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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.

"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.

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.

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

"I’ve known Dan Keith for about five years, and in that time, we’ve forged a strong professional and personal bond. He has a true passion for his business and a deep connection with his clients. Dan is someone I would trust completely in any situation. He puts people first, and his genuineness makes it easy to value him as both a colleague and a friend."

Erik Tibcken Senior Director of Sales
Halperns Steak & Seafood

“I’ve worked with Dan for over five years. What began as a professional relationship quickly became something more valuable in this industry, a real friendship built on trust, curiosity, and care. He shows up. He listens. He makes sure I’m taken care of, not because it’s expected, but because that’s who he is. Dan is someone I turn to for inspiration and ideas, someone who understands the demands of a kitchen and the responsibility of putting food on a plate with your name behind it. His business ethics are strong, his character even more impressive. It goes beyond transactions, Dan operates in relationships.”

Chef Justin Kingsley-Hall

Dan Keith is a trustworthy professional who brings strong commercial acumen and a genuine commitment to client relationships. He operates with integrity, prioritizes people, and consistently earns confidence through his reliability and judgment. I‘ve worked with Dan for over 7 years, will continue to work with him, and would trust him for building successful and long term business relationships.

Nathan Bennett CEO & Founder - West Coast Prime Meats

I have known Dan Keith for over 20 years now. We have lived together and stayed in touch throughout that time both in the US and NZ. Dan has a great sense of humour backed up by strong loyalty, ethics and sincerity. You can always rely on Dan. His ability to read markets and execute on opportunities is second to none, with his substantial successes in Hospitality and importation industries. Dan has proven he has the ability to follow through. His resilience has been tested numerous times though out his career and his temperament stays level and solid. Most importantly Dan is a great human being with a heart of gold. Have no problem referring him or what he does to anyone interested.

Luke Irving CEO and Founder - Fingermark

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.

NZ LAUNCH