Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable spread
Industry PositionBranded Consumer Packaged Food
Market
In New Zealand, chocolate-hazelnut spread is a shelf-stable, branded grocery product sold mainly through supermarkets and typically supplied by imports. Market access is shaped by registered food importer duties under the Food Act framework and compliance with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, especially allergen declarations for hazelnut (tree nut), milk and soy. Plain-English allergen labelling requirements took effect on 25 February 2024, with sell-through permitted for stock packaged and labelled before that date until 25 February 2026. Importers also manage customs classification and tariff treatment for cocoa-containing preparations (commonly under HS heading 1806) and biosecurity documentation/clearance where required.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleRetail consumer spread and bakery/foodservice ingredient used in sweet applications
Market Growth
SeasonalityYear-round retail availability driven by shelf-stable inventory and imports rather than local harvest cycles.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighAllergen labelling non-compliance can block sale and trigger enforcement action (including border hold, recall, or delisting), because chocolate-hazelnut spreads commonly contain or may contain declared allergens such as hazelnut (tree nut), milk and soy. The plain-English allergen labelling format applies from 25 February 2024, with sell-through for pre-25 February 2024 packaged/labelled stock only until 25 February 2026.Run a pre-shipment label and artwork compliance check against Standard 1.2.3/Schedule 9 requirements (including required names, bolding, and a separate 'Contains' summary statement) and verify allergen status with the manufacturer for each SKU and recipe change.
Food Safety MediumHazelnut inputs can carry mycotoxin risk; the Food Standards Code sets maximum levels for contaminants such as aflatoxin in tree nuts. Exceedances can trigger non-compliance outcomes and product withdrawal.Require supplier certificates of analysis for hazelnut/cocoa inputs and/or finished product (as risk-appropriate), using an ISO 17025-accredited lab where testing is relied upon for compliance decisions.
Biosecurity MediumBiosecurity documentation/clearance risk: MPI guidance notes imports may be subject to Import Health Standards (IHS) and that non-compliance can result in goods being held, re-shipped, or destroyed; if there is no IHS for a product that requires one, it cannot be imported.Confirm the applicable IHS pathway (including packaging and any plant/animal-derived ingredients) before contracting, and ensure required manufacturer declarations/treatment certificates are available before shipment dispatch.
Logistics MediumNew Zealand’s long shipping routes increase exposure to ocean freight volatility and disruptions; heavy retail packaging (often glass) increases damage risk, and heat exposure during transit can affect product texture/separation.Use robust secondary packaging/palletisation and specify maximum temperature exposure guidance in shipping SOPs; hold safety stock and diversify shipping schedules/routes where feasible.
Labor And Human Rights MediumUpstream labor-risk exposure: ILAB identifies child-labor risk for hazelnuts in Turkey (Türkiye) and for cocoa-related goods in certain origin countries, creating reputational and customer-audit risk for brands/importers if due diligence is weak.Implement supply-chain due diligence (origin mapping for cocoa and hazelnuts, supplier codes of conduct, and third-party audit evidence where risk is elevated) and document remediation steps for any identified issues.
Sustainability- Upstream cocoa sourcing can be associated with deforestation and child-labor risk in some origin countries; sustainability and responsible-sourcing claims may be scrutinised by buyers and consumers.
- Palm oil sourcing can be a reputational risk driver for chocolate spreads that use it; buyers may request evidence of responsible palm oil sourcing where claims are made.
Labor & Social- Child-labor risk has been identified by the U.S. Department of Labor (ILAB) for cocoa in certain origin countries and for hazelnuts in Turkey (Türkiye), creating upstream due-diligence expectations for brands and importers.
- Migrant/seasonal labour conditions in upstream nut supply chains can be a buyer audit focus depending on origin.
FAQ
Which allergens are most critical to declare for chocolate-hazelnut spread in New Zealand?Hazelnut must be declared as an individual tree nut when present, and milk and soy must also be declared when used as ingredients (including as components of additives/processing aids). New plain-English allergen labelling rules apply from 25 February 2024, with a sell-through transition for older labels only until 25 February 2026.
What must a New Zealand food importer do before a shipment arrives?MPI guidance says the registered food importer must assess and confirm the food is safe and suitable before it arrives, using information that is applicable and up to date (for example, product specifications, process flow, and certificates of analysis where relevant), and must keep evidence of the assessment for at least 4 years.
What tariff rate commonly applies in New Zealand for cocoa-containing preparations like chocolate-hazelnut spread?New Zealand’s Working Tariff Document shows a normal tariff rate of 5% for HS heading 1806 items shown (including 1806.90.00 ‘Other’), while preferential rates are often ‘Free’ for many preference/FTA groupings when origin requirements are met. The exact rate depends on correct HS classification and qualifying origin.