Lowdo n
Message from Pieter de Wet
The summer sun is here and that means Christmas is right around the corner!
I hope you are all having a productive and successful summer season so far. I know this is a busy time for many of you.. Please reach out to your category manager if you have any questions or need to chat ahead of the shutdown period.
I’d like to thank you all for your dedication and support throughout the year. 2024 has been a year of ups and downs for the business but I believe we are entering the new year on a high. We have a lot to look forward to in 2025!
In this issue of The Lowdown you’ll find a jampacked edition with updates from across the business. We profile the great team at NZ Hothouse; fill you in on an amazing piece of work our community team has undertaken; celebrate the winners of our recent Supplier Awards; share some snaps of our Woolworths Experience and give you an update on our ongoing transformation journey, to name a few.
So, take a load off for a bit and get your fill of Woolies news!
Ngā mihi nui, Pieter de Wet
Commercial Director, Woolworths New Zealand
Cucumber Cravings: A Summertime Staple
New Zealand’s summer is synonymous with sunshine, barbecues, and the refreshing crunch of cucumbers. As we gear up for the festive season, we checked in with the passionate team at NZ Hothouse to get the inside scoop on this season’s cucumber crop.
Cucumbers thrive on long, warm, sunny days, and the team is crossing their fingers for a fantastic summer to boost their already healthy and robust crops. Last year, they supplied Woolworths with over 3.5 million telegraph cucumbers, and this year, they’re aiming even higher!
The team acknowledges the unpredictable nature of weather. Cucumbers prefer consistent warmth and sunshine, so the weather forecast is always on their minds. Additionally, pests and unforeseen conditions can arise, but the team is well-prepared
to adapt and protect their precious crop. Their primary focus remains on delivering fresh, high-quality cucumbers to Kiwi families.
For the NZ Hothouse team, cucumber cultivation goes beyond simply providing a tasty vegetable. They find deep satisfaction in partnering with Woolworths to bring fresh, healthy produce to New Zealand homes.
One key message the team emphasises is the importance of the 100% soft plastics recyclable plastic wrap around cucumbers. This wrap
is crucial for maintaining freshness, as cucumbers, being 96% water, can quickly lose moisture and become limp without it. The wrap significantly reduces food wastage, aligning with the team’s commitment to sustainability.
As we eagerly await the summer season, we can rest assured that the dedicated team at NZ Hothouse is working tirelessly to bring us the freshest, crunchiest cucumbers.
Supporting our communities
Woolworths’ customer donations help get fences restored in Tairāwhiti
Cyclone-hit farmers in Tairāwhiti and Wairoa have received about $700,000 worth of fencing supplies, helped by a $50,000 donation from Woolworths New Zealand’s generous customers.
The fencing gear was handed out at a Federated Farmers Gisborne-Wairoa and Rapid Relief Team event in Gisborne on 22 November, with free breakfast and coffee as well as support services for farmers.
The fencing giveaway followed the hugely successful Feds v Parliament sports event back in May, sponsored by Woolworths NZ. That day helped raise more than $300,000 in cash and more has been raised since.
in cash and turned that into $700,000 worth of fencing equipment - posts, wire, battens, screws - to donate to farmers to help rebuild their properties a little bit faster than they’d otherwise be able to,” said Toby Williams from Federated Farmers GisborneWairoa.
Nearly 450 tonnes of fencing gear will go to about 250 farmers.
“It’s close to two years on from Gabrielle but the damage was widespread and the stress is still high out there. We think there’s well over 1,000km of fencelines still to replace on farms. Some only lost a few hundred metres but some farms still have 20, 30km of fencing needing to be replaced,” said Toby Williams.
Sustainability News
Woolworths New Zealand Celebrates Supplier Sustainability Efforts with “Better Tomorrow” Award
Woolworths New Zealand’s annual “Better Tomorrow” award recognises the outstanding sustainability achievements of its suppliers. This year we celebrated our finalists and winners in Auckland on 24 October, and we’re delighted to announce Bluebird (Pepsisco) as our 2024 winner.
Initiatives were invited in alignment with our Woolworths Sustainability Pillars. The “Better Tomorrow” (sustainability) award celebrates suppliers who demonstrate impactful results, leadership, and innovation in sustainability, regardless of their organisational size. This year’s finalists were:
Bluebird Foods (Pepsico) - People: For their partnership with The Rising Foundation to support Māori and Pacific students in South Auckland through mentorship and career development.
Suntory Beverage and Food Oceania - Planet: For their reformulation of V Energy drinks to reduce water and CO2 emissions, and their broader commitment to renewable energy and sustainable sourcing.
Annies - Product: For their efforts to establish a local circular economy for apple pulp, reducing transportation emissions and packaging, and supporting local growers.
The 2024 “Better Tomorrow” (Sustainability) Supplier of the Year award went to: Bluebird Foods (Pepsico)
Bluebird Foods are creating a positive impact for people through their “Rautaki Māori” programme - a commitment to support Māori and Pasifika in their local communities. Bluebird Foods partnered with The Rising Foundation to provide funding and in-kind support for work in 5 secondary schools in South Auckland with an annual total of 250 – 300 students.
The Rising Foundation identifies potentially vulnerable students from intermediate age and supports them through careers camps, leadership training, mentorship and peer support during this vital period. Some of their outcomes are intangible but tangible outcomes include: working with students to get their full driver’s license,
Thank you to all our trade partners who submitted an entry and we look forward to hearing more of your successes in the year ahead.
improved school attendance and academic outcomes, and a higher rate of university or full time study post high school.
Alongside this People-centred project, Bluebird noted their commitment to Planet and Product by trialing insecticide-free potato crops,via co-planting, and an improved health star rating on their Bluebird Thinly Cut range. Bluebird Foods shows true leadership and innovation in building a better tomorrow.
We look forward to also sharing profiles of Frucor Suntory and Annie’s in future LowDown issues.
Thank you to all our trade partners who submitted an entry and we look forward to hearing more of your successes in the year ahead.
Woolworths Celebrates Supplier Excellence at Annual Awards
Woolworths New Zealand recently hosted our annual Supplier Awards in Auckland, recognising excellence and innovation within the food and grocery industry. Over 350 attendees gathered to celebrate the achievements of 20 outstanding suppliers.
MCoBeauty was named Small Supplier of the Year for their impressive innovation, launching over 240 new products in the past year. Willowtree Produce received the Fresh Supreme Supplier of the Year award for their exceptional work in the tropical fruit
Small Supplier of the Year
Fruit & Vegetable Supplier of the Year
Bakery Supplier of the Year
Meat & Seafood Supplier of the Year
Perishables & Delicatessen Supplier of the Year
Fresh Account Manager of the Year
Grocery Non Food & General Merchandise Supplier of the Year
Pharmacy, Health & Body Supplier of the Year
Liquor Supplier of the Year
Grocery - Pantry & Freezer Supplier of the Year
Grocery - Beverages, Snacking & Breakfast Supplier of the Year
Sustainability Partner of the Year
Integrated Supply Planner of the Year
Packaged Account Manager of the Year
Woolworths Food Company Technical Manager of the Year
Woolworths Food Company NPD Manager of the Year
Woolworths New Zealand Own Brand Product of the Year
Woolworths Food Company Supplier of the Year
Fresh Supreme Supplier of the Year
Packaged Supreme Supplier of the Year
categories. Griffin’s Snacks took home the Packaged Supreme Supplier of the Year award, recognised for their collaborative approach and commitment to customer satisfaction.
See below for the full list of winners.
MCo Beauty
Willowtree Produce
Buonissimo Bakery
Tegel Foods Ltd
Chobani Pty Ltd
Kelly Henderson (Dairyworks)
Henkel New Zealand Ltd
Essano
Poulter Family Wines (SKU Limited)
Patties Food Group
Griffin’s Snacks
Bluebird
Catherine Surman (Colgate)
Zak Mills (Unilever)
Tracy Wilson (Farmland Foods)
Kate Veitch (Hilton Foods Ltd)
Everyday Cheese
Hilton Foods Ltd
Willowtree Produce
Griffins Snacks
Reflecting
on the
Woolworths New Zealand Experience
The recent Woolworths Experience brought together over 150 suppliers and hundreds of team members for two days of connection, sharing, and planning for the upcoming Christmas and summer season. The event fostered a sense of community and excitement for the future.
Attendees had the opportunity to explore the expo and engage with passionate suppliers showcasing a diverse range of products. From local cheeses to artisanal breads, the expo highlighted the quality and variety of Woolworths’ offerings.
In the spirit of giving, the event partnered with The Salvation Army to collect gifts for children in need. Thanks to the generosity of team members and suppliers, over 800 gifts were donated, ensuring a more magical Christmas for many.
It was fantastic to connect with so many of our valued suppliers at the recent Woolworths Experience. The passion and innovation on display were truly inspiring, and we’re grateful for your commitment to partnering with us. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to enhance our offerings and processes. We look forward to continued collaboration and success in the future!
Celebrating the seasons
Woolworths Launches Christmas Pop-Up Restaurant to Benefit the Salvation Army
Woolworths spread early Christmas cheer with a festive pop-up restaurant, the “Woolworths Christmas Table.” The threenight-only event, held from November 6th to 8th at The Tuesday Club in Auckland, was a fun-filled evening of festive feasting!
Celebrity chef Trudi “The Foodie” Nelson hosted the event, sharing her expert tips and tricks for a stress-free Christmas at home. The delectable three-course menu, crafted by rising culinary star Emily
Morgan, showcased the quality and versatility of Woolworths Own food range and fresh seasonal produce.
Tickets were $30, with all proceeds going to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal. Guests not only enjoyed a memorable dining experience but also left with valuable insights and inspiration for creating their own magical Christmas feasts.
Buzzing with Excitement: Woolworths Creates World’s First Supermarket for Bees
Woolworths New Zealand celebrated the return of sunshine and seasonal favourites in a unique way: by creating the world’s first supermarket for bees in Auckland. These tiny creatures are the unsung heroes behind most of the fresh produce we enjoy, pollinating a staggering 70 percent of all crops eaten by humans. However, bee populations worldwide are facing a “sticky situation” due to pesticides, climate change, and habitat destruction.
Woolworths raised the profile of these humble workers by giving them their very own “bee-stro.” Aotearoa is home to 27 species of native bees found nowhere else
on Earth, making it a perfect location to highlight their importance in our food chain and ecosystem.
In partnership with Bees Up Top and Auckland’s Ambury Farm, Woolworths created a bee-friendly supermarket during the term 3 school holidays. Instead of food, the miniature aisles are filled with bees’ favorite blooms like lavender, mānuka, and cosmos.
By creating this unique Supermarket for Bees, Woolworths not only celebrated the return of spring but also raised awareness about the importance of bees and inspiring action to protect them.
Primary Connect+
Women in Logistics – Gina Stephens
There are not many facets of the logistics and supply chain industry Gina Stephens doesn’t know from the inside out. Gina is the Network Development Manager at Primary Connect + (PC+), bringing three decades’ experience in the sector to her role.
Gina began her career at the tender age of 17 as a Customs Runner for UPS. “Nothing was electronic in those days, everything was manual, Customs entries and shipping delivery orders were literally rubber-stamped,” Gina says A natural affinity for the industry developed quickly, and she rose through the ranks at several prominent freight companies, becoming an authorised Customs Broker at DHL. As her skill-set widened into project management and operations, she worked locally and internationally for high profile
businesses including GlaxoSmithKline, CEVA and ACA International.
In 2021, Gina joined PC+. She is responsible for overseeing the transport network, procurement, commercial negotiations, fleet livery, carrier relationship management, and cost-reduction strategies. Her diverse background in general freight has helped her adapt to the challenges of the FMCG sector, an area she finds exciting for its rapid pace and evolving nature.
“What excites me is making tangible change for the good of the company and our customers,” says Gina. “I enjoy driving transformation in all aspects of the business to optimise outcomes.”
Gina says that, after decades of working in male-dominated spaces, and juggling motherhood with her demanding roles,
Primary Connect is a refreshingly diverse and supportive operation.
“Primary Connect is all-inclusive, there are no barriers to achieving success. You’re promoted for your skill-set and vision; you’re recognised for your contribution and potential. At PC+ we hire the best person for the role. We have a high number of women in our customer care department, and across all our Teams.”
“I am very excited about what the future holds at PC+. We are poised for tremendous growth and innovation, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
Visit Primary Connect + here
And contact Gina here: georgina. stephens@primaryconnect.co.nz
Transformation Journey
Woolworths New Zealand Celebrates 100th Store Milestone with Dunedin South Reopening
Woolworths New Zealand has reached a significant milestone in our ongoing transformation journey with the transition of the 100th store - Woolworths Dunedin South.
The Dunedin supermarket, which first opened in 2012, has undergone a significant refresh over the past 6 months.
The newly revamped store features a range of new and improved features, including a new Woolworths Pharmacy offering free prescriptions and vaccinations, Online Delivery area improvements, new checkouts, and a dedicated health foods area with a more curated food offering.
To celebrate its reopening, Woolworths Dunedin South has also made a donation to its local food rescue partner, KiwiHarvest. Woolworths’ transformation journey, which began in 2023, reflects our commitment to delivering a fresh and modern shopping experience for New Zealanders. Newly upgraded stores feature a refreshed look and feel, with a focus on fresh food, convenience, and customer service.
Greymouth Woolworths Reopens After Major Refresh
The Greymouth Woolworths has reopened its doors after a major refresh. The store now boasts an expanded storeroom and online delivery area, a streamlined online pickup area with extra fridges, and new Direct to Boot and Self-Checkout services.
The refurbishment has been welcomed by both staff and the local community. The store has a long history in Greymouth, with some team members having worked in the building since its days as a FreshChoice and later a Countdown.
The relaunch was celebrated with a free coffee cart and a series of events to thank customers for their support.
Cartology
Cartology Campaign of the
Year Awards:
Celebrating Innovation in Retail Media
Cartology recently hosted their annual Campaign of the Year Awards, now in its third year. For the first time, the event was held as a standalone awards program, celebrating strategic thinking and innovation in retail media. The awards recognize brands that take a customer-led approach to drive returns and deliver bestin-class campaigns.
These awards are an opportunity for brands to showcase their creativity, commercial acumen, and strategic thinking, while also inspiring future innovation. In 2024, the program highlighted outstanding work across three distinct categories, culminating in the prestigious Cartology Campaign of the Year award.
Winner: Best Small Supplier Campaign: Swisse Wellness NZ | Swisse Sleep Campaign Finalists:
• Egmont Honey Ltd | Winter Warmers Campaign
• Essano | Hydration+ Campaign
Winner: Best NPD Launch Campaign: Reckitt | Nuromol Launch Finalists:
• Bluebird Ltd | Netflix Campaign
• McCain | Rustica Campaign
• Sanitarium | So Good Extra Creamy
Winner: Best Consumer Campaign: Mondelez | Snack Stop Finalists:
• Reckitt | Dettol The Squashables
• Griffin’s | 160th Birthday (Also received the Judges Honorable Mention)
• Coca-Cola | My Coke Music
Grand Prix Winner: Mondelez | Snack Stop
A Platform for Collaboration
Cartology’s vision has always been focused on delivering exceptional value to customers, and this was made possible through the collaboration with its esteemed clients and partners. As the retail media landscape continues to evolve, the 2024 Cartology Campaign of the Year Awards reflected a commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities. The success of the campaigns nominated for these awards exemplified the power of teamwork and strategic collaboration.
In 2024, Cartology continued to build its platform to execute innovative campaigns that met the most important objectives of its partners. The new award categories provided an exciting opportunity to recognize the campaigns that pushed the envelope, highlighting creative and commercial achievements that made a difference in retail media.
On the night of the awards, Spencer Sonn, Managing Director of Woolworths NZ, spoke to the growing sophistication in the retail media space. “As clients grow increasingly sophisticated in this space, we’re seeing great campaign success setting a great benchmark for retail media and giving our customers a great online and in-store brand experience,” he said. “We’re seeing strength in collaboration to drive great results through Cartology, which talks to the growth of the Campaign of the Year Awards program that we’re here to celebrate.” His words underscored the importance of partnership in driving success and the role Cartology plays in enabling such growth.
Expanding the Campaign of the Year
Categories
The Cartology Campaign of the Year was expanded into three distinct categories for 2024, allowing brands to showcase their achievements in more specialized areas. Each category offered its own unique focus, enabling diverse campaigns to be recognized for their excellence. These categories celebrated the most impactful and effective brand partnerships and campaigns of the past year.
A Chance for Multiple Entries
Clients who had executed multiple outstanding campaigns had the opportunity to enter the same campaign into multiple categories, provided it met the entry requirements. This allowed brands to gain recognition in more than one area, further showcasing the breadth and impact of their efforts.
The Cartology Campaign of the Year Awards were more than just a celebration of success—they were an acknowledgment of the hard work and collaboration that went into making these campaigns stand out. From innovative strategies to impressive results, these awards highlighted the very best of retail media.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Cartology continues to expand its capabilities and platform into 2025 and beyond, the Campaign of the Year Awards will evolve alongside the dynamic retail media landscape. With ongoing collaboration and dedication from its client partners, Cartology is excited to explore the new possibilities that lie ahead. The Campaign of the Year Awards provide a valuable platform to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its partners and to recognize the future of retail media. Looking ahead, further expansion of award categories is anticipated, offering brands even more opportunities to showcase their campaigns across diverse disciplines. As the retail media industry grows, Cartology remains committed to fostering partnerships that drive success and deliver exceptional outcomes, making the Cartology Campaign of the Year Awards an essential part of the industry’s recognition calendar.
Your key Merchandise and Replenishment team contacts.
Andre Visser
General Manager of Woolworths Food Company New Zealand
E: andre.visser@woolworths.co.nz
James Miles
General Manager of Meat, Seafood, Bakery & Value Chain
E: james.miles@woolworths.co.nz
M: 027 355 8527
Ryan McMullen
General Manager of Fruit and Veg
E: ryan.mcmullen@woolworths.co.nz
M: 027 444 2032
Please reach out to your category or merchandise manager as your first port of call but if you need to get in touch with one of the merchandise leadership team, you can find their details below.
Angela Deehan
General Manager of Everyday Needs, General Merchandise and Pharmacy
E: angela.deehan@woolworths.co.nz
M: 027 444 077
Mark Bell Head of Quality and Food Safety
E: mark.bell@woolworths.co.nz
M: 027 243 4315
Tash Toswill
General Manager Replenishment New Zealand
E: natasha.tosswill@woolworths.co.nz
M: 021 823 083
Greta Taylor
General Manager Grocery Food, Liquor, Perishables and Deli
E: greta.taylor@woolworths.co.nz
M: 021 702 756
Nikhil Sawant
General Manager Commercial Enablement
E: nikhil.sawant@woolworths.co.nz
M: 027 333 8383
Vicky Herring
General Manager Range and Space
E: vicky.herring@woolworths.co.nz
M: 021 960 834
Supplier