NZ “tongue-soft” red meat innovation wins 2026 MIA Dragon’s Den
A New Zealand red meat product range with “tongue-soft” texture for elderly or unwell people has won the 2026 Meat Industry Association (MIA) Dragon’s Den competition.
The event, hosted by MIA with Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) as a partnership sponsor, will be held at Christchurch’s Te Pae Convention Centre on 21 – 22 July.
MIA independent chair Nathan Guy says that holding the conference in Christchurch will bring together leaders from processing and exporting companies, policymakers, and representatives from associated industries.
“The annual conference is one of the most significant events on the red meat sector’s calendar and with the current challenges facing the industry, it is a great opportunity to get together and identify solutions to our shared challenges,” Guy says.
2025 marks the 40th anniversary of MIA and chief executive Sirma Karapeeva says it is a great opportunity for celebration and to remind the sector of the waves it has had to ride over this time.
“We are coming off the back of a particularly challenging period in our history so this conference will be an opportunity to look at how far we have come and the opportunities on the horizon,” she says.
The sponsorship prospectus for the event is available on request by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and those who wish to attend the event can register at www.redmeatsector.co.nz.
