Frucor Suntory News Q4 - 2022

The newest global retailer to enter the New Zealand market partners with Frucor Suntory for Pepsi exclusive

After much hype, Costco has officially launched into New Zealand, opening its first store in Auckland in September 2022. Frucor Suntory will exclusively offer its PepsiCo carbonated soft drink portfolio at the food court.

PepsiCo has a long-standing partnership with Costco, since 2013 they are the preferred range of beverages offered to customers within its food courts around the world. Costco New Zealand will offer the full range of PepsiCo carbonated soft drinks including Pepsi, Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew and 7Up from its custom fountains, along with Pepsi Max and V Energy drinks in vending machines and on the warehouse floor.

Brad Erceg, New Zealand Sales Director, Frucor Suntory, explains that there has been considerable investment in the PepsiCo portfolio across the New Zealand market this year, with Costco the perfect addition to the channel and brand expansion, which in 2022 has gone from strength to strength.

“The results of our infamous Pepsi Max Taste Challenge has proven that Kiwis really enjoy Pepsi Max and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of the first New Zealand Costco store within its iconic food court experience. The hotdog, Pepsi and refill combo will be a highlight for shoppers, it certainly is great value!”

Initial membership numbers and the hype seen on social media have been a clear indicator of the excitement among New Zealanders for the opening, and the launch did not disappoint.

Michael Russell, Global Sr. Director of Sales, Costco International Team at PepsiCo shares, “We’re excited to see Costco come to New Zealand and even more pleased to offer their customers a range of PepsiCo beverages in the food court. We have a broad and innovative beverage range, including Pepsi Max, our great tasting no sugar cola and other favourites such as 7Up and Mountain Dew – all of which go perfectly with a hot dog!’’

Harry Ellis, Head of Grocery and Retail, Frucor Suntory, adds “The first weekend trading has exceeded all sales expectations and is a grand opening to go down in the history books. We are delighted with the PepsiCo offer in the food court and it seems Costco shoppers are too!

We’re enjoying working with the Costco team and looking forward to future growth and expansion within this banner. It’s great to see this new format and offer resonating with New Zealand shoppers –Costco really have created a destination and brought a unique Costco experience to the market. There is considerable value on offer for shoppers that are willing to buy in bulk, but also a wide range of international products providing more choice and plenty of new opportunities to try something different.”

The new Auckland store is only the beginning for Costco in New Zealand and Frucor Suntory is looking forward to continue its partnership as they look to expand across the country.

... Kiwi’s really enjoy Pepsi Max and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of the first New Zealand Costco store within its iconic food court experience.

Brad Erceg, NZ Sales Director, Frucor Suntory

Frucor Suntory continues QSR expansion and partners with Mariposa Restaurant Holdings

Frucor Suntory is proud to announce that it will commence a new partnership with Mariposa Restaurant Holdings, which includes its flagship brands Mexicali, Burger Wisconsin and Taco Joint.

Mariposa strives to support its franchise operators as they grow their businesses, and they are now able to take them to the next stage of the journey by becoming the latest restaurant chain to collaborate under the #BetterWithPepsi campaign.

Pepsi branding will now lead the beverage offering across the current and future Mariposa Restaurants Holdings sites.

Frucor Suntory continues to strengthen its brands domestically through great partnerships, driving incidence through its fit for purpose portfolio which enables customers to select trusted brands and pack sizes that meet the demands of the changing meal occasion throughout the day.

For 17 years Mariposa Restaurant Holdings has developed a thriving franchise network, offering fresh and authentic food to loyal and engaged customers throughout the country, becoming the perfect partner for Frucor Suntory, who have a long history of bringing great tasting beverages for the Oceania market.

Justin Ramsay, Head of On the Go, Frucor Suntory, commented on the new partnership and said: “Our ability to leverage and combine local insights, agility and talent, with global expertise, is what sets us apart. When we partner with our customers it’s not just about getting beverages from the warehouse to their stores, it’s about working with them to deeply understand their offer, occasion and consumer and offer curated marketing support to drive beverage frequency.

“We can drive engagement and loyalty across all media channels such as online, app, and third-party delivery models. All illustrated through eye catching and engaging path to purchase experiences in-store. We’re excited to partner with Mariposa Restaurant Holdings. They share our passion for great brands, supporting their people and sustainability,” concluded Ramsay.

Michael Redman, CEO, Mariposa Restaurant Holdings said Frucor Suntory was appointed after a comprehensive and competitive beverage category review. “Frucor Suntory responded with a compelling business case that will deliver benefits to our customers and franchisees.

Offering our customers a choice of trusted beverage brands and price options matched to our menus is critical to our sustained competitiveness”.

“This partnership goes beyond just product supply, Frucor Suntory is also able to provide marketing, insights and systems support that are aligned with our business needs and brand values.”

The #BetterWithPepsi campaign and beverage are available at Burger Wisconsin and Mexicali from October 2022.

About Mariposa Restaurant Holdings

Mariposa Restaurant Holdings is a New Zealand owned company and the master franchisor of QSR brands Mexicali, Burger Wisconsin and Taco Joint. Over the past 17 years, Mariposa has developed brands into thriving franchise net-works that offer fresh and authentic food to loyal and engaged customers nationwide. Our brand roots go back to 1974, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada where the Californian founders discovered their passion for Mexican food and a love for tacos. The founders relocated to New Zealand in 2005, introducing the local market to Cali-style Mex opening their first Mexicali store in Princes Wharf Auckland.

In 2015, Mariposa Restaurant Holdings acquired the Burger Wisconsin franchise brand driving the brand forward with its robust operating systems and successful brand building capabilities. Burger Wisconsin is New Zealand’s original gourmet burger chain, keeping it real since ’89. Burger Wisconsin stores are known as the ‘local neighbourhood burger joint’ offering delectable burgers – big in size and made using only the best ingredients.

Today the companies mission remains the same – to connect New Zealand consumers with fresh and authentic food using fresh, top quality ingredients, and continuing to grow and build our brand portfolio within the QSR market.

Pepsi summer activations

With summer being a key consumption occasion for CSDs, Pepsi Max will be unmissable across New Zealand with media and sampling, connecting consumers with the deliciously refreshing taste of our cola – with MAX TASTE, NO SUGAR.

Kiwis on their travels around summer hotspots will be greeted by several large-scale Pepsi Max No Sugars Given billboards including the Kopu Bridge which sees thousands of holiday makers pass by each day, and Cardona for those going to the Lakes or the Rhythm & Alps festival.

Santa will also be making an entertaining appearance in his famous red truck with the launch of the Refresh Your Christmas campaign. Media includes cinema, digital video, Snapchat and shopping mall panels.

Tell us where you’ll be heading this summer and be in to WIN an epic Pepsi Max summer prize pack! Email pepsicomp@frucorsuntory.com

Finally, to challenge Kiwi’s taste buds, the Pepsi Max Taste Challenge is back from October 2022 through to March 2023 with the huge can set up in Auckland malls and universities. Pepsi Max brand ambassadors will also be handing out thousands of ice-cold cans of Pepsi Max in summer hotspots throughout January and February 2023.

Frucor Suntory

Quarter

Update 2022 Frucor Suntory

Hearing from the Frucor Suntory team

Summer roadtrips conjure up thoughts of warm summer days, good tunes, no time constraints, the wind in your hair and possibly a stop at the petrol station to fill up the car and procure snacks for the trip ahead.

Our V brand is all about fun occasions and creating memories – just like a great roadtrip. We knew from our 2021 U&A study and insights from consumer research (lots and lots of research!) that a road trip and a V go hand in hand. It made sense for us to bring it to life during the prime roadtrip season – summer.

We worked on the #roadtrip campaign for around four months, pitching the idea and testing the creative and concept with consumers to make sure it would land accurately.

Marketing can drive both long- and shortterm results, sales usually build only shortterm results – but you need both to grow a brand and a business.

The #roadtrip campaign aims to build awareness of the brand on the roadtrip occasion, and grabbing consumers attention in store when they stop to refuel on their roadtrip is a prime opportunity to get them to consider purchasing a V. We’ve developed a variety of collateral that our customers can use to support the marketing campaign we’re promoting. And the use of the bugs brings an element of lightness and fun to the campaign, which we all need after two years of COVID craziness.

My top tips for a great roadtrip: Pack up the car, the kids, the pets or whatever your roadtrip crew looks like. Make sure your car is ship shape and you’ve got some snacks and drinks for the journey ahead – an ice-cold V of course. Take a breath, see some sights, drive carefully, and remind yourself that we are lucky enough to live in one of the most amazing places on the planet.

This summer I’ll be packing up my car and heading off to discover somewhere new, I hope you are too.

Allison Yorston Chief Marketing Officer ANZ, Frucor Suntory

... the use of the bugs brings an element of lightness and fun to the campaign, which we all need after two years of COVID craziness.

The V bugs are becoming increasingly distinctive and continue to resonate with our core energy consumers. The bugs allow us to bring V to market in a cheeky and authentic manner, with the Kombi helping to land key beverage occasion cues. Leading into the summer months we’ll be heroing our core V Energy range and putting a focus on solidifying our positioning for the brand through the line.

With this in mind we’ll be bringing our V #roadtrip campaign to stores with our lead bug Muzz making his first cameo across our point of sale suite, bringing the bugs into store for the first time! Muzz and his Kombi will be popping up in stores across Australia and New Zealand with a variety of summer roadtrip related prizes up for grabs. Keep an eye out for some wicked V displays in trade while on your next summer roadie!

Frucor