SupermarketNews // March 2015

The softness of is evolving...

Category background Premium is losing its Premium

Avg $s / Roll (PREMIUM) NZ Grocery

• Average $s / Roll has declined 12%.

• Decline is despite growth from Long-roll & Double Length rolls.

2010

0.75

2014

0.66

% Change

-12.0%

Premium growth is SLOWING... down to single digits.

Premium Segment Value Growth (NZ Grocery)

18.8 MAT to 30/10/11

14.4 MAT to 28/10/12

11.2 MAT to 27/10/13

9.1 MAT to 26/10/14

The Paseo brand is growing at 24% $ MAT in Toilet Tissue

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Substantial price premium 10% vs Long Roll 20% vs Standard length

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$

9.95

March 2015 • Vol. 8 No. 3

MARK HAMILTON: “BTCC has proven that it has grown with Foodstuffs and now has the ability to expand into Progressive stores.” (see page 8)

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELLING UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT IN 2015 ALTHOUGH it will come with costs, the Country of Origin labelling issue is likely to raise its head here in the very near future following Australia tackling it head-on in recent days. A change of heart across the Tasman has meant the issue is now being tackled with some urgency.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott had earlier declared he was not keen to visit labelling law issues but has now decided following the major storm over a hepatitis outbreak, that change was needed.

Like New Zealand regulators, no Australian politician has been keen to put a whole lot of additional

requirements on the industry but plainly, especially with heavy New Zealand imports these days, there are likely to be random problems with imported foods and ingredients.

While there is no immediate answer, the industry here, both suppliers and retailers (who are substantial importers in their own right), need to quickly come up with solutions that are simple but still eliminate the vagueness that currently prevails.

The current framework needs to be simplified and the answer may lie in qualifying the country of the characterising ingredient rather than the confusing “made in New Zealand

DAVE CHAMBERS MOVES TO OZ

MANAGING Director of Progressive Enterprises, Dave Chambers, has been appointed to the role of Director, Woolworths Supermarkets, based in Sydney.

Chambers has been Managing Director of Progressive Enterprises and the Countdown business since July 2011.

Chambers first started with the company in 1979, stocking shelves in the Glenfield

Foodtown supermarket in Auckland.

“I’ve had an incredible journey with this business for the last 36 years,” says Chambers.

“I’ve worked on the shop floor, held a variety of roles in operations, overseen the amalgamation of three brands to become Countdown, and for the last three years I’ve been fortunate enough to lead the 18,000 hard-working New Zealanders in our team. I’ll miss it enormously, as well as all the people I’ve worked with along the way, but I’m also really looking forward to this new challenge.”

Woolworths Chief Executive Officer Grant O’Brien says: “Dave is a highly experienced supermarket retailer who has honed his skills in the tough and highly price-sensitive market of New Zealand.

The leadership changes announced today places our best talent to lead our biggest businesses and brings the right mix of experience and the ability to create a winning operating culture.”

The move will see Chambers lead more

using local and imported ingredients” which is a descriptor likely to be banned in Australia.

NZ Consumer CEO Sue Chetwin is fully behind her Australian counterparts in pressing for a proper CooL programme in New Zealand. “We totally support changes in this area. We just can’t understand how we can have it on imported clothing but not on food,” she said.

Currently there is a voluntary code in the supermarkets in the area of fresh produce but it is an adhoc arrangement that is often randomly met. n than 900 Woolworth’s supermarkets across Australia, which employ some 113,000 team members. Woolworths has made a number of new key leadership appointments within its food and liquor divisions, including the appointment of a new MD following the resignation of Tjeerd Jegen.

Steve Donohue, Countdown’s General Manager Merchandise, has been appointed Acting Managing Director, Progressive Enterprises until a new appointment has been made. n

SPEIGHT’S WIN BEER AWARD SPEIGHT’s has taken out a silver award with its Triple Hop Pilsner in the International Brewing Awards. Over 844 beers from 50 different countries were involved in the contest and the award was great recognition for New Zealand beers on the international stage. n

P&G SELLING DURACELL PROCTER & Gamble reported a big drop in quarterly earnings – down 43.2% on the previous year and is working on a large asset write-down.

It has current plans to exit the Duracell battery business as part of its plans. n

2015 YOUNG BREADMAKER NATHAN Roberts from Goodman Fielder has taken out the award of Young Bread Baker of the Year sponsored by the NZ Association of Bakers. He demonstrated his practical baking ability, theoretical knowledge of baking technology as well as providing research into consumer perceptions of E-number labeled additives in bread. He wins a $10,000 research grant. n

contents 04 Dunedin Site for CHEP 10 DYC 100 Years 14 Global News 19 Hot Beverages 26 Artisan

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editorialcomment Will Foodstuffs ramp up its interest in The Warehouse?

IT seems the battle for a grocery stake in The Warehouse is over with Woolworths selling off their shares this month saying it was no longer part of its strategy in this country. The question now is it still part of Foodstuffs’ strategy. Nine years ago both Woolworths and Foodstuffs each bought 10% of The Warehouse shares at an estimated $180m each and since then the bottom fell out of the share price and both companies have been substantial losers. Earlier Woolworths dropped off 1.2% of its shares and has this month sold its remaining 8.8% for around $87m taking a hit of around $90m – and Foodstuffs is facing the same problem.

But the situation may well change from the blocking action the two companies took against each other all that time ago. With Woolworths out of the picture, perhaps Foodstuffs may take another look at the marketplace and re-evaluate its stance of putting more emphasis on the Pak’nSave bottom of the market scenario.

The Warehouse’s foray into the grocery market some time ago was a bit of a fizzer although a number of suppliers, particularly in the non-food category, are still hanging in there. The fresh purchase of the Woolworths’ stake by the Norman family suggests that there is an upside to the company’s trading that has struggled in recent times with its latest first half profit showing a decline of around 20% on the previous year.

Current labelling standards questionable . . .

FROM major management changes to the demand of new legislation in Australia, it is fair to say a lot has happened since our last issue. One of the hot topics is country of origin labelling. Australia is urgently looking into labelling laws after a recent frozen berry hepatitis scare, so when will we Kiwi’s follow? One industry opinion, out of Australia, said the new labelling laws would impact the pockets of consumers, but don’t we, as consumers, have the right to easily and clearly identify where our food has come from?

Would the 26 hepatitis-A contracted consumers have bought Nanna’s frozen berries if labelling had clearly stated that they were imported from China? I think the biggest issue for consumers is in trusting that health and safety standards are being met in the overseas factories that are producing and packaging our food.

When news broke that Cadbury chocolate was using palm oil in some of its product, the Kiwi consumer reacted and in a big way, with some continuing to boycott the product. This just shows that consumers are concerned with what they are buying and in many ways they are being misled and let down by current labelling standards in New Zealand.

KRYSTAL SPICER, Editorial

PETER MITCHELL, Publisher

FOODSTUFFS CAMPAIGN WINS AT NZDM AWARDS

NEW NZ FRUCOR CEO

FRUCOR Beverages has announced the appointment of Jonathan Moss as Group CEO designate. Moss will replace Carl Bergstrom who retires in April after 15 years at Frucor. Jonathan will remain in his current role of CEO Frucor Australia until a suitable replacement is found.

To maintain the business’s momentum and ensure a smooth transition, a new role of Frucor Executive Chairman has been created.

Frucor is pleased to announce that Kuni Himeno has been appointed to this role.

Current Frucor chairman Nobuhiro Torii will remain on the Frucor board. n

THE launch of Foodstuffs Clubcard in the South Island was New World’s most important marketing initiative in 2014, taking out the Grand Prix award at the 28th NZ Direct Marketing Awards - an initiative that was led by JustOne/.99.

After nearly two years of preparation the New World loyalty programme that leveraged the existing equity in Fly Buys and Airpoints, as well as offering instant discounts and the promise of much more useful and intimate communications, was launched. Steve Bayliss, the group general manager

of marketing at FoodStuffs, says that he was “stoked” with the win and also commended the quality of the other entries.

“There was a lot of great work on show last night and we were happy just to be in the mix. The win was an unexpected bonus and I’m just really proud of the team.“ Emily Blumenthal, head of customer marketing & insights at Foodstuffs New Zealand was honoured as the Direct Marketer of the Year.

Blumenthal has championed the re-booting of Foodstuffs’ approach to

customer marketing, including not just the Fly Buys programme, but of more significance, the whole way that data is used in the organisation and the systems, platforms and teams that will be using this. Emily has led a process of sharing insights into consumer shopping data with FMCG partners to drive better understanding of affinity products, which has driven new consumer campaigns. n

FRUITFLY IMPACTS EXPORT TONGA has banned fresh fruit imports from Auckland, fearing the Queensland fruit fly. Eight Queensland flies, including a female, have been found in the Grey Lynn, Auckland area. An extensive Ministry for Primary Industries operation is underway to eliminate the fruit fly population. Tonga’s government statistics do

not break down the value of New Zealand fruit imports but show dramatically the danger fruit fly poses to its fragile economy.

Around 78 percent of Tonga’s export revenue is from the sale of squash, watermelon and papaya. Fruit from other areas of New Zealand can be imported, but only with authorisation from agricultural officials outside Auckland. n

SupermarketNews is published under license. Please direct all enquiries and correspondences to SupermarketNews. The opinions and material published in this edition of SupermarketNews are not necessarily those of the publishers unless specifically stated. All material in this publication is copyright and may only be reproduced with the consent of the publisher. Copyright 2015 ISSN NO. 1173-3365

PUBLISHER Peter Mitchell, peter@reviewmags.com

MARKETING Tania Walters, tania@reviewmags.com

EDITORIAL Krystal Spicer, krystal@reviewmags.com

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Kieran Mitchell, kieran@reviewmags.com

ADVERTISING SALES Felicity-Anne Flack, felicity@reviewmags.com SENIOR DESIGNER Raymund Sarmiento, raymund@reviewmags.com

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the top ten trends for 2015. Attendees were told that consumers are demanding more information on the packs such as where the ingredients come from, and to understand what is in the products that they eat. The demand for healthy, satiety inducing and energy boosting snacks has increased. It was Dave Cunningham’s from Wilson Consumer’s 8th time attending the event and says sugar free and superfood confectionary was a major trend, “It was all about chocolate covered super fruits, stevia products and sugar free driving mints.” Adding that a lot of the niche products on display at the expo were irrelevant to the smaller Kiwi consumer market.

Don Graham of William Aitken & Co and Nick Ware of Redwood Agencies, have both attended ISM for many years and agree that this year would have to be one of the very best for new innovation and more healthy products. n

ISM REPORT

THE 45th ISM confectionary and snacks fair ran between February 1st to 4th in Cologne, Germany.

About 20 New Zealand companies attended the four days to see 1500 exhibitors from 65 countries. More than 85% of companies came from outside Germany including companies and brands such as Walkers from Great Britain, Jelly Belly from the USA and PEZ from Austria. In addition to the established confectionary and snack items, for the first time ever, ISM also focused on themes such as ‘snacking to go’, ‘breakfast’ and “in-between gourmet products” The new product showcase featured some innovative NPD such as a ‘Pizza made from candy’ and ‘Potato crisps

HEINZ SAYS NO TO NZ GROWN

enriched with fine sea salt and tender beetroot’. These products won awards for innovative creativity and diversity.

The highlight for many attending ISM was the ‘Innova Market insights’ presentations. One of these featured

MRS MAC’S NEW CEO FAMILY-OWNED bakery Mrs Mac’s has appointed Paul Slaughter, an experienced senior executive within food and FMCG, as CEO. “Paul brings an additional level of professionalism and experience to the Mrs Mac’s team and will position the company for growth and expansion domestically and internationally,” says Mrs Mac’s Chairman Peter Fallon. n

supermarketdiary MARCH 16-20

20-21 MAY

PROWEIN, DUSSELDORF, GERMANY

RETAIL TECH X TECHNOLOGY EXPO MELBOURNE

MARCH 18-19 SANDWICH, SNACK & VENDING SHOW, PARIS

JULY 30-AUGUST 2 THE FOOD SHOW, AUCKLAND

MARCH 24-27

AUGUST 29

ANUGA FOOD-TEC COLOGNE, GERMANY

GROCERY CHARITY BALL, AUCKLAND

APRIL 13-16

IBA, BAKERY, CONFECTIONERY SHOW MUNICH, GERMANY

SALON DE GOURMETS FINE FOOD & BEVERAGES, MADRID, SPAIN

MAY 1-3 FOOD SHOW, CHRISTCHURCH

SEPTEMBER 12-17

SEPTEMBER 14-16 FINE FOOD, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

OCTOBER 10-14

MAY 6-8

ANUGA COLOGNE, GERMANY

SIAL CHINA, SHANGHAI

NOVEMBER 11-13

MAY 13 CONTECH 2015 TECHNICAL CONFERENCE, MELBOURNE

MAY 15-17 FOOD SHOW, HAMILTON

NZ FGC ANNUAL CONFERENCE SYDNEY • Want to know more about trade fairs in Germany?

Try info@messereps.co.nz

HEINZ Watties has stopped purchasing New Zealand-grown asparagus in favour of cheaper Peruvian product.

The decision affects up to 15 growers in Hawke’s Bay and several in the Rangitikei. Growers elsewhere sell all their asparagus fresh on the domestic market or to Japan.

About 3000 tonnes of asparagus is produced in New Zealand a year, of which 2500 tonnes is sold domestically, 300 tonnes, goes to Japan and the remainder is canned. “It will have a significant impact on growers, removing an outlet for them to sell their asparagus, and creating a possible oversupply in the domestic market,” New Zealand Asparagus Council chairman Tony Rickman said. Heinz Watties said it had always been “second choice to fresh” in the asparagus market. In a competitive market it never made sense to buy ingredients at a price that left the company uncompetitive. “That is the

COUNTDOWN DROP PRICES

COUNTDOWN has dropped the price of Homebrand Nappies from $19.99 to $15 for all 44-60 pack nappies.

The lower nappy price follows other price reductions on more than 970 everyday items over the last eighteen months at Countdown, including the very popular $1 Homebrand bread and other products like frozen peas, flour, tinned tomatoes, toilet paper, and baby wipes. Countdown’s General Manager Merchandise, Steve Donohue,

NEW PEPSI

PEPSI Next has hit our shelves a month ahead of rival Coke Life.

The stevia-sweetened fizzy drink is being marketed as a healthier alternative to regular Pepsi Cola, which contains about 30 per cent more sugar. Stevia comes from a plant native to South America and had been used as a natural sweetener around the world for hundreds of years, it has been growing in popularity because of its ability to naturally reduce sugars in diets while retaining a high level of sweetness. Coca-Cola’s own product, expected to launch here in early April, was developed in response to a growing demand for less sugary drinks. n

challenge particularly with asparagus,” a Heinz Wattie spokesman said.

“We’ve imported asparagus for many years to be able to meet demand. The fact that consumers see ‘Product of Peru’ on the label is that we declare Country of Origin despite local regulations not requiring us to do so. Being transparent seems to work against us.”

Heinz Wattie said it valued “very much our relationship with growers” and was processing all the peas “we can get our hands on”. Other crops grown and canned in Hawke’s Bay include carrots, peas, beetroot and sweet corn. n says nappies are an essential for many shoppers and says New Zealanders will save close to $1 million across a year with this long term price reduction on nappies.

“As a father of three I know that nappies are a really significant cost for families, particularly when it’s a time when you often go down to one income.

“Now we’ve locked down the price of Homebrand Nappies parents don’t need to bulk buy when they see specials.

Instead they have certainty that every week they can come to us for a really good quality nappy that’s also excellent value every day,” says Donohue. n

BURGEN BREAD CHALLENGE

GEORGE Weston Foods is campaigning to bring its Burgen brand back into the top spot in the premium bread market after running number two to Vogels over recent years. The company is resurrecting the brand playing to its core strengths of nutrition and variety and GWF baking division general manager Mark Adam believes there is a current opportunity to grab back market share. The campaign was launched on tv in mid-February with considerable online and social media activity. The original Burgen product was launched in the 1980’s and held a strong market position until the early 1990’s when a major bakery fire caused production hiccups. n

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DUNEDIN SITE FOR CHEP CHEP has opened a new Service Centre in Dunedin providing greater efficiency for its customers.

Chep New Zealand selected the site in the industrial precinct as it supports future 24-hour operations and provides room for growth and expansion in line with CHEP New Zealand’s business innovation strategy.

The custom designed and built office and warehouse comprises a 1,152 square metre warehouse, 200 square metre office space, and a 384 square metre canopy. The large yard provides multiple zones designated for preparation, loading/unloading and tying down/strapping.

With 25 to 50 trucks moving through the site each day and approximately 37,000 equipment

movements each week, the workplace design and comprehensive safety processes established at this site reinforce CHEP’s leadership role within the transport and logistics industry.

The site design enables a flow-

OPMETRIX SUCCESS

OPMETRIX, the New Zealand developed Mobile CRM solution, is continuing to grow both in users, features and territories as it becomes a must have tool for any sales team. Providing all of the key requirements for FMCG sales, including audits for distribution, share of shelf and promotional activities, the Opmetrix application is simple to use in the field.

“In 2014 companies including Cottonsoft, Shore Mariner, Clorox, Epicurean Dairy Co and D.E Coffee & Tea NZ rolled out Opmetrix for their field teams” says Oliver Huggins, Managing Director of

Opmetrix Limited. “2015 is off to strong start with the confirmation that San Remo Pasta Company will be rolling out Opmetrix for both its New Zealand and Australian teams”. Phil Donnellan, National Field Manger, San Remo Macaroni Company Pty Ltd, says Opmetrix’s expertise in the New Zealand and Australian FMCG industry makes it a good fit for San Remo.

Opmetrix continues to develop mobile innovation with its latest 2015 release and now includes ‘dashboard analytics’ to quickly review field team activity and a live photo stream of photos taken in the field. n

Introducing

through process, the implementation of best practice pedestrian segregation, and additional bays with forklift exclusion zones that assist in protecting truck drivers. The site also has a dedicated equipment wash bay facility.

The $4 million investment recognises CHEP’s commitment to the region and continued support for customers that operate in the area. “CHEP New Zealand has a market-leading network of service centres across the country and we understand the importance of having sites conveniently located near key customers and business partners,” says CHEP Asia-Pacific President, Phillip Austin.

“To keep the supply chain moving and products flowing around the country, it is critical that we provide growers, manufacturers and retailers with the right equipment in the right place at the right time. CHEP’s investment in a state-of-the-art facility for Dunedin demonstrates our long-term commitment to our business partners in the lower south island.”

CHEP New Zealand has been servicing manufacturing, retail, food and beverage, and fresh produce customers in Dunedin and the Otago region for more than 30 years.

The new service centre on Sturdee Street amalgamates CHEP’s pallet and reusable plastic crate (RPC) services onto one convenient site. n

A point of difference in today’s busy FMCG market.

Developed by AsureQuality, inSight™ provides shoppers with independently verified information about the products they are about to buy.

After a successful application process, producers can place the inSight™ logo and a QR code on their product packaging.

When shoppers scan the QR code at the point of sale they can access information about the product, including: • • • • •

Environmental sustainability Social and ethical concerns Nutritional information Safety and quality Origin

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Stock Heavensent to give your shoppers a taste of the divine.

CALL DENISE: 0800 132 583 e DENISE@HEAVENSENTGOURMET.CO.NZ

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A new innovation taking product assurances into the 21st Century

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• The MENTOS® brand is growing at 9.7%* and is bringing NEW NEWS to the ZERO SUGAR mint category • Delivering mouth refreshing flavour in a Unique and Modern SLIM LINE TIN in a category where the tin is the PREFERRED PACK format** • 88% of consumers tested said they would try NOW MINTS** • Available in 4 GREAT FLAVOURS: Fresh Mint, Spearmint, Orange and Strawberry • $1 million launch support to drive Awareness & Trial *Aztec Data QTR to 04/01/15 Total MENTOS +9.7% dollars growth v YA **Snap Research September 2014 Correct at time of print

DRIVE YOUR STORE SALES NOW WITH NOW MINTS Contact your DKSH New Zealand Limited representative for more information.

KEY DECISIONS LOOMING ON TOBACCO SALES – SMOKEFREE COALITION OF NEW ZEALAND IN this publication on 1 February Trina Snow reported on an Australian study by Davidson and De Silva showing “no empirical evidence” that plain packaging has reduced smoking. Her article, Key decisions looming on tobacco sales, focused largely on this research and concluded that pending decisions to be made here will have “a significant impact on how tobacco is displayed and sold in New Zealand supermarkets”. Her underlying implication was fairly clear; if not overtly enunciated. If plain packaging isn’t effective in reducing smoking rates, any new regulations in terms of sales and display will amount to a potentially costly waste of time for New Zealand supermarkets.

What she failed to report, and possibly didn’t realise, is that this particular study was funded by tobacco company Phillip Morris and is therefore unreliable. She would have received information about this study in the same way the rest of the media did – via a Philip Morris sponsored media release referring to it as “a new

piece of independent research”. It was anything but.

The Sydney Morning Herald was not fooled. On 27 November 2014 it unambiguously referred to this research as “Big Tobacco Bullying” and called it “part of a coordinated assault just ahead of the Department of Health’s review [of the effects of plain packaging]”.

The same Herald article went on to say it was no wonder tobacco companies were getting nervous. “The number of cigarettes sold at supermarkets fell 2.9 percent last financial year, suggesting that plain packaging and higher taxes are working to reduce smoking rates.”

Recent and truly independent research by Wakefield et al shows plain packaging lowers the appeal of smoking. In the 22 months after plain packaging was introduced in Australia, tobacco spending fell by 7.3 percent. At the same time Quitline calls increased by 78 percent. So yes, new plain packaging laws in New Zealand will certainly reduce sales and will probably result in some extra hassle for supermarkets. I am not competent to comment on the impact this will have for owners and staff but what I can say is they can be confident any changes will not be in vain.

Fewer people smoking means fewer young people becoming addicted to this terrible scourge. That’s your and my children, by the way.

Dr Prudence Stone, Executive Director Smokefree Coalition of New Zealand

NEW SPEIGHT’S CAMPAIGN

THE Speights the brand has gone back to its heartland territory with a big new campaign via DDB that focuses on the idea of mateship.

Riffing on the fable of the Little Red Hen and featuring the end line ‘We Will’, the TVC tells the story of the not so little ‘Little Henry’ and his efforts to rope in his mates to help build a shed. In keeping with Lion’s recent work for Steinlager, the traditional elements of TV and outdoor, which are still important for the launch phase, are being augmented with some more engaging, promotional elements.

A shed will be present at Forsyth Barr Stadium and the next part of the campaign will involve a competition that gives away one of ten flatpack sheds. Applicants must qualify to win and get friends to help them build it. And, as part of the additional content phase that will maintain the momentum over the next few months, it will then follow the winners to various parts of the country and film them building—and enjoying—their own sheds.

Head of planning Lucinda Sherborne says the last

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ROI TALENT

DUE to expansion and evolution of its business, ROI Talent has recently moved to its new premises at the Textile Centre in Parnell, offering better facilities for its clients and candidates with easy parking and more space.

The company was founded in 2013 when Director Kirsty Cels, found a niche in FMCG recruitment for highly personalised service and in-depth market coverage. Kirsty remains focussed on a strategy which allows clients to work with her personally at all touch points throughout the recruitment process. This, alongside a relatively unencumbered approach to headhunting, means Kirsty has a wider reach into extended talent pools for her clients. “FMCG structures are relatively flat in the New Zealand market, teams are small and talent pools finite. The ability to talk to the most extensive group possible, alongside networks, remains critical,” says Cels.

Enhanced recruitment methodology better assesses candidates’ capability (versus just their interview performance) and has been another recent development at ROI Talent. The way candidates access job opportunities has changed due to technology, however Kirsty says that technology has also impacted the way they prepare for interviews.

Newer selection techniques are being applied as of 2015 and she looks to working with those in the industry as the year unfolds. n

IN-HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHER

campaign was a whole new era for Speight’s. And it was a really important part of setting the brand up for the future, rather than relying on the classic image of the Southern Man. As part of the one-year process to get to this point, Sherborne went on a roadtrip in the South Island to figure what the brand stood for.

She found the idea of the Southern Man was less about what they said, and more about what they did.

So far the move back into heartland territory for the Speight’s brand seems to have been received well across the board, with plenty of love for it internally and on Facebook. The campaign will also be running through point of sale and on premise. n

SUPERMARKETNEWS are delighted to announce the appointment of Caitlan Mitchell as our inhouse photographer. With a background in fashion photography, she travelled to New York in 2014 and pursued her interest in food photography.

“Having grown up within the publishing industry, it was a natural progression to turn my attention to food photography and I am really enjoying working on the magazine”, said Mitchell.

“Some of my latest work for website and print has been for chefs who want a stylish and natural shot.

It has been exciting to work with them and of course food manufacturers to bring the ingredients to life.”

Her website is a testament to her care and attention, with close compositions, subtle lighting and a strong emphasis on the food. Mitchell is available for private work not related to the magazine and she can be contacted on (09) 3040142 ext 706.

E: caitlan@reviewmags.com n

INDUSTRY RELATIONS SPOTLIGHT REMAINS

Industry relations were in the spotlight last year, with the emphasis on the supplier-retailer relationship. And I expect that spotlight to remain on this year as the industry works on the issues that need attention.

BUT those issues weren’t confined to New Zealand.

Australia and the UK faced similar ones, and they remain an ongoing concern in those countries. So what has been happening there?

First, there was the investigation involving Coles, the No 2 in the Australian grocery market. In May last year the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), launched legal proceedings against Coles over alleged treatment of suppliers. The proceedings arose from a broader investigation into allegations that supermarket suppliers were being treated inappropriately by the major supermarket chains.

In a nutshell, the ACCC alleged Coles had engaged in “unconscionable conduct” by using unfair tactics and misleading information to force about 200 suppliers to pay extra rebates to fund the cost of its supply chain improvement programme Active Retail Collaboration (ARC).

Coles said ARC was designed to deliver benefits not just to the company and customers through lowering costs and improving availability of stock but also to suppliers, and so they should pay the rebates.

But the ACCC said Coles required suppliers to agree to the rebate within a matter of days, and if they declined to agree to pay it, “Coles personnel were allegedly instructed to escalate the matter to more senior staff, and to threaten commercial consequences if the supplier did not agree.”

The ACCC said threats were made when suppliers declined to agree to pay.

For its part, Coles said it was ‘‘totally committed to negotiating fairly and working collaboratively with its suppliers …”

Fast forward to October last year, and the ACCC takes a second court action, alleging that Coles took advantage of its superior bargaining position by forcing five suppliers to plug gaps in its profits and the profits it wanted to make on products such as frozen food, potato chips, and shower cleaner.

Coles was also alleged to have forced suppliers to pay the cost of wastage and markdowns in stores, even when the suppliers had no control over those issues, and fined them for late and missing deliveries without justifying the cost.

In one example, the ACCC alleged that when Coles’ profit from selling one company’s cleaning products fell short of budget by $326,590, Coles demanded the full amount, without saying how it got the figure or how the profit gap had occurred.

When the company refused to pay immediately, Coles deducted $246,400 from a payment without permission.

Coles said its communications with suppliers were “normal topics for business discussions” between grocery suppliers and retailers around the world, but ACCC Chairman Rod Sims told the Australian Financial Review they believed Coles’ ¬behaviour went beyond normal business practice.

Just two months later, Coles fessed up. It said it

had reached an agreement with the ACCC to settle both proceedings, and Managing Director John Durkan apologised: “I believe that in these dealings with suppliers, Coles crossed the line and regrettably treated these suppliers in a manner inconsistent with acceptable business practice.

These suppliers were not treated with the transparency and respect they should be able to expect. Coles sincerely regrets and apologises for its conduct in these dealings”.

In issuing its ruling, the court found that “Coles’ practices, demands, and threats were deliberate, orchestrated, and relentless”, that it “misused its bargaining power”, and treated its suppliers “in a manner not consistent with acceptable business and social standards which apply to commercial dealings”.

It was ordered to pay $10 million and costs, and to establish a process to provide redress options for more than 200 suppliers.

Then, just days later, market leader Woolworths was accused by suppliers of bullying them into paying millions of dollars to fund a discount war. The ACCC is investigating to see if it has breached competition and consumer laws and engaged in “unconscionable conduct”.

Woolworths rejected the claims.

In the United Kingdom there have been allegations of similar practice.

A BBC Panorama programme in January on the trading woes being experienced by giant supermarket chain Tesco highlighted the company’s focus on “very aggressive” negotiation tactics and “bullying” demands for payments from suppliers for rebates and shelf position.

The programme said the supermarket “turned the screw on the people who supply its product”, with buyers becoming “more and more aggressive”. One supplier said his company was threatened with being delisted as a supplier if he did not write off a payment for product. When approached for comment, Tesco said it did not respond to anonymous claims.

Business and negotiation consultant David Sables told the programme: “I would say that there is bullying going on. I would say there are highly pressurised environments. There are threats constantly.”

Tesco has since announced it is closing 43 unprofitable stores, putting 2000 jobs at risk.

It is very clear that Tesco has some serious work to do in the supplier-retailer relationship space. From the NZ Food & Grocery Council’s perspective, we will continue to engage positively with all of our retail partners for the benefit of our members. n

“Coles personnel were allegedly instructed to escalate the matter to more senior staff, and to threaten commercial consequences if the supplier did not agree.”

Katherine Rich CEO, New Zealand Food & Grocery Council

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20 MINUTES WITH...

MARK HAMILTON MARK Hamilton’s Bell Tea Coffee Company (BTCC) profile refers to him as a ‘Southern man with a laid back attitude’; it hits the nail directly on the head. Born and bred in Edendale, Southland, Mark grew up on his family sheep farm with his parents and older sister.

He attended the local school in Wyndham and says growing up in a rural small town where everybody knows everyone, had its ups and downs but became a pivotal part of his upbringing. In his final year of high school, encouraged by a neighbour, Mark made the decision to study abroad, the destination, Rhode Island, USA. “I took an opportunity that completely changed my perspective on life and New Zealand. I learnt the US philosophy of competition, developing yourself and making your way in the world.” The eye opening experience exposed Mark to new cultures and an increased population.

His new school, he says, was at least five times the size of the one back home, he adapted quickly, making friends, playing grid iron and assembling his own rugby team.

Returning home, Mark attended Otago University, studying commerce with a major in marketing, he also attained a master’s degree from the university, with a thesis on branding of meat products in the New Zealand market.

You could say this was Mark’s first taste of the FMCG industry and of what was to come. After working with AgResearch and Donaghy’s in Dunedin, Mark took on a role at Lion Nathan where he spent the next 10

years creating a name for himself and building a reputation in the industry.

He then took on his current role at Bell Tea Coffee Company in 2005 and oversaw the transition of the company’s sale from Foodstuffs to Pencarrow last year.

“The brand is only as strong as its customer and BTCC has proven that it has grown with Foodstuffs and now has the ability to expand in Progressive stores.” Mark was also involved in the company’s expansion into coffee and says its innovative approach into the category has changed the market. One of his proudest moments with BTCC, he says, came with the launch of Jed’s Bean Bag’s.

A completely new innovation to coffee, it was the first of its kind in the world. “We were all involved in the process, that’s what makes it special.

We have specialised staff here, from master brewers to master tasters and it’s all about providing our customer with the best coffee.”

A one cup of coffee, six cups of tea a day guy, Hamilton knows the importance of a good brew; so much so, the passion has trickled down to his children. Hamilton’s eldest son Jock works as a barista after school, his daughter Fiona has completed a barista course and his youngest, Matthew, knows ‘great tea takes three’.

Following in her father’s footsteps, Hamilton’s daughter, Fiona, is embarking on her own US exchange programme this year. Although Mark says the year ahead, without her at home, will be difficult, he also knows it’s the best thing for her. “When I left home, my father said to my mother ‘are

you going to cry everyday for a year?’ and now my mother has been kind enough to ask me that same question.”

2015 is set to be a busy one for Mark, not only as he continues to expand BTCC into the Australian market, but also as he focuses on health and safety issues within the New Zealand FMCG industry with his role on the board of the FGC. Personal goals for the year will start

SUGAR, SALT, FAT, TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL SET TO BE ELECTION ISSUES IN UK THE British Labour Party has declared war on fat, sugar and salt in children’s food, tobacco advertising and highstrength, low cost alcohol ahead of the 2015 election. Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham has said a Labour Government would outlaw high levels of fat, sugar and salt in children’s food, ban advertising “junk food” to kids, introduce strict rules on food labeling, enforce tobacco plain packaging, restrict cigarette marketing, promote physical activity and introduce a minimum price for alcohol.

Mr Burnham says the ConservativeLiberal Democrat coalition has failed to improve public health because it was “too close to powerful vested interests” to stand up for British children. He

Trina Snow Executive Director NARGON

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wants to make children born in 2015 the first “smoke-free generation” and address the pressures put on the health system by patients suffering from obesity and diabetes are putting increasing pressure on the system.

Under Labour’s proposed new rules, a maximum limit would be set on levels of fat, salt and sugar in food marketed “substantially” to children. Mr Burnham has previously considered a 30 per cent cap on sugar in cereals marketed at children. This would hit well-known brands including Kellogg’s Frosties, which have 37g of sugar per 100g, and Coco Pops with 35g per 100g.

The Shadow Health Secretary said “children will need better protection from the pressures of modern living and the harm caused by alcohol, sugar and smoke and Labour will not flinch from taking the action needed to provide it.”

He argued that more radical action was needed as the “status quo simply isn’t working”.

Not everyone agree. Nigel Farage, Leader of the United Kingdom OWNED

Independence Party and Member of the European Parliament, ripped into Labour’s proposals saying “so utterly devoid of real policy solutions, and so helplessly out of touch with what the British public are concerned about, the Labour Party are now turning their hands to banning what they call high levels of fat, sugar and salt in food.

Apparently, they launched the policy at an event where they served sugary fruit juice, chocolate brioche and buttery croissants. You couldn’t make it up.”

“I agree that we shouldn’t shovel sweets and fizzy drinks into the mouths of kids – but here I was thinking this was a matter for parents, rather than one for government. Correct me if I’m wrong, and I’m sure I’ll be lectured on this by some interventionist do-gooder – but it’s not really for government to decide what is available to adults on supermarket shelves,” he said.

On the issue of smoking Farage argued “you can’t enjoy a cigarette if you as an adult so choose to, despite the numerous health warnings we’ve had for

at this year’s Motatapu mountain bike race, to which he says is less about the race and more about the ride, as well as a trip to England for the Rugby World Cup. “I’m heading to the UK with my wife, Sue; we’re leaving the kids at home this time. In fact, if anyone else is going, I’m looking at swapping my Twickenham tickets for ones in Cardiff,” he laughs. n

decades. So Labour banned it indoors.

But that wasn’t enough. Now we have graven images on all cigarette packages, and they’ve got to be locked away in cupboards in the supermarkets so that we can’t see them. As if looking at a packet of cigarettes is what drives people to smoke.”

He added “but that wasn’t enough either. Now, Labour, along with most Tories, I might add, want to stop cigarette companies having any branding on their packets at all. Plain packaging, they call it. I call it a deliberate and nonsensical imposition on a market worth around £12 billion (NZ$24 billion) to the Treasury, and which keeps around 66,000 people in jobs.”

Peter Oborne, chief political columnist for the Telegraph, has warned that implementing plain packaging for tobacco will be both ineffective (based on the Australian example) and expensive (based on international law).

He argued “tobacco companies will be able to sue an incoming Labour government in the confident expectation of a massive payout. A report… hinted that the payout could be as high as £11 billion (NZ$22 billion).”

Critics argue that the nanny state is alive and well. n

BLACKBOX2014 CONSUMERAWARDS Sampleco Black Box is pleased to announce the results of its inaugural Members Recommendation Awards.

These were the highest scoring products which were part of our 2014 Black Box consumer trial campaigns. Each winning product has been trialed by thousands of consumers who were targeted as being the “perfect fit” for that product. Look out for these “Consumer Recommendation Medals*” on pack in store.

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Mono Magic Non-Stick Foil

Nature’s Fresh Wraps

Campbell's Real Stock Chicken

MOST Still Organic Juice

Eco Store Wool & Delicates

Colgate Spiderman Toothpaste

Arnott’s Shapes Light & Crispy

Edmonds Gluten Free Flour

Cookie Time Gluten Free Cookie

Verkerks Sliced Chorizo Salami

Simply Squeezed Happy Belly Super Juice

Freya's Wraps & Traditional Tortilla

Selleys Sugar Soap Wipes

Lemon Fresh Lemon Juice and Lime Juice

GLADWARE Containers Mini - 3's

Huntley &Palmers Baked Flatbread

GLAD SNAP LOCK Resealable Bags 25's

Wattie's Soup of the Day Whiskas Temptations Ceraclen Washing Machine Cleaner Hubbards Thank Goodness GF Muesli Meadow Fresh Greek Style Lite Yoghurt Delmaine Chilled Soup (Mushroom/Pumpkin) Sanitarium Cluster Crisp Vanilla Almond Healtheries Tea (Superfruits/HB Nectarine/Be Sleepy) Nivea Men Stress Protect Deodorant Hummingbird Plunger Coffee (Nectar Organic) Mother Earth Savoury Snacks (Nuts&Soy/Mex Mix) Green Kleen Multipurpose Cleaner

Scotch-Brite Stay Clean Dishwand Sanitarium Gluten Free Weetbix Chefs World Pad Thai Noodles Primo Sliced Proscuitto ORB Coffee - Morobe Nivea In-Shower Smooth Moisturiser Tasti L.O.D Muesli Bars Baker Halls & Co Fruit Syrup Bach Espresso Ground Coffee L'Oréal Paris Revitalift

Nescafe Azera Vitapet worming tablets Maggi Stir Fry Creations Tummy Love Blueberry Yoghurt Ghiotti Salame Milano Molenberg Super Thick Bread Delmaine Baked Beans Jack Link's Beef Jerky Selleys BBQ Tough Wipes Urban Chef Sticky Chilli Mayo Zantac® Relief Tablets

I would like to thank all of the companies involved with Black Box in 2014. Though many products didn’t medal we have been delighted by how many “marketing trail blazers” were prepared to support a new marketing tool that is all about the consumer taking charge.

Clinton Beuvink, General Manager, Sampleco Black box • Black Box Gold Medals allocated on product achieving 90% or better Consumer Recommendation• Black Box Silver Medals allocated on product achieving 80%-89% Consumer Recommendation March 2015

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FOODSTUFFS DC OPENED FOODSTUFFS distribution centre in Hornby was officially opened by Prime Minister John Key last month.

Constructed by Calder Stewart Industries and designed by local engineering firm, Engenium, the building underwent a rigorous design process to ensure it achieved the highest earthquake building standards.

The greenfield project essentially connects an additional 31,587m2 to the existing 14,000m2 ambient warehouse at Hornby and consolidates operations from the old Papanui DC in Christchurch. This DC sits alongside a 4,000m2 temperature controlled DC already present on the site.

“The new DC will be servicing 300 New World, PAK’nSAVE, Four Square and On the Spot stores throughout the South Island,” says John Mullins, General Manager Supply Chain, Foodstuffs South Island Ltd. “From as far afield as Collingwood and Stewart

Island the distribution network sees 200 trucks leave the DC every day and travel a massive six million kilometres around the country each year.”

The relocation of 200 Papanui staff across town to the new site at Hornby in late 2014 was a great achievement with staff now enjoying the benefits of a new purpose built building. Highlights include a full service cafeteria and modern amenities such as exclusive use of an onsite gym.

According to Mullins 70% of goods supplied to the supermarkets comes from the DC with the remaining 30% going direct from suppliers.

“An effective supply chain requires multiple components to work in harmony and we would be remiss in not taking this opportunity to thank our suppliers who have worked with us throughout the development of Hornby and transition from Papanui. Getting the new DC stocked and the state of the art fulfilment software functioning correctly was always going to be a

challenge and we wouldn’t have been able to be so successful if we didn’t have the support and cooperation of our supplier community,” acknowledges Mullins. “Additionally, our distribution centre staff has played a very important role in the set-up of the new DC, in particular assisting with the transition of inventory and order picking from the older Papanui site to Hornby.” n

DYC 100 YEARS DYC Vinegar is celebrating 100 years this month with an in-store, on-pack cash prize promotion.

A category leader, DYC offers 5 variants in its range; Malt, White, Apple Cider, Spiced and White Wine vinegar.

Wilson Consumer has represented the brand since 2009, and has seen steady growth in the category.

Wilson Consumer trade marketing co-ordinator, Julia Dorofeeva, says “It’s an exciting time for DYC, and although the brand has a strong presence in the market, we are continually looking for ways to develop the products.”

The 100th Birthday promotion will offer consumers the chance to win $100 every day for 100 days as well as go in the draw to win the final prize of $5,000. Dominion Compressed Yeast Co. Ltd was established in Christchurch during 1915 as a manufacturer of compressed yeast for the baking and brewing industries within New Zealand.

The company changed its name to Dominion Yeast Company Ltd in 1960. DYC has been a staple in New Zealand homes for generations and is still producing top quality vinegars, using original recipes and natural brewing methods. n

FONTERRA’S FIRST EUROPEAN PLANT

FONTERRA Co-operative Group has commissioned a new dairy ingredients plant in Heerenveen, Netherlands, its first wholly-owned and operated ingredients plant in Europe.

Under a partnership signed two years ago, Dutch cheese manufacturer A-ware Food Group has built and will operate an adjacent cheese plant while Fonterra will operate the dairy ingredients plant. It’s the biggest sourcing deal the cooperative has signed in Europe.

Whey and lactose, by-products of

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the cheese production on the Dutch site, will be processed into highvalue paediatric, maternal, and sports nutrition products to supply Fonterra customers in Europe and Asia.

Fonterra won’t reveal the plant cost but has previously referred to a $144 million partnership with A-ware.

The plant is part of the co-operative’s fully integrated global supply chain from the farm gate direct to global consumers, using Fonterra’s milk pools and manufacturing sites in New Zealand, Australia, and Europe. n 100%

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TRIBUTE TO A PRODUCE INDUSTRY LEADER

NEW Zealand’s produce industry lost a true visionary and leader recently.

David Jessup will be remembered as an innovator, a man well ahead of the game with an inordinate sense of style, a great sense of humour and strong personal values.

It is these values and skills that David brought to our industry. His commitment to quality product and sound marketing as part of the team at

Yummy, helped forge a benchmark in excellence and price for other growers and marketers to aspire to.

In a highly competitive market, the simple road is to sacrifice excellence to meet price expectations. David was always an advocate for value, consistent product quality at a sensible market price - a strong inheritance for all of the produce industry to take on board.

His passing is indeed a loss to our industry, his memory, however, will continue and his commitment to the industry will live on and be reflected in the quality of New Zealand produce.

David will be missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him, of sharing in his warmth, his laughter and in discussing industry and life’s issues.

Our deepest sympathies go out to his family. n

David Smith United Fresh www.unitedfresh.co.nz

VITALZING WATERDROPS NEW ZEALAND drinks company Aquity produces and distributes the VitalZing, Water for Everyone and Premium Water brands. The company directors have extensive retail industry experience in New Zealand and internationally.

The company is positioned to be competitive in the water & wider drinks category; Aquity’s products are affordable with a strong brand connection to New Zealand consumers.

VitalZing’s wider range targets added value, i.e. products that add value to consumers by offering them healthier options, while at the same time adding value to retailers by giving them more options to increase

margins in low profit categories, Waterdrops are a great example of this.

Aquity’s range is working well for consumers and retailers with steady growth over the past three years. The added value categories are at a very early stage with Waterdrops being the clear winner coming into 2015.

Having experienced retail markets around the world first hand, the directors say it is very clear that trends are moving towards healthy and functional products that have integrity, particularly in America where similar products are doing very well.

“New Zealand is starting to catch on; however, it still has a long way to

go in terms of consumers recognizing the health risks associated with sugar, processed consumables and other questionable ingredients.”

The company sees future growth in added value. “For us the water enhancer and functional drinks category is where we believe the growth is.” VitalZing’s Waterdrops were a first in New Zealand and use no preservatives at all, a huge advantage as consumers demand healthier products.

Made with stevia extract and plantbased flavours, Waterdrops contain zero calories and zero carbs. Available in 45ml “droplet” bottles, in four flavours; Raspberry, Lemon/Lime, Mandarin and Peach. Waterdrops are portable and convenient, adding flavour to help increase daily water consumption.

“We are developing some very cool new Waterdrop flavours and are currently retooling the VitalZing drinks with some really game changing concepts which will be launching this year”. n

VIBERI ORGANIC THRIVING

SOUTH ISLAND blackcurrent company, ViBeri, is ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability, with the largest commercial, certified-organic blackcurrant orchard in New Zealand.

Husband and wife owners, Tony and Afsaneh Howey, have been producing the ViBeri 100 per cent organic offering since 2011.ViBeri’s philosophy is simple, growing and producing blackcurrant products made the traditional way.

That means no pesticides or herbicides are used on their orchard, and the ViBeri product range is also additive and preservative free.

“Right from making sure we’re growing and using the very best fruit, through to overseeing the product creation that customers eventually see in store and enjoy at home, we know there’s no compromise on quality,” explains Tony.

In keeping with their philosophy, ViBeri is on a mission to educate people about the benefits of the black currant super food. With many New Zealand products made using berries sourced overseas, the South Island specialty food company is also ensuring Kiwis are able to source the best produce, grown right at home. n

New Mediterranean Inspired Range Great range:

Five products each providing a unique offering to the  ll A olive & pickled vegetable section KU’s are S priced lined Provenance is key:

to consumers the authenticity Packagingofcommunicates the Mediterranean product origin

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COMPANIES GIVING BACK Z Energy Limited Z ENERGY Ltd is a Kiwi company committed to doing what matters for its local neighbourhoods. Choosing to invest in things that really matter to people locally, Z Energy Ltd know that there’s no way they could know what matters to the diverse communities around New Zealand better than the locals do. This is why the fuel company leaves it up to its local teams, and local customers to decide what they want to support in their own neighbourhoods.

One of the main ways they do this is

through Good in the Hood. Every year, every Z station around the country contributes $5,000 to charitable organisations and community groups in its neighbourhood.

A group of locals, led by the local retailer chooses four local organisations, and customers get to vote for which one matters most to them. After a month of voting, $4,000 is split between the organisations as per the customers’ votes, and the remaining $1,000 is used to support other

The Natural Food Company MANAGING director of The Natural Food Co, Stefan Crooks, says he feels fortunate in having been able to share with the community his time, product and donations. Prior to purchasing the company, Stefan spent 14 years working in cause related marketing, where he was exposed to the NZ Cancer Society, Heart Foundation, Arthritis NZ and Fresh Futures. His key role was to create income streams for these organisations. “This gave me the grounding to want to stay involved with some community activities, my late father always said you must do your community service to have a fulfilled life. Well the old bugger was right,” he says.

Stefan has spent the last 10 years working as a volunteer and sponsor with the Suburbs Rugby club, over the past 24 months he has helped to rebuild a club and changing facilities.

The Natural Food Company has been heavily involved with supplying products for fundraisers and after match functions and donations from the company have helped the club to buy junior equipment.

The company has also been a sponsor of the Radio Network Special cChildren’s Xmas party, for the past four years. “I do it because it makes me feel good when you see a child smile regardless of their condition, they remind us that life is worth living, “says Stefan. n

TO DAIRY & BEYOND!

Goodhew and MPI Director General Martyn Dunne of work done by the Dairy Traceability Working Group (of which GS1 was a core member).

Two documents were released: the “Proposed regulatory requirements for traceability” and its accompanying best practice guide for the dairy industry.

A key focus of the recommendations, which will be rolled out following consultation in line with the Food Act is the need for supply chain participants to ‘speak the same language’.

GS1’s Global Standards for identification, and data capture and sharing are widely recognised as key enablers of international best practice for traceability in complex supply chains and are likely to be more widely deployed in systematic application from the farm to the export customer.

Although many food processes now

THE whey protein concentrate (WPC) botulism scare in 2013 was a scare for everybody: the trade, the NZ Government, overseas markets and, of course, consumers. There was a lot of collateral damage, not least of which to the reputation of ‘NZ Inc’. One of the good things to come from the false alarm was a thorough top-to-toe review of a number of systems around the production & export of food (not just dairy) from New Zealand.

A milestone was reached on 2 March with the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) release by Minister

Peter Stevens CEO, GS1 New Zealand

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neighbourhood projects throughout the year. Z has more than 200 Z stations, so that’s well over $1 million invested directly back into local neighbourhood initiatives and organisations every year.

“We know the $1 million makes a big difference for groups helping people who need it. We’re always looking for ways we can do more, so this year we’re putting up an extra $250,000 to help supercharge 2015 for up to 25 of these locally-selected groups across NZ. Local sites and customers will also help determine how the extra $250,000 will be distributed,” says Z’s Community Manager, Christine Langdon. On top of our nationwide

commitment through Good in the Hood, many of Z retailers provide a wide-range of on-going support for their neighbourhoods throughout the year, both in funding and in kind.

“Our customers have told us they want us to give back to communities at a local level – to contribute to the things that matter in our neighbourhoods.

This has shaped our approach to neighbourhood investment,” says Langdon. n

Hubbards

random acts of kindness, generating a chain-reaction of good deeds within their local community and New Zealand at large. Individuals and groups doing good deeds were then encouranged to share their stories on the Hubbards Facebook page with special surprises and community rewards given to good-deeddoers throughout the nation. Berg says, “Judging from the laughter, stories and selfies, we felt that we’d made a step in the right direction in the creation of a positive movement that’ll continue to grow over time.”

Other initiatives the company is involved in are; Hubbards Head 2 Head Walk, Amazing Heroes, Live More Awesome, Hubbards have been a principal supporter of Outward Bound NZ, having donated over $1.5million dollars, generated through the sales of Hubbards Outward Bound cereals. n

require the “one up, one down” system of traceability, the new requirements will be for standardized processes and data collection / sharing are expected to be interoperable with both ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ trading partners and regulators.

New Zealand will also be introduced to standardized global definitions for traceability, including the identification of so-called Critical Tracking Events, CTEs and the definition of what data needs to be capture and shared at each CTE (Key Data Elements, KDEs). There is also a proposed requirement that industry members be constantly ready to provide traceability information electronically whenever this is demanded by a competent authority such as MPI or an independent verifier.

Enhanced record keeping of master data on trade items, standardised identification of locations and business entities, and also of transactional data on batches of products, their shipment

and related logistics are also facets of the recommendations.

My view is that it makes the most sense for identifiers, data formats and labeling to be based on global standards. As the WPC episode demonstrated in 2013, ‘Brand New Zealand’ relies heavily on export market consumers’ trust in the quality and safety of our food products –and that in turn, depends on the real and perceived integrity of our food safety and traceability systems.

Ensuring that global standards for identification and data are built into those systems is one way of securing recognition of the integrity in New Zealand’s systems and of maintaining trust in the global marketplace.

For the reports and the press release: • http://beehive.govt.nz/release/ improvements-food-traceabilityagenda • http://foodsafety.govt.nz/elibrary/ industry/dairy-traceability-workinggroup-report/index.htm n

HUBBARDS was founded in 1990

by Dick and Diana Hubbard and from the outset their purpose was very clear: make good food and then make a difference. Hubbards has continued this philosophy for over 25 years. Over the years the company has been involved in a wide variety of community causes that resonate at a level with its founder, managers and staff.

“We’re doers not talkers and through the years, our customers have come to expect this of Hubbards. We make amazing mueslis and cereals and do great things for our community.

We communicate to our customers through our actions - on our website, our facebook page, and of course in and on pack,” says Hubbards marketing manager, Rebecca Bergs. Hubbards is also a member of the Sustainable Business Network and with this network it looks to drive new and even more community initiatives.

From late 2014, Hubbards launched its ‘keep the good going’ initiative and went on the lookout for everyday Kiwis doing good deeds in their community. The company encouraged New Zealanders everywhere to take on the challenge of doing

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globalnews WAITROSE BEST UK SUPERMARKET

NEW CHAIRMAN FOR TESCO HOPE FOR BETTA

TORUBLED British supermarket giant, Tesco, has named John Allan as chairman, ending a four month search after Richard Broadbent resigned amid an accounting scandal.

Allan, 66, was appointed chairman on March 1, when Broadbent stepped down from the board. Allan was previously on the boards of electrical retailer Dixons Carphone and postal operator Royal Mail, but stepped down from these positions when he took up his new role at Tesco. n

A NUMBER of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the Melbourne-based confectioner, Betta Foods, which went into voluntary administration in January.

Cor Cordis, voluntary administrator of Betta Foods, said the level of interest is an encouraging sign for the future of the business and it hopes to be in a position to announce a sale within coming weeks.

“We’ve received over 26 expressions of interest since we were appointed in late January,” says managing partner Bruno Secatore.

“Most of these inquiries are from Australian-based entities that are looking to purchase the assets of the Betta Foods business. We’re expecting formal offers by the end of this week, and the signs are encouraging that there’s a future for Betta Foods.” n

PLANT BASED MONDELEZ EXITS PACKAGING FIRST RETAILERS IN EU GLOBAL packaging company Tetra Pak has launched

MONDELEZ International will withdraw its product from certain retail customers in Europe that have refused chocolate price hikes.

The company have reported a 44% dip in 2014 net earnings, citing difficulties created by development market consumers responding negatively to chocolate price hikes over the 12 month period. The firm said that it would exit some retail outlets in Europe that had refused to accept the price increase.

Mondelez implemented wholesale prices hikes for chocolate in response to rising commodity costs, particularly for cocoa. The increases were met with retailer resistance in some European COLES has announced more than 200 redundancies from markets. Mondelez CEO Irene its Melbourne head office. The supermarket chain says 97 Rosenfeld says that the company had permanent roles and 108 contracted positions would go borne the brunt of retailer opposition from the company’s IT and project management divisions. as it was the first firm to raise its prices.

A representative from Coles says it will not affect customer “The reality is that a number of service roles. our multinational competitors have Coles announced, in September last year that it was just lagged a little bit in their pricing slashing 378 permanent jobs and 60 contractors from its response and that’s put some pressure Melbourne head office, affecting mostly salaried staff and on the business” she says. n middle management positions. n

new carton packaging made entirely from plant-based materials, with the first product to use the packaging available in retail shops in Finland.

The packaging is manufactured solely from a combination of plastics derived from plants and paperboard. Tetra Pak says it marked a world first, and signalled “an important milestone” in Tetra Pak’s to move towards greater “environmental performance” across all parts of its portfolio and operations. n

WAITROSE has been voted the best supermarket in the UK, narrowly reclaiming the title from last year’s winner Aldi.

The upmarket grocer, which is already planning to expand its number of stores in Scotland, gained a customer score of 73 per cent in the survey of 7,000 shoppers by Which?, with top marks for customer service, store environment and its own-label and fresh products. The Co-operative has once again been named worst supermarket, winning a customer score of just 49 per cent and widening the gap on last year between it and its rivals.

It was the only supermarket to be rated as poor for pricing, and was “shockingly far behind everyone else” on value for money, with just 35 per cent of customers thinking it is good or excellent in this regard, the watchdog said. It is also considered the worst supermarket for special offers, the poll revealed, and gained the worst rating for own-label products, with only frozen food specialist Iceland rated as poorly for fresh produce.

Aldi won an overall customer score of 72 per cent, followed by Iceland, Lidl and Marks & Spencer with 69 per cent. Morrisons and Sainsbury’s managed a score of 63 per cent, followed by Asda on 62 per cent and Tesco on 60 per cent. n

Coles cut jobs

FERRERO HEAD DIES

KRAFT EXPANDS RANGE

KRAFT Nuts Australia is launching a range of eight nutty spreads, including a crunchy hazelnut spread and its first natural peanut butter variant. The new Kraft Nuts alternative nuts range includes Kraft Cashew Spread, Kraft Almond Spread, Kraft Hazelnut Smooth and Kraft Hazelnut Crunchy. Kraft Nuts Category Marketing Manager for Spreads Justin Taylor says the launch marks the biggest product innovation for Kraft since it introduced the original peanut butter in Australia more than 50 years ago.

“As the nut category has expanded and shown more functionality as a snack and an ingredient, so too has the push for more variety in nut spreads, with consumers demanding more choice. As the maker of Australia’s favourite peanut butter, we’ve launched eight new varieties, ranging from hazelnut to almond, which we know nut fans will love,” says Taylor. n

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MICHELE Ferrero, the world’s wealthiest chocolatier and owner of the Nutella empire, died at his at his Monaco home after months of illness, aged 89. His privatelyowned firm is famous for its chocolate-hazelnut Nutella spread, Ferrero Rocher chocolates, Kinder eggs and Tic Tac sweets. The entrepreneur built the business founded by his parents in the 1940s into one of the world’s biggest confectionery companies. Mr Ferrero’s father, a pastry maker named Pietro, developed the forerunner to Nutella in 1946, called Giandujot, combining a small amount of cocoa and lots of hazelnuts to make an affordable luxury at a time chocolate was expensive. Michele Ferrero turned the paste into the Nutella now known the world over, produced in 11 factories and sold in 160 countries.

The first pot was made in 1964 and the company now produces around 365,000 tonnes of Nutella every year in 11 factories around the world. n

NEW AUSTRALIAN SUPERMARKET

THE SUPERMARKET war is heating up with another player entering the Australian market offering to cut 50 percent off the price of weekly groceries.

Online retailer Kogan.com, which is known for selling cheap electronics, is taking on supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths with a new grocery delivery site. Kogan Pantry, which stocks nonperishable food items, household cleaning products and beauty and personal care, launched earlier this month.

ALDI BEST IN AUSTRALIA

ALDI has been named Australian supermarket of the year for 2014 in the Roy Morgan Research Customer Satisfaction Awards.

The awards recognise businesses that deliver high levels of service and customer satisfaction, with this being the third time the low-cost supermarket chain has won since the awards commenced in 2011. Oliver Bongardt, Aldi managing director buying, said the award was vindication of the brands approach to customers in the Australian market.

“It is true testament to Aldi’s values and our commitment to deliver Australians the best possible supermarket experience”, he said.

The annual Customer Satisfaction Awards are based on 12 months of data from Roy Morgan’s Consumer Single Source survey, as well as Roy Morgan’s Business Single Source survey. n Supermarket News v2.pdf 1 24/02/2015 1:46:56 p.m.

Founder and CEO Ruslan Kogan said the site was able to provide discounts by cutting out the middle man and selling directly to the consumer. But where Kogan Pantry differs from Coles and Woolworths is the site doesn’t offer the full product range and doesn’t offer fruit or vegetables. Mr Kogan says his site still offers brands that customers want, including Dove, Colgate, Palmolive, Pringles, Powerade and Gillette.

The products on Kogan Pantry also carry a disclaimer saying they may be parallel imports, which means it may be an international variation and may differ from local products. Delivery will cost you $9.99 and is said it will take longer than delivery times from Woolworths and Coles’ online orders; however this hasn’t deterred consumers, who have flocked to the site buying 30,000 items in its first six hours of operation. n

COLES FACING A MASSIVE FINE AUSTRALIAN supermarket chain, Coles, is facing a massive fine of up to $5 million for deceiving its customers over the freshness of its in-store bakery products.

The Federal Court slapped the supermarket giant, late last year, with a three year ban for advertising parbaked bread as being “freshly baked”.

In a penalty hearing in the Federal Court last month, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission pushed for the supermarket giant to be fined at least $4 million to $5 million over the Australian consumer law breaches reports. n

C

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CM

MY

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CMY

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Promotion commences 2nd March - 10th June 2015. For more information and Terms & Conditions visit www.dycvinegar.co.nz March 2015

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storecheck P‘nS WESTGATE

Starting out West, I headed to the newly built Pak’nSave at Westgate. Entering the large undercover car park I easily found parking. I then had the option of catching a lift (several lifts available) or using the ramp to the Supermarket entrance. The entrance was large with plenty of trolleys neatly lined up, as well as a café and toilet available. The produce was really well stocked and bright, although the bananas were not the freshest. A stand out feature of this store was the shortcut from the Produce section through to the aisles. This meant Seafood, Meat and Chilled food could be skipped if desired.

Although the fresh meat and seafood was worth taking a look at. The Deli was another standout feature, with a large variety of salads and meats, as well as fresh filled rolls on offer - all well presented. Heading down the wide aisles I noticed how neatly stocked the shelves were. It was obvious how much care had gone into the presentation of this new store. The only let down was no alcohol available due to the Waitakere Licensing Trust, no fault of the store itself. This Pak’nSave has had a lot of thought go into the layout and presentation of the store, making it appeal for quick, convenient shops as well. Very hard to find fault with this store.

CD MILFORD

Over to the North Shore, I visited Countdown in Milford Mall. Parking was a struggle to find as the mall was fairly busy. Once inside, the store was dimly lit but was very spacious.

There were plenty of trolleys available but no baskets. The produce department was large but running low on quite a lot of stock. A large beer chiller behind doors was a great addition to this store. There was also a large range of wines available. The bakery was fresh with serving tongs hung on the inside of the glass, easily kept out of the way. The seafood was fresh but again stock was low. A standout feature was an in-store florist who was busy creating Valentine’s arrangements. While the fridges and freezers were clean, I did notice quite a few water marks on the freezer doors. The large range of magazines and cards were neatly stacked and the general merchandise seemed to be quite tidy. The checkouts were busy but I was served efficiently and thanked for my transaction.

CD BIRKENHEAD

Later on I headed to the Countdown in Birkenhead.

Parking was easy enough, with an adequate number of trolley bays around. Walking in to the store the floors were clean and temperature was comfortable. In the produce department I noticed how fresh the capsicums were but variety was lacking. The deli was average with limited salads and presentation was unappealing. I noticed that one staff member was managing both the deli and seafood counters. The meat was fresh and well stocked but the fridges could have been cleaner. This was the same with the milk fridges, which were also broken in parts and very run down. The beauty aisle was large, with plenty of variety and shelves were tidy. The magazines and cards were also extremely neat with a wide range. Over to the checkouts I didn’t have to wait long to be served by a friendly staff member.

CD HAURAKI CORNER

Lastly I visited the new Countdown on Hauraki corner. Walking into the store I noticed how messy the trolleys were outside of the entrance. Once inside, the bright lights made this small store feel larger than it was. The produce section was small but had a decent variety, and a good range of fresh herbs. I noticed there was no deli or seafood counter in this small store, which was a let-down. The aisles were far too small, made even smaller by promo stands in the middle of the aisles. It was almost

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Visiting a mix of newly opened and older stores, our mystery shopper finds some newer stores have let standards slip.

STORE EXTERIOR

P’nS CD CD CD Westgate Milford Birkendhead Hauraki

• Was the outside of the building and grounds clean, tidy free of rubbish and with adequate trolley bays? (5 pts.)

5

4

5

3

• Were the windows and exterior clean and tidy? (5 pts.)

5

5

5

5

• Was the signage well presented and up to date? (5 pts.)

5

5

5

5

• Were there enough car parks? (5 pts.)

5

3

5

5

STORE INTERIOR

P’nS CD CD CD Westgate Milford Birkendhead Hauraki

• Were your first impressions positive?

(5 pts.)

5

5

4

3

• Was the floor clean and free of broken/damaged stock? (5 pts.)

5

5

5

5

• Adequately lighting/heating? (5 pts.)

5

4

4

5

• Instore signage clear adequate?

(5 pts.)

5

4

4

5

• Was there good visibility of promo/ seasonal products? (5 pts.)

3

5

4

4

• Was the floor free from unattended boxes/trolleys? (5 pts.)

5

5

3

3

• Were the fridges and freezers clean and tidy? (5 pts.)

5

4

3

5

STORE LAYOUT

P’nS CD CD CD Westgate Milford Birkendhead Hauraki

• Were the aisles wide enough?

(5 pts.)

5

5

5

2

• Were all shelf edge labels clearly visible? (5 pts.)

5

3

4

5

• Were all shelves clean, neat and tidy?

(5 pts.)

5

4

4

5

• Was there an adequate number of trolleys/baskets available? (5 pts.)

5

3

5

5

PRODUCTS

P’nS CD CD CD Westgate Milford Birkendhead Hauraki

• Was there a good range of products to choose from? (5 pts.)

5

5

4

3

• Was there full availability of products? (5 pts.)

5

5

4

5

• Was all product packaging in good condition? (5 pts.)

5

5

5

5

• Was there a good range of magazines and cards etc and were they tidy? (5 pts.)

5

5

5

3

• Were the batteries and general merchandise tidy? (5 pts.)

5

4

5

4

This months scores show there is still room for improvement.

FRESH FOOD

P’nS CD CD CD Westgate Milford Birkendhead Hauraki

• Did the produce look fresh?

impossible to pass someone.

Despite the limited space, the shelves were neatly stocked and fridges were clean. I was served efficiently and was thanked for my transaction.

As I exited the store I overheard two local women in the carpark saying what a disappointment the long awaited new store was. It might be an idea for this store to survey their clientele, as the surrounding Takapuna suburb is a very wealthy pocket of the North Shore and it is likely that they are seeking more than this store currently offers.

STAFF

P’nS CD CD CD Westgate Milford Birkendhead Hauraki

PRODUCE (5 pts.)

4 4 4 4

FISH (5 pts.)

5 5 5 3

MEAT (5 pts.)

5

4

5

5

DELI (5 pts.)

5

5

4

3

BAKERY (5 pts.)

5

4

5

4

• Was there a full range of produce?

PRODUCE (5 pts.)

5 5 4 5

FISH (5 pts.)

5 3 5 3

MEAT (5 pts.)

5

4

5

4

DELI (5 pts.)

5

5

4

3

BAKERY (5 pts.)

5 4 4 3

• Was the Fish Counter staffed? (5 pts.)

5 5 3 3

• Were all staff fully dressed in uniforms and name badges? (5 pts.)

5 5 5 5

• Were there adequate checkouts, considering the time of day? (5 pts.)

5

4

4

5

• Was there anything or anyone who stood out? (5 pts.)

• Were you greeted in a friendly manner? (5 pts.)

4

5

5

5

• Overall shopper experience (10 pts.)

9 8 7 6

• Were you served in a speedy and efficient manner? (5 pts.)

5 5 4 5

HOW THEY SCORE?

• Were you thanked for your transaction? (5 pts.)

5 5 5 5

Maximum available score: 200 pts

• Was the Deli Counter staffed? (5 pts.)

5 5 3 3 5 3 3 3

P’nS CD CD CD Westgate Milford Birkendhead Hauraki 195 TOP SCORE

176

172

March 2015

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SIAL CHINA SPECIAL FEATURE

Interview with SIAL CHINA Director Bjoern Kempe Asia’s largest Food & Beverage exhibition, SIAL CHINA kicks off in May in Shanghai. Bjoern Kempe, exhibition director, is already excited for the upcoming edition and promises many surprises.

IN 2014 you celebrated the 15th anniversary of SIAL CHINA and just recently the 50th anniversary of SIAL in Paris. How do you feel about this and how does this influence the future development of SIAL CHINA? Yes, this year was a big year for the SIAL GROUP with major anniversaries. It has put SIAL on the list for every professional food buyer in the world regardless in which continent. We had fantastic results with SIAL CHINA growing the show almost 30% and also SIAL PARIS had a great show with more than 10% growth – this will of course be the benchmark for the future. However we don’t only want to grow in size but most importantly in quality especially for buyers.

What is your ambition for the coming edition of SIAL CHINA? Our ambition is to be the source of inspiration and sharing trends in the Asian food market. We want to

present SIAL CHINA as the largest professional network in Asia that can be a guarantor for good business, innovations and inspirations.

What will be new at SIAL CHINA 2015?

It’s a challenge to present a show that will be 115,000 sqm in size in just three days. Too many things are going on so we will be focusing on our main events and highlights such as the SIAL Innovation area as the centre point of SIAL CHINA to present more than 200 innovative products.

In addition we will strengthen our La Cuisine by SIAL and add on more education shows and cooking trend shows for Asian and Chinese cooking. Finally we will invite even better speakers at our SIAL Retail & Hospitality Forum to discuss the latest trends of the industries. We will focus on the quality of the buyers, to create room and environment to let energy and inspirations flow for business networking opportunities. Our aim is not to only grow domestic visitors and product choices but also international buyers especially from all Asian/ Pacific regions such as India, Australia, Middle East, New Zealand etc. who are important buyers.

So SIAL CHINA goes beyond its boundaries of CHINA? Yes certainly – within a few years SIAL CHINA shot up to the No 1 annual food & beverage exhibition in Asia. For the coming edition we expect more than 2,700 exhibitors from 90 countries on 115,000 sqm area – that’s bigger than any other show in the Asia/Pacific region. Our visitors come from more than 90 countries and have almost doubled in the last three shows.

Does the economy in China play a role for this growth?

The weak food production and low food safety standards in China have led to a strong increase in food imports. Nowadays the still growing middle class as well as the strong growing hospitality industry demand new and more international imported food and beverages. The central government has supported this trend with free trade agreements, lowering taxes and import duties as well as lowering the obstacles for import such as shipping regulations, CIQ and so on. In addition China is the largest food market in terms of consumption and Shanghai is now an established metropolitan city with world leading chefs having their restaurants here.

Which sectors are developing fast at SIAL CHINA? We can see strong growth in our meat sector that will be presented in two halls with a total exhibition space of almost 25,000sqm. More than 450 companies from 30 countries will present their meat products. The meat market is really good at the moment and driving strong growth.

In addition to meat we can also see a strong growth for dairy, seafood and fresh food products. However sweets, confectionary and bakery sectors are still the biggest and are maintaining their size.

How does the wine sector perform at SIAL CHINA? As most of us know, the wine sector kind of crashed two years ago here with an oversupply and consumption not catching up in the volume as experts predicted. As such the wine sector has consolidated over the last two years but we are very proud to present 8000 sqm of high quality pure wine sector that is only open for wine buyers at our SIAL WINE WORLD in hall W5. More than 20 countries amongst them Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Portugal, Australia,

South Africa, Bulgaria and Greece will participate in this special and high class sector. This is the same for the rest of SIAL CHINA as we focus on growth of visitors and on high quality events. Our newly created WINE LAB will combine the Wine Innovation Forum, Master Classes, Tasting sessions, seminars and many more events.

How different is SIAL CHINA from the rest of the SIAL events around the world?

Firstly we are the largest show inside the SIAL Group that will be seen in 2015. Secondly we have sectors for meat, gourmet products and wine at SIAL CHINA that none of the other SIAL around the world have as well.

Lastly we also present a very good selection and choice of more than 1000 Chinese exhibitors for seafood products, agricultural grain products, canned food, condiments and fruits & vegetables. We also have a big sector for food processing and packaging at PackTech FoodTech.

What are the core values of SIAL CHINA to newcomers and outsiders?

That’s a very difficult question but I would describe the core values as a big selection of products, numerous inspirations, product innovations, energetic intelligence and networking platform for the Asian food market, altogether surprising and engaging!

Any secrets you can share with us now?

Well I don’t like to say too much but yes there will be some surprises.

USA is our guest country of honor and will have many events at the show.

We will also welcome top class chefs from the World Association of Chef Society and we will welcome many new countries to SIAL CHINA that will present their products for the very first time in Asia. SIAL CHINA will also change its layout and halls and will be located in hall W1-W5 and E1-E5 so the new layout will also come with surprises! To know more secrets, you need to come and join us from May 6-8, 2015 at Shanghai New International Expo Centre! n

GREAT REASONS TO VISIT SIAL CHINA 2015 1 Asia’s largest food & beverage show 2 17 categories of diverse food inspirations & products 3 2700+ exhibitors and 55,000+ visitors from all over the world 4 USA as Guest Country of Honor; Heilongjiang as Guest Province of Honor 5 La Cuisine by SIAL CHINA endorsed

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www.sialchina.com

6 7 8 9

by WACS / SIAL Innovation / Retail & Hospitality Forum / SIAL Business Meeting / World Tour by SIAL / The Fresh / Chocolate World Retail & Hospitality Forum SIAL Business Meeting World Tour by SIAL Powerful partner support from all the food & beverage sectors

10 Co-located with SIAL WINE WORLD, China’s most premium & qualified wine platform 11 World N°1 Food Exhibition Network – SIAL Group 12 The golden season for buyers is in May at SIAL CHINA!

Register online & get your FREE access badge now @ www.sialchina.com

JOIN US ON:

www.facebook.com/SIALChina www.twitter.com/SIALChina www.linkedin.com/groups/SIAL CHINA-3753291

SIAL CHINA 2015, 6-8 MAY, 2015 Shanghai New International Expo Centre

health&wellbeing START-UPS DRIVE FUTURE NEW FROM RED SEAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING VITAMIN D3 1000IU KRILL OIL IN health and wellness, it is start-ups that are taking the lead in redefining markets and creating new categories. Due to lack of resources, smart start-ups have to start small, targeting “Lifestyle consumers”, the people most motivated by the products health and wellness message. Lifestyle consumers represent people willing to pay a premium price for healthier products, they are active and receptive to new foods. Most start-up companies will never make it to mass market; instead, they will stay with these premium customers.

Personalised nutrition creates a niche for start-ups, as consumers’ food and health beliefs become fragmented and they begin identifying their own personal nutrition needs.

Health-motivated consumers already practice personalised nutrition as they self-diagnose, choosing diets that are gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free and paleo dietary options. Big companies often dismiss these product opportunities as they are seen as too niche, leaving the way open for start-ups.

Technology is on the side of start-ups, as consumers can easily access a large

amount of nutritional information on their mobile devices. This enables the consumer to make more personalised nutrition choices.

Mobile apps, such as myfitnesspal, have transformed weight management in recent years as people use technology to make their own wellness food choices.

Start-ups no longer have to begin in the mass-market as the lifestyle consumer can now be reached by alternative distribution channels, such as health food stores and home delivery, which are better adapted to low volume start-up products. This gives start-ups the chance to learn about its customer base and the market.

For larger companies, new product success is measured by first year sales, many products are discontinued because of this. Start-ups on the other hand, have time on their side as they have a more realistic approach to sales expectations.

The fragmentation of health beliefs and markets combined with new ways of reaching the consumer, is enabling great opportunities for start-ups and larger companies will need to relook at their own business models if they are willing to adapt to the changing market. n

Vitamin D helps the body to absorb and use Calcium, important to ensure bone strength and density, protecting against osteoporosis.

Vitamin D also supports immune defences, mobile joints and muscle strength in the elderly.

Boron and Selenium are important minerals that help form bone and improve the absorption of calcium.

Red Seal Vitamin D3 1000IU will offer the largest pack size and best value per tablet in the market.

With an aging population and increasing publicity about the importance of Vitamin D, this segment will continue to grow strongly.

The Krill segment has experienced rapid growth, trading consumers up from Fish Oil to a more premium product.

As Krill grows consumers are looking for combination products that meet their needs for joint support.

Red Seal Krill Oil offers the combination of krill with glucosamine and chondroitin for superior joint support and protection.

Line priced with our standard Krill, this product offers retailers another opportunity to trade consumers up and offer extremely good value for money. n

h&baisle SCHWARZKOPF GOES GREEN SCHWARZKOPF have launched Schwarzkopf Live Colour Green Glory. A hair dye for those of us not afraid to stand out from the crowd; Green Glory is the perfect pop of colour, either used as dip dying, or full on shock locks. Containing Pro Vitamin B5 for deep conditioning and luminous shine; Schwarzkopf Live Colour contains no ammonia or peroxide so it is perfect for first time hair colour users who want to experiment with fashionable shades without worrying about damaging their hair.

NEW L’OREAL PARIS REVITALIFT L’OREAL Paris Revitalift Laser X3 Day Cream for dark spots is the first anti-aging skincare solution to treat wrinkles and dark spots simultaneously. Boasting results equivalent to three IPL sessions, the Revitalift Laser X3 Anti Spot Day Cream works to correct, clarify and prevent with a SPF of 25. Also from the range, the Revitalift Laser X3 Anti Spot Night Cream is a night peeling lotion designed to nourish skin every night, targeting problem areas as you sleep resurfacing, clarifying and renewing up to two layers of skin.

NEW GARNIER EXPRESS 2 IN 1 GARNIER introduces its 2 in 1 Express Eye Makeup Remover which is not only efficient in the removal of makeup without the need to rub, it also strengthens eyelashes thanks to its natural arginine formula. The 2 in 1 Express Makeup Remover is gentle on the eyes and removes makeup without leaving a greasy residue on the skin.

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SKIN PERFECTION ADDS TO RANGE ONE of the latest additions to the L’Oréal Paris Skin Perfection range, the Refreshing Cleansing wipes nourish your skin when cleansing while working to remove impurities. The wipes remove makeup, even waterproof – to leave you with clean, soothed and supple skin. Alcohol free and hypo-allergenic free, the new Skin Perfection wipes work on sensitive skin and are ideal for travelling when you need to freshen up. The L’Oréal Paris Skin Perfection Gel Cream Wash is also a new addition to the range, removing all impurities with a rich gel-cream texture infused with softening actives. During and after use there is no feeling of dryness or discomfort as the formula is soap free and fragrance free – the result, sublimely soft skin.

NEW RANGE FOR MEN THE new All-in-One Expert Hydra Energetic All-In-1 moisturising cream powered by vitamins is face care and post shave moisturiser. This cooling formula instantly refreshes skin by reducing the sensation of razor burn and irritation from shaving, all the while hydrating skin to protect from dryness and discomfort. Skin immediately feels fresh and stays comfortably hydrated all day long.

The range also includes an option for sensitive skin, with a the formula that helps to reduce the feeling of irritation caused by shaving and hydrates skin leaving it feeling fresh and comfortable all day long. n

hotbeverages&soups NAKED LOCAL SOUPS LHF’S Naked Locals Soups continue to do well in the Fresh Soup Category growing 43.4% in value in the last 12 months. The soups are made with New Zealand farmed produce, in regions well known for key ingredients. Naked Local Soups senior brand manager, Vicki Sew Hoy says the company had fantastic sales over November and December last year due to a late summer start, with Cambridge Spinach and Kale soup being the star performer.

“Naked Locals is the number 2 brand in the category with 26.8% dollar share and we’re closing the gap to market leadership,” says Vicki.

The Fresh Soup Category is valued at $19.3m MAT and is growing at 19.5%.

Vicki says growth in product has increased as consumers look to purchase more authentic products.

“Our consumers are really interested in how products are made, what ingredients go into them and who makes them.”

In regards to new trends within the category, Vicki says traditional vegetables such as cauliflower and parsnip seem to be making a comeback as well as a rise in interest around whole foods and ancient grains such as barley, quinoa, buckwheat and chia. n

NEW LOOK FOR TASTY POT

FROM the end of March, not only will Tasty Pot soups be available in new 350g pots, it will feature four new sku’s to its range. The flavours include; NZ Lamb Shank Casserole, Chicken Korma, Kumara and Coconut as well as the new Good Soup for a Bad Day – incorporating roasted chicken and winter vegetables.

The new pots will carry the Crossed Grain Gluten Free logo as endorsed by Coeliac NZ, as well as an easy to read nutritional summary on the lids to help consumers make better informed, healthy choices.

Co-founder Andrew Vivian says “Tasty Pot is now the fastest growing brand in the fresh meal and soup category at +126 per cent YOY growth, accounting for 25 per cent of total category growth. It’s great to see the ready meal space heating up – we believe it’s going to become one of the fastest growing segments in NZ grocery.”

(Aztec data: National key Accounts to Nov’14) n

CEREBOS GREGG’S COFFEE GROWTH NEW FOR HANSELLS

CEREBOS Gregg’s is the second largest supplier in the coffee category and 2014 was a huge year with growth of 22.2 (Aztec Data, TKA Dollar Value, MAT 25.01.2015). Sean Wiggans, Group Brand Manager says sales were achieved through a combination of working very closely with trade partners, a strong innovation pipeline and a commitment to investing in brands with consistent

communications support. “There are two key trends in FMCG today and Cerebos Gregg’s say what they are seeing in the New Zealand market mirrors what is happening overseas.”

The trend towards seeking quality is matched by the mega- trend of convenience. Consumers all around the world are continuing to seek convenience in their grocery items; product and packaging formats that aid preparation and consumption.

There will continue to be a move towards coffee formats that deliver ‘better quality’ coffee as New Zealander’s expectations are educated more and more by what cafes are providing.

The greatest growth has come from the coffee formats that combine improved quality and convenience.

The Flavoured Instant Coffee segment has grown from almost nothing to being the largest value segment in the Instant Coffee category in less than ten years. The key innovations that Cerebos Gregg’s have launched into the coffee market have been based on the insights above.

WATTIE’S NEW FLAVOURS HEINZ Wattie’s have introduced two new flavour variants to its Soup of the Day range, 7 Vege Melody and Tomato, Vegetable & Lenil. The Soup of the Day range continues to attract new customers to the category, with 29.8 per cent of sales coming from new category buyers.

Wattie’s soup accounts for 31.4 per cent value share of the total soup category, with six innovative soup ranges, the company also accounts for $24 million in retail sales.

The market leader in ambient soup,

Robert Harris introduced the super premium Robert Harris Fusio in 2013 and it has continued to grow strongly in 2014. Fusio is a fusion of fresh and freeze-dried coffee that delivers a very high quality instant cup of brew.

Building on this innovation and in what Cerebos Gregg think might be a world first, the Robert Harris Café Style Coffee was launched into the Flavoured Instant Coffee segment in 2014. Using Fusio as the coffee base for the product, the product delivers to the consumers’ desire for quality and convenience.

The third key innovation was to take Robert Harris into coffee capsules and to drive the coffee capsule segment in the grocery channel – giving consumers an alternative to the Nespresso coffee capsule format that were previously not available other than online or Nespresso retail stores.

Together these three innovations have been key to the overall growth that Cerebos Gregg’s has achieved. n

Wattie’s say it has seen significant movement from Ready to Serve into Chilled Soup and Homemade, however Ready to Serve is still the number one segment in the category and is valued at $19.7 million.

All of the top 10 selling Ready to Serve soups in New Zealand supermarkets come from the Wattie’s range. Traditional flavours of Tomato and Pumpkin are among Kiwi Favourites, with its Very Special Creamy Tomato 535g variant being the top seller. n

HANSELLS Food Group is launching two new flavours to its Hansells All Natural soup range. Following on the successful introduction of Hansells Thai Pumpkin to the range in 2014 the company have extended the range to include Green Curry Soup with Noodles and Pho soup. Both the new soups contain Konjac noodles, making them a great filling meal solution. The noodles used in the variants are made from Konjac, an Asian root vegetable which has a similar texture as potato without the starchiness.

Konjac noodles are high in fibre and low in calories and carbohydrates making it ideal as a light meal option. Pho soup is a traditional Vietnamese beef soup infused with aromatic herbs and spices (chilli, garlic, coriander, basil, fish sauce) with konjac noodles.

Like the rest of the Hansells all natural range, these new SKU’s feature distinctive natural craft packaging which will appeal to consumers who are looking for more natural products. The Hansells range also features icon symbols that identify the flavours as well as ingredient symbols making it easy for those with special dietary requirements to identify products that are suitable for them – such as gluten free or dairy free. Hansells all natural ready to eat pouch soup range has been designed for people who care about what they eat. Each recipe has been inspired by authentic recipes of the world and is made from the very finest natural ingredients and contains no preservatives. You will find Hansells soup pouches in the ambient soup isle of the supermarket.

Flavours include: Moroccan Vegetable Tagine, Chinese Chicken and Corn, Mexican Tortilla, Japanese Miso and Malaysian Laksa, Thai Pumpkin, Vietnamese Pho and Thai Green Curry. n March 2015

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hotbeverages&soups TOTAL SUPERMARKETS CURR MAT W/E 25/01/2015 Val Sales

PITANGO ADDS TO OFFERING PITANGO will be adding to its soup offering in April with four new flavour variants. The Pitango brand currently has 11 products available across the Soup category and its Artisano brand currently has six. The new flavours will include; Carrot & Sweet Potato Soup, Spinach, Kale and Ricotta Soup, Spanish Chicken Paella Soup and Malaysian Vegetable Laksa.

The Pitango and Artisano brands will also receive new pack designs across the entire range, ensuring the brands packs are more visible to the shopper and generate increased demand.

A recent report, released by Transparency Market Research, proved that in the Asia Pacific market there is a strong demand for soups due to

the major changes in eating patterns for households. A report released by Mintel in 2012 also showed that 92% of households purchase soup weekly.

Pitango says it believes the same sort of figures apply in New Zealand as the demand for easy, healthy meals is increasing.

Pitango is a strong player in this market. Ticking all the boxes for the customer – healthy, tasty, convenient, real honest food and nothing else.

Pitango uses homemade stocks which deliver superior flavoured soup to the consumer.

Originally a fresh soup company, Pitango continue developing new, tasty and exciting ranges. “We notice that people are looking for more than just the common ‘soup’ flavours and we think outside that box all the time looking at international flavours and classic meals to see how we can create this into Pitango Soup. For example our new Spanish Chicken Paella Soup.” n

HAVANA A KIWI FAVOURITE

HAVANA Coffee Works continues its trail blazing of super premium coffee, now rolling into its 8th year in supermarkets.

Havana Coffee is the fastest growing company in the fresh coffee category.

The company attribute its success to the brand’s story and history being

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authentic as well as their vision.

Founded in 1989, Havana Coffee Works is a family owned business roasting and dispatching its delicious coffee from Wellington, the coffee capital! Havana serves dedicated loyal coffee fans throughout New Zealand.

With beautiful packaging and delicious coffee, Havana is becoming a must have for coffee lovers. n

OWNED

Val % Chg YA

Unit Sales Unit % Chg YA

$88,946,639

1.1%

22,920,983

2.4%

$52,658,980

-1.7%

13,147,258

-1.3%

$15,136,740

8.0%

4,070,077

10.9%

$10,499,875

8.4%

2,595,063

10.4%

$7,565,250

-4.1%

2,571,655

-0.7%

$2,796,160

3.3%

456,780

8.1%

$10,235,708

6.2%

2,573,756

4.7%

$57,290,429

-4.0%

30,018,268

-5.3%

$23,652,370

-4.1%

9,218,877

-3.7%

$17,116,534

-7.0%

9,902,606

-8.0%

$10,191,589

-3.8%

8,605,144

-4.8%

$3,875,069

0.5%

1,469,427

-4.3%

$2,454,867

13.1%

822,214

1.8% Source: Nielsen NZ Scantrack

D.E COFFEE & TEA

D.E COFFEE & Tea is today the 3rd largest coffee manufacturer in both global & local markets (Aztec Scan: TKA – MAT to 04/01/2015), manufacturing the iconic Moccona brand, L’OR EspressO and Bach Espresso for NZ supermarkets.

Strong growth in the Moccona brand throughout 2014 will see the launch of Classic Dark blend to the company’s existing refills range, continuing to drive incremental premium segment sales and satisfy consumer demand. Albeit famous for its distinctive glass jar, which helps shoppers to quickly identify the Premium Instant section instore, the ever popular refill pack offers a great value proposition to shoppers encouraging trade up from everyday instant segments.

The Moccona Classic refill is not only the top selling SKU in the coffee category, but also the most incremental SKU to the category (Nielsen Shopper Study 2014).

The Moccona Café Classics range, within the flavoured coffee segment, is another area of success for the brand over the past year. The new packaging, formulation and promotional strategy have driven this success. Due to the impulse nature of this segment the key to on-going growth success is the importance of increased visibility instore to encourage incremental basket purchases.

The capsules segment, is the key area of interest for D.E in the category today and the company launched D.EL’ OR EspressO to the market in April 2014. L’OR EspressO offers consumers a desirable alternative to Nespresso delivering high quality and consistency. The relative price and convenience attracts users previously purchasing outside the grocery channel with 63% of segment volume being incremental to the coffee category.

(Nielsen Homescan Panel – MAT to 02/11/2014).

L’OR EspressO’s marketing strategy has helped to overcome one of the key challenges for this segment by increasing awareness of Nespresso compatible capsules in supermarkets. n

hotbeverages&soups LAVAZZA COFFEE 18NINETYFIVE Limited, a division of The New Zealand Coffee Company, now proudly has the exclusive New Zealand distribution for the entire LavAzza brand offering, having recently taken over the contract from Wilson Consumer.

The premium coffee brand was founded in 1895 in Italy by Luigi LavAzza, it was initially run from a small grocery store at Via San Tommaso 10.

The business of LavAzza remains a family owned business and is currently administered by the third and fourth generation of the LavAzza family.

18NinetyFive Limited general manager Pete Campbell says he is thrilled to have taken on the LavAzza brand in New Zealand and has significant NPD planned for brand in the retail segment over the next two years as well as delivering a number of innovations across the entire coffee category.

LavAzza credits itself with inventing the concept of blending; the art of combining different types of coffee from different geographical areas, in its early years and claims this as a distinctive feature of all its products.

Campbell says, “Coffee is now the ‘unofficial’ drink of New Zealanders, we have become a great deal more particular and better educated about what we are drinking.” n

SIERRA‘S STEADY GROWTH SIERRA Coffee has launched new look packaging, using the latest materials to retain freshness and a bright new refreshing look to the category.

The freshly roasted premium coffee company say they have seen growth in the coffee category, particularly around pods and capsules, and say New Zealander’s seem to be having a great level of influence to the evolution of the global coffee roasting business – similar to what we did in the wine industry.

2015 will see Sierra Coffee focus on improvements of its sourcing, cupping and roasting, teamed with better quality packaging. n

Red Seal fruit teas... opening the door to growth!

Red Seal fruit teas hit the number 2 spot in the week before our TV advertising even started.

In Foodstuffs, it was number 1!

We can’t wait to see the next numbers...

Aztec data for week ending January 25, 2015.

Sugar and gluten free. Zero calories. www.redseal.co.nz

March 2015

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hotbeverages&soups RED SEAL FRUIT TEA SUCCESS

DILMAH BOOSTING LOCAL SALES

RED Seal is a value for money brand, however, as the launch of its fruit tea demonstrates, the company can command a solid premium for products that have a perceptible point of difference. Leader in Specialty Teas, Red Seal continue to Specialty Teas as a priority category, growing strongly with fruit, green and herbal all performing well. The fruit tea segment growth is directly attributable to Red Seal’s entry to this segment illustrating the power of innovation. The fruit tea range includes six flavour variants that can be brewed either with hot or cold water.

“Our fruit tea range is the latest NPD and we are in the midst of launch advertising (TV, magazine, newspaper, online) and in store demos. This range has the unique and innovative ability to be made hot or cold giving it a real difference versus competitor brands,”

says Red Seal national sales and marketing manager, Sue Millinchip.

To date, the range has performed extremely well in stores with share in the week ending January 25 for Foodstuffs peaking at 34.7% and 42.4% in Pak’nSave (Share of Fruit teas, Aztec w/e January 25, 2015). Millinchip says Red Seal has committed significant funds to support this range and will continue to do so this year.

“People are actively seeking healthier ways of living and the growth in Specialty Teas is attributable to this.

Products that offer a health benefit and can easily be added to everyday living and habits will continue to do well.

This is a global trend,” she adds.

The company says there will also be more focus on meaningful benefits being communicated well on pack to make decision making easier for consumers. n

IN New Zealand this month promoting the tea market and of course their own brand, were the Fernando family from Sri Lanka producers Dilmah. Pictured in Auckland are Merrill Fernando, New Zealand country manager Nigel Scott and Dilhan Fernando.

The group had been through the South Island even making a store appearance at Robin Brown’s Rangiora New World and then in Napier for the Art Deco weekend. n

BELL TEA & COFFEE COMPANY PODS and bags are now worth a whopping $8.2 million in retail and 14% of the total roast & ground category. Kiwis are great advocates of quality coffee and these new formats have made it much easier and more convenient to get quality coffee at home.

BTCC launched Jed’s Bean Bags in May 2014, an example of true innovation, which have helped drive coffee bags growth of 30%.

Jed’s Coffee Co Bean Bags are the first coffee bags in the world which use a unique pyramid bag technology to deliver a ‘brew in the cup’ coffee which matches the delivery of a plunger. The Jed’s brand is on fire overall and has doubled sales over the last couple of years. “The feedback we always get from consumers is how the Jed’s coffee they have bought has totally exceeded their expectations, and they’re hooked!” says the companies group marketing manager, Michaela Dumper. Off the back of Jed’s success BTCC is now the

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OWNED

fastest growing coffee manufacturer with year on year growth of 39% and taking Jed’s further with the launch of a pods range in April.

Bell has had a fantastic year in its tea brands, with sales growth of 5% it is now the market leader in green tea.

Amazing to think that New Zealand’s original tea brand with a heritage of over 100 years is now the market leader in the fastest growing market segment.

“A key trend we are seeing in black tea is the growth of the Extra Strong segment, lead by Bell Kenya Bold,” says Dumper. Meeting the demand, Twinings are expanding their hero English Breakfast variant into an extra strong range in March with the launch of English Breakfast Extra Strong tea in 80s and 10s string and tag packs. The launch is being supported through sponsorship of the ever popular ‘Offspring’ series and an extensive consumer sampling campaign. n

Italy’s favourite coffee is poised to become New Zealand’s favourite coffee.

Lavazza, Italy’s best-known coffee brand has a new home in New Zealand, and will be distributed exclusively by 18NinetyFive Limited.

18NinetyFive Limited. P.O. Box 9640, Newmarket, Auckland 1149, New Zealand.

Phone: 0800LAVAZZA Email: lavazza@18ninetyfive.co.nz

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liquor

A wine story to capture the imagination

When Terry Peabody’s family told him they wanted to start a winery he wasn’t one to resist the challenge.

THE Peabodys – who are based in Queensland – had a long association with the international hospitality industry. They also had a passion for fine wine.

This is a story about a united family - Terry Peabody, his wife Mary and daughter Mary-Jeanne, and its drive to create a wine dynasty, one that would last 1000 years. The story of Craggy Range is a story of a global quest for viticultural excellence.

A global hunt for the perfect location led the family to New Zealand on the advice of wine mogul Baron Eric Rothschild, of Chateau Lafite renown.

Craggy Range was founded in Hawke’s Bay in 1997.The family purchased 100 hectares of land in the then yet-to-be-named Gimblett Gravels. Very soon, more land was purchased in Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough and Marlborough, each piece bought with specific grape varieties in mind.

The ‘single vineyard’ philosophy, new to New Zealand at the time,

has become the hallmark of Craggy Range. Essentially it is the philosophy of an artisan boutique producer, but in the case of Craggy Range, one with a rather more significant operation establishing brand new vineyards rather than working with established sites.

First came Gimblett Gravels, 80 hectares producing the grapes for one of the country’s greatest wines, Craggy Range ‘Sophia’. It’s also where Craggy Range chose to place its state-of-the-art winery where all but one of the wines are crafted.

Three hours from Hawke’s Bay and tucked off the beaten track on the outskirts of Martinborough is Craggy Range’s second vineyard Te Muna Road. As luck would have it, the terraced farm-land was not only ideal for Sauvignon Blanc grapes but also for Pinot Noir together with Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Blanc.

Out in the salt laden air and sea breezes of the Te Awanga coast in Hawke’s Bay sits a cool climate

KIWI CRAFT BREWERIES SIGNS UK DEAL

The deal with Instil will see two beers from each brewery distributed in the UK. Instils existing portfolio includes Crystal Head Vodka, Coopers Ales and 10 Saints Oak Aged Lager. n

A GROUP of five Kiwi craft brewers will have their beers distributed in the UK for the first time after appointing Instil Drinks as their UK agent.

The New Zealand Craft Beer Collective, consisting of Tuatara, Renaissance, 8 Wired, Three Boys and Yeastie Boys Breweries, was formed last year with the objective of promoting NZ craft beer to overseas markets.

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THE PEABODY FAMILY AT CRAGGY RANGE.

vineyard perfect for growing Chardonnay – Kidnapper’s Vineyard.

Giants winery, the home of Craggy Range, is located in the Tuki Tuki Valley and is a collection of inspired buildings, each one different with its own unique purpose and incorporating elements of New Zealand rusticity and local history. Circular buildings with cone shaped roofs hint of the traditional grain silos visible in fields neighbouring the Kidnappers Vineyard.

In juxtaposition alongside, traditional French design elements such as chamfered corners so often seen on French Châteaux catch the eye.

The Giants winery makes just one wine, ‘Sophia’, the most prized of them all. ‘Sophia’ has its own fermentation cellar where each of the blend’s four grape varieties of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot is fermented individually in French Oak Cuvées. Beneath lies The Quarry, a vault-ceilinged room where

the ‘Sophia’ lies maturing in barrels until the winemaker decides it is time to bottle.

The Terrôir Restaurant is housed in the second circular structure with the look and feel of a sophisticated French country inn.

Exemplifying the Peabody family’s close involvement in the architecture, the interior was designed by Mary and Mary-Jeanne with assistance from Mary’s long-time friend, the late and respected interior designer Pamela Brown.

The extensive organic gardens just a short step from the kitchen door provide much of the produce in a true ‘garden-to-plate’ way for the restaurant’s dishes designed to match the superb Craggy Range single vineyard wines.

The story of Craggy Range is a unique tale that surely can’t help but capture the imagination of all who come across it. n

NEW SACRED HILL PREMIUM “RESERVE” RANGE

SACRED Hill has launched its much anticipated Reserve range with stylish premium packaging and a comprehensive marketing campaign.

The five wines in the new range, made with fruit from Sacred Hill’s most cherished vineyard sites, are positioned a level up from the Sacred Hill Orange Label varietals.

Sacred Hill Reserve has been launched in response to growing consumer demand for accessible, better quality wines for special occasions.

Managing director and founder David Mason says, “The launch of the Reserve range is an exciting milestone

for Sacred Hill and is very much an extension of our long held wine making philosophy - making wine to share with family and friends. That approach struck a chord back then and it still resonates with consumers today.”

The full Sacred Hill Reserve range includes, Sacred Hill Reserve Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Sacred Hill Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2014, Sacred Hill Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014, Sacred Hill Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 and Sacred Hill Reserve Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2014. n

NEW PACKAGING FOR ISACC’S

Kiwi-made Isaac’s Cider has revamped the brands packaging. It’s the first packaging change since the brand was launched and keeps the Kiwi summer feel featuring the sun and rays, with all packaging containing the line: a little drop of summer. “It’s five years since Isaac’s Cider first launched originally under the Mac’s brand, but it’s since become a significant brand in its own right - changing the cider landscape in New Zealand,” explains Kate Fisken, Brand Manager for Isaac’s. “We believe it’s time for a fresh new look to take on more of the brand qualities that make it attractive to our consumers.” Still made with locally grown apples for the crisp, refreshing taste nature intended, the brand’s original formula and taste will stay the same. The clear bottles, and the iconic branch, which was part of the original packaging, will also remain. n

CULTURE CHECK - WHY PEOPLE MATTER AT DB

LIKE most large corporates, we spend a lot of time at DB working on our strategy. We have even encapsulated it on one piece of paper so all staff are clear on our vision, mission, drivers and enablers to deliver our objectives; based on common values and behaviours.

That said, you will also often hear the Druckerism ‘culture eats strategy for breakfast’ coming from the MD’s mouth . Here’s why and how culture matters at DB. DB is comprised of four breweries, one cidery and a complement of regional sales offices. “Head Office” is Waitemata Brewery in Auckland, which also happens to be the largest production site. DB Draught Brewery in Washdyke, Timaru is the largest site in the South Island, and the North and South production centres are complimented by Monteiths Brewery in Greymouth on the West Coast and the Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka.

Aside from beer, there is also the dedicated Redwood cidery in the Moutere Valley in Nelson. Some of these breweries (such as Monteiths and Tui) have much longer histories than the young buck Waitemata at a mere 85 years.

Oh yes and there is a sales and distribution company based in Sydney, Australia and a hospitality joint venture based separately in Auckland.

The issue we are faced with is how to achieve a cohesive culture over these diverse sites, both in terms of geographical spread but also size and

scale of operation.

Each of these sites has its own distinct culture but there is still a need to pull them all together to deliver on common objectives. The reasons for wanting a strong culture are largely selfevident and well documented.

For starters, the economics – a motivated positive work force will clearly out perform a de-motivated, disjointed one. There are also obvious benefits in attracting and retaining top talent – most high-performers want to work for a company that is performing and has a good culture.

Finally, we are seeing a much greater range of interest in job applicants, above and beyond pay and other direct benefits. They want to know what our culture is really like. They want to know more about our sustainability programmes– what do we do for the community? How are we addressing harmful drinking? How often is the staff bar used? People are looking for more than just a pay packet –they are looking for like minds and a place where they can develop personally and professionally.

So what do we do? We listen – every two years we complete a comprehensive culture survey that forms the basis for action plans within business units and across the whole business. In between the whole-business surveys, we take smaller snapshots and the MD regularly hosts breakfast sessions with a cross-section of staff to ensure there are multiple forums to give feedback.

We communicate – every month we publish a comprehensive overview of business news, brand news and market developments that managers are expected to take staff through in person. We are very open in the level of this communication and supplement it through regular updates on the intranet and by email. We also deliver at least one road show a year where the MD and members of the Management Team visit all sites to give a more detailed update. This is typically in addition to conferences and town hall sessions with senior HEINEKEN executives so staff can also hear the wider group perspective.

We provide – from staff benefits like retail discounts and free beer every month, to staff competitions and events, beer and cider training and tasting sessions, through to international career development opportunities. Utilising our connection to parent company HEINEKEN, our top performers are kept on a constant list for offshore opportunities.

We have sent brewers to Ethiopia, logistics experts to Mongolia and commercial managers to Sri Lanka as well as multiple postings to the likes of Singapore and Amsterdam.

HEINEKEN operates like a network of foreign embassies, with medium term secondments available as well as permanent placements. It gives staff who wish it the chance to develop their careers internationally whilst remaining within the Group.

Having just read the results and comments from our most recent culture survey one other thing stood out – the power of relatively simple employee engagement initiatives. Of all the positive comments about what we get right (there were also ample about what we get wrong) one of the most frequent was about a staff foosball tournament that loosely tied in to the FIFA World Cup. Staff members were randomly paired up and given a country to represent.

It didn’t cost a thing and was largely driven by two passionate staff members, but it meant a huge amount to staff.

This was partly due to the random pairings meaning you could have senior management playing alongside someone from the shop floor, but it also unlocked a real desire for people to get to know other people from different departments that they do not normally work with. They just needed an avenue or excuse to do it.

We have a lot of work still to be done. That is clear. But the point is it takes a conscious, concerted effort to achieve a positive culture –it doesn’t happen by chance. We’re on that journey we’re very happy to be on it. n

Matt Wilson Corporate Relations Manager DB Breweries Ltd

March 2015

I 25

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE GOOD AND THE BEST

www.supermarketnews.co.nz

VIRTUO

DR FEELGOOD POPS

DR Feelgood pops was born from an attempt within director Craig Jackson’s household to get some healthy food into two fussy kids, in the guise of a frozen ‘treat’. Initially smoothies and fresh juices were converted into ice pops, and gradually the flavour combinations became more inventive – the only rule was no refined white sugar; every ingredient had to have food value. How to cram as many nutrients into one ice pop and still have them taste good was the continual and sometimes difficult quest.

Every time friends and family came over we would ask them to vote for their favourites and gradually we developed a bunch of tried and tested recipes; everyone started saying that they were the best pops they had ever tasted. Dr Feelgood handmade frozen pops launched on January 5th 2015, just a year after the

LAVENDER’S GREEN

CORDON bleu trained chef and lover of food, Mary Biggs, founded Lavender’s Green in 1999 due to an abundance of lemons on her new property.

Now stocked in stores throughout New Zealand and Melbourne, Lavender’s Green produces popular preserved lemons, which are grown organically on her Farm in Featherston, Wairarapa. The product is made in small batches for maximum freshness and is glutenfree. “We use organically grown and spray-free lemons, growing our own Meyer lemons chosen for their sweet and tangy flavour” says Mary. The lemons are picked and preserved in salt and smoked paprika, a bay leaf star anise, chilli and cloves are also added to the jar; the lemons are pickled and bottled within three days of coming off the tree. “The Lemons remain firm in the jar, because of the concentration of salt in the brine and the quality of lemons used. Their colour (being Meyer Lemons and the smoked paprika) are vibrant

idea was born. The pops are created at the family farm on the outskirts of Auckland. “We were looking for a new business idea, and decided that this would be it.

The name hit us out of the blue during a brainstorming session, and it just felt right. Dr Feelgood was born, nothing to do with the band! Our pops are just what the doctor ordered, a treat that makes you ‘feel good’ both inside and out. Perfect!”

Jackson says. With no previous food experience but with a background in film and design Jackson says the ice pops of course should be considered a ‘treat’, but that he and his partner Melanie have done their best to make their ‘treat’ as healthy as possible and the couple have tried to squeeze as many nutrients into the product as possible.

Dr Feelgood pops are available in six flavour variants and natural ingredients are chosen over powders or concentrates. Organic raw cacao instead of normal cocoa, because it’s much higher in antioxidants and Jackson chooses to juice raw ginger instead of using ginger powder - because of the medicinal benefits. “We use fresh mint and mince it by hand; we use manuka honey for its medicinal benefits. We have both dairy and non dairy flavours - using coconut cream as a wonderfully creamy dairy alternative. We don’t use any weird stuff like flavourings or colourings; instead we only use pure juices and fruit pulps. We manufacture at low temperatures to maintain maximum nutrition.” says Jackson. For more information please visit: www.drfeelgood.co.nz and attractive on the shelf” explains Mary. 2015 is a year of expansion for Lavender’s Green, with Mary looking to expand her grocery distribution both in New Zealand and Australia.

“The difficulty for artisan producers is that consumers are frightened by the price.

Artisan products, by their nature, are usually handmade and therefore more expensive than standard, mass produced products. If supermarkets want to run with artisan products and be authentic about it, they need to treat these products with real care.” Lavender’s Green offers a 330g jar of preserved lemons, ideal for cooking and baking. For more information please visit: www.lavendersgreen.co.nz

MARGIE and Ross Legh established The Olive Place in 2002, when they purchased a block of ‘retired’ farmland. Passionate about all things olives, the couple began planting olive trees, testing different cultivars to find which would produce the best quality and flavour of extra virgin olive oil.

The Virtuo product was launched in July 2014, made from 100% New Zealand grown fruit, Virtuo oils are processed and bottled onsite at The Olive Place. The fruit is processed within hours of being harvested, the mechanical cold press process simply squeezes the juice from this fruit and there are no chemicals used. Once it is pressed, it is bottled using dark glass and stored in cool conditions away from the light.

The processing line that is used only processes olives, there is no other food processed in that environment. Using world class best practice technologies and nurturing the entire process of harvesting and processing, the outcome is a range of unfiltered, unadulterated oils that have nothing added to them. . With no previous food manufacturing experience, Margie and Ross now have three unique blends of olive oil; mild, medium and robust.

The blends are a mix of Sicilian, Greek, Tuscan and Tunisian as well as New Zealand varietals.

Verified by Olives New Zealand, the NZ certification guarantees that the oils are of extra virgin status and of high nutritional value.

Virtuo extra virgin olive oil is available in 250ml and 500ml variants.

For more information please visit: www. theoliveplace.co.nz

MASTER MILKSHAKES AUCKLAND café owner Matthew Fitzgerald launched Master Milkshakes in mid 2014, a retro line of milkshake syrups inspired by the popularity of the shakes he creates at Fred’s, his café in Auckland. The brand’s tagline is “milkshakes for grown-ups” and the syrups come in four unique Kiwi flavours – Cherry Vanilla, Apple Pie, Choccy Fish and Earl Grey – all made from natural ingredients including real fruit and spices.

The syrups are manufactured in Wellington, using a natural pasteurisation process, as opposed to using preservatives. With no previous food manufacturing experience, Fitzgerald says it has been a steep learning curve Master Milkshakes have just added to their syrup offering, with the launch of Strawberry Tart in January. Currently stocked in Farro stores, Fitzgerald is growing the “I believe it’s partly down to awareness.”

People are becoming more aware of what goes into a product, both manufacturing practises and ingredients. Also, kiwis are becoming more adventurous with what we eat.

It’s an exciting time for artisan products.

For more information please visit: www.mastermilkshakes.com

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MEX U CRAZY ALEJANDRO Lozano travelled from Mexico to New Zealand in 2003 carrying only a few bottles of his family’s chilli sauce. His great grandmother, Conchita, had started making chilli sauce in 1888 and Alejandro has carried on the tradition, as his grandmother and mother had done.

The family recipe, which has been conserved and developed, is used to spice and invigorate Mexican dishes with unique and distinct flavours. Alejandro has refined and developed the recipes over time and now has a unique range of artisanal tropical and gourmet Habanero chilli sauces. Unlike other chilli sauces, Alejandro imports his chillies from Mexico and uses only wine and honey for preserving; as a result, his sauces have a shelf life of over 10 years. “Many chilli sauces use vinegar and water, leaving them runny.

My sauces are thick and can be used in

PRODUCT AWARDS NOW BECOME ANNUAL EVENT

many different ways,” he says.

Alejandro’s focus in on flavour rather than heat, uses only fresh FOLLOWING on from the highly the Fine Food shows, will give artisanal and natural ingredients in his successful Fine Food NZ collaboration food and beverage recipes. Cooking batches and between Review Publishing and North producers an bottling sauces by hand means Port Events in recent years, a decision opportunity he has control over taste, texture has been taken to produce the award to bring their and consistency. “I am always programme annually with a focus in the products to a testing new flavours and recipes intervening show much wider in my kitchen. Usually the years on artisanal industry inspiration comes when I find food producers. audience,” they a new ingredient that would “We felt said. be interesting to work with,” the need for This award has Alejandro says. The Mex DONA WHITE recognition a major benefit in U Crazy chilli sauce range of emerging that the winner will receive a stand at includes a mix of ‘mild’ to artisanal suppliers, the 2016 Fine Food NZ exhibition in ‘extra super hot’ sauces, each a growing Auckland and a supporting advertising bottle clearly states the level component of package in both Review magazines of heat found in each bottle.

TANIA WALTERS both foodservice Supermarket News and Restaurant & Alejandro and his wife, Jenny, and retail grocery sectors, was long Café – a total prize valued at around market and sell Mex U Crazy overdue,” said the managing team of $10,000. chilli sauces at Auckland Tania Walters (Review) and Dona White Being an alternate year to Fine Food markets, the unique flavours (North Port).

NZ, the award scheme will occur this of their sauces ensure that there award programmeE Mthat yearP Rwith detail to be announced is something for everyone, no matter E M E R G I N G F O OD P“This R ODU Cspecial E R S AWA RD E R G I N G F O OD O D U C entry E R S AWA RD EMERGING FOOD PRODU supplements the major categories during next month. what your chilli heat tolerance level might be.

For more information please contact: mex_u_crazy@hotmail.com

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I 27

KEVIN O’SHANNESSEY

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newproducts NEW MENTOS SUGARFREE NOWMINTS MENTOS are adding to its portfolio of confectionery & sugar free gum by launching new zero sugar NOWmints. Continuing with the successful tin format, NOWmints are available in 4 great flavours; fresh mint, spearmint, orange and strawberry, in a unique and trendy slim line tin. These new mouth refreshing NOWmints are perfect for pockets, hand bags, desk drawers & in the car for a convenient on the go burst of freshness. n

NEW ALWAYS FRESH RANGE

NEW READY-TO-SERVE

LEADERBRAND is making meal preparation easier for at home chefs with their new range of ready-to-serve pouch produce. Picked fresh from the field, sealed in the pack and pre-cooked, LeaderBrand ready-to-serve potato, beetroot and sweet corn are convenient, tasty, healthy additions to meals, salads or as a quick snack.

The pouch products are designed to shave a few extra minutes off cooking time while not compromising on health and nutrition. With a 15-month shelf life and no need to refrigerate, the LeaderBrand ready-to-serve range means Kiwi favourites such as sweet corn are available all year round.

LeaderBrand ready-to-serve potato and beetroot is available in 250g packs (4-6 pieces) and can be cooked in the microwave, boiled in the bag or used straight from the pack. Ready-to-serve sweet corn comes in a single serve and can be microwaved, grilled or put on the BBQ. n

ALWAYS fresh are dedicated to authentic, carefully crafted and above all else high quality gourmet products for food lovers.

The launch of the new Mediterranean Deli range from Always Fresh is no exception; this exciting new range has been inspired by the cobbled streets and market flavours of Italy and Greece.

The new range has five exciting products to choose from, each providing a unique offering to the olive and pickled vegetable segments. The range includes mixed olives, sundried tomatoes, green pimento olives stuffed with chillies, whole hot chillies and an antipasto Tuscan mix. n

NEW LINDT CREATION LINDT chocolate has added Creation Decadent Fondant to its Creation Range.

The Creation Blocks Range is a luxurious range of milk and dark chocolates with creative flavours, indulgent textures and tantalising combinations encased in the finest Lindt chocolate. Each block is a multi-sensory extravagance masterfully created by the Lindt Master Chocolatiers.

Creation Decadent Fondant combines a rich dark truffle with a delicious dark chocolate coulis , coated with extra smooth milk chocolate. One bite and you’ll understand how extraordinarily good Lindt chocolate can be. n

SIGRID’S NATURAL BUBBLE BATH SIGRID’S Baby & Kids Bubble Bath has been lovingly crafted in New Zealand using natural plant based ingredients with no synthetics or harmful chemicals.

These products are pH balanced for delicate young skin and are created to be gentle on eyes. This bubble bath has a 100% natural fruity fragrance so is perfectly gentle on the skin of your precious little ones and still lots of bubbly fun! n

LIMITED EDITION RANGE

DELMAINE ADDS TO RANGE

ANDREW Corbett has introduced to its Top Notch Family, a limited edition range. The first of this range to hit the shelves is Hot & Spicy Chicken Burgers. Tantalising spicy flavour with incredible crispy crunch - offers a magical taste-bud explosion. As part of the limited edition strategy, this product will only be available for a “limited” time. n

DELMAINE continue its roll out of gluten-free sauces with the addition of mint and tomato and chilli to the range. n

NEW HONEYCOMB TECHNOLOGY PIGEON Breast Pads are being relaunched this march with a new and improved design aimed at addressing the key concerns of new mothersnamely thinness of the pad for ultimate comfort, a leak proof design and greater absorption.

The new honeycomb design allows for improved absorption and efficiency by spreading milk evenly across the

entire breast pad. The new re-launch sees a new ultra thin design for comfort and discretion.

Independent testing puts the New Pigeon Honeycomb Breast Pads ahead of all other major brands for leak proof coverage and absorbency.

Still available in two sizes: a 24 pack box and new 36 pack polybag for better shelf space efficiency. n March 2015

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newproducts NEW LOOK FOR EASIYO

EASIYO’S yoghurt maker has been given a makeover, its first redesign in more than 20 years.

Designed and made in New Zealand, the new look yoghurt maker is a more compact model, making it easier to fit on the kitchen shelf. It also features an easy grip handle and non-slip feet, its smooth surfaces for easy cleaning and a new shape jar makes it easier to spoon out the yoghurt.

The redesign also sees the old polystyrene insulation replaced with a layer of New Zealand wool, helping to keep the yoghurt at the right temperature during the fermentation process. n

NEW FLAVOURS FOR MAC’S

NEW PALEO ULTRASOFT LOTION

MAC’S have launched a brand new range of innovative and crafty ciders that aim to be a little ‘out of the ordinary.’

Created by forward thinking Mac’s, the new cider concoctions combine interesting and intriguing flavours, such as chilli & lime, blood orange & cardamom, cranberry & ginger, and cloudy apple.

Mac’s uses the same handy flavour scale from their beer range - ranging from one to seven on the side of each bottle, the scale helps you choose a cider that best suits your taste. For maximum refreshment, Mac’s Cloudy Apple Cider sits at a cool number two on the flavour scale - whereas at the other end of spectrum is Mac’s Cider with Chilli & Lime, sitting at five on the scale and delivering a more intense flavour experience. n

COTTONSOFT Limited has launched NZ’s first luxury lotionised Toilet Tissue with Paseo UltraSoft.

Made from generously thick 3Ply Tissue, in Auckland and Dunedin, Paseo UltraSoft lotion is infused into the paper fibre, enhancing softness, and creating a unique smoothness.

Toilet Tissue with softening lotions and infusions, such as Aloe Vera,

NEW DOLE FRUIT SUNSHINES LAUNCHED DOLE has launched a fun new snack for kids’ school lunches with Dole Fruit Sunshines. The product contains real pieces of peach, pear and pineapple in a fruit juice-based jelly and each pack contains 4x73g servings, which are ideal for 3-10 year olds. Dole Fruit Sunshines come in flavours based on the juice used to make the jelly: Peach, Pineapple and Orange.

The product was developed in response to existing fruit lunchbox snacks which contain up to 60% sugar and are essentially confectionery. By contrast Dole Fruit Sunshines contain just 14% sugar, from fruit juice. n

HARVEST RANGE PROVIDES BEST OF BOTH WORLDS HARVEST Oils has launched a new range of blended cooking oils, offering the benefits of two popular oils in one bottle. The Kiwi owned brand now boasts the most extensive oil range in the country and the new oils are the first of their kind in New Zealand. The range includes a CanolaExtra Virgin Olive and Rice Bran-Extra Virgin Olive blend. The inclusion of canola and rice bran oil means cooks can use it at a low or high heat while the olive oil gives food a mild, fresh, olive taste.

“We saw that blended oils were becoming a hot food trend overseas and knew the concept would be perfect for

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Kiwis,” says Hamish Gordon, Managing Director of Harvest Oils. “New Zealanders are becoming increasingly adventurous in the kitchen and cuisine is more diversified.

The blends will give consumers the freedom to use their oil for any type of frying, baking or grilling, without sacrificing the olive oil taste that they enjoy.” As well as being versatile, the blends also combine the health benefits of two already healthy oils as they are naturally low in saturated fats, have no cholesterol, and offer all of the health benefits of olive oil, including high monounsaturated fat content. n

OWNED

deliver up to 20% price premium and 30% of category sales, including Private Label, in some UK retailers.

Paseo UltraSoft is supported with an intensive $600k (Ratecard) launch campaign including TV, Online and shopper marketing, to lead sustainable category growth and deliver UltraSoft Luxury without Compromise. n

NEW FLAVOURS FOR DIAMOND DUE to high demand, Diamond has introduced two new Rice Risotto variants – Satay and Tomato & Bacon.

The new Rice Risotto flavour combinations were two of the top five flavours requested by consumers (from over 120 flavour requests).

The launch will be backed by a solid ATL strategy, including targeted print and TV campaign. n

VITALZING EXTENDS RANGE

WATERDROPS Peach is an extension on the hugely popular range of VitalZing Water Enhancers, complimenting best sellers Raspberry and Lemon lime.

Peach is emerging as a must have flavour, especially in ready to drink tea’s, however it has yet to reach the flavoured water market. The product is going down well with VitalZing’s fan base and is sure to be a hit on shelves. n

MI SEDAAP INTERNATIONAL FOLLOWING

Its quality springy noodle, crunchy fried onion, and tasty seasonings, is just a few of the reasons that Mi Sedaap is also one of the fastest growing instant noodles in NZ (Aztec Qtr 9/11/14).

Now new to NZ is Mi Sedaap’s famous Curry instant noodle. A new take on “Curry in a Hurry” – just 3 minutes and you can enjoy a curry noodle that is satisfying.

Initial sampling of Mi Sedaap Curry in NZ has shown this variant will be a popular choice with male youth. n

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Our Range of Affordable Weekly Meal Solutions

FRANKLIN FOODS LIMITED 13 Adams Drive, Pukekohe, Auckland, New Zealand enquiries@franklinfoods.co.nz www.franklinfoods.co.nz

LINDT CREATION BLOCKS RANGE

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NEW curry flavour instant noodles Already a big flavor hit in Sth East Asia Packed full of flavor ideal for cold winter days Contains Mi Sedaap famous springy noodles & crunchy fried onion • Halal

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For more information on MI SEDAAP products:

ORIENTAL MERCHANT (NZ) LTD Tel 0800 10 33 05 Fax 0800 10 33 11 Email: nzenquiries@oriental.com.au Website: www.oriental.com.au

Market Expansion Services by www.dksh.com

DKSH New Zealand Limited 97 Walkers Road, Longburn, Palmerston North 4477 Private Bag 11047, Palmerston North 4442 Phone +64 6 356 5323, Fax +64 6 356 4726 www.dksh.co.nz

March 2015

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There is something utterly decadent about a chocolate fondant and it’s melting heart that inspired our Master Chocolatiers to create an equally indulgent experience with this block. With their restless passion and creativity, they’ve combined a rich dark truffle and a delicious dark chocolate coulis and then coated them with extra smooth milk chocolate.

COUNTDOWN GOLF RAISES $140,000

WITH over 300 suppliers taking part in last week’s annual Countdown golf day, the Auckland Alzheimers charity benefited by around $140,000.

This was the 12th year of the tournament that to date has now raised over $1.4m for the same charity. Backed by Parnell Rotary and coordinated by Countdown’s Jacques Losken, the morning and afternoon rounds were played in brilliant Auckland sunshine at the popular Titirangi golf course. n

lastword

Peter Mitchell

THE industry is agog with the news that Dave Chambers is moving to a leading role in Woolworths Australia and we’re all waiting to see if Steve Donohue will be confirmed in the role.

There would seem little doubt that the more gentle and polite approach

by Chambers may well be a thing of the past if Woolworths decide to ride with their Australian attitudes. It’s always been said that Australians in both retail and supply, simply don’t understand the New Zealand market and try to do things that just don’t go down well here. It’s interesting that both Chambers and Murray Jordan are departing inside a few weeks of each other, a move that will definitely bring attitude changes, probably harder and for the worse for suppliers.

We’ll wait and see.

NOW that Christmas is behind us, I can retell the story about the blonde who went into our local post office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. She said she wanted 50 Christmas stamps whereupon the clerk asked her what denomination. The blonde said: “Heaven help us, has it come to this ? Give me 22 Catholic, 12 Presbyterian, 10 Methodist and six Baptist…”

I DON’T have a lot of complaints in life but one of my current gripes is telephone answering. In our business we do make a lot of phone calls and it’s simply amazing how many companies don’t even answer their phone or put you endlessly (and mechanically – no person) on hold. I issue a very simple challenge to every managing director or

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CEO in the business (both supply and retail) to ring their own number at a random time every week and see what the response is. You’d be surprised what the result might be – and how customers feel. We also meet a lot of bosses and you wouldn’t guess how many don’t even know their own office phone number.

THIS mate of mine was walking around the Auckland waterfront when he saw a terrorist fall into the water and was struggling to stay afloat with all the explosives he was carrying. If he didn’t get help he would surely drown. So being responsible, he informed the police, the coastguard and event the fire brigade. Hours later they still hadn’t responded and the poor fellow drowned. My friend said he started to think it was a waste of three stamps.

THINGS must be getting a bit tight in the supplier coffers as getting paid for advertising is like drawing teeth. I even feel sorry for lawyers who reckon they are the last in a long line of creditors for most people and companies. One well known multi-national even told us that the two retail giants were so far behind that they were struggling to meet their own creditors – and this one owes us going back eight months. You get the feeling you are just being stuffed around by companies that have their accounts payable divisions offshore.

SO how long will it be before a Grocery Code of Conduct is applied to the New Zealand industry now it is up and running in Australia. Clearly our situation is nowhere near as dire as the situation across the Tasman but it may well develop as

the market develops harder, faster and more competitive. Providing a minimum standard of behavior in dealing with suppliers with an obligation to act in good faith along with a prohibition against threatening suppliers with business disruption or termination without reasonable grounds – sounds like woofter ideals and hardly likely to change the status quo. After all, that’s been at the heart of the business for years. Truth is some suppliers just need to toughen up and some retail category managers need to pull their heads in – the days of the Greek gods are well and truly over. But perhaps some rules would at least be a guide because we never know what might be around the corner with new bosses ahead in both major retailers.

AN overseas visitor with a grocery background last month told me that our supermarkets, especially the more recent constructions, are undoubtedly the best in the world – and who would have picked that from a European.Produce has certainly notched up a world standard as has meat where supermarkets are doing a better job than the traditional butcher.

There’s now a bit of nose thumbing to those who reckoned supermarket meat was less than memorable and the local butcher was king. We are also impressing with the way otc lines have been stolen off the pharmacies and provided real volume for suppliers who have been held to ransom for years. Have you seen how pharmacy margins have been decimated over the last couple of years with many suppliers now choosing to use both channels.

We should be proud of how it is all turning out. Just need a bit of time now for the retailers to share some love with suppliers – yeah, right !

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16

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Customer orders

Trade Marketing Launch

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Customer Launch

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Point of Sale

Wobblers / New product tickets

Online Media Launch

YouTube, OnDemand, Luxury Online

TVC

TV Mainstream Launch

Shopper Marketing* (TBC)

Consumer Promo / Mailer Advertising etc

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23

2

9

16

Apr 23

30

6

13

20

May 27

4

11

18

25

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RPP (Shelf)

RPP (Advertised)

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