Maegen Blom - NZ

Maegen Blom, a 24-year-old Operations Manager at Mills Bay Mussels in Marlborough, is committed to promoting the Greenshell Mussel as a delicious, healthy, and sustainable superfood. The family-owned business directly supplies restaurants, wholesalers, and supermarkets across New Zealand, aiming to elevate the profile of this unique product.

Passionate about the future of aquaculture and its significance in New Zealand's primary sector, Maegen is a Founding Member of Young Fish NZ, which connects young professionals in the seafood industry. She values hands-on involvement in the business while also stepping back to gain inspiration from like-minded peers.

As New Zealand's mussel industry is still relatively young at under 50 years, Maegen sees vast potential for innovation in engineering, breeding, genetics, and processing. Her goal is to continually develop Mills Bay Mussels and forge strategic partnerships across the industry to encourage collective growth.
In the next five years, Maegen envisions replicating Mills Bay Mussels’ successful marketing model to create another strong brand around an underrated, high-quality food product, increasing its market value through effective repositioning. While New Zealand excels in commodity production, she believes there is significant potential to enhance value without sacrificing quality.

Currently, Mills Bay Mussels is successfully raising the profile and value of Greenshell Mussels, while Maegen's involvement with Young Fish fosters confidence and connections among young people in New Zealand's seafood sector.

Maegen believes she is a fitting ambassador for the industry, embodying the notion that fortune favours the bold. Having begun her career as a young manager, she handles high-pressure situations with poise and aspires to inspire others by demonstrating the possibilities that arise when one steps outside their comfort zone.