SupermarketNews Magazine | April 2021

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April 2021 • Vol. 14 • No. 03

Confectionery (see page 14)

f o s k n ! e u d h i s c n i y y l el ew j h t c u n h o t c i o c W

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Tokyo Food Co., Ltd.

Unit A, 37-41 Carbine Rd., Mt. Wellington, Auckland 1060

www.tokyofood.co.nz

contents

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ATTENTION GROCERY SUPPLIERS The Food and Grocery Council is an industry association for grocery suppliers providing members networking, events, industry information and strong advocacy.

Contact us for information on the benefits of membership: katherine.rich@fgc.org.nz • Networking • Industry Updates • Conference and Events • Education and Training • Advocacy and Law Reform

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food& grocery COUNCIL NEW ZEALAND

www.fgc.org.nz

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This magazine is published monthly under license. Please direct all enquiries and correspondence to Review Publishing Co Ltd. This magazine is a platform for the industry and may include content that expresses views and opinions by contributing writers. Content is attributed to the author, and these opinions and the view/s are those of the author/s. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer or company. The opinions and material published in this edition are not necessarily those of the publishers unless expressly stated. All material appearing in the magazine, website and social media platforms is copyright and may only be reproduced with the written consent of the publisher. Copyright 2021

CHAIRMAN PUBLISHER GENERAL MANAGER EDITORIAL DIRECTOR EDITOR ADVERTISING SALES SENIOR DESIGNER GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ISSN No.

PETER MITCHELL Tania Walters, tania@reviewmags.com Kieran Mitchell, kieran@reviewmags.com Sarah Mitchell, sarah@reviewmags.com Caitlan Mitchell, caitlan@reviewmags.com Felicity-Anne Flack, felicity@reviewmags.com Raymund Sarmiento, raymund@reviewmags.com Debby Wei, debby@reviewmags.com

1173-3365

Retail 6, Heards Building, 2 Ruskin Street, Parnell, Auckland. PO Box 37140 Parnell, Auckland Tel (09) 3040142 Fax (09) 3772794

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food& grocery COUNCIL NEW ZEALAND

The NEW ZEALAND BEVERAGE COUNCIL is an industry association whose members cover all aspects of the non-alcoholic beverage market both in New Zealand and the export markets.

The Council members are spread throughout New Zealand and come together annually for a conference that covers industry issues and is addressed by international speakers. The organisation monitors product quality, sets standards for the industry and runs national competitions and awards.

THE NEW ZEALAND BEVERAGE COUNCIL (NZBC) P.O. Box 47, AUCKLAND 1140, New Zealand.

Email: info@nzbc.nz Phone: +64 9 309 6100 DDI: +64 9 302 9932

8 Years Supporting Bowel Cancer NZ Charity Cottonsoft Ltd is a New Zealand operated manufacturer, marketer and distributor of paper and hygiene products, providing leading brands for New Zealand homes since 1986.

ince May 2013, Cottonsoft have been a proud sponsor and supporter of Bowel Cancer New Zealand (BCNZ). Cottonsoft have worked with BCNZ every year, creating campaigns, and supporting our community to help raise awareness and much-needed funds.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our long-term partner, Cottonsoft. Their support along with their collaborative approach to our projects has enabled us to grow from a small grass roots organisation to one that today is able to help the one in eight New Zealander’s diagnosed with bowel cancer,” explained BCNZ GM, Rebekah Heal.

“Cottonsoft shares our aim of raising awareness of the disease with frank discussion, education and a drive to improve the bowel screening process across the country. They also promote our logo on every pack of CottonSofts which helps build awareness of this disease.”

As changes in bowel habits are one of the more common symptoms of bowel cancer, there is an obvious

link between toilet paper and bowel cancer but on top of that Cottonsoft’s commitment to the campaign also comes from a passion for the cause.

Many have a loved one or know of someone that has been affected by bowel cancer. Their country manager Kim Calvert, in particular, has a personal connection losing his father to bowel cancer following a 10-year fight.

“Having witnessed the impact on my family, and knowing the vital difference early detection makes, it’s heart-breaking to think that over 1200 Kiwis a year (more than the road toll) are lost to what is a highly curable disease if caught early,” said Calvert.

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness month including Move Your Butt (MYB) which is an annual fundraising event for BCNZ. Last year Cottonsoft supported this campaign with dedicated media and helped BCNZ achieve well ahead of 2019’s fundraising efforts with Heal saying they were “ecstatic with the result”.

This year Cottonsoft are going even further to help raise both awareness and funds for BCNZ.

CottonSofts are encouraging consumers to join MYB with activity including: • A unique CottonSofts 24 packs available nationwide that provides funding to BCNZ’s campaign • Advertising on major digital media sites and Facebook • A Dedicated television ad • Organic and Social media boosted posts • Cottonsoft team members participating in the MYB fundraising “A number of other fundraisers have been cancelled or severely impacted from COVID-19 lockdowns or restrictions and this MYB needs to be a huge success,” expressed Heal.

Please go to the website Moveyourbutt.org.nz or www. cottonsoft.co.nz/our-community for more information and to sign up to this great event. n

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Sustainable Foods Limited announces launch of new brand

In April 2021 Sustainable Foods Limited will launch an exciting new brand Plan*t.

P

THE OLD CRAFT MEAT COMPANY BRANDING

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lan*t’s purpose is to produce delicious plant-based foods for people wanting to better nourish themselves and nurture the planet.

Proudly NZ made, Plan*t will walk the talk on collaborative sustainability, supporting a local network of people and businesses to transform our relationship with the planet through the way we eat.

Plan*t is committed to natural, healthy ingredients and our products are full of nutrition to help your body feel and function better.

Our approach is to offer a delicious choice. A tasty, locally made , sustainable meal option for conscious consumers.

We believe a truly sustainable food system requires strong relationships,

and we’re championing this by partnering with some of New Zealand’s leading innovators like The Riddet Institute and dynamic suppliers like Greenfern Industries. Building relationships and strengthening networks, we’re working hard to provide better local food options.

We all want to eat delicious, healthy food, and through these partnerships we will provide choices that are also ecologically measurable and ethically sound.

With careful thought and conscious action, we can deliver sustainable nutrition.

Why are we rebranding?

We want our brand to capture the essence of our products – what it means to eat well and do well for the planet. Transparent, innovative and quintessentially kiwi – a name that describes what we’re about and what we stand for.

We started this journey as the Craft Meat Company, rethinking how we could make classic favorites through a plant-based lens. Plan*t is the evolution of this, which now aims to re-imagine not just delicious nutrition,

NEW PLAN*T RANGE

but the entire system used to create it.

We’ve updated our complete range, dialed up the deliciousness and kept all that is good and nutritious about our products.

We’re excited to release some great new products like Chick*n burger patties, Nuggets and soon to be release NZ grown Hemp Chick*n.

“We are committed to always looking to evolve our products, aiming to push the boundaries of naturally based food technology and this is really exciting to us.” Says Sustainable Foods Limited CEO Justin Lemmens.

“We know at least 1 in 3 kiwis are consciously limiting their meat consumption and we’re excited to meet that challenge head on by continuously delivering innovative new plant-based protein products like our NZ grown Hemp Chick*n.”

To add the exciting new plan*t range to your shelves, please contact: PAUL CORDING e: paul@sustainablefoods.nz m: 027 455 5150 or our office: (04) 237 4218 n

New this summer - 3 Butterflied Prawns and 3 Coated Prawn products.

For more information contact your local account manager or orders@unitedfisheries.co.nz

Sealord Swims Like a Fish with Sapien Insights

Sealord has long been New Zealand’s number one brand for frozen and tinned fish. But in 2017, it became apparent that being number one in seafood was not enough. If they wanted to grow their business and improve their margins, they needed to look beyond their aisle: they needed to increase consumer seafood consumption and, by extension, grow Sealord’s value and share in the wider meat (protein) market.

Moreover, they wanted to remind consumers of the health benefits of fish—one of the healthiest proteins on the market—and help New Zealanders address the barriers to healthy living. Their goal: make the Healthy Goodness of Seafood Accessible to All.

“A

t our heart, we want people to lead healthy lives, and believe that Sealord products are an affordable route to this for everyday Kiwis.” Melissa Butler, Head of Marketing, Sealord.

But competing against New Zealand’s biggest chicken, lamb, beef, and cured meat brands was a major step up. Butler knew that if they were to succeed in the bigger pond of proteins, they needed to re-evaluate their strategic thinking. Following the same old strategy as before wouldn’t make enough headway to reach their ambitious goals. A new perspective was needed.

Sealord knew they had to think beyond the traditional approaches to research and marketing. Sealord enlisted behavioural science specialists Sapien to help them gain insights on how to increase consumer seafood consumption and, by extension, grow Sealord’s value and share in the wider meat (protein) market.

Sapien produced three foundational pieces of research that established the

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tide of things to come: an assessment of Sealord’s distinctiveness as a brand, a monthly tracking programme of Sealord’s mental availability in the mind of the consumer, and customer immersion programme to uncover new, deeper ways to connect with them.

“We’ve tweaked and optimised our media schedule and our media partner is now using Sapien’s insights to drive some of the recommendations,” says Butler. Since embracing their new marketing philosophy, Sealord has seen gains across the board.

They’ve grown the average price in their key promotional products, lifting price across their ambient products, and improved profit overall, all while holding, or growing in some cases, their market share. With an optimised strategy that understands its customers’ needs and wants—and an ‘always healthy’ approach—Sealord’s brand salience has risen.

“They’ve gone from an advertising strategy that was relatively pulsedriven to a strategy that harnesses their strongest voice all the time,” says Mark Vincett, Director of Research at Sapien.

This has translated into a jump in Sealord’s free brand awareness from 64% to more than 80% within the seafood category. In the wider protein market, Sealord’s free brand awareness has increased to more than 40%, positioning Sealord as second only to Tegel (chicken).

And with Sapien’s monthly tracking to ensure Sealord’s messaging, product packaging, pricing, and marketing efforts are consistently hitting the right levels of mental and physical availability, and appealing to consumer needs, Sealord has made great gains in value too. Off the back of stronger pricing, they’ve seen a total sales increase of 7.4 per cent in value.

As more New Zealanders get behind fish as a healthy protein choice, Sealord’s share of the protein market is set to grow—and Sapien will be at their side, ready to read the underlying currents. n

FRESH LOOK & NEW FAVS

o t ! a r l u o H flavo

TALK TO YOUR TWIN AGENCIES REPRESENTATIVE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

column For years the Food & Grocery Council has advocated for a Grocery Code of Conduct for New Zealand supermarkets Last year, I started a petition seeking Parliament’s support for the establishment of a mandatory Code and there’s been a lot of discussion about its merits in the sector. The intent of a Code is to put in place a framework that introduces more transparent supplier/retailer business relationships.

Katherine Rich

Chief Executive NZ Food & Grocery Council

The 500-signature petition was presented to MP Greg O’Connor in late February and is now being considered by Parliament’s Petitions Committee. He said it deserved the scrutiny of Parliament.

With that background, plus the Commerce Commission’s Market Study, FGC then decided to survey our members to see what they are thinking.

As the accompanying infographic shows, members are emphatically supportive of a Code.

FGC has followed the survey up with a webinar to give members an in-depth briefing and have the implications explained.

FGC wants to see a mandatory Code similar to those in Australia and the United Kingdom, which have been in force since 2015 and 2009 respectively.

Interestingly, just last month FGC’s sister organisation in Canada, the Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP), and Canada’s second biggest grocery retail chain, Empire, announced a joint proposal for a legislated and enforceable Grocery Supply Code of Practice there. They say they want their Code to provide solutions for a supply chain built on “mutual trust and confidence that treats businesses of all sizes fairly”.

It’s an idea for New Zealand grocery retail whose time has come. n

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Co-Packing & Re working your brand, locally

BRAND ACTIVATION

Established in 2004, Hoop is a locally owned Kiwi business with a unique story. It is one of the only third party agencies that brings promotional activations to life (via its team of 400 brand activators) and is the largest outsourced POS logistics provider to the FMCG industry. Despite navigating a challenging landscape due to COVID-19, Hoop has expanded its suite of services by establishing New Zealand’s most advanced co-packing solution to support local businesses to deliver shelf-ready products.

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O

ften when products are imported from overseas manufacturers, the packaging is reworked (or co-packed) locally to meet the market requirements. Cue brand activation specialists Hoop. Its co-packing solution ensures that the packaging is not only visually appealing on shelf, but that it also suits the local retail market.

“As a customer, you wouldn’t realise that packaging is often altered several times before it arrives on the shelf,” explained Chris Hood, co-director at Hoop Ltd, noting that the concept of co-packing isn’t actually that wellknown and he’s keen to drive the industry forward.

“It’s essentially our job to make this happen. Co-packing is really a ‘behind the scenes’ service to help brands with their packing requirements. Packaging for a particular brand may vary across the world to suit diverse markets, so companies ‘co-pack’ their products when they can’t do the reconfiguration themselves.”

SPECIALISTS

Chris Hood, HOOP LTD CO-DIRECTOR

Gavin Nixon, HOOP LTD CO-DIRECTOR

The co-packing industry is a fragmented market in New Zealand, which makes Hoop’s venture an exciting and timely opportunity. A large percentage of brands sold in New Zealand are sourced from overseas production facilities, which can be challenging as the packaging may not suit New Zealand’s preferences.

Additionally, marketing teams are increasingly looking out for innovative ways to promote their brand on shelves, so converting promotional packaging at speed is a valuable service that hadn’t yet been fully explored.

“We found that there hasn’t been much investment in the co-packing industry in New Zealand, with no specialist provider dedicated to offering this service. Some big box third party logistics companies have tried but it’s not part of their core business - which is why we decided to become experts in this field and drive our own operation,” said Hood.

Hoop’s new venture also means Kiwi brands looking for co-packing solutions will be able to have these

requirements fulfilled locally instead of going offshore.

The business recently acquired the New Zealand based assets of leading Australian co-packer LJM. Whilst a joint venture was originally formed in March 2020, Hoop soon realised it had the expertise and capabilities to manage this in-house and purchased the jointly owned local assets to launch ‘Hoop co-packing.’

“The decision to purchase LJM’s share of the assets was mutual, however, a big advantage of embarking on our own venture means we can make fast decisions in terms of tooling and quoting of specific co-packing tasks.”

Cadbury and Red Bull are some of the household brands Hoop is working with for their co-packing needs to produce shelf-ready products, enticing displays and convenient multi-packaging.

However, like many other Kiwi businesses, COVID-19 threw an unhittable curveball in 2020, and Hoop’s business operations didn’t

escape unscathed. Along with the delay of its co-packing launch, 95% of its weekly work was put on hold due to various lockdowns.

“Whilst COVID-19 disrupted our business, we were constantly reviewing how we could diversify our offer. Copacking was the natural next step for us, particularly as we saw that many New Zealand brand owners were on the lookout for innovative ways to promote their products on shelf with a high-quality co-packing solution,” noted Gavin Nixon, co-director at Hoop.

“Thankfully our co-packing solution is now live and operational, our merchandising contracted service work has returned to pre-COVID levels and our POS logistics work is up and running again. All in all, the business has bounced back to be in pretty good shape.”

Hood added, “Many of our existing clients were already doing co-packing, so being able to provide a competitive solution as part of our offer has been a positive outcome for the business. It’s

been both exciting and rewarding that we’ve been able to refocus and invest in our vision, particularly during a time of such uncertainty.”

Against a backdrop characterised by many hurdles, the future looks bright for Hoop which is testament to the company’s adaptability and innovation to evolve their offer to suit the ever-changing demands of the retail market. Hoop’s commitment to the co-packing industry has already set them apart and the company is certainly well positioned to be the industry ‘go-to’ leader in this field.

“We’re incredibly proud to offer New Zealand brands a 360-degree promotional activation service and provide a one-stop-solution for all their go to market strategies. We’re looking forward to the future and seeing what’s in store for us next!” concluded Hood.

For more information, visit Hoop at www.hoopnz.com n

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confectionery

THE SWEETEST THING The relationship shoppers have with confectionery is changing, and IRI believe this gives the category huge opportunity for innovation and growth.

Pravina Patel

Insights Consultant IRI

C

onsumers’ confectionery cravings have historically been driven by sensory cues such as packaging, flavour, and instant gratification.

However, today we’re seeing a more holistic buyer, who is balancing emotional needs with functional and health demands.

According to IRI 55% of Kiwi household shoppers claim they consume snacking products that are both healthy and indulgent1.

COVID-19 AFTERTASTE

2020 revolved around the COVID-19 pandemic, and it transformed the preferences and shopping behaviours of New Zealand’s consumers.

Kiwi shoppers became more deliberate with their shopping choices; 73% now claim they always/most of the time have a shopping list (up eight points versus 2019) and 27% say they buy groceries online (up nine points compared to 2019)1.

This move to e-commerce is echoed in Countdown’s figures, which saw their online share of total sales jump from 6.5% in February 2019 to 11.9% in the September 2020 quarter2.

However, the increased adoption of

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e-commerce has led to fewer trips into stores, which has resulted in an adverse effect on many categories – including Confectionery.

It has directly impacted shopper engagement, exposure to in-store displays, product discovery and impulse purchasing; one in five Kiwis say they usually purchase snacks or treats at the checkout1.

THE STORY SO FAR The havoc of 2020 gave New Zealanders permission to treat themselves, and our love affair with sweet indulgences saw us munching our way through 30.9 million kilograms of Confectionery goodies in the Grocery channel alone, an increase of 2.9% on the previous year4. The Confectionery category makes up 4.0% of total store dollar sales across the supermarket.

This year the category has seen growth soften; it rose 3.1%, compared to 5.2% 12 months prior3. On-thego snack channels saw a mixed bag of performance. Growth in the Dairy channel accelerated at 8.7%5 compared to last year, however the lockdown

Segment | MAT to 21.02.21

restrictions of travel drastically impacted the Petrol channel, with Confectionery sales dropping 7.1% compared to a year ago6.

Gifting and treating occasions helped boost overall Confectionery performance in supermarkets over the past 12 months. Christmas week delivered 3.2% of total sales and 28.6% of total dollar growth for the year, largely due to the increase in Gifting and Assortment Chocolate of 57.1%7.

Easter Sunday and Halloween also saw a jump in sales last year.

Confectionery rose 6.5% for the week of Easter Sunday 2020 compared to the same week in 2019, an increase led by Chocolate Blocks, however lockdown did herald a drop of 3% in Seasonal Confectionery8.

Halloween week marked a sales increase of 3.2%, primarily driven by Sugar Confectionery, which was up 7.5%9.

Chocolate Blocks are the biggest segment, accounting for a third of total Confectionery sales in the Grocery channel. They have echoed the trend for the overall category with marginal value gains achieved; up 1.5% compared to a rise of 7.9% in the year prior.

Organic growth reveals a bleaker outlook, down 6.6%; which just

Dollars Growth % YA Share of Total Confectionery

Total Confectionery

3.1%

Chocolate Blocks

1.5%

30.6%

Sugar Confectionery

5.6%

27.7%

Chocolate Other

-0.2%

21.5%

Chocolate Gifting & Assorted

4.9%

11.3%

Seasonal Confectionery

6.8%

8.9%

Chocolate Block Value Segments | MAT to 21.02.2021 Segments

Value Share

Dollars Growth % YA

Private Label

0.8%

89.6%

Standard (<$25/kg)

81.8%

4.0%

Premium ($25>$50/kg)

14.5%

-13.9%

Super Premium ($50>$100/kg)

2.4%

16.1%

Ultra-Premium (>$100/kg)

0.4%

-16.3%

Top 10 New Products | Chocolate Blocks | MAT to 21.02.2021

Active Periods

(based on Dollars/Active Periods) 1 Cadbury Dairy Milk Neapolitan 178g

4

2 Cadbury Caramilk Hokey Pokey 170g

34

3 Whittaker’s Milk Choc 33% Cocoa Berry Forest 250g

24

4 Whittaker’s Bundaberg Brewed Ginger Caramel 250g

27

5 Cadbury Marble 173g

42

6 Cadbury Dairy Milk Perky Nana 170g

17

7 Cadbury Dairy Milk Pinky 170g

24

8 Kit Kat Mint Choc Chip 170g

6

9 Whittaker’s Artisan Collection Wellington Roasted Coffee Supreme

Flat White Chocolate 100g

10 Kit Kat Block Caramel Crisp 170g

shows the important role innovation has played in driving category gains this year3.

Premiumisation has played a part in the fortunes of Chocolate Blocks; when playing off quality and affordability, there is a sweet spot to what consumers are willing to pay.

While the ultra-premium segment has seen sales drop 16.3%, the super-premium segment has achieved significant growth, with dollar sales up 16.1% ahead of the same time last year3.

OUT OF THE BOX Innovation continues to satisfy consumers’ appetites for options and excitement, with one in two Kiwis stating they want exotic and interesting flavour choices1. New product launches have been the biggest driver of Confectionery growth this year, generating $41.7m in sales3.

Confectionery manufacturers are

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trying to make an impression on consumers, exploring unique taste combinations and introducing flavours that are more indulgent and complex.

Caramel is one of the bestestablished examples, accounting for 8.0% of Confectionery sales, with impressive growth of 13.6%. Berry flavours are also expanding with new creative flavour combinations. This year sales of berry flavoured Chocolate Blocks have grown 95.1%, with Whittaker’s new Berry Forest leading the charge3.

Consumers are highly receptive to hybrid products, as illustrated by the leading Chocolate Block NPD performers. The top performing new product is Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Neapolitan, which is a new take on the classic ice-cream with a three layered chocolate block, followed by Cadbury’s Caramilk Hokey Pokey, which brings together two iconic Kiwi treats.

A MORE CONSCIOUS CHOICE

up 3.0%, Trade Aid Chocolate has increased 21.3% and Pico Chocolate has jumped 427.6%.

Tony’s Chocolonely, with its mission to make the chocolate industry 100% slave-free, recently launched in the Grocery channel, and has generated $80k within its first five months in the market3.

Full traceability of their coca beans by 2025 is a goal being pursued by Whittaker’s who say their entire range of 116 products, made with Ghanaian cocoa beans, is now Rainforest Alliance Certified Ghanaian cocoa.

The Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organisation working at the intersection of business, agriculture, and forests to make responsible business the new normal.

A number of manufacturers are investigating new materials to create more appealing and environmentallyfriendly packaging for their products, signalling their commitment to achieve completely sustainable and/or recyclable packaging by 2025.

In 2019 Cadbury trialled a 100% sustainably sourced and 100% recyclable paper packaging on its Cadbury Energy blocks and KitKat has recently changed the packaging on its 45g milk chocolate packs, encouraging consumers to ‘Recycle me, give the planet a break’.

Whittaker’s, who account for 18.6% of total Confectionery3, are trialling a limited run of Peanut Slab compostable wrappers made from renewable forestry eucalyptus trees.

“Everything we do is underpinned by our commitment to making Good Honest Chocolate, both in terms of quality and sustainability,” noted Whittaker’s Chief Operating Officer, Holly Whittaker.

THE HEALTHY OPTION

Confectionery’s appeal is growing among health-conscious consumers as a ‘better-for-you’ option that doesn’t compromise on indulgence or flavour.

The category is worth $2.7m and has grown by 10.2% compared to a year ago, outperforming total Sugar Confectionery growth of 5.6%3.

The Natural Confectionery Co. reduced-sugar range, which boasts 25% less sugar compared to the average amount in leading candy jelly products, has seen remarkable growth, rising13.9% to take 18.8% share of the brand3. And the company hasn’t stopped there; in Australia they have launched a new kombuchaflavoured product containing prebiotic fibre.

Confectionery is a delicious category fulfilling consumers’ need for indulgence, comfort and discovery. There are a huge number of growth pockets for brands to explore, and here we have outlined just some trends to consider tapping into to appeal to the new consumer.

SOURCE: 1. IRI Grocery State of the Industry 2020 Survey September 2020 2. woolworthsgroup.com.au, September Quarter 14 weeks to 4 October 2020 3. IRI Market Edge Grocery, Value, MAT to 21.02.21 4. IRI Market Edge Grocery, Volume, MAT to 21.02.21 5. IRI Market Edge Route 2 Year Trading, Value, MAT to 28.02.21 6. IRI Market Edge Petrol, Value, MAT to 14.02.21 7. IRI Market Edge Grocery, Value, Christmas 1 week to 27.12.20 8. IRI Market Edge Grocery, Value, Easter Sunday 1 week to 12.04.20 versus 1 week to 21.04.19 9. IRI Market Edge Grocery, Value, Halloween 1 week to 03.11.20 n

Sugar-Free Non-Chocolate

Plant-based eating is moving from trend to mainstream status, and 8% of Kiwis now classify themselves as vegetarian or vegan, while 30% are flexitarian1. In New Zealand, veganism is only just stepping into the Confectionery category.

The Natural Confectionery Co. introduced a vegan product to their range of Sugar Confectionery last year, and that SKU alone has produced more than half a million dollars in sales, fast becoming the brand’s second biggest growth line3.

There has also been a move towards sustainability. In the Confectionery space this is most notable with the rise of Fairtrade, helping consumers make an ethical choice.

A number of Fairtrade brands in New Zealand are performing well, albeit from a small base. Bennetto is

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KOELNMESSE / ISM

ISM ASIAN DEBUT KICKS OFF IN 2022

ISM, the world’s largest trade fair for sweets and snacks, is set to celebrate its Asian debut in Tokyo, Japan, in the heart of East Asia. The new trade fair will be staged from 13 to 15 April 2022 at the Tokyo Big Sight under ISM Japan. It will serve as the information, communication and networking hub for the industry in the region.

I

SM Japan is the first trade fair of its kind in Asia, styled on ISM Cologne, the role model of the world’s largest trade fair for sweets and snacks. The premiere, at which over 200 brands will exhibit, reflects the leading global role of Koelnmesse in the sweets and snacks industry and the food and beverage industry.

ISM Japan is a natural extension of the existing food and beverage

KOELNMESSE / ISM

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segments of Wine & Gourmet Japan.

The other established food trade fairs that the Japan Food Journal organises will lead to more efficient synergies between events. It will offer all trade visitors a broader product palette.

The seven food shows under one roof will unite extensive industry competence and provide an optimal, business-oriented trade fair experience.

Several of the key factors that prompted ISM to enter the Japanese market are a forecasted annual 6.2% growth on the Asiatic-Pacific sweets market from 2020 to 2025.

Japan is the sixth largest sweets market in the world. Also, free trade agreements with the European Union and the USA currently make market entry more attractive for overseas food products.

“With the introduction of ISM Japan, we are expanding our portfolio of the sweets and snacks segment also to include the Asiatic/ Pacific region. We see huge growth potential through the strategic partnership with the Japan Food Journal, which has been on the market for over 20 years, expanding its trade fairs year after year.

In this way, we are not only creating additional synergies with the on-

site events. Still, we are consistently extending our role as the international leader in organising food trade fairs and food and beverage processing events. We are creating significant added value for the industry with this new kick-off event,” commented Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH. Bastian Fassin, chairman of the AISM working group and member of the German Confectionery Industry Association (BDSI) executive committee, also supports the move towards Japan.

“The Japanese confectionery market represents a great but rewarding challenge for every manufacturer due to the very high-quality demands on product and packaging.

Japan is already the most important export market in East Asia for the European confectionery industry, which also radiates into the entire Pacific region via its regional trade agreements,” he said.

Together with its six partner trade fairs, ISM Japan will attract over 1,000 exhibitors and just under 80,000 trade visitors from Asia and East Asia. n

The Kiwi Favourite Chocolate Fish Now Comes in Hokey Pokey Queen Anne has added to the popular ‘school of fish’ with a Milk Chocolate Hokey Pokey Chocolate Fish 50g. The Queen Anne Chocolate Fish range continues to build value with its premium position in the confectionery market.

A

s a local New Zealand made heritage brand, Queen Anne is growing strongly in a COVID impacted retail environment. “Our impulse product offerings are on trend as consumers turn to ‘small indulgences’ & support local,” said Sarah Adams, Managing Director.

“A focus on unique and premium product offerings has built Queen Anne into the fastest growing confectionery manufacturer with 46% growth – MAT to 27.12.2020/ top 15 brands (Nielsen). This growth is over nine times the Confectionery Category average, showing high

consumer brand loyalty and generating profits in the category.”

Continuing to drive that growth Queen Anne has added something different to the Confectionery gifting category – a unique Kiwi gifting option in the form of a boxed Chocolate Fish Selection.

This boxed Chocolate Fish Selection 200g contains the classic Milk Chocolate Strawberry Marshmallow Fish, a Dark Chocolate Raspberry Marshmallow Fish, a Dark Chocolate Orange Marshmallow Fish, and a Milk Chocolate Pineapple Marshmallow Fish - all made to the original marshmallow recipe which features in Queen Anne’s seasonal Christmas and

Easter ranges. As this Chocolate Fish Selection is both New Zealand made and Gluten Free, that supports the product’s premium position.

The Chocolate Fish Selection 200g builds on the success of the Queen Anne Chocolate Fish 50g range and another Chocolate Fish Selection variant will be launched for the Christmas 2021 seasonal sales period.

“Our boxed Chocolate Fish Selection links favourite impulse products to a gifting occasion,” Adams noted.

For further information on the Queen Anne range contact your local Alliance Marketing representative.

Visit us at www.queenanne.co.nz

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New Zealand handed crafted chocolates since1925 www.queenanne.co.nz

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confectionery Mentos

NEW TO MINTS

Introducing new Smint White!

Smint White gives you instant fresh breath as well as helping to maintain the natural whiteness of the teeth.

With a clinically proven whitening effect supported by active ingredients, Smint White offers a differentiated mint offering and an upgrade to the mint category. Smint White is a sugar free, three layered product with strong flavour that comes in a 30 unit stylish and pocketable pack.

Smint White comes in two flavours – Peppermint and Spearmint.

To hit the ground running in 2021, Mentos has launched its newest innovation with Mentos Mystery Roll. This new limited-edition roll is made up of three mysterious flavours – can you unwrap the mystery flavours? Mystery brings excitement to the category with a two phased approach. Look out for later in 2021, when the flavours will be revealed!

Mentos Mystery is just the beginning in terms of limited-edition flavour innovation that will launch in 2021. Mentos recognises that consumers are constantly looking for new candy flavours and products.

The Mentos Candy portfolio has experienced 4.2% growth which has been driven by the continuous rotation of limited-edition rolls and ongoing performance of the core portfolio. (IRI MarketEdge dollar growth QTR to 21/02/21) Mentos continue to support their brand with a comprehensive marketing campaign that commenced in March.

LINDT CHOCOLATE Lindt Boxed Chocolates have grown at 34.1% $ value in the latest quarter in TKA to 21/3/21 Aztec data, and the $/kg is more than double mainstream products. Lindt continues to drive category value growth with innovation in the Boxed Chocolate category with a fantastic new product range in 2021.

Lindt Caramel Squares launched in January just in time for Valentine’s Day. Lindt Caramel Squares, where lusciously smooth caramel meets the finest Lindt chocolate for your moment of pure indulgence, available in Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt. Caramel is the ultimate classic in confectionery and there is an opportunity gap in the market to drive a premium offer, Lindt Caramel Squares has a 92% purchase intent.

Lindt Caramel Squares are being supported with a strong marketing plan including, TVC, Social, Online and Instore sampling.

LINDOR DOUBLE CHOCOLATE LAUNCHED ON MARCH 1ST Lindor Double chocolate provides the best of both worlds and delivers true chocolate indulgence.

The delectable Lindt milk chocolate shell with rich aroma of dairy, toffee and caramel encases the irresistibly smooth melting dark chocolate filling with subtle notes of fine dark chocolate and balanced cocoa notes.

Once broken through the shell, the luxuriously melting centre unfolds on the palate and the subtle notes of fine cocoa with a rich mouthfeel of Lindor harmonises perfectly with the exquisite flavour of

Chupa Chups

The Chupa Chups brand continues to perform with the Chupa Chups single lollipop being the number one SKU in the Stick & Roll segment and is growing at 5.4% (IRI MarketEdge unit share of total stick/roll MAT to 21/02/21).

Chupa Chups is experiencing double digit growth of 17.8% due to the ongoing growth of the core portfolio as well as the strong performance of the Chupa Chups seasonal range (IRI MarketEdge dollar growth MAT to 21/02/21).

Chupa Chups are investing in a digital marketing campaign in 2021 that kicks off in May. Keep your eyes out in 2021 for the exciting new product launches for Chupa Chups

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our milk chocolate.

The combination of these two chocolates each providing their unique attributes and flavour profiles is creating a truly special Lindor.

Lindor Double Chocolate will be another key driver of the Boxed Chocolate category value growth in 2021 with TVC/social media and sampling campaigns for Mother’s Day that will continue throughout 2021 to drive consumer demand. The Lindor range still has the same delectably smooth Lindor balls with the smooth melting centres.

labelling

KitKat has replaced its logo on limited edition bars with recycling call out after new data reveals soft plastics recycling misconceptions. ore than 4.9 million Kiwis believe that recycling is important (98%), however, three in five (62%) admit that they may not be recycling correctly.

According to research by KitKat, 82% of New Zealanders recycle regularly, but half (50%) didn’t realise it’s possible to recycle soft plastics, such as lolly and chocolate wrappers and chip packets. A further 54% incorrectly dispose of their soft plastics in household recycling bins, ultimately ending up in landfill.

To encourage and educate Kiwis to ‘Give the Planet a Break’ by recycling their soft plastics correctly, KitKat has made the bold move to temporarily replace its logo on the iconic four-finger milk chocolate bar, with an explicit call to consumers to recycle the packaging at participating stores and supermarkets.

To recycle soft plastics correctly, householders need to collect all their soft plastic packaging such as chocolate wrappers, ice pack bags, frozen food bags and most clean cling film wraps, make sure they are clean, empty and dry, and drop them into the Love NZ Soft Plastics Recycling bins at selected supermarket and other stores, something which only 25% of respondents knew to do, according to the research.

“KitKat is a brand synonymous with breaks. Together, we want to work with Kiwis to help them ‘Give the Planet a Break’ and recycle their soft plastics correctly,” said KitKat spokesperson Fraser Shrimpton.

“We know Kiwis want to do better for the planet but aren’t always sure how to recycle correctly. That’s why we’ve temporarily turned our iconic

ai16171361415_Brother_SupermarketNews_HalfPage_April_PRINT.pdf

Winning sales by design For us, the only measure of successful design is that it works in the marketplace. That it grabs attention, steals hearts and wins sales.

It’s what we’re known for, here at Brother Design.

If you want to know how we do it, consistently, for all our different clients, get in touch. And let us design a way to win more sales for you.

Jenny McMillan, Business Development Director Ph: 021 193 2141 jenny@brotherdesign.co.nz

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pack into a soft plastics recycling reminder, to support people on their own recycling journey. “We’re hoping this reminder will encourage Kiwis to give the planet a break by bagging up their soft plastics and dropping them off next time they visit their local participating supermarket.”

Commenting on the campaign, Lyn Mayes, Scheme Manager of the Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme, said that New Zealand is on a journey when it comes to recycling of soft plastics.

“We know Kiwis want to do the right thing when it comes to recycling their soft plastics and encouragingly 46% in KitKat’s survey have identified they want to see more soft plastic recycling facilities and locations. Which is why we have worked closely with industry partners over the last 12 months to increase accessibility with drop-off locations now accessible to 69% of Kiwis within 20km of where they live or work.

“It’s fantastic to see such a bold campaign from KitKat to help educate and encourage Kiwis to recycle their

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soft plastics. As we continue to roll-out the program in more locations, we need Kiwis to do their bit, which will help keep soft plastics out of landfill and able to be recycled and repurposed into valuable materials such as fence posts, garden edging and cable covers.”

Not sure what can be recycled?

To help consumers work out what is considered soft plastic and what needs to be dropped off at a specific disposal bin, visit www.kitkat.com.au/ givetheplanetabreak or check out the tips: • The Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) on pack offers clear instructions on the best way to dispose of your rubbish – including any special instructions to follow, like returning it to store for recycling.

• If the wrapper or plastic can be scrunched in your hand, it’s often considered a soft plastic, so double check the ARL and hold onto it, then drop it off at the special soft plastics collection bin next time you visit a participating store.

• Check on pack to see if there is a soft plastics recycle at store label.

• Find your local soft plastics recycling station at www.recycling.kiwi.nz n

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED: Speed, Quality, Sustainability and Innovation Rapid Labels operates a world class label manufacturing company from our purposedesigned facility in Auckland’s North Harbour Industrial Estate. With over 50 years in the label manufacturing industry, we’ve mastered the art of being Rapid, with everything in our business done at pace and with a uniquely quality focussed drive.

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e provide Flexographic, Offset and Digital label print options, all under one roof, offering a number of tailored solutions to our clients’ label needs, and positioning ourselves in the high-volume colour label market, with a particular focus on wine, craft beer, honey, spirits, boutique foods and beverages and personal care.

Known for pushing the boundaries in innovation, we are the first label manufacturer in New Zealand to produce and offer a unique raised

metallic dome effect with our awardwinning Floating Foil technology.

In addition to this product and many more, we have a wide range of sustainable label solutions.

Our Environmental Objectives range offers sustainable solutions for label and liner materials. These solutions are manufactured in an environmentally responsible manner. Rapid’s 5 ‘R’s for a sustainable future offers a comprehensive guide to understanding the pillars of sustainability within our Environmental Objectives range.

They are as follows: • Responsibly Sourced: These are label materials that are sourced responsibly, to ensure the sustainable use of resources. Rapid Labels offers a wide selection of FSC® certified paper stocks and glassine liners.

Our FSC®, Chain of Custody certification allows us to promote responsible forest management and pass the qualifications of these FSC® certified papers from our suppliers to our clients.

• Recycled Content: These materials conserve resources by reusing materials that have already been used. This includes label materials manufactured from recycled PostConsumer Waste (PCW) which in turn reduces the amount of virgin resources used and often helps divert materials from landfill.

• Reduced: Over time, more label materials are being manufactured using comparably less raw materials to conserve limited natural resources. This is often referred to as down gauging – using thinner face stocks and liners to reduce the environmental impact.

• Re-purposed Materials: We have label materials that are produced from reclaimed burlap coffee bean bags, sugar cane waste, dried grass fibres and even wood-based Polypropylene film material manufactured from paper pulp production waste. Re-purposed Materials give materials or waste streams a second life through label material manufacturing.

• Recycling Enabled: These label materials help make your product recyclable when they are paired with the correct packaging and recycling infrastructure. Recycling Enabled materials include biodegradable and compostable face stocks and adhesives as well as a unique Wash-Off Adhesive technology that improves the recycling of PET packaging during the recycling process. Our Glassine Liner Recycling Program is also a part of our Recycling Enabled pillar.

For each sustainable solution, our team of label experts work with you, our clients to ensure we provide the most effective sustainable label solution for your sustainability goals.

For more information about Rapid’s 5 ‘R’s and our innovative label solutions, please contact Marco Adriaanse, our Head of Sales.

Email Marco.adriaanse@rapidlabels.nz or call 021 629 700. www.rapidlabels.nz n

Gareth Martin, RAPID LABELS PRINTER

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labelling Meat is now one of the most-stolen fresh-food products from New Zealand supermarkets and specialty stores.

The latest Australian and New Zealand Retail Crime Survey reports an increase over the years in theft of meat compared to other goods.

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he financial impact for a retailer can be dramatic, not only do they lose the product value and a sale, but they also potentially frustrate an honest customer who cannot find the item to purchase as it’s been stolen. Many retailers utilise their point-of-sale data for replenishment. If the retailer is unaware that the product is not on display, customers can become irritated and move to another retailer who does have the product available.

Prime cuts used to be mainly targeted by organised crime, but with the impact of COVID 19 the paradigm is changing, with financial pressures on households, theft is opportunistic -purely for home consumption. This is not always as straight forward as stealing for sustenance but rather the psychological aspect of financial worry, frustration, and anger. In summary, meat remains one of the most attractive categories for theft.

Hally Labels have been supplying EAS labels into the New Zealand market for over ten years, across sectors as varied as supermarkets, and honey

and meat producers. They supply rolls of Checkpoints food grade EAS labels for application at both point of sale and point of manufacture and have

been partnering with Checkpoint for a number of years.

Additionally, they offer source tagged labels, where they integrate the existing label with a covertly embedded Checkpoint RF EAS tag. Hally Labels can add EAS labels into any existing prime label shape or type and the solution is easily integrated into existing label printing and applicator equipment.

This is ideal for honey, spirits, nutraceuticals, and any high-value FMCG product.

This solution is also on offer for thermal scale labels, where their patented design incorporates a Checkpoint EAS tag into an existing label, without requiring the label size to be increased. Supermarkets can then thermally overprint their labels on existing machines without changing label print formats or machine settings.

The use of this type of technology can have a dramatic effect on reducing this type of targeted theft. Results have proved huge reductions, in some cases in excess of 50% and a substantial increase in Gross profit. The use of these meat labels combined with excellent customer service will ensure that meat products remain where they should be, on the shelf available for purchase.

Begin your meat protection journey today. Call us on 0221839604 or email us at sales.info@checkpt.com to trial our yellow food labels. n

Checkpoint innovations enables alerts to be dealt with efficiently by the checkout operator. This ‘early’ loss prevention alarm helps tackle incidents of non-deactivation promptly, reducing embarrassment for customers.

For shoplifting attempts, Checkpoint alarms aid in the successful recovery of goods before they reach the exit doors.

To find out how you can reduce shrinkage with the latest labelling innovations contact:

Shaun Hague on 022 183 9604 or shaun.hague@checkpt.com

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SUSTAINABLE, CREATIVE LABEL SOLUTIONS

KiwiCYCLE is Kiwi Labels’ solution to sustainable labels. Under the KiwiCYCLE brand you’ll find a range of innovative label solutions that will help your brand’s sustainability goals.

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n example is our self-adhesive full wrap label solutions. These are smart, attractive labels ideal for chiller storage and they are perfect for many types of

packs including vacuum skin packs, thermoformed MAP packs, trays and clamshells. They maximise the area available for branding and product information too, by using four sides of the packaging.

Full wrap labels are designed to stay in place until the consumer opens the product, which makes them naturally tamper evident and they can be produced in custom shapes, multiple sizes, printed both sides and, unlike linerless labels, full wrap labels can be applied with a standard label application machine.

Kiwi Labels’ full wrap label materials provide an up market, premium alternative to folded carton sleeves, and if you choose to use our FSC® certified full wrap labels you’ll be supporting responsible forest management.

The sustainable solutions don’t stop there though. Join Kiwi Labels’ Liner Recycling Scheme too and the recycled glassine liner will be given a new life as high end gloss paper used in magazines that can be recycled multiple times. A truly circular recycling program.

For more information about Full Wrap Labels or Kiwi Labels’ Liner Recycling Scheme, contact: info@ kiwilabels.co.nz or 03 384 2903 n

The requirements include: • The declaration of allergen information in a specific format and location on food labels • The use of simple, plain English terms for allergen declarations.

• FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said the new requirements take effect from March following gazettal in the Code.

NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR ALLERGEN LABELLING Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has announced new requirements for allergen labelling on packaged foods.

The changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) will help ensure mandatory food allergen declarations are clear and consistent so that consumers have the information they need to make safe food choices.

“The Code requires certain foods or substances to be declared on labels when they are present in food,” said Booth.

“These foods or substances can cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis in some people. The changes will help consumers to read and interpret allergen information more quickly and easily. This is good news for anyone with a food allergy and will assist people to make informed and safe food choices. From today, businesses have a three-year transition period to comply with the new requirements." During the transition period, food businesses can comply with either the existing allergen declaration requirements in the Code, or the new requirements.

Any food packaged and labelled before the end of the transition period under existing allergen declaration requirements may be sold for up to two years after the end of the transition period. n April 2021

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profile

ICONIC KIWI BEER BRAND GETS MAKEOVER

Today iconic Kiwi beer brand, Export, unveiled a new look with more environmentally-friendly bottles and packaging that build on its history as New Zealand’s most sustainable beer. The beer that brought you Brewtroleum and Beer Bottle Sand has taken its commitment to innovation up a level by ensuring its packaging is as sustainable as its bold initiatives.

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his change will see Export swap from plastic to paper labels and shift to locally supplied carton board boxes in a move that will make its packaging 100% recyclable and will decrease the brand’s total carbon emissions.

The reduction is significant - the equivalent of approximately 600 return flights from Auckland to Queenstown per year1.

Moving to paper labels means a whopping 45,275 kg of plastic will

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no longer be going to landfill each year, equivalent to the weight of approximately 16 Toyota Hilux Utes2.

The changes also mean that 11,881 kgs of ink will be saved a year, plus moving the supply of paper for carton board boxes to a local supplier will save thousands of kilometres in travel and result in a significant carbon emission reduction.

On the shelves Kiwi beer drinkers will see a new streamlined modern carton board design that will make finding any of the brand’s products easy, and a striking new logo featuring a stylised ‘X’ for instant recognition.

Export has long been known as New Zealand’s leading sustainable beer having created globally recognised initiatives such as Brewtroleum, where the brewer created a biofuel from ethanol left over in the brewing process, and Beer Bottle Sand where the brewer recycled glass bottles back into sand and built reverse vending machines for bars that crushed bottles into sand instantly. T he new-look Export signals the brand’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and making New Zealand an even better place to enjoy a beer.

“To the individual, these may seem like simple changes to the bottles and packs, but considering Export is the third largest beer brand in New Zealand and represents 1 in every 10 litres of beer sold3, the environmental

benefits of this move are significant,” said Peter Simons, Managing Director at DB Breweries.

“Export is a proud Kiwi brand that is committed to making New Zealand an even better place to enjoy a beer, and that means helping to tackle today’s refuse problems and those of the future.

Aligned with the draft advice of the Climate Change Commission4, we believe that, as a brewer, we need to make meaningful change in our value chain to actively reduce our carbon footprint by taking real action and not just buying carbon offsets.

As a company DB has set an ambitious goal to halve our carbon footprint by 2030 (from a 2018 baseline) and move to 100% renewable energy sources for our breweries by 2030. This has started already in 2021 by switching from coal to renewable biomass at our brewery in Timaru and Export’s commitment and changes are another important step towards this goal,” said Simons.

Consumers can expect to see the new Export bottles and packs on shelves in the coming weeks, but rest assured the great taste of Export remains unchanged. n

DESIGNING PACKAGING FOR A NEW CATEGORY ENTRANT

It can be tricky entering a product category that already has well established players. For new category entrants, the challenge is in disrupting any habitual purchasing of shoppers. The biggest hurdle is getting shoppers to notice your new product on shelf and then getting them to put it in their trolley. Regardless of budgets, the key is to develop strong distinctive brand codes, to seed them in the minds of shoppers; and then trigger these instore from the shelf.

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hese distinctive brand codes need to be established in the positioning and packaging design process for your brand. At On Fire Design, we thrive on the challenge of working with our clients to create brand and packaging design that that will stand out in the cluttered supermarket and ignite your sales and success.

Our belief around the development of brand codes is that they need to be visually powerful and distinctive. This could be your logo design, your pack shape or format, the colours you use, typography or a combination of all of these.

Consider the power of the pack format and shape with the launch of Monday into the personal haircare category. The intent with this brand is to change the hair game, and their packaging certainly delivers to this intent, standing out from existing supermarket haircare brands, and making shoppers stop in their tracks.

A recent project completed by On Fire Design is the development of packaging for the CULTUREbrand of powdered yoghurt. This category was dominated by Easiyo and the Hansells brand, both of which had been in the category for a number of years and had modernised their packaging and innovated in new products.

The challenge with the brief for CULTURE was to launch a straight-up, fresh, lively, fuss free, premium offering as a second brand within the Hansells portfolio.

The final pack solution is design focussed; pack format was set as pouches (the same as the rest of the category). With CULTURE, the pack design takes the ‘straight up’ nature of the brand literally, and delivers a fresh perspective for the category.

The pack design is bold and stripped back. The use of white for 2/3 of the pack enables strong brand blocking and stand out on shelf. The pop of bright colour along the bottom third enables clear flavour differentiation.

And the strong typography used for the logo communicates strength modernity; whilst being minimalistic – in contrast to the market incumbents. n

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snacks

THE DEMON SUGAR For decades sugar has been the demon ingredient, but COVID-19 meant that consumers, for a while, threw out the diet and indulged. With more time at home, consumers have upped their snacking.

The pandemic has also impacted snack food trends. In 2021 while consumers struggle to reduce their sugar intake, brand owners have risen to the challenge to reduce sugar with a plethora of healthy, convenient options.

Last year, in the depths of the pandemic, consumers had reacted to the stress and uncertainty by letting their diets slip. Paying less attention to calories, consumers were big on treating themselves. This year consumers

are adjusting to the new normal by prioritising health and wellness. They are looking to rectify any lapses by improving diet and moderating sugar intake. More consumers are substituting sugary offerings for functional foods such as protein bars when it comes to traditional snack foods. Most research shows that more than half of consumers substitute high sugar brands for high protein, low sugar alternatives.

Convenience continues to trend; the fact that lockdowns and alert levels keep people at home means more to the snack food industry than just greater consumption. It also means people are bored and consequently open to trying snack foods they may have ignored in the busy days before COVID-19. That's good news for smaller artisanal snackmakers.

Plant-based snacks' interest continues with positioning around fun and lifestyle choice, meaning that these brands appeal. Consumers are looking to snack foods to evolve with their dietary needs. n

BETTER NZ MADE SNACKS

FOR KIWI KIDS

Probiotics for happy tummies No added cane sugar 100% natural ingredients Freeze-dried

www.kiwigarden.co.nz

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kiwigarden

kiwigarden_nz

SHORE THE SCOTTISH SEAWEED COMPANY WINS SNACK INNOVATION AWARD Shore, the Scottish Seaweed Company, has won Best Snacking Innovation for their Sweet Sriracha Seaweed Chips at the World Food Innovation Awards 2021.

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his success comes hot on the heels of Shore winning a Great Taste Award at the end of 2020. Shore has again impressed a panel of industry experts with their innovative concept of turning a sustainable, local superfood into better for you snacks that taste delicious.

"Seaweed, the sustainable & healthy ocean gem turned into chips. No need for portion control here. Wow!" The World Food Innovation

Awards winners were announced during a special, virtual ceremony in association with IFE. The judging panel considered 276 entries from 22 countries, with the best Snacking Innovation category narrowed down to three finalists.

Judges selected Shore as the winner for their innovative Sweet Sriracha flavour.

It combines quinoa and a tangy chilli seasoning with their signature umamirich organic Scottish seaweed, straight from the clean waters of Wick in North Scotland.

The panel said: "seaweed, the sustainable & healthy ocean gem turned into chips. No need for portion control here. Wow!"

This award marks another important milestone in Shore's mission to stay at the forefront of the healthier snacking revolution.

Keith Paterson, joint-managing director, Shore, said: "At Shore our success is based on creating tasty plant-based seaweed snacks and foods that appeal to the growing number of mainstream health-conscious consumers who are increasingly seeking sustainably sourced foods.

"Winning this award is another great achievement for the company, and we're thrilled that people recognise that innovation is at the heart of what we do". n

ALL NEW! Keto and Paleo friendly snacks Contact Lisa at for the whole family sales@matakanasuperfoods.com

or phone 09 422 9618

Great source of fibre and protein Made from simple ingredients using coconuts gently roasted and pressed into bite sized pieces Simply delicious!

Each pack contains a full head of cauliflower Slow cooked using a simple list of clean ingredients No fillers or artificial flavours Super tasty!

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snacks

Guilt-Free Snacking

Rutherford & Meyers gluten-free Cracker Bites are proving a real hit for consumers searching for a delicious guilt-free snacking cracker.

These deliciously versatile bite-sized snacks were the winners in the Ambient category of the 2020 New Zealand Artisan Awards, recognising the desire to create something truly unique. Not content to merely add flavouring and calling them vegetable crackers, the team at Rutherford & Meyer have packed their Cracker Bites full of vegetables - and you can taste it!

With three flavours available - the inherent sweetness, flavour and colour of Beetroot and Sweet Potato and the crispy, crunchy goodness of Chickpeas - these snacking crackers hit the mark for the whole family. With the added benefits of poppy seed, chia seeds and linseed, these baked crackers are a deliciously wholesome treat.

The innovation continues with each 140g box containing two stay-fresh packs. Eat one and the remaining bag stays fresh for next time. Head of

Innovation at Rutherford & Meyer, Russell Coventry is quick to highlight the desire to meet the needs of today’s consumer.

“We know that Kiwis are so conscious about putting wholesome and nutritious food into their bodies that we wanted to ensure that we provide a delicious product that hits the mark for a variety of different occasions. We know the Cracker Bites work brilliantly on a platter with dips and cheeses but what is even more satisfying is the feedback that we get from our customers who snack on these at any time of the day and it’s great to hear that their kids love them in their school lunchbox.”

Cracker Bites come in 3 flavours: Beetroot, Chickpea and Sweet Potato with more to come very soon. For more information see www.rutherfordandmeyer.co.nz or email office@randm.co.nz n

The ‘Upcycled Grain Project’ - New Zealand’s First ‘Upcycled’ Snack Brand.

Wellington-based Upcycled Grain Project (UGP) is launching its exciting new upcycled range this month with an aim to help fight food waste and provide sustainably delicious snacks.

What is upcycling and why is it important?

Upcycling is the process of transforming unwanted materials into new products of greater value. Whilst a relatively new term for New Zealand consumers, the concept of upcycling is gaining global recognition and is seen as a key tool in the fight against food waste.

This is a serious problem in the developed world, and upcycling helps prevent this by creating new, highquality products from otherwise wasted, but perfectly nutritious, ingredients. Not only does upcycling these ingredients minimise the number of discarded materials, but it also reduces the need to produce new materials — thus helping to reduce the strain on our already stretched planet.

What is upcycled or ‘spent’ grain?

UGP tackles the food waste problem from a raw ingredient perspective by rescuing spent brewers’ grain. When making beer, brewers steep malted barley to give body and flavour. They keep the liquid to make beer and discard the grain. These grains are

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sugar free, packed full of protein and fibre, and are incredibly flavoursome. By upcycling these grains with other natural ingredients, a range of delicious and nutritious snacks are born.

Providing nutritious snacking options for today’s health-savvy and environmentally conscious consumer is at the heart of everything done by the UGP. “These grains are everything for us! We want to celebrate not only their positive environmental impact but also their inherent goodness. Our aim is to make delicious snacks that sustain us through our busy lives,” explained UGP owner Jan Meyer.

The snacks!

It all started with Parmesan and Rock-Salt flavoured UGP crackers which launched earlier this year.

Available in the deli section of the supermarket, these crunchy bites are a sustaining snack and perfect on a platter. The latest addition to the Upcycled Grain Project family has the on-the-go snacking consumer in mind. So many of us are too busy to stop and eat, creating a need for wholesome and nutritious snacks

that can be quickly enjoyed and easily accessible. The new UP Bars and UP Bites are just that - delicious snacks for any time of the day that keep you sustained between meals. Found in the lunchbox section of the supermarket the UP Bars and UP Bites utilise the goodness of spent grain and are packed full of nuts, seeds, and fruit to provide a sustainably delicious snack. Doing our bit to fight food waste has never been so easy!

UP Bars are available in individual twin packs or 4 pack boxes in Cranberry & Coconut, Chocolate & Peanut Butter and Oat & Almond. UP Bites come in bags of 5 bites in Fruit & Nut, Chocolate & Cranberry and Super Seed.

For more information check out www.upcycledgrainproject.co.nz or email office@randm.co.nz n

BAKED NOT ...FRIED GLUTEN FREE

PACKED FULL OF VEGES

Flavour + Versatility

TOP them, DIP them or EAT them solo!

A perfect on-the-go snack, these guilt-free Cracker Bites have your snacking bases covered.

For sales enquires call: +64 4 976 0251 or Email: office@randm.co.nz.

For further product info visit: rutherfordandmeyer.co.nz

RUTHERFORDANDMEYER .CO.NZ @RUTHERFORDANDMEYER

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SUSTAINABLE SNACK SOLUTION

NZ’s first Upcycled super-SnacK

SAVING THE PLANET ONE SNACK AT A TIME!

Rescuing MEGA NUTRITIOUS sugar-free brewers grain destined for waste, transforming it into superfood snacks. Sustainable fuel for busy lives.

Nothing artificial Nutritious + delicious Proudly made in NZ Sales enquires call: +64 4 976 0251 or Email: office@randm.co.nz. For further product info visit: upcycledgrainproject.co.nz

gogreen

RADIANCE GOES CARBON FRIENDLY WITH CARBONCLICK PARTNERSHIP

Radiance has announced that their supplement range is now a Climate Friendly brand thanks to partnering with CarbonClick. Radiance is the first company that has signed up as a Climate Friendly brand with CarbonClick and proudly offer their customers an environmentally friendly product.

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adiance is a New Zealand based company that has offered natural supplements to Kiwi families for over 30 years.

With over 70 products in the range, Radiance’s sustainability strategy includes environmentally friendly packaging, natural ingredients.

Through their partnership with CarbonClick they now offer a carbon friendly product through carbon offsets. This partnership is a firm and positive step towards increased sustainability in the packaged products space.

“At Radiance, we focus on reducing our impact on the environment and being a better choice for our consumers. This can be seen in our recyclable aluminium tins which saves over 480,000 plastic bottles each year from being manufactured and entering the environment.

In addition, partnering with CarbonClick ensures that we offset some of our carbon emissions. We are committed to consistently improving as a business to continue producing quality products that are great for kiwis and the environment”, said Kylie Fordyce, Head of Marketing, PharmaCare NZ. CarbonClick worked with Radiance to identify the footprint of their product lifecycle, then added an offset

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margin to make the product Climate Friendly.

CarbonClick uses certified Gold Standard offsets to reduce the climate impact of retail through ethical, fully traceable reforestation and renewable energy projects, which includes regeneration of native forests in Kaikoura, New Zealand.

“Radiance does an amazing job looking after people’s health – and combined with CarbonClick’s efforts of looking after the planet’s health – we quickly saw our partnership as a perfect fit.

Because carbon offsetting helps

support local and global projects, Radiance’s customers will see that by choosing to purchase a carbon friendly product that looks after both their and the planet’s health, their purchase will have wider social and environmental impacts far beyond the carbon component.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Radiance for taking a leadership position in their industry and the first New Zealand company to sign up as a Climate Friendly brand,” said Dave Rouse, CEO, CarbonClick. n

Innovation for the Future Brand Brokers Ltd, with forty-plus years of experience in marketing and distribution in both New Zealand and export markets, is a privately owned and operated company. Our values are family and people driven. We Strive to deliver the most innovation and latest brands with the future top of mind.

At the Go Green Expo, we highlighted several products in our range.

The Octane blend from Before You Speak is a superior combination of coffee and superfoods to propel you through your day - coffee and functionality all in one.

The Locako range of collagenbased products was a definite hit.

The collagen is pasture raised and sourced from cows that have grown up with grass and are free to roam, combined with the cleanest, healthiest ingredients that are low carb and taste great. Perfect to lift sales in the supplement section.

The sachet plant-based soup range from Plantasy Foods ticks all the boxes when it comes to taste, convenience, nutrition plus they are great for vegans and are gluten free.

To order any or all these products contact Jeremy Wackrow on 021 743 759 or jeremy@brandbrokers.co.nz n

Led by Nature Led by nature, and backed by science, Nuzest products are designed to give your body what it needs to balance the demands of your busy life.

We believe that a good diet is the foundation for great health. But even with the best intentions, the modern-day food chain isn’t giving you the nutrition you need for optimal health and vitality.

That is why Nuzest created Good Green Vitality, Clean lean Protein and Kids Good Stuff. Comprehensive multi nutrient supplements to support optimal health. We use plant-based ingredients – the purest and most potent source of nutrition – to give you a powerful and wellbalanced mix of essential vitamins and minerals.

Our products are created with highly accredited natural health experts from across the world. And because we want to ensure that they are continually evolving, our formulae are regularly reviewed and improved, so our products not only deliver a boost for today – they give you nutrition for life. n

You Won't Believe it's Not Butter This brand-new plant-based butter alternative is already causing a bit of a stir, with some saying, “it’s better than butter!”

Made from real food ingredients and no nasty stuff, Vutter tastes like the real thing without the allergens, or the environmental impact associated with dairy.

Developed in Auckland by Feliz Wholefoods - a family-owned vegan food business - Vutter is made with no soy, nuts, gluten, palm oil or GMO ingredients.

It’s delicious and perfect for cooking, baking or simply spreading. In February it won the

best New Zealand made butter alternative on the Vegan Society’s 2021 Dairy Free awards - after only five months in the market!

Available in 265g and three variants - Original, Hemp and Garlic slow roasted – the start-up is now upscaling and has been quick in spreading the word. If you’d like to increase your sales and meet consumer demand, then make sure you have this product in your chiller.

For more information contact Aline at sales@felizwholefoods. co.nz n

Inspiring a Sustainable Lifestyle CaliWoods is certified for social and environmental good and over the last four years the brand has become Aotearoa’s home of eco products.

Customers at the recent Go Green Expo were particularly interested in the Stainless Pegs RRP $22 and the Silicone Stretch Lids RR $24 which are great reusable food covers.

The extensive range of eco products help to reduce waste and each purchase gives back to sustainability projects right here in New Zealand. CaliWoods began after founder Shay Lawrence saw unforgettable amounts of plastic in the Pacific Ocean while sailing, “As a social

enterprise, we aim to inspire sustainable lifestyles. Our products are a direct link to that for customers as they are reducing single use and plastic consumption right away.

We had such a great response from customers at the expo – they really loved that we provide useful products that help lower their waste footprint.” The team is woman-led and CaliWoods is a living wage employer.

The Stainless Pegs are one of the most popular products, designed specifically for the harsh New Zealand climate and replaces their plastic counterparts.

For more information contact orders@caliwoods. co.nz or phone 09 4174476 n April 2021

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gogreen

Frucor Suntory releases inaugural Sustainability Report Frucor Suntory showcases its commitment to leading positive change in the New Zealand and Australian beverage market with the release of its first sustainability report, Growing for Good.

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The report details the progress the company made in 2020 against its sustainability commitments: • zero waste to landfill • 100% recyclable packaging • reduce CO2 emissions by 35% • reduce water usage by 20% • one in three drinks sold to be low or no sugar.

Frucor Suntory’s Head of Sustainability, Ben Walkley, said, “Growing for Good is all about growing our business while protecting our environment and playing our part in the community.”

“We believe it’s our Ben Walkley, FRUCOR SUNTORY’S social responsibility to HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY

have a positive impact on the world around us. ”Despite the challenges we faced in 2020, we made significant progress across almost all areas of our sustainability agenda. We implemented several projects that are delivering encouraging results. It’s great to be able to share some of the work we’ve done – and the results we’ve achieved.”

“This year, we have a comprehensive calendar of activities building on the work completed in 2020 – specifically a continued focus on developing opportunities and solutions to the issues of packaging and climate change.

“This involves a shift towards a circular economy and ongoing efforts to decarbonise our operations,” Walkley added. n

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New Zealand’s Greenest Banana

One of New Zealand’s most popular grocery items now has an environmentally friendly option, with Kiwi-owned company All Good introducing the country’s first zero carbon (and Fairtrade) bananas.

All of All Good’s Fairtrade bananas are now Ekos-certified zero carbon and the tape is now soft-plastic-recyclable. All Good, who were the first to bring Fairtrade bananas to New Zealand, worked for a year in partnership with T&G Fresh and alongside Ekos to assess every step of the production.

“Food production and consumption makes up a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions,” said All Good’s co-founder Simon Coley.

“Our impact as consumers has the potential to make a massive change."

More information can be found at www.all-good.co.nz

Hola to Flavour!

Say hola to flavour with Farrah’s Mexican! Farrah’s continue to take the Mexican category by storm with a fresh NEW look and bold NEW flavours!

Farrah’s refreshed range delivers on trend flavours with a range of meal kits, spice mixes and flame baked tortillas that are all proudly New Zealand made. “Consumers are now seeking premium experiences that still deliver great value.” noted Jovan Čanak, Managing Director, Co-Founder.

This is an exciting range focused on quality ingredients and an experience to deliver something for everyone. Smoky Chipotle, Crispy Chicken, Hickory BBQ, Nacho and so much more!

The Mexican category is gaining in popularity with 10.7% value growth, Farrah’s are driving significant growth in this category at 33.5% (IRI scan data, Total Supermarkets, MAT ending 21/02/2021).

For more information ph: 04 934 3829 or www.farrahs.co.nz

Fix & Fogg’s Almond Cashew & Maple Butter has arrived!

After a limited New Zealand release in 2020, it developed a cult following who insisted on it taking a permanent spot in the Fix & Fogg line up. This beautifully balanced blend of almonds, cashews, maple, and vanilla is thick and creamy and not too sweet. It is just waiting to be dipped into with a spoon, slathered on toast, and added to your baking creations.

This variety is already making waves in the USA where its unique combination of flavours and texture is winning hearts and turning heads. This is what spoons were made for.

To order or for more information contact Lauren King on 021 190 5695 or orders@ fixandfoff.co.nz

Make Any Meal Delicious

Introducing the new MasterFoods Coat & Cook Seasonings range, featuring a blend of finely chopped MasterFoods Herbs & Spices for an instant flavour boost that will make any meal delicious.

Simply coat your favourite protein before cooking & enjoy. Perfect with chicken, beef, fish, your favourite plant-based meat alternative or vegetables.

No Artificial Colours, Flavours or Preservatives.

Available at your local New World or Pak'nSave in 3 delicious flavours: MasterFoods Chilli, Garlic & Ginger MasterFoods Garlic, Basil & Parsley MasterFoods Lemon, Garlic & Oregano

Stacked Snacks

Premier Beehive NZ have added 3 new snacking SKU’s to their smallgoods’ portfolio with the launch of Stackers.

Stackers are a delicious trio combination of a meat Protein, Crackers and Mild Cheddar Cheese which make up a convenient and tasty snack. Perfect for the office, school lunchboxes or any other on the go activity.

Made with No Artificial Colours, No Artificial Flavours and a source of Protein, Stackers are available in the following delicious variants: • Mild salami with cheddar cheese and water crackers 50g • Ham with cheddar cheese and water crackers 50g • Danish salami with cheddar cheese and rice crackers 45g Shipped in a convenient Shelf Ready Tray. Available nationwide.

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New Soda Good For Your Insides

Good Sh*t has landed.

Finally, a great tasting, low-sugar soda everyone can feel good about drinking.

Good Sh*t is a world-first: the only soda to include both pre and probiotics.

Every can contains 1 billion colony forming Bacillus coagulans probiotics, and a third of your daily fibre. With at least 10 grams of soluble, prebiotic fibre, it helps keep you regular as part of a healthy, varied diet. Good Sh*t is good for your insides!

All natural from Mother Earth with ingredients such as Acacia Gum, Prickly Pear Cactus, Artichoke Leaf and Marshmallow Root. Good Sh*t has less than 2.4 grams of sugar per 100ml.

Good Sh*t is the brainchild of Poptimist - a New Zealand company dedicated to creating optimistic products for the new pop culture.

Available in four delicious flavours Cola, Citrus, Berry and Ginger.

Beautifully Pink Cider Using a blend of red and white fleshed apples, this beautifully pink dry style cider is 4% ABV and has 50% less sugar and carbs* for ultimate refreshment.

Bake it Gluten Free with FreshLife

A Burst of Colour

Would you like to increase sales in the drinks category? Please consider our Mogu Mogu range, they’re super popular with the kids. They sit somewhere between a fruit juice and a soft drink, they’re not carbonated, but they are full of wonderful chewy chunks of Nata do Coco (a kind of jelly made from Coconut water).

The price point, ranging from $1.29 to $1.69 for the 320ml bottles, makes them an affordable option and many buyers are happy to have this cheap, cheerful and tasty offering.

The Mogu Mogu 320ml drink range comes in a selection of 10 flavours – Pineapple, Peach, Apple, Mango, Strawberry, Orange, Grape, Lychee, Yoghurt and Coconut. The 1 Litre bottles come in 5 flavours – Coconut, Strawberry, Lychee, Grape and Mango. The best sellers, if you’re interested in trying them, are Lychee, Mango and Grape.

Reach out to Tokyo Food for more information and samples to try! order_retail@tokyofood.co.nz

With an estimated 70,000 Kiwis living with coeliac disease and many others actively avoiding gluten or wheat due to an intolerance, FreshLife have developed a range of specialty flours to help consumers bake gluten free with ease. There are seven products to choose from, including NEW Almond Flour, which is perfect for making keto friendly coconut macaroons and pancakes.

Available from Countdown stores and selected New World and Pak’nSave stores nationwide. For more information contact the team on 0800 373 745 or freshlife@ScalzoFoods.com.au FreshLife are proud sponsors of Coeliac Awareness Week 7-13 June 2021. www.freshlifefood.co.nz

Limited Edition

The latest Limited Release from Havana Coffee Works, Levanté, has launched onto supermarket shelves across the country. A premium coffee blend enclosed in a bag inspired by the sunset and sunrise and flavours of butterscotch glazed custard pastry with spiced stone fruit filling.

Designed for the "Late nighters and early risers" this coffee will elevate your moment.

Receiving high praise already, get your Levanté limited release before its gone.

Pacifica Bangers

Our Beard Brothers 'Island Inspired' Pork and Palusami Sausage is combination of our super popular Pork Sausage and authentic Palusami from which we source directly from Samoa.

Palusami is a combination of Taro leaves, Onion, Spices, Spinach and of course Coconut!!

Paired together these make one heck of a banger and the flavors are incredibly well matched!! Served with a nice chilled salad these Sausages take you on a food journey within itself!! If you are a coconut lover then dip into Coconut cream...next level!

For more information and too increase your sausage sales call Rob Beard on 027 477 5643 or rob.beard@ beardbrothers.co.nz

How Juice Should Taste E’stel Orchard Gate Juice has a new look, but is still filled with the taste of the New Zealand Sunshine...and nothing else!

The new re-design from E’stel aligns with their passion of delivering premium quality New Zealand consumables and with sustainably grown fruit.

The range is as simple as it gets.

“We’ve kept the name but given it a contemporary facelift,” commented Andrew Strang, founder of E’stel.

100% New Zealand grown

fruit, squeezed into a bottle from local family orchards.

E’stel Orchard Gate fruit is fully ripened on the tree, giving it plenty of time to develop its full flavour and Nutrient potential.

NO CONCENTRATE, NO ADDED SUGAR, NO PRESERVATIVES With three delicious flavours to choose from, Apple, Apple & Pear, Apple & Feijoa.

How juice should taste.

Available nationwide.

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Partners in the road to recovery

TARGET YOUR MARKETING, DEFINE YOUR AUDIENCE, HONE YOUR STRATEGY WITH US. Want to talk to CUSTOMERS? ! t s r i f s u Talk to

(09) 304 0142 ext 704 felicity@reviewmags.com

CR SS SECTOR INSIGHTS Tuesday, 11th May, 9am-5pm

SPONSORED BY:

REGISTER NOW to access the virtual summit bringing you the real talk about how the hotels and foodservice industry can move through its current challenges, from experts that are on the ground.

REGISTER NOW

Reimagining the business of Hotels and foodservice

W

hether you’ve been hit hard from day one and had to mothball your premises, or are still hanging in there – this summit is for you.

Expect to get a clear idea on: how your hotel / group can reduce costs while increasing effectiveness during this difficult time; how to use your #1 status as Covid-

David Thompson

free to attract customers and what are the steps to being the best; how to step up when everything is crumbling around you plus a blow by blow list of how to get up each day and fight again – plus no-bullshit panel discussions and commentary from experts in the field.

Ben Harris

Les Morgan

Hotel and AI Expert

Medical Microbiologist

Living with Covid-19 Attracting, retaining and communicatiing with customers.

Differentiating your business How to be the ‘the safest break in Australasia’ & Industry best at keeping customers safe.

Michael Johnson

CEO – NSW & National at Tourism Accommodation Australia The Australian market recovery and how the current environment is impacting Australasian business

Operations Executive, MIQ Facility Expert Leadership during a crisis What we can all do to benefit during times of stress

Julie White

Chief Executive Hospitality NZ Looking under the hood How New Zealand’s hospitality industry is really doing, and what we can do from here . . . more speakers to be announced.

• 9am – 1:10pm Introduction and Individual Speaker Sessions 20 minutes talk, followed by 10 mins Q&As each (allowing 5mins between each speaker) • Lunch break 1:10-2pm • Panel discussion 2-3pm • Open networking 3-5pm.