Wai Mānuka is closing out 2024 with two major global business opportunities on the horizon.

Chief executive Joe Harawira has announced a partnership with Nishihara Shokai, a billion-dollar distribution giant serving 90,000 high-end hotels, restaurants, bars, events, and weddings across Japan.

This week, the Wai Mānuka team is busy preparing product to be flown to Japan for Nishihara to market at major pre-Christmas events in Tokyo.

“Initially, they wanted six pallets shipped at the end of January, but they called last week and said they wanted product now,” Harawira said.

The partnership evolved after Japan business advisor Ohashi Kato pitched Wai Mānuka to the president of Nishihara Shokai during an event at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo.

Wai Mānuka is the first Kiwi brand to be taken on by Nishihara Shokai.

Mr Harawira said Dr Kato and NZTE head of business development Eigo Maeda played pivotal roles in establishing the partnership foundation.

It is part of a multi-entry strategy to grow the Wai Mānuka brand in Japan.

Wai Mānuka is also set to trial in New York through Finesaler, a premier distributor of luxury brands.

Mr Harawira said Finesaler founder and chief executive Daniel Arnould recently visited New Zealand, tried the product and fell in love with it, leading him to initiate a partnership.

Finesaler supplies high-end specialty grocery stores, upscale bars, and exclusive events in New York city and already collaborates with renowned New Zealand brand Antipodes.

“It’s been a very challenging year for businesses across the board, and the economy remains in a state of depression,” Mr Harawira said.

“However, opportunities like these are a testament to the strength of the Wai Mānuka brand and the incredible support we’ve received both locally and globally.

“These collaborations represent a significant step forward in our mission to take Wai Mānuka to the world.”