The Chip Group

Each year we have been increasing membership and encouraging our members to be more involved so this means The Chip Group is more inclusive and representative of the whole industry.

Literature search

This was a big project we did in 2007 – it clearly indicated we are world leaders in our activities as there are no models to follow!

Data collection

In 2007 we surveyed 500 outlets to give us an accurate picture of the industry – so we know exactly how much fat, what sized portions etc. We are going to do this survey again in 2011 so we can assess any changes.

Development of Industry Standards

In 2008 we were thrilled to get unanimous industry agreement for Industry Standards for Independent Fast Food Operators and another set for Hospitality /Food Service. But things have got even better, this year we were able to merge the Industry Standards and have one set that applies to the whole industry! This is what we have based all our online training on.

Advocacy progress

We work with government so we make sure we all are working towards one common goal.

Communication plan

We have a strategy in place to talk to all members of the industry and to our chips loving consumers. We want New Zealanders to know that we are a pro-active industry proud of what we do!

Best Chip Shop Competition

This is a highlight in the ‘chip year’! The competition has been held over the last 10 years – it is usually at the end of each year, but in 2010 we have decided to delay this so we can tie it in with the Rugby World Cup – when we know hundreds of thousands of rugby loving chip fans will be demanding the best quality our industry can deliver!

Online training

Go and check this out on this site! This is our way to lift the quality of chips by the whole industry – and from what consumers tell us – it works!

Networking with similar projects

We work closely with the Heart Foundation's project involving Asian community operators and media.

Profile within health industry

We like key people to know about what we are doing because we are proud that when we work together we can make a real difference to the health of New Zealanders. So The Chip Group presents the results of our collective work at relevant conferences e.g. Agencies for Nutrition Action, NZ Dietetic Conference and Nutrition Society of NZ Conference.