FOODSTUFFS EXPO HIGHLIGHTS

The Fresh and Grocery Expo, held at Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton in May, was Foodstuffs’ largest in its 15-year history, involving 5000 people and more than 300 exhibitors.

Conor Mercer (National Sales Manager at Arepa); Steve Anderson (Foodstuffs South Island CEO) and Tamara Rubanowski (FMCG Business Head of Content)

FMCG Business Editor Tamara Rubanowski caught up with Foodstuffs South Island Chief Executive Steve Anderson at the Expo. Anderson named Blackcurrants as the ‘superfood’ of 2021 and said helping New Zealanders build up their immunity is a key trend resulting from the COVID pandemic. Blackcurrants are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, which offer plenty of health and functional benefits.

Barker’s team launched a new Blackcurrant gel product in a convenient pouch format at the trade show and said that they noticed a huge spike in the sale of their immunity cordials. Another product starring locally grown blackcurrants is Arepa, a wellness drink with proven benefits for brain function and mental clarity.

From functional hydration and delicious locally grown delights to imported delicatessens and top-secret chocolate innovations, there were plenty of exciting new products to discover at Expo.

Anderson said sustainable packaging and eco-friendly cleaning are some of the big trends that he is seeing this year, along with new products for health and well-being and convenience cooking.

The Innovation Zone at Expo

The Innovation Zone was a new feature at Expo, showcasing the most innovative products fresh & grocery suppliers have to offer. Carefully selected by a panel of judges, the 20 finalist products from 15 different suppliers, fell within four categories: New Consumer Products, Sustainability & CSR Initiatives, Store Solutions and Innovative Packaging Designs & Functionality.

MG Marketing received the Best Overall Stand Award.The Innovation Zone at Expo

MG Marketing (Market Gardeners) was delighted to be part of the 2021 Foodstuffs Expo and humbled to walk away with the award for Best Overall Stand. The team said: “It’s always a fantastic event and an excellent opportunity for our people to rub shoulders with Foodstuffs teams from across the country. We particularly enjoy the light-hearted atmosphere where we can have a bit of fun.

“The event also gives our business the chance to showcase the wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables produced by our Kiwi and international growers, while also sharing our expertise and insights about the produce industry.

“We’re already looking forward to the next one.”

Feeding families

While many New Zealanders were insulated from the effects of the COVID pandemic, some families have been doing it tough this last year, said Anderson.

“Some people have lost their jobs or their overtime, so there is now a lot of focus around feeding those families with dignity. And there’s where some of our focus needs to be - in helping to produce and supply affordable food.”

Anderson added that, as part of the company’s CSR policy, every Foodstuffs supermarket is affiliated with a foodbank or similar charity project. At the end of Expo, local food rescue organisation Kaivolution redistributed food from the event to those in need throughout the wider Hamilton community.

Anderson said he is incredibly proud of what the Foodstuffs teams have achieved during the recent COVID crisis.

So what are his industry predictions for the year ahead? “We need to manage around uncertainty and have strategies in place that are flexible,” says Anderson.