Sometimes all it takes is a connection.
Helping New Zealand and Australian brands expand successfully into North America.
Strategic market entry, trusted relationships, and real world experience across the USA and Canada.
Hi, I’m Dan Keith
I’m a New Zealander who has been doing business in North America for over a decade. I work with New Zealand and Australian brands looking to expand into the USA and Canada, helping them navigate the realities of this market with clarity, experience, and the right connections in place.
I predominantly specialise in food and beverage. Through my time working across the USA and Canada, I’ve developed a deep understanding of how business actually works in this market, from distribution and compliance through to long term brand positioning.
I often say, sometimes all it takes is a connection, and I genuinely mean that.
When you are sitting in New Zealand or Australia with a great product and a big vision, it can be difficult to know where to start, who to trust, and how to avoid costly mistakes. My role is to help bridge that gap and guide brands toward the right pathways from the beginning.
Before working in North America, I was a business owner across multiple hospitality ventures in New Zealand. That experience shaped my respect for quality, execution, and long term thinking.
I’m deeply proud of the products that come out of New Zealand and Australia. The quality, integrity, and care behind them deserves to be showcased globally when it is done properly.
NZ Launch was created to help make that possible.
"If I believe in your product, I will work to align you with the right channels and relationships to give it the best possible chance of long term success in this market."
This work is not limited to brands entering North America for the first time. I also work with brands that are already established in the USA or Canada and are looking for experienced market representation, stronger distribution alignment, or more strategic support as they grow.
Who I Work With
I work with New Zealand and Australian brands at different stages of their North American journey.
This includes brands preparing to enter the USA or Canada for the first time, as well as brands already present in these markets who are seeking experienced representation, stronger relationships, or more strategic direction.
If this sounds like you, we should talk.
Brands and Partnerships
Throughout my time working in the USA and Canada, I’ve partnered with premium brands and developed long standing relationships across the North American food and beverage landscape.
Alongside brand partnerships, I maintain strong relationships with some of the leading distributors in the United States. I also work closely with a network of respected chefs across America who value quality, provenance, and consistency. This work is selective. It is not about volume. It is about alignment, quality, and sustainable growth.
Is Your Product the Right Fit for North America
Not every product is suited to the North American market, and not every expansion plan makes sense at the time it is being considered.Sometimes the most valuable part of the process is stepping back and asking a very honest question. Will this actually work here?
Part of my role is to help brands assess whether their product, positioning, pricing, and infrastructure are realistically aligned with the USA or Canadian market. That includes distribution models, regulatory considerations, funding requirements, and long term sustainability.
If something is not the right fit, or the timing is not right, I will tell you. That honesty is essential to protecting both your brand and your investment.
What people say about working with Dan
Frequently Asked, Clearly Answered
Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Started
What types of businesses do you work with?
We work with a wide range of businesses — from startups and small enterprises to large corporations — across various industries. Our strategies are always tailored to meet the specific goals, challenges, and growth stages of each client.
How do you customize your consulting approach?
Our process begins with a deep understanding of your business model, challenges, and long-term vision. From there, we craft data-driven, personalized strategies designed to address your specific needs and deliver measurable outcomes.
What can I expect during the first consultation?
The first consultation is all about discovery. We’ll discuss your current business situation, goals, and any pain points you’re experiencing. There’s no pressure — just a meaningful conversation to explore how we can help.
How long does a typical consulting engagement last?
The duration varies depending on the scope and complexity of your goals. Some projects last a few weeks, while others involve long-term strategic partnerships. We’ll recommend a timeline that makes sense for your unique situation.
Do you offer ongoing support after the initial project?
Yes. Many of our clients choose to continue working with us after the initial engagement. We offer ongoing advisory, performance tracking, and support to ensure strategies are implemented effectively and adjusted when needed.
Don’t worry — we’ve got answers!
We’re here to help. If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, feel free to reach out to our team. We’ll make sure you get the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.
Why some brands succeed in North America and others don’t
Over the years, I’ve seen many New Zealand and Australian brands enter the North American market. Some thrive. Others struggle, often for reasons that have little to do with product quality. In this article, I share the most common challenges I see and what really makes the difference when expanding into the USA or Canada.