Several national and international diplomats, New Zealand Māori politicians and members of Te Arawa have had the chance to sample the succulent, new Hī mussel range before it hits supermarket shelves.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with one politician even describing the tasty morsels as “the best mussels I’ve ever had”.
In the lead up to the official launch of Hī in supermarkets across Aotearoa, many visitors to Te Arawa Fisheries have been given the chance to try both the infused and marinated mussels, and were even gifted a bucket to take home.
Among those lucky enough to get a taster were Canadian High Commissioner Francis Huot, South African High Commissioner Vuyiswa Tulelo and Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Rino Tirikatene.
His Excellency, Mr Huot, says he is excited to help Te Arawa Fisheries push its high-value Hī products into the Canadian market by the end of the year, as well as China, where he will next be stationed.
Her Excellency, Ms Tulelo, was thoroughly impressed by Hī’s marinated range and was thrilled to be able to take home a bucket to share with her family.
Mr Tirikatene has been a long-time supporter of Te Arawa Fisheries and was able to sample the marinated mussels during a meeting about Māori innovation and opportunities in the aquaculture sector.
He enjoyed the offering and was eager to try the other marinated flavours and the infused range, saying they were among the best mussels he had ever tasted.
Hī Chief Executive Chris Karamea Insley says the feedback received so far reinforces the quality of Hī mussels.
“We at Te Arawa Fisheries know what an excellent, superior product our Hī mussels are but it is fantastic to have that reiterated by others.”
