The UK based ethical assessment company the GoodCorporation is expanding to New Zealand with a warning that exporters need to demonstrate that they are as good, clean and pure as they claim to be.

The GoodCorporation was founded in 2000 by a group of former partners and directors of KPMG Consulting who wanted to create an independent system of verifying the ethical business practices of an organisation.

It's targeting New Zealand based exporters to Europe and UK in a drive to lift supply chain ethics and corporate responsibility by addressing issues such as food miles and on farm environmental practices.

Managing director Leo Martin says UK retailers feel that many of New Zealand's primary industries are not able to provide independent information about their business practices.

"In New Zealand our research suggests that while the media plays a role in highlighting shabby business practices there is little measurement or risk management of these areas.

To avoid being locked out of markets, Mr Martin said New Zealand businesses needed to address these issues and provide credible independent verification of their track record.