SupermarketNews // November 2014

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November 2014 • Vol. 7 No. 11

Frucor cleans up at the Juice & Beverage Awards. (see page 6)

REPORT FROM COMMERCE COMMISSION DUE SHORTLY THE Commerce Commission report on the Countdown affair is expected before Christmas and the industry is waiting with bated breath – although it is unlikely to contain any surprises, the outcome may lead to other issues.

While our Food & Grocery Council is expecting little to come of the report, as are most others in the grocery industry, it has put a serious stake in the ground and let it be known to both major retail groups that they can only go so far with domineering behaviour.

Truth is that the Commerce Commission has no real power to reprimand but it may well be the catalyst for the Government to force the industry into either a legislated or voluntary code of practice similar to that promulgated in Australia.

Already the complaints made to the Commission covering Countdown and Foodstuffs (on a lesser scale) have

produced results in that a number of suppliers are reporting improving relationships. And while there has been absolutely no sign of retribution against complainants, some are treading quite warily until the matter blows over.

The last few months have proved particularly difficult for the FGC’s chairman Pierre van Heerden and CEO Katherine Rich who have been bombarded by the press – so much so that this month’s conference passed a vote of confidence in the pair.

There’s little doubt that industry confidence in Countdown took a nosedive over the past few months but at the same time, Progressive has lost millions of dollars in turnover so for them it has been a double-edged sword.

Hopefully for the sake of the industry, the matter may

BREAD INDUSTRY HARD HIT BY RETAIL DISCOUNTS THE two major grocery retailers aren’t doing our baking industry any favours with bread being the centre of a now prolonged discount war.

Industry reports put bread sales turnover

down by over $30 million since the two started coming up with a low priced commodity. Admittedly the product being discounted by Countdown and Pak’nSave is at the lower end of the quality scale but it is still being sold-on at less than cost and it has certainly taken the gloss off the profitable end of the specialist bread products.

Neither of the major plant bakeries care to discuss the issue saying it is a private matter between them and their two customers but behind the scenes, there is much gnashing of the teeth in the hopes it may end soon – and that is not something currently in sight. n

soon be resolved and for a company that buys around 45% of our suppliers products, it is critical that the Countdown relationship gets back to normal as quickly as possible.

At the end of the day, both retail groups have been clearly told that it is ethically inappropriate to have “mugging” meetings with suppliers and it may well be one of the key issues if a code of conduct is promoted. n

JOB CUTS AT WATTIE’S HEINZ Wattie’s has announced plans to cut up to 100 jobs from its Kiwi workforce, with the majority expected to be in the company’s Auckland head office. The move follows further job losses across the ditch with the restructure designed to help grow the business in competitive local and offshore markets. n

Corine Tap

JOHN KEY BACKS DANONE ENTRY

PRIME Minister John Key along with French and Chinese government officials helped Danone celebrate the finalisation of two major company purchases in New Zealand last month.

Nutricia, the French Danoneowned infant formula maker, has now boosted its existing operational platform here with the purchase of the Sutton Group and Gardians of New Zealand. Sutton was the privately owned food ingredients and dairy sector supplier established by Brent Sutton 25 years ago in Auckland and Gardians is a well known dairy exporter.

Nutricia’s ANZ managing director Corine Tap said the transactions would provide access to a large milk drying facility and a long term supply of fresh milk as well as an infant formula blending and packing unit. n

TWIN AGENCIES CHANGES AT TOP IN a surprise move, Wayne Sands is taking a step back from his 20-year-old Twin Agencies operation and intending to sell his major stake to Heinz-Wattie’s general manager sales Shane Webby within the next year or so. Webby shortly leaves his 16-year-career with Heinz-Wattie’s to initially become general manager of Twin Agencies joining the 22 other team member shareholders.

Twin Agencies has built a strong reputation in the industry representing the likes of Whittakers, Hubbards,

Barkers, RJ’s, Café L’Affare, Heartland, Eco Store, Tandoori Palace and Farrah Wraps. n Shane Webby

contents 04 Countdown for Tauranga 09 BOP Wins Checker Comp 18 SIAL 2014 Wraps Up 20 Cleaning 28 New Products

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editorialcomment Looking Ahead

Marketing Win For Lewis Rd Milk

ITS been a busy month with messages coming in from all quarters – some interesting ideas coming out of the Food & Grocery Council conference in Queenstown, from the Leaders Summit of the Association of Convenience Stores, the election, the much awaited Commerce Commission slap on the hand for Countdown along with a multitude of other happenings.

Amongst the concerning things was a report at the FGC conference that the demands on Australian suppliers had now reached record levels – at a burgeoning 25.6%. The point was that costs of suppliers doing business was continually increasing and profits were rapidly decreasing with the shift in ebit dollars moving rapidly from suppliers to retailer with the forecast that all profits in the business will be in retail hands within five years. And the advice from the experts was that manufacturers needed to stand their ground and not pay for anything that didn’t enhance performance. Among the more interesting messages is the thought that “Best Before” may vanish from our labelling as is being proposed in Europe right now. This move to eliminate millions of tonnes of waste in the system is also an appropriate move here with a simple “Use By” on vulnerable products – and that’s an absolute must.

Currently the New Zealand statistics claim around 15% of all grocery items are thrown out because of this issue.

There’s a number of other happenings here that involve major job shifts, buy outs and slow trading conditions that deserve talking about, but it will have to wait for another day.

THE overwhelming hype and demand for Lewis Rd Creamery’s Chocolate Milk must have both Lewis Rd and Whittaker’s laughing all the way to the bank.

Colleagues have been bombarding me for the past three weeks as the newly launched product received what seemed like unlimited editorial coverage in the nation’s media. Reports of fakes, inflated prices listed on trademe, security guards for milk fridges and a Facebook page dedicated to where desperate consumers could get their hands on a bottle verged on the ridiculous.

All this for a premium chocolate milk with a premium price tag to match? It has to have been New Zealand’s most successful new product launch of the year and for a concept that is in no way unique or innovative is surprising. Consumers have been raving about how good the product is but undoubtedly the lack of supply has also helped drum up demand. It’s a risky move to launch a new product without the supply to match and for most companies this would have signalled poor early sales and a lack of consumer interest. Not so for Lewis Rd who fed the hype that the product was so good that people were queuing up outside stores to buy it by the case.

It has been a marketer’s dream and while Whittaker’s seems to have the midas touch when it comes to product collaborations with other companies it’s difficult to know if a pricy chocolate milk can sustain growth in the long term. Word on the street is that Lewis Rd Creamery won’t be the only premium flavoured milk in the market for long.

PETER MITCHELL, Publisher

JASMINE WALTERS, Editor

NW BEER & CIDER AWARDS

THE inaugural New World Beer & Cider Awards has granted 14 Best in Class, 32 Gold, 45 Silver and 77 Bronze medals out of more than 350 entries from 56 breweries. The awards are designed to celebrate the diversity and high standard of beer and cider available in New Zealand while making the decision process easier for consumers. “Having that medal sticker on award-winning beer and cider in-store means people can try different styles with confidence that the brew is going to be a great example of its type,” says chair of judges Neil Miller.

All Best in Class winners are required to have 3,600 litres available at the time of results as they are

distributed and promoted through New World’s 136 stores. All entrants were blind-tasted and assessed using the 50 point scoring system by a panel of four well respected judges which included Kelly Ryan, Kieran HaslettMoore, Joseph Wood and Mike Neilson.

“We’re now seeing more and more New Zealanders appreciating a great quality beer or cider just as much as they do a glass of wine. It’s fantastic that we can provide a competition much like our long-running New World Wine Awards to recognise and reward this growing sector,” says Steve Anderson, managing director Foodstuffs New Zealand.

The Best in Class winning brews are: • Pale Ale – Epic Pale Ale • IPA & APA – Liberty Brewing Co. Yakima Monster • Strong Ale – Renaissance Brewing Company Stonecutter Scott Ale • Speciality Ale – Bach Brewing Duskrider Red IPA • NZ Lager – Steinlager Classic • International Lager – Singha Premium Lager • Pilsner – Galbraith’s Special Edition Pilsner Czech Style • Speciality Lager – Wigram Brewing Co. Munchner Dunkel • Wheat Beer – Mac’s Great White

Cloudy Wheat Beer • Stout & Port – Three Boys Oyster Stout • Fruit, Flavoured & Specialty Beer – Garage Project VPA: Venusian Pale Ale • Lower Strength Beer – Tuatara ITI APA • Apple & Pear Cider – Zeffer Cider Co. Red Apple Cider • Fruit & Flavoured Cider – Old Mout Cider Feijoa & Cider n

YERSINIA NOT DETECTED AT LIVING FOODS TESTING carried out on Living Foods’ property and processing plant by independent laboratory AsureQuality has not detected Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in any of the samples taken, including final product tests.

Antoinette Shallue, Foodstuffs’ corporate PR director, says multiple soil samples taken from the quarantined paddock, swabs from the processing plant as well as irrigation and processing water samples all came back negative.

“The outcome of our internal audit of the Living Foods processing

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facility and farm has indicated that they have a high level of food safety compliance and good farm management practices in place.

There were no uncontrolled practices, conditions or incidents which could have contributed to or led to the food poisoning outbreak,” says Shallue.

Shallue says the co-operative is confident in the ongoing supply of all products originating from Living Foods and is pleased to confirm all Pams lettuce products have been independently verified as safe.

“We are confident in the ongoing supply of all products originating from Living Foods and we have reached the conclusion that there was either no contamination at the source or the food safety protocols in place with our supplier were working as required to eliminate such common environmental organisms.” 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 2014 ISSN NO. 1173-3365

PUBLISHER Peter Mitchell, peter@reviewmags.com

MARKETING Tania Walters, tania@reviewmags.com

EDITOR Jasmine Walters, jasmine@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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FGC’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE THE Food & Grocery Council’s annual conference took place earlier this month, attracting a record 360 delegates from across the grocery sector. Held in picturesque Queenstown, the three day conference was a resounding success with keynote speakers including Murray Jordan, Steve Anderson, Ian McLeod, Tom Potter, Baden Ngan Kee, Geoff Smith and Silvestro Morabito.

In his address, chair Pierre van Heerden read out an email on behalf of Progressive’s managing director Dave Chambers, outlining Countdown’s continued commitment to suppliers despite its absence from the conference.

Andrew Smith (Prolife) and Alistair de Raadt (Mondelez) have both resigned from the Board of Management with Smith leaving to focus on other commitments while de Raadt has left the industry altogether.

No new appointments have been announced, however, Smith will remain part of the FGC’s export focused working group.

The Nielsen sponsored golf tournament was well subscribed to with a record 76 grocery golfers taking part while other social events including the conference dinner were also well attended.

Sydney has been named as the destination of next year’s FGC

Ian McLeod of Wesfarmers/ Coles

conference and is scheduled to be held at Sheraton on the Park. n

COUNTDOWN OFFERS INSURANCE IN a first for Kiwi supermarkets, Countdown has introduced a range of personal insurance products backed by specialist life insurer Cigna.

Countdown Insurance covers bill protection, pet, travel, accidental death and life insurance. The retailer is also offering free life insurance for new parents and its insurance can be applied for online or over the phone.

Managing director Dave Chambers says Countdown has a proud history of innovating to improve the experience of shoppers and its insurance offering provides a mix of appropriately priced products.

“It’s clear that many people see personal insurance as expensive and somewhat unnecessary. At Countdown our key point of difference is that we are already a part of people’s everyday life, with 2.7 million customers walking through our doors every week.

Our customers know us and we’re well-placed to custom design an insurance solution for Kiwis that’s simple, great value and able to help make their lives a little bit easier,” says Chambers.

Cigna has been operating in the New Zealand marketplace for 90 years and its CEO Lance Walker says the company is excited to be supporting Countdown in its newest venture.

“While Countdown might be new to the insurance game, they’ll be solidly backed by our knowledge and expertise every step of the way,” says Walker.

Countdown is giving away free grocery protection insurance to the first 5000 customers who successfully apply. n

CHARITY BALL

THE 2015 Grocery Charity Ball has been scheduled for August 29th at Auckland’s Langham Hotel. Next year’s event will support Autism New Zealand, the nation’s pre-eminent provider of services and support for people on the Autism Spectrum and those who support them. The 2014 Grocery Ball raised in excess of $250,000 for Camp Quality.

NEW STORES DRIVE PROFIT

COUNTDOWN has increased its revenue by 1.1% in its first quarter with sales at Kiwi supermarkets topping $1.5 billion for the 14 weeks to October 5th, up from $1.48 billion for the same period last year. The retailer blamed subdued market conditions and flat inflation for the 0.1% fall in comparable sales, excluding new store openings and closures, in the first quarter of its new financial year.

Woolworths’ Aussie sales were up 3% to A$16.12 billion, however, these were also lower than expected due to increased competition.

TO ORDER PHONE CONTACT YOUR SIMPLY SQUEEZED REPRESENTATIVE OR 06 836 7066 November 2014

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NEW COUNTDOWN FOR TAURANGA

PROGRESSIVE has opened its newest Countdown in the Tauranga suburb of Otumoetai. The Bureta Park store features a full service bakery, service deli, seafood department, expansive fresh produce and an expanded layout for clothing and kitchenware merchandise.

Designed with wider aisles and energy efficient fittings and equipment, Countdown’s new store has created 63 new jobs for the region. Store manager James Liddell is leading the team of 95 and says it’s a fantastic site within the growing Otumoetai community.

“We’re really excited to be open for business and we’re committed to providing our local customers with great fresh food, a modern shopping

experience and value for money,” says Liddell.

Managing director Dave Chambers says the retailer is supporting new job creation and career development in Tauranga.

“We’re a proud employer of more than 620 people in the wider Tauranga area and it’s great to provide so many opportunities for new team members to join our business, and starting great careers in retail with us,” says Chambers.

Countdown Bureta Park is store number 172 for the retailer and offers the popular Click & Collect service. n

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A new innovation taking product assurances into the 21st Century

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INDUSTRY PLAYS ITS PART IN A HEALTHY NZ I GET disappointed whenever I hear someone in the media pointing the finger at the food industry as being the sole blame for the increase in obesity, or diabetes, or general unhealthy eating.

That’s because statements such as “the food industry is only interested in profits”, and that it uses “tainted research as unbiased fact”, and headlines such as “health advocates draw battle lines against food industry to stave off diabetes crisis”, are just so very wide of the mark.

The truth of the matter is that the food industry is as concerned about diseases such as diabetes and obesity as anyone. The Food & Grocery Council has work groups comprising company representatives, often CEOs, who work on nutrition and education issues, programmes in schools, charity projects, and alongside other organisations on all sorts of health initiatives. This is a big part of our work, but such positive initiatives receive little or no acknowledgment from those who either aren’t aware of it or aren’t interested in listening to what we are saying because it doesn’t suit their agenda.

Every year, FGC surveys member companies in an effort to catalogue the type of activities they are engaged in when it comes to health and nutrition in the community. This year’s survey targeted six key areas: nutrition expertise and advice, company policies, provision of resources, support for activity and wellbeing, food reformulation, and voluntary nutrition labelling information. The results provide a comprehensive snapshot of the work companies are doing.

First and foremost, the survey showed that food companies are certainly very actively delivering community programmes aimed at better health, including cooking and shopping skills, gardening, provision of breakfast, and encouraging more people to engage in activity and sports.

The results were very positive. They showed that: • More than half of the companies who responded provide education material for community groups, schools and care facilities.

• Companies sponsor many initiatives, such as the Heart Foundation’s fuelled4life programme and the

Nutrition Foundation’s Food Week, and partner on key initiatives with other organisations such as Dietitians NZ. • Some 60% have registered dietitians or nutritionists on their staff to advise on nutritional profile of foods, while others have them on contract or engage them as advisers.

• Some 70-80% of companies have policies on nutrient guidelines, workplace health & wellness and health & nutrition.

• A great deal of work has been done and is still being done to improve the nutrient profile of foods, especially in relation to sodium, sugar, fat, and increasing fruit, vegetables, and fibre.

There are plenty of examples of reformulation successes.

• Many companies voluntarily produce nutrition information on food labels – the three most commonly used being the Heart Foundation Tick, the percentage Daily Intake Guide and nutrient content claims.

• Now many have either committed to or are actively considering the new Health Star Rating labelling system.

The survey shows that FGC member companies are deeply concerned about the many factors involved in the develop-ment and management of these issues.

Many invest a great deal of time and money on improving food formulations and developing reformulations, low-cal options, and promoting education, healthy foods and lifestyles. And they do it quietly, well under the radar.

Significant work has been done over many years, and there remains plenty of room to do more. Bearing in mind that the companies involved produce a massive proportion of the most popular foods on our supermarket shelves, I’m hopeful that results from this survey will go a long way to convincing those who are way too quick to blame the industry as the sole reason for unhealthy eating trends that industry is playing its part. n

Katherine Rich CEO, New Zealand Food & Grocery Council

FRUCOR DOMINATES NZJBA AWARDS

NAME CHANGE FOR NZJBA

FRUCOR Beverages was the big winner at this year’s NZ Juice & Beverage Awards, taking out six categories and picking up the Supreme Award for large producers.

The Manukau beverage manufacturer

THE New Zealand Juice and Beverage Association will now be known as the New Zealand Beverage Council. The change follows a decision to update and modernise the NZJBA logo to mark the association’s 20th anniversary, with the new name designed to reflect the organisation’s broad membership base.

“It was decided that we had already evolved way beyond being juice driven with water and milk-based beverages already in a membership mix. The potential for adding tea and coffee, powdered beverages and home brands as members, given the very high level of technical expertise we have in the organisation, lead to the suggestion that NZJBA does not accurately reflect nor makeup where we might ultimately head,” says executive officer Kerry Tyack.

Tyack says the original purpose of the NZJBA - to ensure efficacy in the production of juice and a commitment to ensuring consumer safety and satisfaction - is being met and the organisation primarily serves as a forum for discussion and ideas about the direction of the industry.

“Finally there is recognition that we are very closely aligned to our sister organisation in Australia, the ABC, and a change to the word Council makes that close link all the more obvious,” says Tyack.

• Best Short Shelf Life Chilled Fruit Juice – Simply Squeezed’s Feijoa Frenzy Smoothie • Best Long Life Fruit Juice – Frucor’s Just Juice Tropical • Best Milk Based Beverage – Frucor’s V Iced Coffee • Best Lifestyle Beverage – Coca Cola Oceania’s Lift Plus Maximum • Best Tea Based Beverage – Simply

For more information contact your James Crisp Sales Representative or call Steve Daly 09 306 7978 www.tasti.co.nz

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Award for small producers for its Feijoa Frenzy Smoothie. Newcomer VitalZing International was awarded Most Innovative Packaging while Coca-Cola Oceania won the Consumer’s Choice Award. n

THIS YEAR’S WINNERS WERE:

• NEW Innovative Flavour Combinations • NEW Pack Shape • NEW Bar Shape

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was awarded the Supreme Award for its Fresh Up Big Fizz Crisp Apple, which was also named Best Carbonated Beverage. The Frucor owned Simply Squeezed was another success story, collecting the Supreme

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• • • •

Squeezed’s Allganics Peach and Black Tea Best Low Calorie Beverage – Frucor’s Just Juice 50% less sugar Pear and Apple Best Carbonated Beverage – Frucor’s Fresh Up Big Fizz Crisp Apple Best Flavoured Water Beverage – Frucor’s Mizone Lime Most Innovative Packaging –

VitalZing International’s VitalZing Electrolyte – Autumn Gold • Best Industry Initiative – Coca Cola Oceania’s Powerade Breakthrough Academy, Powerade Challenge • Best New to Market Beverage – Frucor’s Fresh Up PET Apple and Orange • Consumer’s Choice Award – Coca Cola Oceania’s Lift Plus Maximum

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To watch the TV ads, visit youtube.com/caffeaurora

Vittoria Food & Beverage, Compass House, Ground Floor, 162 Grafton Road, Grafton, Auckland 1010 Ph: (09) 984 5675 F: (09) 984 5677 W: www.vittoriafandb.com For more information or to place an order speak to your local Alliance Marketing Representative

POSITIVE APPROACH TO HEALTH AND SAFETY

PAK’nSAVE IS NZ’S CHEAPEST

PAK’NSAVE has been named New Zealand’s cheapest supermarket group in Consumer’s annual survey of grocery prices. The banner’s Clarence St store in Hamilton took out the title of the nation’s cheapest supermarket with prices that were up to 13% cheaper than its nearest rival in the seven centres surveyed.

Owner-operator Tony Rider says it has been a busy year for the store, which completed an $18 million upgrade in January. “We’ve been really focused on negotiating the best prices possible, we’re committed to buying products in bulk so we can keep the prices of many items down for a long time,” says Rider.

THE National-led Government has passed a suite of Health and Safety reforms and the new requirements are progressively coming into force.

NARGON is pleased the Government recognised that supermarkets are (relatively) low risk workplaces so the new requirements are less than high risk industries such as construction and farming. However, there are a number of new responsibilities which will involve information (documentation), management (paperwork) and staff (training).

While supermarkets take safety seriously, there can be an understandable tendency to view these requirements as yet another batch in a seemingly endless flow of unnecessary and bureaucratic red tape. However, health and safety policies based on a ‘tick the box’ compliance mindset are unlikely to be effective as few people will buy into the process.

A lot of the material produced on safety is either technical or compliance focused. NARGON recently read an article by Kimberley Lawry, Managing Director of HR Health and Safety Limited, which set out a very different way of approaching the issue. It is thought-provoking and we recommend all stores consider her arguments.

Ms Lawry sets the context “of a worker who has never been hurt (not dangerous), thinks that healthy and safety is red tape gone mad (not

NEW OWNER FOR WAIPU 4 SQUARE

FOODSTUFFS has confirmed rugby league great Steve Price has purchased Waipu’s Four Square. Price took over the store, located in the town’s centre, earlier this week from former owners Richard Wilson and Juanita McGoldrick.

The former Warrior’s captain would not comment on his new business venture and joins fellow rugby league player and retailer Eric Rush in the grocery sector.

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important), experiences his or her safety equipment as uncomfortable (not pleasurable), and feels that each safety meeting sounds the same (not interesting).” She believes that person’s “brain moves into energy saving mode and they switch off to important safety messages and well intentioned safety processes.” That seems very plausible.

She then provides a series of tips to combat this situation. Here are the highlights.

KEEP IT SIMPLE Simplify safety communications into bite-sized chucks. Remember that training is only as effective as the reinforcement that follows it. Provide plenty of opportunities for repetition, refreshers, reminders and coaching.

Use a range of different ways to easily transfer key information (use pictures and graphs rather than words, use on the job training, verbal and written instructions).

Review your current Health and Safety Policies and Systems. Ensure they are compliant with the new changes coming into effect. Develop a staff safety handbook or online induction (that you can also give to visitors, volunteers or contractors). Make it as interactive and fun as you can, and keep the information very specific. Make safety as personally relevant and important as you can for each person and think of ways to introduce novelty or increase interest and energy in safety.

POSITIVE, UNEXPECTED REWARDS Use positive rewards and recognition to help encourage safe behaviours. To be effective, safety programmes need to offer rewards that are personally meaningful, and retain an element of surprise. Search for opportunities to give genuine praise and positive feedback, and focus your measures on catching people ‘doing safety right’ (rather than on what they did not do well).

LEAD THE WAY If you roll your eyes and complain about the red tape that is now required, it sends a clear message to your staff that it is not that important to you.

Leading the way is about making your life easier by simplifying your processes and keeping it simple.”

NARGON believes that last point about leadership and attitude is crucial.

She also suggests a set day every month for a health and safety conversation, and for businesses to work with specialist agencies. This could even just be an outside eye checking your supermarket’s processes are as robust as you think they are.

NARGON is not endorsing HR Health and Safety Limited, however, they have provided a very different way of looking at health and safety, one which is people focused and positive. n

Trina Snow Executive Director NARGON

BOP WINS CHECKER COMP COUNTDOWN Bethlehem’s Rosie Dunn has taken out the retailer’s coveted Checkout Operator of the Year competition. The 22-yearold was awarded a $1000 prezzie card as well as Countdown’s retro cash register trophy, which will be displayed at Dunn’s new store in Bureta Park. Brandon Manuel from Hamilton’s Countdown Chartwell was awarded second place with Arnia Kelly from Countdown Trafalgar Park in Nelson picking up third.

The competition began in August with checkout operators judged on their uniform standards, scan rates, till cash balances and overall customer service by in-store mystery shoppers. Robert Moffat, Countdown’s general manager for operations, says checkout operators

COFFEE & CHOC SHOW RETURNS

are a crucial part of a great customer experience and the competition supports and rewards its team members.

“We’re serving 2.7 million customers every week across the country, and our checkout operators fulfil a very demanding role. Dunn really stood out in the competition because she exemplifies customer service – it’s the subtle things like packing meat and dairy separately, remembering customer’s names and ensuring

SIMPLY SQUEEZED SHAKES UP JUICE SIMPLY Squeezed has overhauled its traditional juice offering, launching five new variants and rebranding five existing products. New additions Hale Kale and SummerDaze are being offered in 350ml and 800ml bottles while SuperJuice PomGrenade is available in 750ml.

Simply Squeezed’s current 1litre OJ, Lo-Pulp and Grapefruit offering has been rebranded in 800ml new look bottles as Amazing Orange, Smooth Orange and Good Morning Grapefruit.

products arrive home exactly how they leave the store,” says Moffat.

Dunn was thrilled with the win and is looking forward to working in the newly opened Countdown Bureta Park.

“It’s a real honour to have won this competition – it’s great recognition and also opens up a lot of opportunity in our wider business, not only with senior leaders but across the different departments,” says Dunn. n

Simply Squeezed’s Daryl Greentree expects the brand’s refreshed offering will help drive total juice growth in time for the critical Christmas/ Summer trading period.

“We see a huge opportunity to bring vibrancy and excitement to the category with the market leading juice range. Our launch into 800ml smoothies in May this year brought 40% growth to the range – we see opportunity to do the same with our juice range,” says Greentree.

Greentree says the brand’s new look packs and products have created a sense of excitement with both retailers and consumers and the company has invested in its most aggressive and comprehensive tastings programme in its history. n

FOLLOWING the successful inaugural Chocolate and Coffee Show this year, event promoter Keith Sharp says exhibitors are lining up to book space at the 2015 event. “Around 50% of the stands have been booked already.

Exhibitors clearly liked the timing of the show, which is held the weekend before Mother’s Day,” says Sharp.

The consumer show attracted more than 10,000 visitors over the two days including a large number of trade visitors with around 20% of attendees travelling from out of Auckland. Green Valley Dairies has renewed its sponsorship of the event and will be promoting its new Barista Velvet Milk. The second annual Chocolate and Coffee Show will be held at The Cloud on Auckland’s Queens Wharf on the 2-3rd May 2015 with the event showcasing chocolatiers, coffee producers and associated businesses such as kitchenware, cakes and confectionery. “We are very exhibitor focused. Our stand prices are low and we offer flexible payment terms to suit your cash flow,” says Sharp.

For all enquiries contact Keith Sharp on 09 445 3179.

We trust Loscam pallets to take care of our precious cargo.

Bryan Hutchison Distribution Manager

Hancocks handle some of the most well known brands in New Zealand.

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SCHOOLS GEARING UP FOR 5+ A DAY CHALLENGE MAKING fresh fruit and vegetables included picnics, fruit and vegetable available and easily accessible for fancy dress days and cooking lessons. children means they are more likely to While schools hold a variety of eat them. So how does United Fresh events, they all have one common do this? factor – fun, which is what the 5+ A Day Challenge is all about. Research There are two ways United Fresh shows that getting children involved encourages New Zealand school with cooking and making mealtimes children to consume more fresh fruit positive makes them more motivated and vegetables for good health. to gobble up their greens.

The first is through the Fruit and Including more fruit and vegetables Vegetables In Schools programme, as part of a balanced diet will help which we manage for the Ministry of children grow and develop, improve Health. The second is by providing vitality and help prevent a range of free curriculum-linked teaching lifestyle diseases. Starting at an early resources to schools through our age also helps to set healthy eating charitable trust, 5+ A Day. Together, habits for the future. these two programmes are very The winners of last year’s challenge effective at encouraging school were Parklands School in Motueka, children around the country to eat which held a colourful fruit and healthily. vegetable rainbow shared lunch, and To reinforce these healthy eating Holy Family School in Porirua, whose messages, we also hold the 5+ A Day pupils wrote and performed a song at School Challenge every November. their local supermarket – dressed as Every New Zealand primary and fruit and vegetables! intermediate school is eligible to enter 5+ A Day is looking forward to this and has the chance to win a $5,000 year’s challenge and seeing what fresh Bosch kitchen appliance package. It’s ideas schools cook up. n an annual event where teachers and pupils work together to create a fun event themed around 5+ A Day. Last year, 128 schools entered the challenge with many of them sending us photos, videos and letters on what they had done. Some invited their David Smith local newspaper along to cover the United Fresh event,IDENTITY which resulted some great BRAND - NATSONSin (NZ) LIMITED LOGO CONCEPTS www.unitedfresh.co.nz media coverage for the schools. Events

PNS WESTGATE OPENS PAK’NSAVE Westgate is Foodstuffs North Island’s newest store, formally opened earlier this month by Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse. Located at the corner of Fred Taylor Drive and Rua Road, the 6,025sqm store features 18 checkouts, fresh bakery, butchery, deli and seafood counter as well as an on site fuel outlet. The new flagship store has created 180 jobs for the region and is being headed by owneroperator Lance Gerlach.

Angela Bull, Foodstuffs North Island general manager property development, says the store has received incredible support from the Westgate community and is easily accessed from all directions.

“We are excited to be able to open the doors to our modern Pak’nSave for our customers to enjoy. With 270 underground car parks there is ample space for all and easy access to the store undercover,” says Bull. n

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HYPERMEDIA is set to the reintroduce its innovative Trolley Handle media format following a successful trial featuring Spark creative. The specialist in-store media company will install 5,000 brand new Trolley Handles across Countdown’s top 50 stores upon completion of the trial. Hypermedia CEO Belinda Freeman says the company has invested a lot of time sourcing the best product on the market.

“As a communication medium, the Trolley Handles are very highly regarded by the FMCG industry

LOCKDOWN SAVES KIWIS $30 MILLION PROGRESSIVE has announced its Price Lockdown and Price Drop initiatives have saved Kiwi shoppers more than $30 million in its first year. The programmes have seen the retailer drop the price of more than 700 grocery items long-term with more products in the pipeline.

Countdown’s managing director, Dave Chambers, says the company’s focus on

and considered to be a very effective form of driving brand awareness and purchase decisions in-store,” says Freeman. Hypermedia launched the Trolley Handle format in 2011 but removed them just over a year later following complications with the durability of the original design.

“The new design was sourced from a top European manufacturer and ticks all the boxes for shopper comfort and ergonomics, but also provides a better integrated advertising panel with a larger surface area than the original,” says Freeman. n driving down prices has delivered real benefits for consumers with even more savings lined up for the programme’s second year.

“Very few people in New Zealand do one weekly shop anymore and even fewer plan weeks in advance to bulk-buy grocery items. We’ve recognised that our customers want certainty on the things they buy most often. We started Price Lockdown and Price Drop so Countdown customers can come in any time and know they’ll pay a low price on these 700 grocery items every single day,” says Chambers. n

November 2014

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PROGS RECOGNISES SUPPLIERS Countdown’s Annual Supplier Awards are our opportunity to thank and recognise the hard work of our supply partners over the last year.

We partner with 4000 suppliers and farmers and their ongoing support is essential to deliver the quality, range and prices our customers demand. This year we were pleased to recognise 16 suppliers across various categories for their outstanding contributions. Now more than ever, our customers are demanding great value for money and products which meet the needs of their ever-changing lifestyles. These Awards are about recognising the efforts put in at all levels to continue to innovate and deliver on these promises for our customers.

– Dave Chambers PROGRESSIVE’S annual trade show and Supplier of the Year Awards were held in Auckland last month, attracting more than 500 attendees over two days. Cerebos Greggs and ABC Tissue Products were named

Supreme Suppliers of the Year for large ($25m+) and small business categories respectively.

Steve Donohue, Countdown’s general manager for merchandise, says both companies have seen

outstanding performances in the last year with Cerebos recognised for its Dilmah tea and Special Blend coffee products.

“We’ve had a great year working with Cerebos Greggs. They have a passionate team behind them and through our partnership, and particularly their support of the price down programme, have been able to deliver strong category growth,” says Donohue.

ABC was awarded the best price down programme supplier for its Quilton toilet tissue product while Turners & Growers picked up Best New Line for its Jelly Bean Tomatoes and Best Promotions went to Mars for its M&M Win a Trip to London promo.

“Quilton was one of our first products in the Price Lockdown programme and they have been so successful that they remain our

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benchmark for new products as they are introduced. Their dedicated team has provided support at all levels of our business and they’ve been able to grow their business with us significantly in the last year,” says Donohue.

Department suppliers of the year: • Produce: Scalzo • Meat: Silver Fern Farms • Seafood: United Fisheries • Bakery: Goodman Fielder • Perishables: Premier Beehive • Deli: Premier Beehive • Liquor: DB Breweries • General Merchandise: Energizer • Beverages: Red Bull • Breakfast snacking: Griffins • Cooking/baking: Cerebos Greggs Ltd • Non foods: ABC Tissue Products • Health, Beauty & Cleaning: Reckitt Benkiser • Own brand: Tasti n

SEAFOOD SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR P R O G R E S S I V E S U P P L I E R AWA R D S – 2 0 1 4

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TEL: +64 3 343 0587 FAX: +64 3 348 678

November 2014

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Product Stewardship – WHOLE OF LIFE OR END OF LIFE? I have just recently returned from the WasteMINZ conference.

A key theme this year was Product Stewardship, with several speakers sharing their own definitions and experiences of what Product Stewardship means to their particular industry.

SO WHAT IS PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP? According to Wikipedia Product Stewardship is defined as: “Where environmental, health, and safety protection centers on the product itself, and everyone involved in the lifespan of the product is called upon to take up responsibility to reduce its environmental, health, and safety impacts. “ But often the term “Product Stewardship” is used interchangeably with the term “Extended Producer Responsibility” – however there are differences - again quoting Wikipedia: “While both concepts bring the onus of waste management for end-of-life products from the government to the manufacturers, Product Stewardship further extends this responsibility to everyone involved in the life-cycle of the product. This includes not only the manufacturers, but also the retailers, consumers and recyclers as well.”

Product Stewardship, in fact, has been the driving force behind the Packaging Council since its inception in 1992. The Packaging Accords arguably, were product stewardship in action long before the term became the vernacular associated with packaging waste, as it is today.

The Accords set up a framework for shared responsibilities across the packaging industry, the recycling industry and both central and local government.

The Accords were the embodiment of Product Stewardship in practice.

This changed when the Waste Minimisation Act was passed in 2008 “Product Stewardship” became enshrined in a piece of legislation aimed at end of life, effectively ending the collaborative, whole-of-life approach established under the Accords.

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A disproportionate focus on end of life, at best overlooks, and at worst completely ignores, the significant environmental gains which are gained through taking a whole-of-life approach.

A sentiment shared by John Gertsakis of Infoactiv, who recently wrote a piece for the WasteMINZ publication (July 2014) ahead of his appearance as a guest speaker at the conference. He comments: “Many product stewardship programs across the globe are in danger of becoming simplistic end-of-pipe solutions that are overly focused on collecting waste and relatively primitive materials recovery. New Zealand, Australia, Europe and North America included. The need to re-calibrate the definition and application of product stewardship is a priority, as is the need to seriously consider waste avoidance outcomes well ahead of end-of-life recycling.”

The Packaging Council’s members span the packaging lifecycle from packaging material manufacturers, packaging users, retailers and recyclers. We can confidently say that our members engage in successful product stewardship every day.

They design and re-design packaging using principles set out in the Packaging Council’s Code of Practice – a practically written framework covering design-forthe-environment considerations, they manufacture using modern processing equipment which is water and energy efficient, and they practice supply chain logistics which ensure the whole system performs optimally – that is, without waste!

So Product Stewardship is something we take seriously. We don’t ignore challenges at any stage of the packaging lifecycle but we firmly believe that a solution-based outcome is achieved by taking a collaborative approach.

Which brings me back to where we started – the Packaging Council has been doing Product Stewardship for the last 21 years and we will continue the focus on a collaborative, whole-of-life approach. n

Sharon Humphreys Executive Director, Packaging Council of New Zealand

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ANOTHER WIN FOR BROTHER DESIGN & PAMS BROTHER Design has been awarded gold at the prestigious Pentawards for its packaging design of Foodstuffs’ Pams flour range. Held in Tokyo this year, the annual global competition is exclusively devoted to packaging design with winners selected by international judges from the UK, Europe, North America and Asia. Brother took out the distributors’/retailers’ own brands category and the award follows another gold at the international Vertex Awards earlier in the year.

Jenny McMillan, Brother’s group business director, says the Pams flour designs embody the charm of simple chic modernity with a timeless sense of home and baking nostalgia.

“Foodstuffs encourages us to ‘break

the category’ and achieve a fresh approach to packaging design formulas.

That helped set our designs apart and importantly, it achieves returns for Foodstuffs too,” says McMillan.

Jocelyn McCallum, Foodstuffs’ national private label manager, says private label is an important part of the co-operative’s business with its Pams label accounting for 8.5% of Foodstuffs total grocery sales.

“Brother Design has been great to work with, they understand our business needs in creating attractive and effective designs that hit the mark. To have Pams receive high praise and international recognition makes us immensely proud and is further confirmation of the calibre of their work,” says McCallum. n

THE FOODBOWL AN INDUSTRY ASSET

TASKED with accelerating New Zealand’s food and beverage industry, The FoodBowl facilitates new product development, offers increased manufacturing capacity and works to boost the nation’s export potential. Funded by local and central government, the Auckland based modular facility is used by both established and start-up businesses to turn ideas into commercial realities. In its first two years, the export licensed facility has already assisted more than 600 companies across a range of services including advice, prototyping, problem solving and manufacturing.

With more than190 pieces of modular equipment, The FoodBowl has New Zealand’s largest commercial equipment range under one roof. It is also one of the few facilities with a Risk Management Programme (RMP) for both dairy and animal products.

Business development manager, Angus Brown says the venue offers food and beverage producers the ability to quickly and cost-effectively trial new products and formulations.

“The FoodBowl appeals to both small and large companies as a confidential space to undertake

product development and early stage commercial production, while retaining 100% of the IP and saving their own existing production lines for ‘bread and butter’ activities,” says Brown.

The facility also acts as a neutral conduit and interface for businesses looking to enter the industry and can see products through from concept to finished product. The FoodBowl is also ideal for small scale businesses looking to increase production without purchasing equipment and building manufacturing plants.

“We adhere to standards that MPI have actually established and are able to guide companies through a food safety and HACCP plans. While we don’t have all certifications, like Halal, we are able to get them and can spec the facility to meet requirements.”

Brown says The FoodBowl is enthusiastic about developing innovative, higher-value products and is happy to collaborate with manufacturers.

“We’re keen to support the development of value-added product from traditional waste streams with a focus on sustainability.” n

eople

ds meet p

an where br

storecheck Visiting Auckland’s inner suburbs, our mystery shopper found a high standard of stores with New World New Lynn picking up the area’s

COUNTDOWN, MT EDEN

On a nice spring day I visited a number of stores in Auckland’s inner suburbs. First was Countdown in Mt Eden.

Plenty of car parks and clean and tidy exterior, although the trolley bays were quite full. At the entrance was a large display featuring the Jamie Oliver cookware promotion. Despite being a very clean and tidy store, there was an unattended trolley with product in the beer aisle. In one aisle there were about four or five Cadbury display stands, however, I’m not sure this works as it makes the aisle look cluttered. I felt they probably needed a few more checkouts open, but other than that this store was hard to fault.

COUNTDOWN, GREY LYNN

Next on the list was Countdown Grey Lynn.

Plenty of car parks again but there were a few pieces of rubbish creating an untidy look.

First impressions were very good but when you looked closer the store just didn’t quite match the Countdown in Mt Eden. Notably the floor was old and scruffy and whilst the fresh produce looked really good and was well stocked the fresh fish was really out of stock and looked poor. The salads in the deli section were really depleted too. However, on exit the service at the checkout was quick and very friendly.

PAK’nSAVE, MT ALBERT

Further west was the Pak’nSave at Mt Albert.

Looking a bit older, the car park and exterior were tidy and the signage in the windows was good. On entering, the store looked well lit and the promotional product in the foyer area was well presented. Again, I noticed that the floor was scruffy and uneven and like most Pak’nSave stores there were no baskets.

However, it was clean and tidy, with good signage and no out of stocks. The store had wine and beer but this was paid for at a small check out in that area, as they are in the Waitakere Licensing Trust area. The store was quite busy and management probably should have opened more check outs as there were quite a few people waiting in line.

NEW WORLD, NEW LYNN

Lastly I visited New World in New Lynn. Again I had no trouble getting a park and the whole exterior was clean and tidy with good signage. However, there were a few trolleys cluttering the entrance which was annoying. The fresh produce was really well lit and fully stocked and the salads in the deli section looked terrific, bright and fresh. There was an unattended trolley of

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STORE EXTERIOR

CD CD P’nS NW Mt Eden Grey Lynn Mt Albert New Lynn

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

4

3

3

4

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

4

4

4

5

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

4

4

5

5

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

5

5

5

5

STORE INTERIOR

CD CD P’nS NW Mt Eden Grey Lynn Mt Albert New Lynn

• Were your first impressions positive?

(5 pts.)

4

4

4

5

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

4

3

3

5

• Adequately lighting/heating? (5 pts.)

3

4

4

5

• Instore signage clear adequate?

(5 pts.)

4

4

5

5

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

5

4

4

4

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

3

4

5

3

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

4

4

4

5

STORE LAYOUT

CD CD P’nS NW Mt Eden Grey Lynn Mt Albert New Lynn

• Were the aisles wide enough?

(5 pts.)

3

3

5

3

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

4

4

5

4

• Were all shelves clean, neat and tidy?

(5 pts.)

4

4

4

5

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

4

4

3

3

PRODUCTS

CD CD P’nS NW Mt Eden Grey Lynn Mt Albert New Lynn

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

4

4

4

5

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

5

4

4

5

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

5

4

4

5

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

4

4

4

5

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

4

4

4

5

top spot. New flooring would have improved scores for several of the stores while unattended trolleys were also a reoccurring problem. fresh produce waiting to be stocked. The soft drinks were a little low and there needed to be a few more check outs open but otherwise this store looked fabulous. There were no out of stocks, the signage and ticketing was spot on and the fresh fish in particular was outstanding. Apart from a couple of small points, I just couldn’t fault this store. n

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www.supermarketnews.co.nz

STAFF

CD CD P’nS NW Mt Eden Grey Lynn Mt Albert New Lynn

FRESH FOOD

CD CD P’nS NW Mt Eden Grey Lynn Mt Albert New Lynn

• Did the produce look fresh?

PRODUCE (5 pts.)

5 4 4 5

FISH (5 pts.)

4 4 5 5

MEAT (5 pts.)

4

4

4

5

DELI (5 pts.)

4

4

4

5

BAKERY (5 pts.)

4

4

4

5

• Was there a full range of produce?

PRODUCE (5 pts.)

4 4 4 5

FISH (5 pts.)

4 2 5 5

MEAT (5 pts.)

4

3

4

5

DELI (5 pts.)

4

4

4

5

BAKERY (5 pts.)

4 4 4 5

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

5 5 5 5

• 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.)

4

4

3

4

• 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

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

4 5 5 5

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

4 5 5 5

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

5 5 5 5

HOW THEY SCORE?

5 3 5 5 7

8

10

CD CD P’nS NW Mt Eden Grey Lynn Mt Albert New Lynn

Maximum available score: 200 pts 167 159

171

190 TOP SCORE

November 2014

I 17

SIAL 2014 WRAPS UP IN PARIS

World

The Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL), the world’s largest agribusiness trade fair, celebrated its 50th anniversary in Paris last month. With a record 150,000+ visitors, its position and popularity within the retail grocery and foodservice sectors is secure. The popularity of the inspiration and events zones, in particular World Tour by SIAL and SIAL Innovation, amply testified to the visitors’ interest in the avalanche of new product developments. World Tour By SIAL is a unique worldwide concept and for the 2014 season it presented a window on the world of food trade. With 28 journalists from 28 countries the brief was to unveil and explain the major retail trends underpinning the different markets across the world in a global snapshot. The full feature on retail trends from around the world as well as our top innovative products will be published in our December issue.

TOUR

by

WORLD TOUR BY SIAL WINNERS THE international judging panel of 28 trade magazine publishers say the winners stood out as global innovations and representative of food trends for 2015.

“The World Tour by SIAL awards programme is a new initiative and replaces SIAL d’Or and it has been a big change to direct the judges attention to the best representation of global food trends rather than just food innovation in each country.

The winners this year, particularly the Nestle Maggi Papyrus Frying Paper showed both innovation within the country presenting the product as well as being representative of a global food trend of convenience,” says New Zealand judge Tania Walters.

The 6,500 exhibiting companies representing coverage from 105 countries pulled out all the stops this year. Above are the winners of World Tour by SIAL and SIAL Innovation.

Gold

AUSTRIA - Nestle’s Maggi Papyrus Frying Paper. Available in Italian Herb & Garlic and Mediterranean variants, Nestle’s seasoned frying paper eliminates the need for oil while cooking meat.

Silver Japan - Yamasa’s innovative soy sauce packaging prevents the product from oxidising, even while pouring.

SIAL INNOVATION WINNERS GOLD

TWISTS/New Food Packaging/ FRANCE A ready made meal in a pot with a separate sauce contained in the lid. Simply turning the lid opens the tab holding the sauce, allowing the product to preserve quality and taste.

SILVER

YOOJI Organic Frozen Portions for Babies/ Frozen Food Category/ FRANCE 10g portions of mincemeat or fish which are free from additives, preservatives and added salt. Texture is adapted to the baby’s age with each pack containing 12 individually wrapped portions of frozen organic vegetable puree in upright standing sachets.

It was 40 years ago (on June 26th)…

FROM warehouse loading docks to small retail shops, workers engaged in the global supply chain and shoppers worldwide will hear the familiar ‘beep’ of the GS1 barcode as many as five billion times each and every day (including recently on June 26th). It’s likely, though, that none of them on that day realised that each of those ‘beeps’ marked a historic milestone in the life of the first tracking and traceability solution in the supermarket business.

Forty years ago, on June 26, 1974, a Sharon Buchanan was the first cashier to scan a GS1 barcode at a Marsh Supermarket in Troy, Ohio (USA) and a Clyde Dawson, director of research and development for Marsh became the first person to purchase a product with a price labelled on the package.

That item was a 10-pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum that cost 67 cents.

When reflecting on that first scan, it set me thinking. Imagine if there was no barcode? Do you remember how checkouts used to work? I can

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recall working in a liquor store and in Hallensteins putting stock out on the shelves with the ‘assistance’ of the old price marking guns. I have rung up many, many items personally on tills, recording just the price and, in one more ‘sophisticated’ store, enhancing that sale record with a generic commodity code key(‘deli’, ‘vegetables’, ‘bread’). Fun eh?

Can you imagine how frustrated consumers would be if our supermarkets reverted back to 1970s processes? Checkout clerks manually punching in prices. Stores having no direct idea of what they have sold.

Stock management and on-shelf availability a challenge. From a business perspective, imagine how the barcode enables a little manufacturer in India to sell his product any place in the world because the label can be read in any country in any language.

Quite amazing.

Barcodes are the most well-known and universally recognized part of the GS1 suite of Standards, the most OWNED

widely used supply chain standards in the world. Now these ubiquitous standards (‘identify’, ‘capture’, ‘share’) are used for tracking and tracing for physical things, such as trade items (products and services), assets, logistic units, shipments, physical locations, and logical things like a corporation or a service relationship between provider and recipient. Now even the New Zealand Government has adopted GS1 standards – the New Zealand Business Number that will replace the GST number is a GS1 Global Location Number (GLN).

The future?

The new frontiers for the supermarket trade now are to ‘turbo-charge’ food transparency and traceability to enhance food safety and food security.

Saving waste in the food supply chain is also gaining focus, driven by an economic, sustainability and political interests. Freshness management –is rising in importance. We are now seeing sushi being scanned with

Bronze South Africa - Gourmet Africa’s range of authentic regional dishes.

JOINT BRONZE

• READY-GROW/Mushrooms/Fresh Products Category/FRANCE • ECO GUMELO CAP/Mushrooms/Fresh Products Category/PORTUGAL Growing kit for mushrooms which enables oyster mushrooms to be grown directly in the cardboard box. Compost made of recycled coffee grounds and vaporiser included. n

barcodes that identify the hour of production, with business rules automatically issuing a discount for product outside a defined freshness window at the point of sale. Such discounts being automated have led to the very rational consumer behaviour of picking through the deli, meat and produce shelves to find the oldest product to gain an automatic discount. How cool is that? – the consumer assisting the supermarket operator to manage FIFO processes!

Lastly, we are seeing a moving towards item level identification – especially for high-risk items such as infant formula – partially to address consumer demands for authentication and detection of counterfeits.

The last 40 years have whizzed past – I wonder what a supermarket will look like in the next 40? n

Peter Stevens CEO GS1 New Zealand

November 2014

I 19

cleaning COTTONSOFT GROWS AHEAD OF CATEGORY

COTTONSOFT is the number two manufacturer of branded paper towels with a 24% share of the $30 million category. The company has the Tuffy and Paseo brands and is growing at 5.3%, ahead of category growth of 2.4% ($MAT to 28/09/2014).

“Tuffy is growing strongly at 6.9% and is on track to accelerate plus sustain brand and category growth through media, category insight, shopper engagement and simple value-added innovation,” says Cottonsoft category marketing manager Malcolm Everts.

In a bid to drive growth in the major mid-range segment, Cottonsoft has launched a social media campaign for Tuffy and its new Paseo 3X Wipes and 3Ply Paper Towel have replaced underperforming chubby style short rolls to grow the premium segment.

Everts says mid-range products dominate the category with over 80% of sales while both price and premium segments are shrinking.

“A key factor underpinning low category growth, despite being a highly expandable category, is low and declining household penetration (Nielsen Homescan). Both the Tuffy Time campaign and Paseo 3X Wipes launch are aligned to address these opportunities, with a dual brand portfolio approach supporting a balance across both mid-range and premium

segments,” says Everts.

Environmentally friendly products are a global consumer trend and include supporting sustainable management of forests through the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). The Environmental Choice NZ certification is another that is supporting key environmental factors. Cottonsoft’s Tuffy brand carries PEFC and ECNZ labels, is biodegradable and also features recyclable packaging.

Everts believes future growth is likely to come from simple, functional, shopper lead innovation like its Pick a Length offering. “Tuffy Pick a Length allows consumers to pick more or less paper each time they tear paper from the roll – simple, functional and growing at over 12% as evidence of its increasing consumer popularity.” n

GREEN KLEEN’S MAINSTREAM APPEAL GREEN Kleen Products is a newcomer to the category, launching its Green Kleen brand into retail earlier this year. A division of paper distribution company BJ Ball, Green Kleen’s household cleaners are locally made and Envirochoice certified. The eco friendly brand combines high performance with mainstream pricing and its six variants include Hawke’s Bay Apple Multi-Purpose, KeriKeri Lemon Sparkling Shower, Crystal Clear Glass and Gisborne Orange Bathroom Beautiful. General manager Ken Collin says Green Kleen is creating an eco mainstream segment, offering consumers something new while its competitive price point delivers above average margins for retailers.

“Our products perform as well as the market leaders and our Dazzling Dishwash is unique as it is the first Manuka oil based product to hit the market,” says Collin.

Consumers are increasingly interested in the environmental impact of cleaners, with the ‘enviro-friendly’ segment growing at 10%, well ahead of

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category growth at 2%.

“At the same time the clear research insights are that consumers aren’t prepared to pay huge premiums for eco benefits and there is a belief that natural is not as effective as chemical. Green Kleen bridges that perception gap.”

Collin believes there is plenty of opportunity for retailers to grow in the non-chemical eco space and while the eco category pioneers have long been on shelf, there are still major gaps and opportunities for Green Kleen to capitalise on. n

LIVING GREEN IN RETAIL

COMMERCIAL cleaning products provider Living Green has entered the retail market with its Sigrid’s and iClean brands. Sigrid’s is currently the only cleaning product to be certified natural by the United States Natural Products Association, the oldest and largest non-profit organisation dedicated to the natural products industry. The brand’s hypo-allergenic, low irritation products are made with 100% biodegradable plant based ingredients. Sigrid’s specialty cleaners are offered in five variants - Spots & Carpet, Upholstery Cleaner, Stainless Steel, Linen & Clothes Refresher and an Oven Cleaner. The fragrance free specialty cleaning products are ideal for consumers with allergies, chemical sensitivities or intolerances while its iClean brand is more in line with Living Green’s commercial offering. Unique to the category, iClean’s range of highly concentrated and effective eco cleaners are sold in 250ml bottles and accompanied by an empty 500ml bottle.

Available in five products, the iClean line encompasses eco-concentrates for Your Dishes, Your Floors, Your Glass, Your Kitchen and Your Bath Room products with each 250ml bottle making three 500ml refills.

“There is currently nothing similar to iClean on the market. Eco-concentrated cleaners is a new an innovative way to use cleaning products. We see this growing the category by encouraging high usage and environmentally conscious customers to buy in supermarkets rather than through other trade outlets,” says Living Green’s founder Sigrid McLisky.

Manufactured in New Zealand, McLisky says the move into retail was a natural progression for the company, which has long been a provider of specialised natural and biodegradable

BIODEGRADABLE BAGS ECO Pal Degradable Plastics plays in the general merchandise category with its premium range of high quality, biodegradable rubbish sacks and resealable plastic bags. Its rubbish sacks are available in four sizes spanning small pedal bin liners to 60 litre bins while the brand’s re-sealable bags are offered in storage and sandwich size. The company is adding to its offering with a re-sealable snack sized bag set to join the range along with larger volume packs of both the snack and storage sized products.

“Re-sealable are currently the fastest

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growing product in our category, so we will be focusing on these,” says John Fell, Eco Pal’s managing director.

As the only company providing a biodegradable rubbish bag alternative, Fell says consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious with international governments working to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. “These changes will be reflected in the types of rubbish bags consumers’ purchase,” says Fell.

Eco Pal is represented in the NZ grocery sector by Alliance Marketing. n

cleaning products for high-end, environmentally conscious commercial users and the food manufacturers.

“You have to have truly green and effective cleaning products for commercial use, so we already had the established formulas from which to draw from.” McLisky says the company is hoping its retail offering will lead to a decrease in conventional heavy duty chemical cleaners and follow the global trend of increased demand for environmentally friendly products. n

EARTHWISE INNOVATES WIPES

EARTHWISE’S environmentally friendly portfolio includes plantbased cleaning products designed for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry as well as general purpose cleaning lines.

With a legacy of over 50 years worth of experience and innovation, the mainstream brand introduced the first environmentally friendly wipes to the market earlier this year. The 100% biodegradable wipes are phosphate, nitrate, chlorine and ammonia free, providing consumers with a natural alternative at an economical price point. The New Zealand owned and operated company has also added to its kitchen offering, launching Pomegranate and Green Apple sprays.

Earthwise director Jamie Peters says contemporary fragrances respond to the growing interest in natural and naturally derived ingredients with the environmental segment showing steady growth. Convenience still influences purchasing decisions, resulting in brands innovating with more multifunctional products designed to simply consumers’ lives. “We are also seeing more room for specific cleaning items, to cut through the generic noise,” says Peters. n

CONCENTRATES & LIQUIDS KEY TO GROWTH PZ Cussons has the Morning Fresh, Reflect and Down to Earth brands in the cleaning market, operating across the dishwashing and laundry categories. Morning Fresh is the number one concentrated dish wash product in New Zealand while the company’s Down to Earth label operates in the affordable eco segment. Down to Earth has added to its dish wash range, releasing a price competitive 450ml refill pack and relaunching its 850ml option in a 100% recycled PET bottle. Country manager Jeremy Boucher says the concentrated segment of the market continues to grow fast with plenty of growth opportunities.

“The NZ dish wash market has a lot of growth potential that will come from trading up standard formulas, approx 75% of the market, to concentrated formulas (25% of total) to deliver a more effective and efficacious wash,” says Boucher. While eco and sustainability are key trends, Boucher believes products must still be as effective as non eco options.

“Balancing up the need for a product that actually works with strong eco credentials is a sweet spot

that we see becoming more relevant over time.”

PZ Cussons plays in laundry with its Reflect brand, available to retailers in both powder and liquid formats. Its powdered range rolled out new look packs earlier this year while Reflect’s liquid offering continues to perform strongly.

“We are one of the fastest growing brands in the fast growing liquid laundry segment and are keen to accelerate this position over the coming 12 months,” he says. Boucher says liquids are a growing trend in offshore markets and along with unit dose solutions are likely to grow locally.

“Internationally, liquids can represent over 45% of the laundry market size and whilst NZ remains a market grounded in powder, we see this international trend of powder moving to liquid continuing to roll out into NZ.” PZ Cussons remains focused on bringing new news to the category with new products set to join its offering in 2015. n

TOTAL SUPERMARKETS - CURR MAT W/E 05/10/2014

Val Sales

Val % Chg YA

Unit Sales

Unit % Chg YA

Val Sales

Val % Chg YA

Unit Sales

Unit % Chg YA

T. Total Household Cleaners $63,635,122 T. Household All Purpose Cleaners $25,940,241 T. Household Scouring Agents $5,857,660 T. Liquid Bleaches $5,050,978 T. Carpet Cleaners $4,000,990 T. Disinfectant $3,833,380 T. Household Cleaning Wipes $3,232,480 T. Window Cleaners $3,083,908 T. Furniture Polish $2,687,277 T. Carpet Deodorisers $2,683,118 T. Mould Treatments $2,602,482 T. Oven Cleaners $1,729,238 T. Drain Cleaners $1,334,635 T. Metal Polishes $932,782 T. Vitroceramics $587,930 T. Fabric Protectors $63,463 T. Degreasers $14,562

T. Total Toilet Cleaners T. Manual Toilet Cleaners T. In The Bowl Toilet Cleaners T. In The Cistern Toilet Cleaners T. Toilet Brush Systems

$23,315,286 $11,084,390 $9,429,734 $2,801,163 NA

-0.9% 0.3% 1.8% -1.9% -7.8% -1.8% 11.9% -10.6% -1.8% 1.5% -3.5% 0.1% 4.5% -14.1% -1.8% 2.6% 54.8%

-2.6% -1.2% -5.9% 4.4% -100.0%

14,687,472 5,706,086 1,821,243 1,961,103 419,263 1,374,833 585,451 857,307 473,259 449,103 333,772 375,056 114,521 104,635 103,360 6,726 1,754 6,470,987 3,350,256 2,409,656 711,075 NA

-1.4% 1.1% -3.9% -3.1% -6.5% -1.5% 12.4% -8.4% -2.9% -1.0% -6.6% -5.2% 10.8% -18.5% -0.7% 1.2% 41.5%

-1.4% 1.3% -5.5% 0.8% -100.0%

Source: Nielsen NZ Scantrack

3M DRIVES GROWTH SCOTCH-Brite plays across all subsegments of the category including sponges, scourers and wipes. The 3M brand has recently added to its cleaning portfolio, launching the Stay Clean range in a scrubbing cloth, scrub sponge, dishwand and dishwand refill options. Unlike traditional scrubbers, the new products feature an innovative scrubbing surface which rinses clean of all food debris including egg and cheese. Philippa Griffith, 3M product specialist, says the brand’s new range is driving incremental sales and accelerated growth for the category. “The scrubbing surface on Scotch-Brite

Stay Clean products stays fresher for longer, and won’t harbour germs in the same way that traditional scrub sponges do,” says Griffith. Griffith says the category is currently declining in both dollar and unit sales with future growth likely to come from innovation and education focusing on new uses for cleaning products. “There is still an appetite for innovative products that make life easier and save time - in a category such as sponges, scourers and wipes, consumers are willing to pay more for these types of products as the time-saving benefit outweighs the price premium. Through our NPD we continue to position Scotch-Brite as the leader in innovation in the category.” n

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h&baisle NEW SKINCARE BRAND LAUNCHED

CROMBIE & Price has introduced Britain’s favourite bodycare brand, Anatomicals, to the Kiwi market. With 15 products in the range, Antomicals offers retailers two body scrubs, four body cleansers, three body lotions, three hand soaps and three hand creams. Its Fashionably Fruity body cleanser is a best seller with online retailer ASOS and the brand is designed for both women and men. Containing melon, lilac, vanilla and citrus ingredients, the Anatomicals range is price competitive and features eyecatching packaging with quirky sayings. Crombie & Price’s Catherine McArdle says Anatomicals offers a real point of difference in the category and has been well received in Australia, where it launched in May this year.

NEW LOOK WHITE GLO PACKS

WHITE Glo has rolled out new packaging across its Extra Strength Whitening toothpaste range. The brand’s Professional, Smokers Formula, Coffee & Tea Drinkers Formula and 2 in 1 with Mouthwash variants are now available to retailers in a 150g vertical packaging design for easy on shelf display. White Glo’s offering contains micro polishing particles which work to lighten discolourations and yellowing on tooth enamel and now includes a bonus X-Action toothbrush. The brand is represented in New Zealand by Alliance Marketing.

SIGRID’S TARGETS BABIES & KIDS

NEWCOMER Living Green has launched a line of natural skincare products for babies and kids under its Sigrid’s label. The range includes Body Wash & Shampoo, Bubble Bath, No Knots Hair Detangling Spray, Bottom Cream, Skin Soother Spray and Dreamtime Spray. The Kiwi made products are hypoallergenic and certified natural by the United States Natural Products Association, the oldest and largest nonprofit organisation dedicated to the natural products industry. Founder Sigrid McLisky says the international accreditation gives the newly launched brand credibility in a competitive sector. “We really wanted to highlight that our products are truly green and natural by substantiating our natural claims with third party accreditation,” says McLisky. Sigrid’s skincare range contains no toxic ingredients and is low irritation and pH balanced.

NATURAL TOOTHPASTE SEES GROWTH

RED Seal has seen sales of its toothpaste range grow by roughly 32% in the financial year to date while exports to Australia are up by 150%. As the only branded local producer of toothpaste in New Zealand, Red Seal’s offering encompasses Smokers, Propolis, Natural, Baking Soda, Kids and Natural SLS free. Sales and marketing manager Sue Millinchip says the brand’s export sales are nearly three times what they were this time last year. “We have great expectations for our toothpaste as we continue to develop the Chinese market in particular and Baking Soda is growing at even faster rates than the total brand,” says Millinchip.

OIL TO REDUCE BLOW DRYING

L’OREAL has added to its Garnier Fructis brand, launching a new hair treatment designed to protect hair while reducing the time it takes to blow-dry. Garnier’s Miraculous Oil Brushing Express is an innovative oil which offers heat protection up to 230 degrees and when applied to wet hair can halve the drying time. Featuring a citrus-scented formula and Argan Oil, Miraculous Oil Brushing Express works to displace water molecules so wet hair dries quicker. Rich in vitamin E and Omega 9, the multipurpose product can also be used to nourish dry tips, as a mask or after washing to ease combing.

NEW HAIR COLOURS

L’OREAL Paris has introduced six new variants from its Preference home hair care offering with Deep Purple Pearl, Madrid Black, Very Platinum, Extreme Platinum, Ombre Red and Ombre Intense joining the range. L’Oreal has tweaked its Preference formula to include Hi-Shine Elixir, which retains colour for longer while providing added nourishment during application.

The on-trend additions have been formulated in collaboration with L’Oreal Paris’ global hair colour expert, Christophe Robin.

BANANA BOAT ADDS TO RANGE

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ENERGIZER has added to its Banana Boat sunscreen range, releasing a Sport Cool Zone SPF50+ variant. The new addition offers broad spectrum sun protection, is non-greasy and sweat resistant. Banana Boat’s SPF50+ Clear Sprays are fast and easy to apply with no rubbing required. n

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BEERFORCE DRIVES ULTRA PREMIUM

IMPORTING quality beers for more than two decades, Beerforce International’s offering has grown to encompass 60 SKUs including the Schneider, Grant Willoughby Dunkel, Chimay and Fullers brands. Founded by Grant Willoughby in 1993, the company has focused on off-shore family-owned breweries with brewing heritage of 100-150 years. Beerforce deals directly with the brewery and brand owners, importing from the country of origin.

“Authenticity is important along with product and price continuity,” says Willoughby. The company has the largest imported beer portfolio in New Zealand, representing four separate segments – high strength, Belgium ultra premium, premium English and beers brewed under the German Purity Laws.

Willoughby says globally there has been a reduction in beer consumption with consumers moving away from quantity and towards quality.

“On average Kiwis consume around 75 litres of beer annually and 78% of beer is now sold in supermarkets.

Like the wine industry, there has been a change in consumer tastes and people want to trade up when they can

afford it,” saysWilloughby. With four national sales reps, Willoughby says his extensive beer offering is considered ultra premium both in terms of quality and price but can be tailored to suit a range of different demographics.

While craft beer has been seeing good growth, Willoughby says this segment still only represents around 2% of the market despite a host of marketing support. “Most craft beer brewers can make one good beer but insist on producing every kind under the sun. Consumers are always looking for something new in this space, but it means, that repeat purchases in craft aren’t that common.”

Willoughby predicts future growth in the beer category will come from more premium offerings and the big three will continue to dominate the marketplace. n

NEW LOOK FOR OLD MOUT

DB has refreshed its Old Mout Cider brand, releasing new look labels and format reflecting its Nelson heritage.

Made in the Moutere Valley since 1947, the number one selling cider in supermarkets has launched its popular Boysencider and Passionfruit & Cider variants in 500ml glass bottles (Nielsen 07/09/2014). The brand has also rolled

out new look labels across the range, featuring unique fruit illustrations by Nelson-based artist Jane Smith. n

LOW ALCOHOL CIDER

DB has introduced New Zealand’s first lower alcohol cider with the launch of Monteith’s Lightly Crushed Cider in four and 12 packs. Made from 100% crushed Kiwi apples, the crisp, dry cider retains the body and flavour of a full strength cider with the benefit of a lower alcohol content of 2.8% ABV. David Sax, Redwood Cider’s chief cidermaker, says the brand has drawn on its cider heritage and local knowledge to deliver a more refreshing beverage. “Cider is rapidly growing in popularity and as we head into summer, we saw a trend for moderation when Kiwis are choosing what to drink and we’ve created Monteith’s Lightly Crushed Cider as a result,” says Sax. n

NEW GM SALES FOR ALLAN SCOTT

1) WHAT DOES THE TERM “CIDER” REALLY REFER TO? The term ’cider’ has a legal meaning set out in the Fruit Wine and Vegetable Wine Standard (2.7.3) which is essentially an alcoholic beverage made at least 75% from fermented apples and up to 25% from fermented pears (but no other fruits). The trouble is ‘cider’ is also the term most people use to refer to alcoholic beverages made from any fermented fruit blended with cider (other than grapes which of course we know just as ‘wine’). This colloquial use of the term ‘cider’ more accurately describes fruit wines in general.

This dual use of the term cider (one

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technical the other colloquial) is at the crux of most of the angst as cider purists argue that only something entirely made of cider should be referred to as cider.

That is akin to saying a bottle of apple and pear juice should not be able to state ’apple’ on the label unless the product was 100% apple juice. The point is lost that if a beverage is 90% cider but is blended 10% with say raspberry juices, most people would understand the product better as raspberry and cider as opposed to raspberry fruit wine or something similar.

Labels obviously have to be legally correct but that includes not being misleading and being readily understandable by consumers. In this example, it is both technically correct to call the product raspberry and cider (as it is constituted by raspberry juice and cider) as well as being readily understandable. For the sake of ease, I will refer to the cider and fruit wine category simply as ‘cider’ from here on in.

2) INGREDIENTS AND FRUIT CONTENT OF CIDER MYTH 1: Ciders do not contain ingredients on their labels in order to OWNED

Mitchell Gardiner

ALLAN Scott Family Wines has appointed Mitchell Gardiner as general manager sales to grow the business in both local and offshore markets. Gardiner is an experienced

CIDER CATEGORY STILL EXPERIENCING GROWING PAINS

CIDER was recently added to the CPI basket of goods for measuring inflation – demonstrating that it is now an established category in New Zealand.

However, recent media articles indicate that there is still a lot of confusion in this area, particularly around what cider really is? Whilst most agree that that there is need for greater clarity in the cider category, much of the confusion stems from a lack of understanding of the existing laws. I have tried to address some of the common misconceptions.

sales manager, previously completing nine years at Toops Wholesale where he drove hospitality sales 450% and achieved growth in declining segments. His appointment will allow Allan Scott to continue its growth strategy, which has been enhanced by record harvests during recent years.

“To achieve that strategy, the sales team requires additional experience, vision, skills and determination, with Gardiner’s appointment reflecting all those attributes,” says Victoria Scott, director of marketing for Allan Scott Family Winemakers.

Scott says Gardiner will focus on building the brand’s international presence as well as maintaining growth in the domestic market.

“Global prospects for Allan Scott Estate wines remain of high potential with good demand indicators, and it is important that we carefully capture such opportunities to ensure that market demand remains sustainable, and to add value to our carefully crafted varietals and continuing innovative blends meeting modern market norms,” says Scott. n

hide the fruit and/or sugar content from consumers.

REALITY: All standardised alcoholic beverages (beer, cider, wine and spirits) are exempt from the requirement to include their ingredients on labels as they can only be made from a very limited set of ingredients. Once you step outside these carefully prescribed lists you are no longer a standardised alcoholic beverage and need to include ingredients on the label.

MYTH 2: Using concentrates to make ciders would be prohibited if there was a minimum fruit content required for cider.

REALITY: Any use of concentrate juices must be re-constituted to the original quantity of juice to comply with the fruit juice rules. Effectively this restores the juice content in the final product to the original juice content and results in a final juice content typically well above mooted minimum levels (30-35%+). So the use of concentrates actually results in a fruit content level similar to if fresh fruit had been used all along.

Undoubtedly you need clear regulations to form the basis for growth.

However, we need to keep at least one hand on the baby as we throw out the bathwater. Products which are

blocked from sale in supermarkets in New Zealand are winning renowned cider awards in much bigger markets abroad. There has to be a solution that delivers the capacity for growth whilst maintaining the integrity of the category. Beer has famous purity laws but they still enable the development of flavoured and other innovative beer styles. Why should cider be constrained to one trick only?

Cider has the potential to be New Zealand’s next big export growth story. It has obvious links to our wine industry (and in fact many cider makers are ex-wine makers), has strong ties to brand NZ and our clean, green and agriculturally excellent image, and utilises great New Zealand fruit.

The New Zealand cider category is really only five years old and has yet to develop into better defined subcategories. Before we pick apart this fledgling growth story it would be prudent to celebrate this fresh and exciting new category and embrace the diversity it brings, as well as spare a thought for the potential outside of New Zealand as opposed to just what is on our supermarket shelves. n

Matt Wilson Corporate Relations Manager DB Breweries Ltd

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newproducts LIMITED RELEASE LINES

NEW CREAM CHEESE MOONDARRA has extended its flavoured cream cheese range, launching a soft mild-tasting cream cheese infused with garlic, tomato, oregano and basil. The brand’s Bruschetta Cream Cheese is sold in a convenient log shape and has been crafted using fresh ingredients and a special recipe.

Moondarra cheeses are represented in grocery by Bluerock Ltd. n

DONOVANS has increased its one pound box offering with Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels and Dark Chocolate Almond & Cranberry Clusters joining the 454g range. The limited edition variants form part of the brand’s Christmas line with both products featuring 60% dark chocolate. n

DELMAINE REFORMULATES

GOURMET MEATBALLS

ANZCO Foods has added to its popular Angel Bay range of burger patties, launching Gourmet Beef Meatballs in a 525g bag. The convenient family sized pack contains around 35 part-cooked meatballs made from 100% New Zealand beef.

Ideal as a canape or as the core component of spaghetti and meatballs, Angel Bay’s new addition features new look packaging. n

BREAKFAST POUCHES ADDED BREKKIE pouches have joined The Collective’s dairy product portfolio in boysenberry and apricot variants. The convenient 170g re-sealable pouches contain Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit and four super grains - quinoa, chia, linseed and buckwheat.

The new products are all natural, gluten free and a good source of protein and calcium. n

DELMAINE has announced plans to remove gluten from its recipes wherever possible with new formulations for its Tomato and Manuka BBQ sauces rolling out this month. More changes to the brand’s shelf stable sauce range will follow over the next four to six months along with new recipes for Delmaine’s wider product portfolio. Reformulated products will feature gluten free sashes on packs with greater information about the ingredients available on the company’s website. The new recipe formulations are being supported by print and social media coverage. n

NEW RECIPE FOR NATURE’S FRESH GOODMAN Fielder has reformulated its Nature’s Fresh bread offering, removing E number ingredients and food additives. The iconic Kiwi label has also reintroduced its Super Thick variant which joins the brand’s existing White Toast, White Sandwich, MultiGrain Toast, Wheatmeal Toast, Wheatmeal Sandwich and Simply Fibre options. n

PREMIUM NEW MILK TONGAN DRINK IMPORTED VANILLA ORIENTAL Merchant has introduced China’s Hot Kid brand to the New Zealand market, launching its well known Milk Beverage. Containing condensed milk made using Kiwi milk powder, Hot Kid’s drink has a unique flavour profile and a lower sugar content than many other flavoured milk products. Available in a 125ml tetra pack, the product is shelf stable and a good source of calcium and protein for growing children. n

PETSLOVE LAUNCHED NEW to the pet care segment this month is the PetsLove range of natural cleaning and grooming products.

Available in five variants, the Living Green brand features Dry Shampoo, Spot Cleaner, Pet Shampoo, Pet Bed Sanitiser and Smell Be-Gone

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options. Designed to be mild, pH balanced and gentle on animal skin, the PetsLove range contains natural, plant based ingredients which are soap and paraben free. The vet approved line supports Paw Justice with every bottle sold. n OWNED

QUEEN Fine Foods has launched a single origin premium vanilla from Vava’u in Tonga. Finest Vanilla Extract with Seeds is a celebration of Tonga’s first vanilla crop of 2014 and is the result of a partnership between Queen and grower families. The 50ml product has a full bodied bourbon vanilla profile with a chocolately aroma. n

newproducts NICE BLOCKS’ NEW OFFERING SEASONAL VARIANTS JOIN RANGE TASTY Pot is set to extend its ready meal offering, launching three new seasonal variants. Available in Mexican Pulled Pork, Japanese Teriyaki and Summer Superfood options, Tasty Pot’s new additions feature distinctive yellow lids. The 400g heat and eat products are 100% natural with each pot containing between two to three recommended vegetable servings. “Tasty Pot is now

the fastest growing brand in the fresh meal and soup category, 10 times faster than category average with our meals growing at +225% YOY. It’s great to see this space heating up and based on international trends, ready meals should soon be one of the fastest growing segments in NZ grocery (Aztec National Key Accounts to Sept 14),” says cofounder Andrew Vivian. n

PALE ALE CHEESE WHITESTONE has increased its premium cheese offering, launching New Zealand’s first beer cheese in conjunction with Scott’s Brewery. The brand’s Pale Ale Cheese is a regional semi-soft Airedale style made with Motueka hops. Available in 110g packs, Whitestone CEO Simon Berry predicts the product will have significant vintage potential.

“We’ve found a distinct correlation between the beer and the cheese flavours that provides a

lovely harmony and balance to the cheese. This goes with beer and has great cooking potential,” saysBerry. n

WILD Appetite has added three new 250ml products to its condiment range.

Mango, Lemongrass & Chilli and Blood Orange & Poppy Seeds join the brand’s dressing offering while Whisky Spare Rob BBQ is a new sauce addition.

Made in New Zealand, all three products are free from artificial flavours and colours and have wide usage applications. n

SIMPLOT has introduced two new lines from its John West brand with Tuna & Rice and Tuna Lunch Kits launched.

Tuna & Rice is a healthy ‘on the go’ meal solution which can be heated and served in 45 seconds.

Available in Chilli & Tomato, Thai Green Curry and Savoury Tomato & Onion variants, the range offers consumers control over heating with components packed separately in microwavable tubs.

IN A bid to revive declining frozen fish segments, Simplot has launched six new products from its Birds Eye brand. The new additions include Fish Fingers in 375g and 750g packs as well as Fish Cakes in 300g and 600g options. Birds Eye has also extended its Oven Bake range of coated fillets, launching Tempura Batter and Beer Battered SKUs. NZ Hoki fish is used in all of the brand’s new products. n

NEW HUNTLEY & PALMERS

The artisan-style, premium crackers are available in 125g boxes and are ideal as an accompaniment to antipasto platters. n

“This evolution in the Tommy & James product line provides healthier options in light of the growing trend internationally towards offering reduced and no sugar added choices in convenience, route and supermarket channels,” says Crow. n

NEW JOHN WEST LINES

NEW BIRDS EYE SKUs

NEW CONDIMENTS

GRIFFIN’S has added to its Huntley & Palmers brand, launching Baked Flatbread in Cracked Pepper & Rock Salt, Toasted Sesame and Mixed Herb options.

PREMIUM frozen dessert company Tommy & James has released two no added sugar ice blocks from its Nice Blocks brand.

In a New Zealand first, Nice Blocks with no sugar added is available in Apple + Mango and Orange + Tangelo variants and will be available throughout the company’s 300 impulse freezers as single serves and offered to retailers as a take home four-pack. Sweetened only with juice from fruit, Nice Blocks’ new addition contains no artificial sweeteners or preservatives. Coowner James Crow says the line extension is a natural expansion for the company.

SUPREME’S SODA SYRUPS

FINEST Foods has released a range of all natural soda syrups from its Supreme label. Sold in one litre bottles, the range is available in Cola, Lemonade, Orange and Raspberry flavours.

Containing stevia, Supreme’s new syrup line is low in sugar and price competitive with new variants in the pipeline. n

The brand’s Tuna Lunch Kits combine tuna and crackers.

The convenient product is sold with a spork and serviette and is available in Sweet Corn Mayonnaise, Sweet Chilli in Mayonnaise and Thousand Island Dressing options. n

CONVENIENT SNACK LINE

FROZEN Fresh has launched a range of single serve, frozen snack meals from its Tomorrow’s Meals brand.

Available in Cottage Pie, Creamy Bacon Potato Bake, Macaroni Cheese, Smoked Fish Pie, Honey Soy Chicken and Spaghetti Bolognese options, the new offering is 100% natural and contains no artificial colours, additives or preservatives.

Manufactured in small batches and hand-packed, Tomorrow’s Meals use NZ grown meat cuts and joins the brand’s existing roast meal offering. Suitable for heating directly from frozen, the Tomorrow’s Meals snack range is sold in a dual oven tray for use in either microwave or conventional oven. n

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE GOOD AND THE BEST

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AROUND New Zealand, there are hundreds of small producers in a wide variety of grocery categories who began, and often continue, their lives in the variety of markets that have sprung up. A number, with more marketing skills, have moved their limited production levels into local grocery and delicatessen outlets. And some of those will eventually develop into national products on a small scale until they get the financial backing and sales skills to take the items further. For grocery, they are another opportunity.

TE ATATU TOASTED

THE TEA LADY

SEEING a gap for artisan style muesli at an accessible price, Clare Robinson founded Te Atatu Toasted in 2012. The company produces handmade muesli in Original, Health and Gluten Free variants. Available in 400g re-sealable pouches, the Te Atatu Toasted range contains no refined sugars, fillers or preservatives and is sweetened only with New Zealand honey and apple puree. The brand’s Health muesli is 97% sugar free and contains nuts, seeds and buckwheat while its Gluten Free option combines grains and seeds. Robinson says both the Health and Gluten Free blends are quite unique and are developing a strong consumer following.

“The Health muesli is a great option for diabetics or people wanting to keep their sugar intake low but still enjoy breakfast,” says Clare Robinson.

Currently stocked in Farro, Huckleberry Farms and a number of New World’s, Robinson is focused on building distribution for the brand.

“My aim is to grow the number of stores I supply, I see quality products including muesli as a huge growth area as consumers become more aware of what they are eating and are prepared to pay a little bit more for a quality product. There is also a growing market for buying and supporting local – particularly small businesses,” says Robinson.

For more information please visit www.teatatutoasted.co.nz

FOUNDED in 2008, The Tea Lady underwent a change of ownership earlier this year and is now being run by Madison Square, a partnership of four families.

The company produces a range of high quality looseleaf tea which is blended and hand packaged on Auckland’s North Shore. Available in organic, black, green and decaf categories, the company sources its premium tea from agents who buy from small, fair labour producers around the world. All of its teas are laboratory tested and certified harmful chemical free, both in country of origin and New Zealand. The company has recently added to its portfolio, releasing dessert and Apothecary tea ranges. The Tea Lady’s Apothecary offering focuses on teas which promote healing and a healthy lifestyle, going back to ancient practices of finding natural remedies. Co-owner Carolyn Monk says both its Apothecary and dessert ranges are gaining popularity.

“Unlike most other high quality teas, The Tea Lady range uses actual fruit, herbs and ingredients rather than ‘art’ or other flavorings. Where our teas have flavour added it is either natural flavours originating from fruit, vegetable, spice or herb through squeezing, distilling, grinding, blending, fermenting or crushing. We also use nature-identical flavours – organic flavour oils that are scientifically created and put through the rigorous AQIS approval process,” says Monk. While currently only available online, the brand is gaining good traction in Auckalnd and is looking to move into the retail space. “We believe that our teas are unique in flavor and quality and would like to see our products easily available to potential customers,” says Monk.

The Tea Lady is looking to launch a several new ranges in the coming year, including a line of teas for mums and babies. For more information please visit www. thetealady.co.nz

lastword

Peter Mitchell

THIS month’s FGC conference in Queenstown was a great few days in the sun and obviously some people do take advantage of the break with a few extra days. But the record breaker must be the chap who has now been at eight consecutive conferences - and never attended one conference session. Now that’s a real holiday, Greg. And there was a moment’s thought for a certain merchandising and SMA managing director who created something of a record at the conference golf tournament. His wild drive hit a protruding rock and finished up forty metres behind the tee. Betcha can’t do that again Grant.

WITH so many oil channel outlets now selling food to motorists, you would expect their washroom facilities to be immaculate.

One of our popular ones in almost central Auckland obviously doesn’t think this is an issue. The basin was filthy, the toilet a disgrace and clearly they had never looked inside the mouth of the air driven hand dryer (pictured).

Perhaps only tall people who couldn’t see inside would put their hands in this.

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THE growth of consumer power around the world will eventually get to the grocery trade. In the meantime, organisations are concentrating on the chains with small outlets. The current craze in the US is rallying against conventional milk in favour of organic milk. Last month, around 150,000 consumers petitioned Starbucks to go GMO free and dump their old milk. The chains are continually facing these sorts of pressures and they are starting to appear on the supermarket scene. We don’t think consumers have much to complain about here and the pressure groups are a little ineffective.

supermarket shopping with her and this was the most evil thing she could do to him.

THERE must be a lot of marketing people and brand managers keeping their heads down and fearing for repercussions if they say the wrong thing. As news hounds looking for new products, people changes and items of interest we’re constantly ringing companies but can’t get to first base any longer with them – hiding behind “leave a message” and unanswered emails seems to be the order of the day. Are they too scared to talk or under instructions from expensive pr advisers who do the talking for a IT can’t get near Christmas without a blonde yarn. This young fee – and are so far behind the times that we just ignore them. lady was playing Trivial Pursuit and landed a science question. We now get a plethora of innocuous and error ridden press The question was: If you are in a vacuum and someone calls your releases that tell us as a trade magazine that products are name, can you hear it ? The blonde thought for a while and then “available at all good supermarkets”. They just don’t understand that news of a product on shelf is about as much use to us and asked: “Is it on or off ?” the retailer as the proverbial breasts on a bull.

WILL the behind the scenes activities in Australia show up in New Zealand – well it’s unlikely that we will get the equivalent I’M on the warpath and backing Sir Bob Jones who wrote in the of the ACCC that is hellbent on pursuing grocery issues with a Herald the other day that graffiti scribblers should get serious particular emphasis on Coles and Woolies strategies. That is jail time. The painters at our St Heliers’ house had only finished of course if the Government decides to turn a blind eye to the the six foot concrete wall around the property at midday on a angst of the past year or so. There’s little doubt that some issues Saturday and within two hours it had been done over by hideous will be raised once the Commerce Commission reports on the scribbling. That was a $750 paint job down the drain. Little accusations against Countdown but there is little sign of a result #%@*&’s. so far – and I for one can’t see much eventuating except a little AND a last thought. A chicken and an egg were lying in bed. slap on the hand. After all, it’s a moral issue, not a legal one.

The chicken was smoking a cigarette with a satisfied smile on LOVED the local checkout operator who told me that an earlier his face – the egg was frowning and looking put out. The egg customer had opened her purse and revealed a tv remote control muttered to no-one in particular: “I guess we just answered that unit. The customer explained that her husband refused to come question …”

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Delicious and different additions to the category.

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For more information on WANT WANT/HOT KID products contact:

ORIENTAL MERCHANT (NZ) LTD Tel 0800 10 33 05 Fax 0800 10 33 11 Email: nzenquiries@oriental.com.au Website: www.oriental.com.au November 2014

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