FMCG Business February -March 2024

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 - Volume 11 - No 1

TH I W KED

PAC

N I E T O R P g 35 Glycaemic Index (GI) value = 30 *All UP&GO are low GI. For the GI value of each product please check the pack.*

Powering Kiwis for over 25 years PLUS! LEADERS FORUM n PACKAGING & DESIGN n RECRUITMENT 2024 n WHAT’S HOT n NEW ZEAL AND’S L ARGEST FMCG AUDIENCE

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contents FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

24 32

UP FRONT

REGULARS

4 EDITOR’S NOTE

27 COVER STORY UP&GO is driving growth

6 INDUSTRY NEWS

31 BEST IN SEASON Fresh produce update

8 WHAT’S HOT New products in store

GOOD BUSINESS

SPECIAL FEATURES

36 PROFILE Heilala Vanilla

9 LEADERS FORUM 2024 Expert advice for the year ahead

37 INDUSTRY NEWS

22 PACKAGING & DESIGN Top tips and services for your brand 24 FUNCTIONAL & BETTER FOR YOU What’s new and driving sales 28 POPULAR PROTEIN OPTIONS Trends and news in eggs and poultry products 32 OUR DAILY BREAD Category news and Circana data

39 FMCG BUSINESS PRODUCT OF THE YEAR We reveal the first finalist for the FMCG Business Product of the Year Award 2024 40 RECRUITMENT INSIGHTS AND TALENT TRENDS 42 OUT & ABOUT Share your snaps and be in to win!

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FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

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editorial

Great expectations Welcome back! I hope you had a good start to the new year.

Despite multiple challenges, it seems that the FMCG sector fared better in 2023 than some other industries. So what will 2024 look like?

Our special Leaders Forum edition brings you tips and trend predictions from respected industry experts for the year ahead. Turn to pg 9-17 to see insights from the FGC, Circana, Business NZ, Foodstuffs, Woolworths NZ, NIQ and the NZACS. As shoppers remain cautious, 2024 will not be easy, but brands can find areas of growth with the right strategies. Sustainability, better-for-you and allergy-friendly foods, authentic ethnic flavours and occasional indulgences are still popular.

However, the cost-of-living crisis is top of consumers’ minds. We hope to see more budget friendly offers in store and costs for businesses stabilizing this year. We expect a few other positive developments as a result of the new code of conduct and we should see more transparency in product labels and a rise in innovative functional foods. Find out more about this fast-growing category on pg 24-27.

Our team has been busy behind the scenes and we’re excited to reveal a brand new website to bring you daily industry updates. You can access FMCG services and important events there, find out what’s hot and subscribe to our e-news service and the magazine over at www.fmcgbusiness.co.nz .

If you’d like to find out more about sponsored content and advertising opportunities, please get in touch. We’d love to share your product launches and news in upcoming issues of FMCG Business and across our digital and social media channels.

Last but not least, save the date for the popular C&I Expo, which returns to Auckland on 20-21 November 2024. It will be bigger and better than ever, held at the conveniently located Due Drop Centre in Manukau, with a fresh new programme that includes the FMCG Business Innovation & Marketing Summit.

We hope to see you there!

Tamara Rubanowski trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz www.fmcgbusiness.co.nz

PUBLISHED BY C&I Media (NZ) Ltd PO Box 109 342 Newmarket, Auckland 1149 MANAGING DIRECTOR Simon Grover GROUP PUBLISHER AND COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Safa de Valois safa@c-store.com.au EDITORIAL DIRECTOR James Wells james@intermedia.com.au HEAD OF CONTENT Tamara Rubanowski trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz ph: 027 278 4761 NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Vicky Bennett vbennett@fmcgbusiness.co.nz ph: 021 626 115 ART DIRECTOR Leanne Hogbin leanne@intermedia.com.au PRODUCTION MANAGER Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au DIGITAL AND PRINT COORDINATOR Eclypse Lee elee@intermedianz.co.nz

C&I Media takes its Corporate and Social Responsibilities seriously and is committed to reducing its impact on the environment. We continuously strive to improve our environmental performance and to initiate additional CSR based projects and activities. As part of our company policy we ensure that the products and services used in the manufacture of this magazine are sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers.

FMCG is printed on FSC®-certified MIX paper from well-managed forests and other responsible sources. SCG print using BIO-inks that contain materials that are based on renewable resources including wood resin (rosin, colophony), and vegetable oils, linseed oil and soy bean oil. This magazine is printed by SCG, an ToitŪ enviromark gold certified printer.

ISSN 2382-1663 (print)

ON THE COVER For a quarter of a century, UP&GO has been a breakfast staple in Kiwi households, transforming traditional cereal into a convenient on-the-go nutrition solution for all ages. Read the full story on pg 27.

FMCG BUSINESS IS PROUDLY ASSOCIATED WITH food& grocery COUNCIL NEW ZEALAND

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FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

ISSN 2624-4802 (online)

FMCG Business is audited and verified by ABC. DISCLAIMER This publication is published by C&I Media (NZ) Ltd (the “Publisher”). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by New Zealand and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication. Copyright © 2024 - C&I Media (NZ) Ltd

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news

Anonymous Reporting Tool for the grocery industry now live The Commerce Commission’s Anonymous Reporting Tool for the grocery industry in New Zealand is now live and is available for use.

The Anonymous Reporting Tool provides a secure channel to be able to report information without disclosing your personal information.

The tool: • Uses encryption methods to allow you to submit a report securely • Allows you to communicate with specifically trained Commission staff via an anonymous mailbox.

The information provided cannot be traced back to you, as long as you do not enter any details that identify you. This is important - given the Commission’s obligations under both the Privacy Act and Official Information Act. The Anonymous Reporting Tool can be accessed via the Commission’s ‘Make a Complaint’ page. It is important that the correct steps are followed when using the tool to ensure that identity is not revealed, and reports can be appropriately handled by the Commerce Commission.

If you have any further questions or wish to receive future communications from the Commission’s Grocery team, please contact grocery.regulation@comcom.govt.nz.

Sealord acquires Independent Fisheries Deepwater fishing company Sealord has successfully completed the acquisition of Independent Fisheries following clearance from the Commerce Commission, consent from the Overseas Investment Office, and a number of conditions having been satisfied.

This is the largest financial transaction in the seafood sector since the Sealord deal in 1992 as part of the Māori Fisheries Settlement and will make Sealord New Zealand’s biggest seafood business based on revenue.

The purchase of the Christchurchbased Independent Fisheries business includes approximately 46,000 metric tonne of quota, one chartered and two owned deepwater factory fishing vessels, 500 plus vessel crew and staff, and a cold storage facility.

Sealord Board Chair Jamie Tuuta said the deal places Māori at the forefront of fisheries in New Zealand. “Along with the recent acquisition by our 50% shareholder Moana New Zealand of Sanford’s Annual Catch Entitlement (ACE) for much of its quota of North Island inshore species, this purchase of Independent Fisheries affirms Māori as major players in New Zealand’s fishing industry.

“Māori have a strong affinity with the moana, kaimoana and fishing.

The fisheries settlement allocating iwi ownership of quota, including through the purchase of 50% of Sealord, underpins that cultural value system.

This transaction grows iwi quota ownership, enhancing our strong connection with the moana in Aotearoa,” he said.

Sealord is an inter-generational fishing company, and the purchase of Independent Fisheries further cements this position for the long-term, he added.

Established in 1961, in Nelson, Sealord is equally owned by Māori through Moana New Zealand, and global seafood company Nissui Corporation.

Independent Fisheries was founded by Howard Shadbolt in 1956.

Since that time and under the management of the late Charles Shadbolt (Howard’s son) and Mark Allison, Independent Fisheries has grown into one of New Zealand’s major privately-owned fishing businesses, with the fourth largest deepwater quota package in New Zealand. Within the Sealord Group, Independent Fisheries will continue to be operated by its current employees.

FOR MORE INDUSTRY NEWS FOLLOW US ON

CHECK OUT WWW.FMCGBUSINESS.CO.NZ

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FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

news

New Farro store for Smales Farm Precinct Gourmet food retailer Farro is opening its seventh store on 14th February, in the North Shore’s Smales Farm precinct in Auckland.

Situated on the corner of Shakespeare and Taharoto roads, it is the brand’s first ever greenfield site.

“This has been an exciting opportunity to create a space that’s tailor-made to the best possible shopping experience for our customers,” says Farro CEO Craig Williams.

“We’ve taken that unique, market-style atmosphere that makes shopping at Farro a pleasure, rather than a chore, and made it an even more engaging experience.”

Notable fixtures in the new store include a pub-themed wine and beer cellar, Farro’s first hot lunch counter, an in-house fishmonger, and a butchery counter, all built around an impressive central deli offering barista-made Allpress coffee, fresh salads, sandwiches, and sweets, and Farro’s award-winning range of cheeses and charcuterie.

Customers can expect to find familiar products from celebrated local producers and restauranteurs, such as Daily Bread, House of Chocolate, Little and Friday, Cassia, and Gemmayze Street, along with an extensive artisan grocery range, fresh produce and flowers, NZ-raised meats, and

the full offering from the popular Farro Kitchen range of ready-to-eat meals.

“The focus of all our stores is on championing our local suppliers, connecting with the community, and being a consistently reliable destination for great food – especially those hard-to-find foodie treasures that our team work so hard to source,” says Craig.

“Everything on our shelves is hand-picked in line with our lived principles of value, sustainability, quality, and care.”

Farro at Smales Farm will be open from 9am on 14th February, with tasting events and supplier demonstrations scheduled throughout February and March.

The numbers: • 30 new roles created • 1200 sqm building • 50 carparks • 6 check-outs, with a new self-checkout concept trial Farro was founded in 2006 by James and Janene Draper. Today, they have seven stores in Auckland; in Epsom, Grey Lynn, Mt Eden, Mt Wellington, Orakei, Mairangi Bay, and now Smales Farm, as well as a growing online store at farro.co.nz.

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ENJOY rich bass and dynamic sound to keep you motivated through your workout or workday. Made for daily use, Fuse Budz are lightweight and comfortable.

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Features of the budz are: secure fit, handsfree bluetooth, lightweight and comfortable, rechargeable case, up to 15 hour playtime, built-in mic and sweat proof.

Fuse Budz are compatible with both iPhone and Android devices and have a 2-year warranty.

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FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

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s ’ t a Wh BIC’s new EZ Reach™ Multi-Purpose Lighter BIC is launching the BIC EZ Reach™ lighter in NZ with a humorous campaign fronted by entertainment legend Snoop Dogg and lifestyle innovator Martha Stewart.

The new lighter is the perfect companion for all your flamecasions, featuring a 3.5cm extended wand. Available in a pack of two ($11.00 RRP) and comes in a variety of eight beautiful colours. www.bic.com

Better Eggs® Gives a Cluck SPCA-certified egg producer, Better Eggs®, prioritises hen welfare using natural habitats, customised nutrition, and strict biosecurity measures. Better Eggs® are laid in large, open, atrium-style barns with natural ventilation and lots of natural light. With more than one hundred thousand trees, rock formations, sun and shade, Better Eggs® hens get to live an egg-cellent life.

For more information contact the Better Eggs team: Phone 07 883 6777 or email info@bettereggs.co.nz.

Innovation From Giannis Introducing Giannis Premium Brioche Style Wraps - a world of flavour in every fold!

Searching for a wrap that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than our Brioche Style Wraps – the epitome of taste, texture, and indulgence. Redefine your meals with the versatility of brioche wraps.

For sales enquires contact Giannis Sales and Marketing Manager Simon Rangihaeata 021 854 091, simon@giannis.co.nz

Whittaker’s New Easter Treat Whittaker’s Choc Cross Bun Block is crafted using its classic 33% Five Roll Refined Creamy Milk chocolate with Hot Cross Bun-inspired ingredients including natural mixed spice, raisins and orange oil, creating a deliciously moreish flavour. Available in a classic 250g block while stocks last, in stores nationwide.

For more information and images, please contact Grace Cussell on 021 251 5450, email grace.cussell@sweeneyvesty.com.

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FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

The New Flavour To Pine For! Lewis Road Creamery’s Original Chocolate Milk has been given an iconic make over, made from whole milk with Whittaker’s 5 Roll Refined Creamy Milk Chocolate and natural pineapple flavour, this new treat is sure to fly off your shelves! lewisroadcreamery.co.nz hello@lewisroadcreamery.co.nz 0508 668 269

LEADERS FORUM

2024

FMCG Leaders Forum

Progress in the right direction Raewyn Bleakley Chief Executive New Zealand Food and Grocery Council This time last year, I predicted that 2023 might be one of the most significant for our sector, and while that may be true given the new regulatory regime now bedding in, 2024 is set to be another particularly important one.

At the top of the watchlist are the supermarket competition reforms, both at home and over the ditch. Here, we have the grocery commissioner setting expectations and a new government that has made it clear they expect change and are exploring what more can be done to bring food prices down. Our Australian neighbours are also grappling with similar issues amid the cost-of-living crisis, with a senate inquiry into food pricing underway and a federal government review into the Australian Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.

However, the New Zealand code itself is still in its infancy. While NZFGC has long advocated for competition reform to address the concentration of retailer power because it has many challenging impacts on our members, we knew the changes would take time to affect the complex market. We are still in the transition period to the regulated environment, with a six-month grace period until the end of March 2024 for the major supermarkets to offer suppliers terms compliant with the new code, while other aspects like unit pricing changes need to be in place later this year. Regulated grocery retailers need to ensure existing agreements are consistent with the code. Our clear message to suppliers is that there is plenty of time to review all the retailers’ agreements and make sure you take legal advice before signing them. To give real effect to the new grocery code, we need to ensure that the new agreements comply and do not water down the protections intended by the government to make a difference.

Already, there has been progress in the right direction with the launch of the Commerce Commission’s anonymous complaints system. This reporting tool recognises that there are situations where someone who has knowledge or specific information about the conduct of a grocery industry participant might be reluctant to report it for fear of negative consequences or reprisals, such as being delisted from a retail store.

It will also ensure that behaviour not in the spirit of the Act and code can be disclosed anonymously and investigated, better enabling this to happen.

Sustainability stays at the fore for industry, with new government kerbside standardisation requirements on local councils from February to ensure consistency of residential recycling collection and simplicity of messaging

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FMCG BUSINESS - LEADERS FORUM 2024

“At the top of the watchlist are the supermarket competition reforms” in a frightfully complex area. However, the need to work with the entire sector to ensure waste minimisation and achieve the behavioural change needed is paramount. Again, looking across to our neighbours in Australia, there are very real industry impacts and ongoing challenges if New Zealand Aotearoa continues to be out of step with packaging regulations and stewardship schemes. From considering labelling lead times to streamlining material drop off and collection, we need to better align trans-Tasman efforts to make it easier for manufacturers and consumers alike.

The ongoing supply chain and logistic challenges continue to have an impact on suppliers, supermarkets, and consumers. From weather events to conflicts affecting global shipping routes, there is a growing imperative about how we can be aware, ready, and looking for greater resilience. These are the pivots ahead, and building up our sector’s workforce plays into this. I was heartened by the calibre of the recent graduate intern intake for this year’s summer programme. NZFGC will be working on ways to enable the industry to build and retain leadership and talent, ensuring FMCG continues to be attractive. The work for us all continues!

FMCG Leaders Forum

Outlook for retail in 2024 Kirk Hope

Chief Executive BusinessNZ www.businessnz.org.nz As the new year starts, retail businesses will be focused on a range of issues affecting the business environment.

New challenges are arising, particularly in the global environment where international tensions are rising and where key trade routes the Suez and Panama canals are experiencing blockages causing increased shipping costs for importers of many FMCG products.

Here at home hopes are rising for a better year for retail in 2024 than in recent years.

Growth and economic indicators are moving and business confidence appears to be on the rise. After a period of dismal forecasts for the New Zealand economy, retailers are certainly wishing for a better future.

Last year was perhaps the worst on record for many retailers and hospitality businesses in New Zealand.

Two years ago Covid regulations had restricted business and travel and closed down entire industries. Some smaller retail, tourism and hospitality enterprises went out of business following the Covid restrictions, and recovery since 2022 has been slow.

Last year showed business confidence at rock bottom, but that may be changing now.

The latest NZIER survey showed business confidence in New Zealand is starting to rise, led by the retail sector. In that survey the retail sector switched from being the most negative sector in New Zealand to the most positive.

What caused the change?

The improvement in sentiment would have been helped by a number of factors. It has been suggested that the change in government might have helped dispel the high levels of uncertainty that businesses were experiencing and complaining of.

And changes in the economic environment would have helped too – including improvements in export earnings, slightly diminishing inflation, and increased migration.

New Zealand’s economy is very dependent on the performance of our main export items and recent improvements in dairy export prices will have helped the rise in business confidence overall. And inflation, while still above the Reserve Bank’s target range of 1-3%, may be starting to fall back again.

Inflationary pressures cast a deep pallor over the trading environment last year. Consumers were pretty unwilling to open their wallets given ongoing price rises, while businesses experienced the further pressure of rising input costs.

The BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index – BusinessNZ’s monthly PSI survey of the services sector – showed that sector experienced little or no expansion last year.

Service sector businesses overall were not making money, with businesses reporting they were badly hammered by

“Business confidence in New Zealand is starting to rise, led by the retail sector.” inflationary pressures and staff shortages. Now, however, the PSI survey shows the sector is expanding again, and there are fewer concerns about inflation or staff shortages.

This may be due to recently increased migration into New Zealand.

Migrant arrivals and net migration gains over the last year were the highest on record. This increase in population has no doubt helped many businesses overcome staff shortages and will now be helping New Zealand’s growth prospects overall.

But while migration generally might be up, tourism numbers are yet to rise significantly. The average monthly number of international visitors to New Zealand before Covid was over half a million.

During Covid, that number fell to zero – now it’s rising again, but is still less than half that.

Retail, and particularly retailers operating in the fast-moving consumer goods sector will be hoping for a pickup in tourism from overseas. The return of cruise ships for the summer season has provided a welcome boost and could be a harbinger for greater tourist numbers in future.

Retail loves high turnover, and recent changes in the trading end economic environment will hopefully prompt more.

Here’s to a better year in 2024 for retail and all business!

FMCG BUSINESS - LEADERS FORUM 2024

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FMCG Leaders Forum

What’s in store for 2024?

Debbie Simpson-Pudney Head of Retail, Solutions and Innovation Circana As we kick off 2024 refreshed and revived after the summer holidays, many of us are happy to bid farewell to 2023. Reflecting on 2023, it felt difficult, tumultuous, and unsettling. Perhaps it was because after enduring years of the pandemic many of us anticipated a return to normalcy and 2023 defied those hopes.

Destructive weather events and a relentless inflationary environment added immense pressure and uncertainty to the lives of most Kiwis. In our Circana Cost of living survey from October 2023, 97% of consumers expressed concern about the rising cost of living and 51% felt worse off compared to a year ago.

As we embark into 2024 amidst sunny skies and warm temperatures, does New Zealand’s outlook appear brighter than the challenges of 2023?

Cautious optimism With signs of inflation abating and economists predicting OCR reductions in late 2024 or early 2025 (depending on who you listen to), pressures should start to ease. It will be a gradual process as we overcome the previous two years of high inflation and rising interest rates.

We did start to see a ‘hint of cheer’ in December as Consumer Confidence rose 1 point to 93.1 – the highest level in 2023.

Understandably, those paying off a mortgage continue to be more financially prudent than others as they feel heightened pressure.

Has Christmas set the tone?

Even amidst economic difficulties, the FMCG sector fared better compared to other industries. However, for the most part of 2023 we saw rare unit decline as belts were tightened to manage outgoings.

The FMCG environment remains a long way from normal and shoppers remain extremely price sensitive.

Brands continue to lose ground to private label, especially in essential categories.

According to Worldline, the food and liquor stores benefitted this Christmas as spend was diverted from other retail sectors. Comparing the 4 weeks to 24/12/23 with the previous year, the encouraging news is that we saw both value (8.0%) and Unit (4.7%) growth in Total Key Accounts. Confectionery led the way with 11% share of unit growth, followed closely by Biscuits with 9% unit growth.

2024 will not be easy but brands can find areas of growth and opportunity when focussed on the right strategies.

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FMCG BUSINESS - LEADERS FORUM 2024

“I believe the grocery landscape will continue to adapt, diversify, and innovate while remaining resilient.”

Building the future in 2024 Moving forward into 2024, as consumers will remain cautious maintaining focus on the basics will remain important. Pricing and promotional strategy are crucial as consumers continue to seek value, as is pack architecture.

This might be the year we have more capacity to contemplate the future and consider growth trends. Ensuring continued focus on the ongoing shift in consumer preferences is vital. While it is difficult to create ‘new demand’ it can be done. Clever and well-targeted innovation can set brands apart from their competitors.

The trends that we believe will drive growth into 2024 and beyond include: Betterment: becoming better versions of ourselves – smarter, more beautiful, healthier with more energy. What is your brand offering in this space?

Experiential: Post pandemic we continue to seek gratification through experiences and connection. Where does your brand fit into this?

Sustainable choices: brands must align with the values of consumers – do yours?

Convenience: busy lifestyles mean we want things on demand that save us time.

How do you get me to pick up and use your brand effortlessly?

As we pick up the pieces from the pandemic, 2024 becomes a year of re-set and focus on building the future. I believe the grocery landscape will continue to adapt, diversify, and innovate while remaining resilient. One thing we can be certain of – there is no such thing as a normal year!

Sources: Circana MarketEdge NZ Grocery – 4 wks to 24.12.23 Circana Cost of Living Series, Oct 2023, N=1000 Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Survey – Dec 2023 Stats NZ – Annual Net Migration October 2023 ANZ Worldline merchant and card spending data

FMCG Leaders Forum

Where have we been in 2023?

Spencer Sonn Managing Director Woolworths New Zealand We have faced challenges, but also saw many highlights.

Cyclone Gabrielle meant working around the clock to get food and other essentials to vulnerable and rural communities. In support, 1,200 Countdown and Woolworths supermarkets across Aotearoa and Australia fundraised $450,000 towards recovery.

It was our privilege to get behind a number of important causes this year. Through our Food For Good Foundation, we supported organisations like RainbowYOUTH, The Period Place, Netball New Zealand, Kiwiharvest, The Salvation Army, Red Cross, and KidsCan who all do incredible work that deserve to be recognised. We donated more than $12 million of food and funds to our local communities.

Inflation has become challenging for families across the country and providing Kiwi shoppers with affordable options is a priority for us. Our Woolworths Food range gives us the ability to bring great quality products to customers at great prices. In 2023 we also committed to our Odd Bunch range being 20% less than comparable fruit and vegetables prices.

More than ever, our time poor customers want to shop conveniently and save time. In 2023 we launched MILKRUN and had plenty of positive feedback from customers who love the rapid onehour-or-less delivery time. Our free direct to boot service is also an ideal choice for all customers and has particular resonance with older customers and those with young families.

I’m also proud of our team for what they’ve helped us achieve against our Sustainability commitments. In 2023, we removed over 114 tonnes of virgin plastic from our Own Brand milk range, removed single-use plastic produce bags and increased healthier choices at our checkouts.

Where to from here?

The beginning of our transformation from Countdown to Woolworths spotlights our long-term commitment to delivering the best supermarket experience. In 2023, we announced an investment of $400 million over the next three years to rejuvenate some of our stores, to making stores safer for our team, adding more sustainable features, more value for customers, and launching our exciting new rewards programme, Everyday Rewards.

We expect food prices to moderate throughout 2024 as inflationary pressures subside across the supply chain – welcome news for our customers.

Sustainability will continue to be a core focus for us in 2024 as we work towards becoming a net carbon positive business by 2050.

This includes achieving a 4 Green Star design and as-built rating

“We’re investing $45 million in making our stores safer and working proactively to tackle future risks.” for all new property developments, and a 5 Green Star minimum standard by 2025. We are also committed to delivering greener groceries by transitioning 100% of our home delivery trucks to be electric powered by 2030. This will add 300 trucks to the country’s electric vehicle fleet over the next seven years.

We aim to have all food waste from our operations diverted from landfill by 2025, starting with our supermarkets. In our 2024 financial year we’ll give more than $1 million in cash grants to our food rescue partners, and that’s in addition to the millions’ worth of food that our partners collect and redistribute.

Security and the safety of our team is our priority. We’re investing $45 million in making our stores safer and working proactively to tackle future risks. Across the country, we’ll expand our security measures including team radios, body-worn cameras, trolley lock systems, new camera technology at self-checkouts, and double entry gates.

We’re very excited to launch Everyday Rewards in early 2024 with BP as a fuel partner and ASB joining as a banking partner. We will be adding additional partners to the program in due course.

This will be a key way we deliver value to New Zealanders as we transform and become Woolworths New Zealand.

Thank you for your ongoing support in 2023 and we’ll keep working hard in 2024 to bring you value, quality and a fantastic shopping experience at Woolworths New Zealand.

FMCG BUSINESS - LEADERS FORUM 2024

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FMCG Leaders Forum

Step change ahead Mary Devine CEO Foodstuffs South Island We’re in good heart at Foodstuffs South Island as we head in to 2024. In 2023, we did the groundwork with a customer-focussed strategy and action plan that set us up for a great year as a worldclass grocery co-operative.

Foodstuffs South Island key themes for 2024 Value, efficiency and customer experience are my three big themes for the year ahead. Equally important is these are underpinned by good people, technology and an over-riding commitment to customer centricity Employing advanced supply chain technologies, commissioning the build of a new frozen distribution facility in Hornby and advancing our supplier partnership programme are just some of the key projects and initiatives that will support our co-op’s continued evolution as a customer insight driven business in 2024.

If it gets the go-ahead, the proposed merger between the Foodstuffs South Island and Foodstuffs North Island co-ops will be an important efficiency and value enabler for our industry and customers.

And we’re also looking forward to celebrating the 100th anniversary of Four Square in July this year. It’s a fantastic brand that we’re putting a focus on and investing in.

Trends I recently had the privilege of spending some time overseas engaging with leaders in retail. This was a great opportunity to identify some key trends driving customer behaviour and retail strategy and consider what these mean for retailers in New Zealand.

Here are the top three trends I see driving retail in 2024.

The efficiency imperative Putting simplicity, efficiency and productivity to the fore, through supply chain to store.

With continued cost pressures there’s a clear efficiency imperative globally. The key is looking for opportunities to simplify and reduce cost across the value chain from suppliers to customers – and in-store opportunities to improve productivity.

Using data science to inform banner and category strategies and range, using more shelf ready packaging and instore technology to enhance store team productivity are just some of the tools in play around the globe driving the efficiency imperative.

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“With continued cost pressures there’s a clear efficiency imperative globally.”

Driving harder on customer value We know how important price is to customers right now, but value is more than just price and it changes for the customer depending on what their shopping mission is.

Globally, the most important element of value is having an effective price and promotional strategy. A good and relevant private label offer, strong customer loyalty programmes and increasing personalisation – using technology, data and good old face-to-face customer service, so that customers feel valued are all levers the big global retailers are pulling here.

Re-discovering the magic of stores As a totally customer-obsessed retailer, this is a global trend I’m REALLY excited about. Everyone is building channel capability to win customer loyalty, but it’s also important to remember that most customer transactions will still be made in store and it’s here we can build customer excitement and loyalty.

A memorable year

Foodstuffs is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Four Square this year.

FMCG BUSINESS - LEADERS FORUM 2024

For me, the beauty of our business is that at our core we’re simple – we sell groceries, look after our customers, we do it well and we always look for opportunities to improve, go further, do better and achieve more. But wrapped around our simple core are the layers that prove we’re so much more.

We’re one of the only businesses with a presence in every community, we have a role to play in all the moments of people’s lives. Foodstuffs South Island is a story with 96 chapters of history and chapter 97 is going to be a memorable one. It’ll be a step change for sure. Have a great year.

FMCG Leaders Forum

Starting a new year with focus Chris Quin CEO Foodstuffs North Island It’s fair to say 2023 was not quite the year we’d hoped for. Instead of an end to being in ‘crisis mode’, and the extreme demands that puts on our customers and teams, we saw more bad weather, more retail crime, and even higher inflation.

We also began working with legislation that made New Zealand’s grocery industry among the most regulated in the developed world.

Despite all those challenges, Foodstuffs North Island’s core focus remains the same as it’s been for over a century: serving our local customers and communities.

In 2023, we opened nine new stores in places as diverse as Taumarunui, Taranaki, Warkworth and Onehunga; as well as two depots for the Wellington and Hawke’s Bay regions; and four ‘social supermarkets’, taking the total to nine.

And our stores continued to support their local communities with donations to schools, sports teams, food banks and other worthy organisations.

Our response to the tropical storms that hit the country last summer cemented our industry’s role as New Zealand’s ‘fourth essential service’, ensuring supplies got through and communities had what they needed to stay connected. As a result, our supply chain has never been more robust.

Our teams were also on the frontline of a retail crime epidemic that New Zealand tends to question its own success stories, without sadly remains a feature of the post-Covid landscape. No one should adequate appreciation of the alternative, which would be another part go to work fearing for their safety, and no industry should be expected of our lives dominated by foreign owned brands. to accept the losses and abuse retailers have been putting up with.

Instead of selling out, Foodstuffs’ local grocers have stood firm, That’s why we hope to start trialling facial recognition technology in serving every community with trusted brands and keeping their profits some of our stores soon. We know repeat offenders are committing in New Zealand. They’ve grown their stores and our co-op to be a much of the crime in our stores, and we just want to keep our world-class retailer that’s capable of standing up to the global giants. customers and teams safer.

That’s one reason why we’re proposing to merge our support and Our grocers also did their bit to tame inflation in 2023, too. We supply chain functions with our South Island colleagues to create an continued to track our store prices against the official rate and always even more efficient and resilient co-operative that’s continually ‘Here came under (bar October, when we matched it). for NZ’ and able to step up in the tough times because they know, Behind the scenes, we’ve also first-hand, that their communities rely on been busy implementing the changes them for the essentials. required by the Grocery Industry Other benefits of a merger will include Competition Act. We’ve opened our better value for customers, being able wholesale supply to external retailers, to best serve our current and future simplified our instore ticketing and members and being faster at adapting to promotions, and embraced the Supplier New Zealanders’ ever-changing needs.

Code of Conduct amongst them.

What won’t change is our drive to keep We’re committed to continue serving our local communities with the to publicly report our progress in same locally owned stores and working implementing the GICA reforms, and hard to win customer loyalty, every day. now ask that our leaders, critics and Because that’s what we do, that’s what Foodstuffs has opened several social media give them time to take effect. The we love, and that’s why our foodie’s team supermarkets across New Zealand.

Act is, after all, only six months old. will be focused in 2024.

“We’ve opened our wholesale supply to external retailers, simplified our instore ticketing and promotions, and embraced the Supplier Code of Conduct.”

FMCG BUSINESS - LEADERS FORUM 2024

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FMCG Leaders Forum

Providing value is a good commercial strategy Lance Dobson Pacific FMCG Lead NIQ The cost-of-living crisis is still top of consumers’ minds heading into 2024 and that should continue to inform every action in the FMCG sector.

Whilst consumer confidence has improved slightly, it is still low and many believe we are in a recession that will continue into 2024. In order to grow in 2024 we need to find the sweet spot between driving growth and meeting consumers’ needs.

34% of global consumers said they will be in a worse position this January than at the start of 2023, with 78% saying they have lost out financially due to rising prices.

The picture will not get much brighter in the months ahead. Inflation has slowed but that will not send prices into reverse, and the average Kiwi consumer was already paying 15% more for goods in 2023 than they were in 2021. In those circumstances, it will take a lot more than sunnier headlines to restore confidence.

In New Zealand, where household spending on FMCG goods has risen by 10% in the past year, grocery bills are the primary concern for many consumers, followed by fuel prices. The impact of these essentials affects popular impressions of the economy – more than half of New Zealanders believe the country is in a recession today and 48% expect it will be at the start of 2025 – as well as purchasing behaviour.

That means retailers and suppliers must work within these conditions, not against them. Price-conscious consumers tend to be more intentional about when, where and how they shop, looking for alternative channels and sources of value. Retailers and suppliers, of course, face their own ongoing difficulties with costs but they can consider other innovations to attract buyers if they are unable to drive prices down across the board.

In difficult times, there are two key consumer responses to bear in mind. Budget consumers, often through necessity, will look straight to the bottom line for the cheapest way to make their essential purchases.

Everyday low pricing (EDLP) strategies are one of the best ways to

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FMCG BUSINESS - LEADERS FORUM 2024

“Grocery bills are the primary concern for many consumers, followed by fuel prices.”

reach this cohort, along with loyalty schemes and smaller pack sizes.

Value consumers may still be comfortable enough financially to buy most of their preferred goods but have been altering their shopping habits to bring their bills down. They might now be more likely to shop around, buy in bulk, or look for discounts. Multi-buys, crosspromotions and larger pack sizes are all attractive offerings that reward smarter spending.

Retailers around the world are seeing growth in sales of private label brands – particularly in the baby, chilled food, and household and paper product categories – though this trend is less pronounced in New Zealand than elsewhere, making up 13% of market share against a global average of 21%.

Tellingly, consumers are not turning away from name brands in every category: beverages, personal care, and snackfoods and confectionery have seen the private label share marginally shrink.

That points to another shard of opportunity for FMCG retailers.

Consumers managing their outlay are likely to make deeper cuts to luxuries elsewhere in their budget, with fewer big-ticket purchases and more time at home. For many, their favourite FMCG brands represent ‘permissible indulgences’ that retailers can lean into, leveraging new products to generate excitement.

So while the compound effects of inflation will produce continued difficulties in 2024, FMCG retailers who are sensitive and responsive to their customers’ needs could lay the foundations for stronger longterm relationships. Consumers eager to practice more responsible spending and saving habits will be building confidence in their own financial resilience for better economic times, and the brands that help them do that can retain a positive association when those days arrive.

Providing good value is always a good commercial strategy and, in this moment, delivering the right offer for the right consumer will make a real difference.

FMCG Leaders Forum

Looking forward with more certainty Dave Hooker Executive Director, NZACS The convenience channel has been through the ringer over the last 24 months trying to defend itself against radical government proposals around Smoke free 2025 and trying to prepare for a very uncertain future.

NZACS has always supported the Smokefree 2025 aspirations aiming to reduce the adult smoking rate to 5% or less by 2025.

About 8.0% of adults were daily smokers in 2021/22, down from 9.4% the previous year and 16.4% in 2011/12, so we are on the right track.

As a result of the latest election and coalition agreement the entire raft of smoke free amendments have been axed, providing some relief to the industry but not a complete reprieve.

There is already significant push back on the new government over these moves, however the proposed amendments were poorly understood by the public of New Zealand and those rallying against them.

The three pieces of legislation impacting the sector are…

Step1 The retail reduction involved taking 6,000 or more tobacco resellers and concentrating it down to just 600. A 90% reduction was poorly thought out and not justified.

“Strong growth is coming from beverages, chilled food, confectionery, and ice cream.”

Step 2 Within nine months of the retail reduction coming into effect, the introduction of only very low nicotine tobacco products was planned.

These are 90% lower nicotine than the lightest cigarette currently available in the NZ market. The result, a product that will not meet the needs of existing smokers, resulting almost certainly in a burgeoning black market. Once again, poorly thought out and poorly researched policy.

Step 3 The headline grabbing SmokeFree generation. Once again remaining retailers would be charged with confirming ID on an ever-increasing age base.

On balance all three steps have some degree of merit however the extreme nature of all three combined is simply draconian and would, without doubt, see a dramatic rise in crime and the black market.

Media pounced on the headline that the repeals were driven by the need to maintain the tax take on tobacco. I believe this is not the case at all, moreover they were simply deeply flawed amendments.

The previous government seemed to overlook the fiscal gap that a $2B+ annual excise tax deficit from tobacco sales would leave.

The focus will now move to vaping and there is always the possibility that the government will revisit some of the original tobacco amendment proposals in the future.

The lesson for stores in all of this is not to be complacent and to continue to build resilience with expanded offerings in categories that continue to grow.

Last year, the NZACS state of the industry report compiled by NielsenIQ showed the value of scanned service station shop sales grew to $1.37 billion, an increase of 3.3%. What was really gratifying was the fact that there is also an increase of 5.8% in unit sales, a turnaround from the previous year and also confirmation that we are not just growing through inflation.

Strong growth is coming from beverages, chilled food, confectionery, and ice cream across the channel.

From an innovation perspective ice cream, energy drinks and vaping topped the group with some fantastic brand collaborations and range extensions.

As we look forward to a more certain year ahead from a regulatory perspective, we also hope that fuel prices will continue to soften and we may see some results flowing through to the channel from the supermarket study, which to date have not been apparent to consumers.

The New Zealand Association of Convenience Stores (NZACS) look forward to continuing to advocate for its 11 organised retail groups representing over 100 convenience retailers and its supplier members.

FMCG BUSINESS - LEADERS FORUM 2024

17

Design & Packaging

Periscope nurtures projects both big or small

Are you starting a new brand or looking for a packaging design update? We found experts in the field who can assist with advice and deliver results.

40 years of brilliance

Farmers market to Foodstuffs Starting a food brand is no small operation. Most, if not all, the juicy information, the strategic plans, and even knowing where to find suppliers will draw blanks from Google. So how do you take your brilliant idea and take it to retail?

You can start by getting to know Laura Feavearyear, owner and Creative Director at Creative Jam. For the past five years, Laura and her team have been taking SMEs on a journey to retail with their clever, eyecatching brand work and tasty-looking packaging.

“Creating brands for newcomers is not just a pleasure it’s an honour,” says Laura. “I saw a big gap in the market for FMCG brands that had smaller budgets with big ideas. We affectionally started calling them

For 40 years, Periscope have steered a number of New Zealand and Australia’s most beloved brands with creative strategy, communications, and packaging design.

Michelle Carroll, Co-Creative Director, emphasises the team’s passion, stating: “We all love what we do; more importantly, we believe in what we are creating. At the end of the day, we are shoppers too.”

Gilbert Chung, Co-Creative Director, adds: “We pride ourselves on our ability to nurture projects both big or small. We understand needs change. There are always shifts in the wind, whether it be the cost of living, environmental shifts, or supplier issues. This responsiveness is where Periscope not only survives but thrives.”

To navigate all of this, they know it’s about collaboration. They like clients to join them on the design journey, encouraging frequent and direct contact between their designers and clients. It creates a relationship of trust and confidence that results in a smooth sailing and successful design process, with nothing lost in translation.

Periscope remains at the forefront, ready to adapt, inviting new connections and eager to discuss ideas. If creating something truly exceptional is on your “to do list”, drop in for a cuppa, we hear their morning teas are legendary.

Contact Gilbert Chung on 021 779738 or Laura Feavearyear, owner and Creative Director at Creative Jam gilbert@periscope.co.nz 18

FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

gilbert@periscope.co.nz

www.periscope.

co.nz

https://www.

instagram.c

om/periscop

e_design/

feature Farmers to Foodies. Brands that had as little as just a tested product and maybe not even a name, through to well-known brands who wanted to get NPD out quickly by using agile, small design houses.”

“We knew that we had to offer a one-stop shop for these brands, hold their hands and walk with them through to ranging. So we started learning all about the biz outside of just design. We created a YouTube channel called “Check Me Out” and interviewed some of New Zealand’s most well-known brands about their stories, we also spoke to industry experts to answer some of the unsearchable questions. We run a monthly free webinar with some colleagues called Retail Rookie and discuss a specific topic like planning or changes in the industry,” explains Laura.

Creative Jam’s mission is to make agency-level creative accessible to start-ups and they’ve got a great track record to prove it with the ability to launch brands such as Dose & Co, Daily Good, Elta Ego, Dr. Feelgood, Matcha Made, Frula Beauty, Ranga Gingerbeer and more.

Get in touch today: Laura@creativejam.co.nz www.creativejam.co.nz youtube: checkmeoutfmcg

ShenZhen Fortress is a pioneer in plastic-free packaging

Pioneering plastic-free packaging Our economic climate has consumers looking at their shopping lists with greater scrutiny. Brand loyalty is competing with price, ease of purchase and of course, sustainability. This has meant a lot of brands have had to rethink how their offerings are packaged and how they can reduce plastic, be recyclable or reusable.

EXPERTS IN PAPER TUBE PACKAGING • Over 15 years experience • Reliable, easy communication • Customized diameter from 1.2 - 25 cm • Plastic free. Food grade materials • Foils, spots, emboss, embellishments • FSC, BRC, ISO Certified Factory • Dust free, well maintained factories • Design services available • Family owned & operated

Request a quote today: nancy@szfortress.com www.szfortress.com

Our goal is to create a brand that not only looks the part but also relates to your customer’s needs, wants and lifestyle. We want to hit that sweet spot between beautiful, clever and functional.

We have a passion for big ideas and small business, we welcome start ups and we know how vital well designed packaging is to success. laura@creativejam.co.nz +64 21 809 807

www.cr eativeja m.co.nz

feature Shenzhen Fortress has been a pioneer in the plastic-free packaging game for over 15 years. Started by a close-knit family they are now one of the leading paper tube and packaging manufacturers in China.

“New Zealand is a key market for us, we understand the importance of the environment in Aotearoa,” says Sales Manager Nancy Wang.

“We’ve spent many years perfecting our range, trying new techniques and moving with tech advances. We place strong importance in ensuring each of our clients is well looked after and the result is perfection.”

In 2023, the paper tube giant produced over 3 million paper tubes and boxes for FMCG products, skincare and makeup, gifting and more. They exhibited in six different countries including Cosmoprof in Italy.

“We plan to bring our show stands to New Zealand as soon as we can and will also be attending Naturally Good (Stand No#E22) in Sydney this year,” says Nancy.

ShenZhen Fortress already works with many well-known Kiwi brands

Before and after Onfire Design’s brand and packaging refresh

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FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

such as Fonterra, Ethique, Real Rad Food and Two Islands, as well as many great Kiwi start-ups.

“Our lower MOQ of 1000 units means we can be more accessible to smaller suppliers and businesses, as we believe sustainable options should be available from the start of a brand’s journey.” www.szfortress.com nancy@szfortress.com

Onfire Design wins multiple awards on the international stage Branding agency Onfire Design has won multiple awards at the World Brand Design Society Awards in the UK. The World Brand Design Society Awards is an independent and prestigious awards scheme that celebrates the significance of commercial design and its role within society and global economics. The awards, in particular, aims to champion creative agencies and studios of all sizes from around the world.

Onfire was recognised across a variety of categories for their work from FMCG through to boutique retail.

Projects recognised included Onfire’s brand and packaging refresh for Fakieh Poultry, Saudi Arabia’s largest privately owned poultry company, Nutrideer pet supplements branding and packaging, Tuffy Paper Towels branding and packaging, and Benny’s Bike Shop brand identity.

‘It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.’ This has been the driving purpose for Onfire, the way they do things, the way they work and the calibre of work that they produce. As an agile studio in New Zealand, they take great pride when their work gets recognised by industry peers on a global stage.

At this year’s World Brand Society Awards, Onfire were listed in the Top 10 design agencies from around the globe. Onfire’s Sam Allan said, “We are thrilled with this announcement, even more so as this marks the same achievement for the fifth year in a row. Great recognition for our awesome clients and for our ideas making an impact abroad.”

Established in 2005, Onfire Design is a specialist branding and packaging design agency based in Takapuna, Auckland. www.weareonfire.co.nz For more information contact Managing Director Sam Allan: ph 021 608 204.

“At this year’s World Brand Society Awards, Onfire were listed in the Top 10 design agencies from around the globe.”

OLD

OLD

NEW

NEW

Functional & better for you

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FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

health & wellness Demand for better-for-you formulations, nootropic variants and functional foods is showing no signs of slowing. Increasingly, consumers are also looking for a functional or health benefit with their drinks.

Functional foods and drinks are generally separated into two categories: conventional and modified.

Conventional foods are natural, whole-food ingredients that are rich in important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats.

Meanwhile, modified foods have been fortified with additional ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, probiotics, or fibre, to increase a food’s health benefits.

Here are some examples of modified functional foods: • fortified juices and wellness drinks • fortified dairy products, such as milk and yogurt • fortified milk alternatives, such as almond, rice, coconut, and cashew milk • fortified grains, such as bread and pasta • fortified cereal and granola Here are some examples of conventional functional foods: • Nuts: almonds, cashews, pistachios, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts • Seeds: chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds • Legumes: black beans, chickpeas, navy beans, lentils • Whole grains: oats, barley, buckwheat, brown rice, couscous • Seafood: salmon, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, cod • Fermented foods: tempeh, kombucha, kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut • Herbs and spices: turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne pepper • Beverages: coffee, green tea, black tea

New in store: modest energy Looking for a refreshing energy drink that’s not syrupy and full of sugar?

“Modest energy is a brand new, New Zealand made low-sugar energy drink, and we’re pretty chuffed about it,” says Nerys Whelan, CEO at modest beverages.

“We searched for a functional energy drink that wasn’t full of sugar or questionable sweeteners, and we came up empty handed. So, we made one.

“Sweetened with only 100% New Zealand apple juice, energised by taurine and natural caffeine from coffee beans, and with only natural flavours, modest energy ticks all the right boxes! It’s subtly sweet, refreshing and elegant,” explains Whelan.

“Demand for betterfor-you formulations and functional foods is showing no signs of slowing.”

FUNCTIONAL DRINKS, DIETARY FOOD DRINKS & FERMENTED FOODS Dollars ($000)

Dollars Growth % YA

Total Functional Drinks

$53,637

2.9%

Kombucha

$24,760

-11.5%

Coconut Water*

$15,345

12.0%

Nootropic Drinks*

$5,493

54.4%

Other Functional Drinks*

$8,039

16.6%

Total Dietary Food Drinks

$19,452

4.2%

Dietary Food Drinks Other

$16,907

7.0%

Collagen Milk Additives

$2,546

-11.1%

Total Fermented Foods*

$32,789

23.0%

Sauerkraut*

$2,855

15.1%

Tempeh

$627

-7.7%

Kimchi*

$870

53.2%

* denotes value AND unit growth > +2% Circana defined segments based on lifestyle drinks, dietary food drinks and selected fermented food Source: Circana MarketEdge Grocery Data MAT to 31/12/23

FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

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health & wellness

“High protein products are driving the growth of the diet and sport category” Martigne Doolan Health & Beauty Category manager at Woolworths NZ The new drinks are now selling into PAK’nSAVE, New World and Four Square stores and are also available online.

Check them out on social media @modestbeverages .

For enquiries, please email info@modestbeverages. com or visit www.modestbeverages.com

Health & wellness trends for 2024 High protein products are driving the growth of the diet and sport category, as this subcategory is now appealing to a wider range of customers, not just athletes and gym goers, explains Martigne Doolan - Health and Wellness Category manager at Woolworths NZ. She says customers are choosing protein bars as a healthier way to snack, or as a post workout treat. “Musashi is leading the growth and innovation, but Countdown has also launched some new brands this year like Barebells and Grenade Oreo bars.

“We’re seeing customers turn away from slimming powder shakes and low carb options as they find alternative ways to meet their health and fitness goals.

“Collagen powder has also dropped off many shopping lists as it’s seen as a discretionary, more expensive item that customers can ‘go without’. Also when on a budget we’re hearing customers are prioritising beauty treats where they can see the benefits, like make up and skincare, rather than needing to ingest them.

“Within the vitamin category, we’re seeing new formats emerge post-Covid.

These include the launch of powders like the Healtheries Vitamin C 200mg or Digestion Health powder. Effervescences are having a resurgence with the relaunch of Healtheries Boost five new flavours, as well as Natures’ Way creating a fun berry flavour fizzy tablet for kids.

Growth is also seen in the sleep and stress categories, as customers look for help managing the challenges of life. Beauty supplements is another category to watch in 2024 with the launch of new products that replicate the successful ingredient led stories seen in skincare, like Hyaluronic Acid.

Doolan adds: “Cold and flu sales were down following a record year in 2022 with Covid and high incidences of flu. We’re expecting a stronger year in 2024, supported by some new innovative products and strong value offers.”

The FMCG Business team endeavours to produce a monthly snapshot of category news and highlights, based on information from participating clients, plus a table of the freshest data available at time of print. If you wish to contribute news for upcoming category reports, please contact trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz

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FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

cover story

UP&GO is driving growth

For a quarter of a century, UP&GO has been a breakfast staple in Kiwi households, transforming traditional cereal into a convenient on-the-go nutrition solution for all ages.

Over the years, UP&GO has been at the forefront of innovation in the liquid breakfast category. The introduction of UP&GO Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Hi Protein and no added sugar variants reflects the brand’s commitment to catering to diverse dietary preferences. With a variety of flavours, from Chocolate to Caramel, and promising more exciting additions on the horizon, UP&GO continues to redefine the breakfast experience.

Since its launch in 1998, UP&GO has successfully connected with Kiwis by promising the same nutrition as a ‘bowl of 2 Weet-Bix and Milk.’

This commitment has resonated with consumers, propelling UP&GO to become the #1 fastest-growing brand in grocery and the #1 protein brand in petrol and convenience stores in New Zealand. The brand’s success story reflects its ability to meet the evolving needs of consumers.

UP&GO’s High Protein SKUs are currently driving significant growth, providing a balanced solution for those seeking a trusted brand to meet their nutritional needs.

“We are excited about the upcoming release of UP&GO Protein 500ml in Strawberry and Banana flavours, set to hit the New Zealand market in July this year,” says Kurtis Geering, UP&GO Brand Manager - NZ. He explains: “Aligning with our sustainability goals, we are working towards paper straws and insuring our packaging is able to be recycled by actively supporting the organisations developing the technology to do so.

“With a history of innovation and a focus on meeting consumer needs, UP&GO continues to play a role in shaping breakfast in New Zealand and beyond.”

For more information and orders contact: customer.services@sanitarium.co.nz or 0800 100 257

“UP&GO, innovating breakfast for over 25 years!”

FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

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Popular protein options What’s driving sales in egg and poultry products?

We talked to local suppliers and category managers about new developments and trends to watch in 2024.

Better Eggs®: Leading the Way in Welfare and Sustainability In an industry that historically has broad and euphemistic definitions of the living conditions awarded to hens, Better Eggs® is keeping it simple: happy hens lay Better Eggs®.

Better Eggs® Chief Eggs-ecutive Gareth van der Heyden says, “Our purpose is to provide nourishment for better living – for both our hens and consumers. The health and welfare of our hens is front and centre of what we do. The environment where our hens live is fully equipped to ensure they live their best life every day – this is really important.”

Better Eggs® is leading the way in compassionate farming practices, with their Henergy Cage Free product being the first brand in New Zealand to be granted SPCA certification for eggs. Their free-range label Better Eggs® was launched to market in June 2023, carrying the same certification that requires animals to live in comfortable, enriched environments where they can move around freely.

The Better Eggs® mantra is to be ‘Champions for Better®’. As a family-owned business, they strongly believe in going even further than the basic requirements by creating a haven that ensures the well-being of the hens is their top priority.

Throughout the day, the hens enjoy the freedom of exploring an outdoor forest area. Better Eggs® has planted thousands of trees to create a sheltered and shaded sanctuary that creates an environment conducive to what hens love most – foraging!

The large atrium-style barns where the hens sleep and lay their eggs offer natural light and ventilation while utilising the latest monitoring

“The health and welfare of our hens is front and centre of what we do.”

Gareth van der Heyden, Better Eggs® Chief Eggs-ecutive

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technology to ensure optimal health and comfort. The grain the hens are fed is custom-blended according to age and nutritional needs, and stringent biosecurity measures are strictly adhered to.

Hens are intelligent and curious folk, so there are ‘enrichment’ items for hen-tertainment. That’s right – toys for hens! It’s hen heaven on Earth.

In an eggshell, the team at Better Eggs® is striving towards setting a standard for better.

“Being Better is not a destination, we work on it every day and should never reach an endpoint,” says Gareth.

Happy hens lay Better Eggs®

category insights What’s new at Woolworths NZ “We are seeing strong growth in cage free eggs (barn and free range) as customers transition from caged eggs, which fits well with our own commitments of becoming 100% cage free by the end of 2024 for the North Island and 2025 for the South Island,” says category manager Kristina Clerke.

“Our own brand Countdown barn and macro free range eggs are exclusively available at our stores and continue to receive great feedback from customers.

They launched in June 2023 and are currently on our Low Price programme.

“For our Countdown barn eggs, hens move around freely in large sheds. For our macro eggs, hens are raised on free range farms and meet animal welfare standards to be 100% SPCA accredited.

“These branded eggs are a great source of protein with a 4-star health rating. Sizes vary from mixed grade, size 7 (large), and size 8 (jumbo). The packaging is also fully recyclable.”

Fresh poultry Fresh Poultry category manager Naida Marcon adds: “We’re seeing customers watch their household budgets and spend more time planning their shop EGGS Dollars ($000)

Dollars Growth % YA

Total Eggs

$425,912

37.6%

Free Range*

$206,765

57.5%

Enriched Colony

$117,568

2.6%

Barn*

$94,802

68.8%

Organic

$4,162

-21.6%

Specialty/Other

$2,616

11.9%

* denotes value AND unit growth > +2% Source: Circana MarketEdge Grocery Data MAT to 31/12/23

POULTRY Dollars ($000)

Dollars Growth % YA

Total Poultry*

$575,258

10.2%

Frozen Chicken Value Add*

$219,893

17.2%

Fresh Bagged Chicken

$160,042

0.9%

Cooked Chicken*

$134,655

15.0%

Smallgoods - Prepack Chicken

$33,542

10.9%

Frozen - Chicken Whole Bird

$14,276

-10.8%

Canned Chicken*

$7,673

16.2%

Frozen - Other Poultry

$5,176

-6.4%

* denotes value AND unit growth > +2% Selected segments. Excludes fresh random weight packaged chicken Source: Circana MarketEdge Grocery Data MAT to 24/12/23

“We’re seeing customers watch their household budgets” to save money and minimise waste. For example, customers are moving to cheaper poultry cuts with a lower price per kilogram.

“We launched some new products under our Cook range in September 2023 which have been popular with Kiwis looking for quick and easy meal solutions: 1. C ook firecracker thigh fillets (amazing flavour, my absolute favourite.)

2. Cook chicken drumsticks smokey barbecue.

3. Cook chicken wings chilli & lime.

4. C ook chicken nibbles Vietnamese style - also a favourite of mine. Best for those backyard BBQs this summer.

5. Cook butterfly birds garlic & herb.

6. Cook butterfly birds firecracker.

7. C ountdown chicken kebabs rosemary and garlic (3 for $20).”

Trends in Foodstuffs stores Foodstuffs North Island Category Manager Elliot Winstanley says poultry is a staple protein in New Zealander’s diets, with customers purchasing forms of it all year round.

“Free range and organic categories have seen strong growth over the last year as customers seek out products which focus on sustainability and welfare.

“Over the summer months, we tend to see a shift in consumer purchasing behaviour towards more value-added items such as kebabs and butterfly whole birds as people bring out the BBQ’s and head to the beach.

“Popularity for bone-in chicken products has increased over the last year. They tend to be cheaper cuts and are a great option for families looking for value-for-money options.”

Foodstuffs North Island Category Manager Chris Kneller adds: “In the freezer, we’re seeing a shift towards value-added chicken, like fried Tegel Take Outs and breaded nuggets. Bulk frozen portions and whole birds experienced a decline in both value and units last year, although it’s worth noting that some supply constraints contributed towards this trend.

“The latest NPD in the frozen poultry space, is the Bostock Brothers Lightly Seasoned Chicken Tenders. These free-range temptations provide customers with a fresh, flavorful and organic option,” says Kneller.

The FMCG Business team endeavours to produce a monthly snapshot of category news and highlights, based on information from participating clients, plus a table of the freshest data available at time of print. If you wish to contribute news for upcoming category reports, please contact trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz

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FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

fresh produce

Best in season New season apples and pears arrive in volume in Aotearoa at this time of year. Be sure to make the most of them in your displays. Garlic is excellent value, while the passionfruit season starts and the sweetcorn crop is at its best.

Salad greens and cucumbers are both flush and great quality, plums, nectarines and peaches will run through until the end of March/beginning of April.

Apples What to look for: Apples should be firm to touch, have no bruising and the skin should not be dull as this indicates they are past their best.

Storage/handling: Where possible, store apples in the refrigerator and handle with care to avoid bruising.

Pears What to look for: Pears ripen from the inside out, stock should be firm to touch, with no dark or soft spots.

Storage/ handling: Pears have a very delicate skin and should be handled with care. If pears are not ripe, they can be ripened at room temperature and then refrigerated.

Nutrition: Both apples and pears are a source of vitamin C, which supports healthy skin and a source of dietary fibre which supports digestive health.

Garlic Garlic is a member of the allium family, which also includes onions, chives, shallots, spring onions and leeks.

Most of New Zealand’s commercial garlic is grown in Marlborough from January to November. The hard winters followed by long dry summers suits garlic growing, resulting in excellent quality.

Marlborough garlic is not cool-stored and keeps for nearly a year in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place.

Pukekohe garlic is available in December.

What to look for: Firm well-shaped cloves. NZ garlic will still have roots - if a bulb is bald, with no roots, then it is imported. Each New Zealand grown bulb of garlic has had its roots trimmed, one at a time. Garlic is never labelled since it sheds its skin if a label is applied to it.

Storage/handling: Keep bulbs whole to ensure the cloves don’t dry out. Store in a cool, dry place away from the sunlight. Avoid placing in plastic bags or storing under refrigeration. Avoid storing next to ginger as it can dehydrate garlic.

Passionfruit All of the passionfruit sold in New Zealand is grown here with the majority of the crop coming from Northland, the Bay of Plenty and Taranaki.

Passionfruit are expected in stores in late summer, and are in good supply throughout May. What to look for: Passionfruit are at their ripest when the smooth purple skin starts to wrinkle. Look for skin that is unblemished and if still firm, allow to ripen a little more for added sweetness.

Storage/handling: Store at room temperature. The strong outer skin of the fruit keeps its contents fresh for several weeks.

Nutrition: Passionfruit are a source of vitamins C and E and a good source of dietary fibre.

Sweetcorn New Zealand sweetcorn is a true summer vegetable that is at its best between January and March.

What to look for: Choose sweetcorn with tight green husks that are rounder and fatter at the ends. The kernels should be plump, yellow and tightly arranged.

Storage/handling: Sweetcorn that is on display should be sprayed with water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, and chilled at the end of the day. Store at 0°C with a relative humidity of 90%-100%.

Sweetcorn is ethylene sensitive.

Nutrition: Sweetcorn is a good source of fibre and folate and a source of vitamins B and C.

“Passionfruit are a source of vitamins C and E and a good source of dietary fibre.”

Join us on

www.unitedfresh.co.nz

FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

31

category insights

Health & wellness OURwellness

DAILY BREAD

HEALTH &

What’s driving sales in the popular bread category?

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FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

category insights Wraps, pita breads and bagels are popular with shoppers, offering versatile lunchbox and meal solutions.

We talked to local suppliers to find out what’s new and trending.

Farrah’s is delighted to launch a delicious NEW addition to its Low Carb Wrap range – Low Carb Sweet Chilli, giving Kiwis even more choice in the wrap aisle.

Bringing the flavour innovation the brand is known and loved for into its Low Carb range, Farrah’s Low Carb Sweet Chilli Wrap is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy and joins the range at 9g of carbohydrates and 90 calories per wrap – the go-to for a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.

It’s also an excellent source of fibre, providing 35% of your daily dietary fibre requirements, promoting digestive health and keeping you feeling satisfied.

“Farrah’s Low Carb Wraps have been growing consistently in NZ Grocery”

NEW

category insights Farrah’s Low Carb Wraps have been growing consistently in NZ Grocery stores since launching in 2021, with 44.1% growth MAT (Circana data to 24/12/23). These tasty Low Carb Wraps have expanded the category by bringing in new shoppers and driving incremental growth, a testament to changing consumer trends and the desire for more innovation in the Low Carb space.

Like their Wraps, Tortillas, and Pizza Bases, Farrah’s Low Carb Sweet Chilli Wrap is also vegan-friendly and proudly made right here in New Zealand.

Farrah’s Low Carb Sweet Chilli Wraps will be available in New World and Pak’N Save stores nationwide from Monday 4 March 2024.

For more information contact your Twin Agencies representative or visit www.farrahs.co.nz

Rebel Bakehouse HAPPY GUT wraps drive category growth

BREAD & BAKERY SMALLGOODS Dollars 000

Dollars Growth % YA

Total Bread

$424,987

7.6%

White*

$162,075

11.6%

Light Grain

$137,118

5.4%

Heavy Grain

$71,832

7.6%

Wholemeal

$46,542

0.8%

Fruit

$7,421

9.8%

Total Bakery Smallgoods

$213,279

12.9%

Buns/Rolls

$59,257

12.2%

Wraps*

$52,354

10.8%

Other Smallgoods*

$33,993

20.2%

Muffins

$23,725

20.8%

Crumpets

$22,695

6.8%

Pita Breads

$15,243

5.0%

Pikelets*

$6,013

18.3%

* denotes value AND unit growth > +2% Source: Circana MarketEdge Grocery Data MAT to 31/12/23

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FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

Breadcraft (Rebel Bakehouse and Cottage Lane brands) has grown by a phenomenal *48%, driving category growth on the back of Rebel’s innovative HAPPY GUT wraps. In line with the trend to food that supports ‘Wellbeing’, Rebel have highlighted benefits of prebiotic fibre in their HAPPY GUT wraps, launching new flavours such as Wholegrain, Capsicum and Roasted Garlic.

The trend to ‘Low Carb’ saw the entry of new Rebel Low Carb Spinach wraps.

In these tight economic times, Rebel also saw an opportunity for the new Original White Family 10 pack of full-sized wraps, a value offering all the family can enjoy.

“With ‘snacking’ on the rise, the time seemed right for a smaller wrap - enter the new Rebel Wholemeal and Original White Snack wraps,” says Kerrie Brown, Head of Sales at Breadcraft.

“Extending our wrap range and hitting the trends just right while optimizing our packaging impact and inspiring meal solutions has all wrapped up to nearly doubling Rebel’s market share of the wraps category, to **18.2%,” explains Brown.

The Cottage Lane Artisan handcrafted, stone-baked bread range (which uses an 80-year-old sourdough bug) is fermented for 72 hours and can be baked off in store in under 25 minutes (saving time and money and making it easy to serve consumers fresh bread daily). With more stores enjoying its benefits Cottage Lane growth has risen to *** 19%.

“We plan to keep riding the trends, bringing to market slices of innovation and giving consumers what they’re looking for – watch this space for the next innovation,” says Brown.

Bake well, eat well, live well.

For more information contact sales@bwl.co.nz or visit www.rebelbakehouse.co.nz Circana Scandata, NZ Grocery: * Bakery Smallgoods, Quarter to 12/11/23 $ Percentage Growth vs prior year **Wraps, 4 Weeks to 12/11/23 $ Market Share Percentage ***Artisan Bread, Quarter to 12/11/23 $ Percentage Growth vs prior year

Giannis - A story with full flavour A family-owned company of Mediterranean origins, Giannis Pita Bread rose from honest, humble beginnings to become one of New Zealand’s largest specialised flat bread manufacturers and a major supplier to the New Zealand food industry. It’s a tale of Kiwi ingenuity and authenticity.

Giannis Michaelides set sail from Cyprus in 1966.

He arrived in Christchurch with only the clothes he

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

stood in, a wonderful smile and a healthy appetite for leavened bread his mother had taught him to make.

But Giannis brought with him more than just his love of pita, he introduced to our pantries other wholesome, ethnic flatbreads from exotic lands and earlier times.

The Giannis brand was established in 1991 and continues to go from strength to strength 33 years later. Giannis produce and supply an extensive range of Pita Bread, Wraps, Pizza Bases, Tortilla and Naan bread products that are available in the New Zealand market including gluten free options.

“We are always looking closely at the market and consumer trends and will continue to develop new products to meet the market supported by an extensive marketing programme across Giannis social media platforms,” says Sales and Marketing Manager Simon Rangihaeata.

This kind of honest-to-goodness philosophy, Kiwi No. 8 wire mentality, and refusal to compromise the integrity of the products is fundamental to the way the Giannis family will continue to run the business in 2024.

For more background on the Giannis story go to www.giannis.co.nz www.facebook.com/GiannisPitaBread/ www.instagram.com/giannisbreads/ For sales enquires contact Giannis Sales and Marketing Manager Simon Rangihaeata 021 854 091, simon@giannis.co.nz

“The Giannis brand was established in 1991 and continues to go from strength to strength”

The FMCG Business team endeavours to produce a monthly snapshot of category news and highlights, based on information from

participating clients, plus a table of the1 freshest data 9:39 available at time of print. If you wish to contribute news for upcoming category Giannis-SM-News-Ad-Brioche-2024-01.pdf 31/01/24 AM reports, please contact trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz

Giannis Breads are created from our own authentic Mediterranean family recipes mixed with the highest quality ingredients and innovation, making them...

YUM! BRIOCHE WRAPS

Email: simon@giannis.co.nz www.giannis.co.nz

NEW PRODUCT Honest food, made well.

profile

Pioneering an award-winning alcohol-free vanilla paste Heilala Vanilla, a Tauranga-based vanilla company, is captivating the culinary world with its groundbreaking Alcohol-Free Vanilla Paste. Receiving three prestigious awards, including the Supreme accolade at the 2023 New Zealand Food Awards, this innovative product is positioned to reshape the vanilla landscape with its unique, alcoholfree flavour profile.

In the post-COVID era, Heilala Vanilla strategically shifted its focus to innovate within the relatively unchanged category of vanilla products. The creation of Heilala’s Alcohol-Free Vanilla Paste presented several technical challenges, requiring a meticulous glycerine extraction process to preserve over 200 compounds found in a vanilla bean.

“The Heilala team possesses in-depth in-house technical expertise and adhere to the time-honoured, cold-pressed art of vanilla extraction. This commitment has earned trust among discerning bakers and Michelin-starred chefs, solidifying Heilala’s vanilla as the top choice for culinary enthusiasts,” explains Charlotte Owen-Dorrington, Key Account and Trade Marketing Manager, Heilala Vanilla.

A standout feature of the Alcohol-Free Vanilla Paste is its adaptability, catering to a diverse baking community by providing options that resonate with various preferences.

This offering is Heilala’s commitment to ensuring that everyone can indulge in the flavours they love during their baking endeavours. While most vanilla products in the market are alcohol-based, Heilala’s alcohol-free composition positions it as an ideal ingredient for uncooked recipes, elevating dishes such as ice cream, yogurt, and custard to gourmet heights. Its family-friendly appeal ensures that individuals of all ages can enjoy the rich and distinctive taste of Heilala Vanilla.

Heilala Vanilla’s commitment to culinary innovation is matched by its leadership in sustainability. It is the first and only vanilla company globally to receive B Corp Certification, the company stands as a beacon of dedication to making a positive impact on people and planet. Rooted in the ethos of giving back to vanilla-growing communities in Tonga, Heilala views B Corp certification as a seamless progression of its purpose-driven mission.

As Heilala Vanilla introduces the award-winning Alcohol-Free Vanilla Paste to the local market, consumers can not only enjoy the cherished buttery, bourbon-like vanilla flavour that defines Heilala, but also champion a brand that prioritises innovation, authenticity, and positive social impact.

Heilala Alcohol Free Vanilla Paste joins a line-up of vanilla-centric products loved by home bakers and chefs.

For more information or to order Heilala Vanilla, contact Selling Solutions: ph 0800 735 542 or email info@sellingsolutions.co.nz

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FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

“Heilala Vanilla’s commitment to culinary innovation is matched by its leadership in sustainability.”

good business

New plant for NZ pet food producers Global pet food brands will soon have access to a new state-of-the-art canning facility in New Zealand.

The ultra-modern Canterbury factory will each year make 30 million cans of high-value cat and dog food, adding significantly to an industry generating over $NZ300 million in exports annually.

The plant is established by Riverlands Foods Limited and a first for New Zealand. It will produce exclusively for their clients’ brands, removing a logjam that limited New Zealand as a go-to destination for third-party manufacturing.

“While other plants exist, they’re either very small, running at full capacity making their own brands, or in long-term contracts for a small number of large clients, meaning smaller and innovative brands can’t make their pet food in New Zealand,” explains the team.

“Not producing our own brand gives us a real point of difference. All customers are treated equally. It also provides us with flexibility to meet the changing market demands such as different product textures and formulations,” Michael Dance, General Manager of Riverland Foods, says.

“With global sales of cat and dog food at $US58 billion ($NZ95 billion) predicted to more than double by 2030, there is huge demand for access to modern manufacturing facilities which are both adaptable and innovative,” Dance adds.

“Initial investment in the project exceeds $NZ30 million but further funds are committed for future staged development.”

Tom Coughlan (left) and Michael Dance inside the factory.

Alongside Dance, the team driving Riverlands includes Head of Operations Tom Coughlan, Quality Assurance Officer Sarah Morris, and Site Manager Chris Gourlie.

Coughlan says: “We chose Christchurch because of its proximity to processing plants and quality raw materials.”

Dance says over 95% of the plant’s output will be sent overseas, boosting value-added exports and aligning with the coalition government’s aim for New Zealand to become an “export powerhouse”. Pet food exports have quadrupled in less than a decade, increasing from $75 million a year in 2014 to $320 million in 2023.

Ready to thrive

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good business

Grape expectations Quality expectations for the upcoming grape harvest are positive amongst grape growers and wineries as the warm summer continues in winegrowing regions around New Zealand.

“Commencement of the grape harvest is now just a few weeks away and there is a real sense of anticipation this year.

El Niño traditionally delivers lots of warmth and sunshine in our winegrowing regions and it has certainly been the case this season,” said Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers.

“Since flowering in December, the weather has been close to ideal for grapes. All the reports we are receiving suggest ripening is progressing well and disease pressure is low. With the grapes in excellent condition, it seems we are heading towards another quality New Zealand wine vintage.”

While the quality outlook is positive, Gregan said the expectation was for a lighter yield this year. “We are expecting some lift in crop volumes in northern regions this year, but nationally we expect the 2024 harvest to be down on the last two years, perhaps significantly so. We are about to conduct our pre-vintage survey of wineries and expect this will confirm all the anecdotal reports of a smaller crop in 2024.”

The New Zealand grape harvest normally commences in northern regions in late February and continues throughout the country until May.

In 2023 New Zealand harvested 501,000 tonnes of grapes and exported more than $2 billion of wine. 90% of New Zealand wine is exported, with the three major markets being the US, UK, and Australia.

Sparks of change for Woolworths’ grocery delivery Woolworths New Zealand has committed to delivering greener groceries to online customers with an ambition to transition 100% of its home delivery trucks to be electric powered by 2030.

The move is expected to add approximately 300 trucks to the country’s electric vehicle fleet over the next seven years, with Woolworths New Zealand delivering thousands of online orders to customers each day from Kerikeri to Invercargill.

Woolworths New Zealand Managing Director, Spencer Sonn says that it’s critical for businesses like Woolworths to take a leadership role in switching to lower emissions vehicles and backing electric options.

“The need for a low carbon future has never been more clear, and we know we need to take action today to ensure we’re leaving a better tomorrow for those coming after us.

“We have one of the biggest home delivery truck fleets in the country, and we hope this will encourage more businesses to look

38

FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

at making the change over to electric vehicles too.

“It’s certainly not going to be a simple move, with some of our trucks travelling as far as 300 kilometres in one day, but we’re determined to get to 2030 with a fully electric fleet. We took a lot of learnings from our first five EV trucks and will be working closely with our drivers to ensure our transition is carefully phased over the next seven years and balances practicality with ambition,” says Spencer.

The supermarket retailer first introduced electric vehicles to its home delivery fleet in 2019 with support from EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority).

The business’ electric ambition is part of a wider Woolworths Group commitment to have reduced its overall operational transport emissions by around 60% by 2030 compared to today, and to have decommissioned more than 3,000 internal combustion engine vehicles from its company-wide fleet by that time.

innovation

Non-alcoholic wines made in NZ The first FMCG Business Product of the Year finalist for 2024 is the Giesen 0% Wine Range.

Giesen Group of New Zealand is familyowned, founded by brothers Theo, Alex, and Marcel Giesen in 1981. For four decades they have been making award-winning wines, with quality being a top priority. They also have a strong culture of innovation.

The team explains: “Understanding the growing consumer preference for mindful drinking and flavourful choices, in 2020 we embarked on our NOLO journey, producing and launching the world’s first alcohol-removed Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc under our newly created Giesen 0% brand. Since then we have introduced five more varietals into our Giesen 0% brand: Sparkling Brut, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rosé and Merlot.

“In 2021, we made history as the first winery in New Zealand to install our own spinning cone technology. The early success of our nonalcoholic wines ignited our belief in the category and the products we were creating. Recognising the tremendous growth potential in zeroalcohol wines, we took a bold step and invested in our very own spinning cone machine. Led by Chief Winemaker Duncan Shouler we created a team of specialists who are responsible for everything that gets produced using our spinning cone machine, which operates 24/7. This technology enables us to elevate both the quality and innovation in the NOLO category. We are proud to have established ourselves as world leaders in producing premium quality no-alcohol wines.

“To make our alcohol-removed wines, we create premium full-strength wines first, then using our spinning cone we gently distil out the aroma, then the alcohol until we have no more than 0.5% alc./vol. Then in the final blending stage we reintroduce the aroma to produce true-to-varietal-

style no-alcohol wines. All with low calories, ranging from 13 – 22 calories per 100ml serve.

“To meet the increasing global demand for our no-alcohol wines, we are currently installing a new, larger spinning cone machine, the SCC10,000 at the winery. With ten times the production capacity, this machine will not only enhance our dealcoholisation capabilities but also provide us with greater opportunities for innovation and quality improvement. What’s more, the installation of the SCC10,000 will introduce a revolutionary system that utilises the waste alcohol from the process as a fuel source to power the technology, further emphasizing our commitment to sustainability.

“Through our continuous investment in cutting-edge technologies, we strive to remain at the forefront of the industry. These innovations enable us to produce wines that not only meet but exceed the expectations of our valued customers. By combining our passion for winemaking with a commitment to excellence and sustainability, we continuously push boundaries and set new standards in the wine industry.”

G

UCT OF THE OD YE PR A R G

R

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

•F M C

•

•

•F M C

FMCG BUSINESS Product Of The Year Do you have a Hero product that stands out from the crowd? If there’s a tasty tastebud teaser, NPD rockstar, or best seller in your portfolio that deserves to be crowned ‘Product Of The Year’ - we’d love to hear from you! We’ll showcase some of the finalists in upcoming issues and reveal the FMCG Business Product of the Year later in 2024.

UCT OF THE OD YE PR A

To find out more on how to enter please email: trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

39

tag

Recruitment insights and talent trends From the specialist FMCG recruitment team at Convergence Supply Chain, Operations & Procurement

Marketing, Digital & Sales

• As companies strive to create more agile and responsive supply chains, we’re seeing high demand for professionals skilled in implementing cutting-edge ERP* technologies.

• The disruptions caused by the pandemic have emphasised the importance of supply chain resilience, with companies now pursuing candidates who can assess and mitigate risks, enhance supply chain flexibility, and develop contingency plans for the unexpected.

• Data-driven decision-making is a growing trend, and those who can leverage data analytics to optimise inventory management, demand forecasting, and overall supply chain performance will be highly valued.

• We’re also seeing FMCG organisations engaging procurement candidates with expertise in maximising cost savings through strategic pricing.

• The FMCG sector continues to face a shortage of qualified candidates for mid to senior level roles.

• With the demand for specific skills outweighing supply, junior talent is being skyrocketed into promotions faster than ever before.

Consequently, leaders in our client organisations are becoming stretched having to dedicate greater time to coaching, developing and upskilling.

• Organisations need to be looking for transferrable skills from other industries to help fill critical FMCG roles and specialist skills.

• CSR has become a fundamental business practice within FMCG, and this is increasing the need for professionals that can integrate sustainability into marketing strategies and communicate a commitment to social responsibility.

40

FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

recruitment Finance & Accounting • A hybrid skill set is key - those who have excellent influencing and stakeholder management skills and can navigate the intersection of finance and other FMCG business functions seamlessly, is proving crucial to a successful finance function.

• With the increasing adoption of automation, AI, and blockchain in financial processes, finance professionals who can leverage these tools effectively are currently highly sought after.

• More FMCG organisations are seeing the benefit of incorporating ESG** into their financial strategies. We’re also seeing a rise in finance professionals who want to work within companies that care about sustainability and being socially responsible.

• The ability to work with large data sets and extract actionable insights is in great demand within FMCG. Finance professionals who are proficient in data analytics and visualisation to make informed decisions are proving invaluable.

Technology, Transformation & Change • FMCG companies are progressively leveraging technologies like IoT, blockchain, smart packaging, AR/VR, and real-time tracking; therefore demand for IT professionals with expertise in these specialist areas will continue to grow.

• Cybersecurity is a top priority for our client companies, but these roles remain one of the most in demand, yet hardest to fill.

• The mounting need for AI and advanced analytics skills is fuelling the need for more data scientists and software developers within FMCG. • A growing emphasis on environmentally friendly technology solutions within the sector is seeing a rise in specialist roles focused on implementing green IT practices.

People are at their best when they belong.

We unlock the power and potential of belonging, connecting FMCG talent with workplaces they will love.

Looking for thoughtful and empathetic collaborators who care about your long-term success?

Meet our specialist FMCG recruitment team.

*Enterprise Resource Planning ** Environmental, Social and Governance

“The ability to work with large data sets and extract actionable insights is in great demand within FMCG”

Erin Kirk Executive Search, Marketing, Sales 027 532 5328 erin@convergencepartners.co.nz

Michelle Elsley Supply Chain, Operations, Procurement 022 640 2701 michelle@convergencepartners.co.nz

Claire Ellis Finance & Accounting 021 500 666 claire@convergencepartners.co.nz

Lisa Speckmeier Supply Chain, Operations, Procurement 021 150 8749 lisa@convergencepartners.co.nz

Claire Gibson Technology, Transformation, Change 027 444 2142 claireg@convergencepartners.co.nz

Suzie Thumath Research & Sourcing 09 300 6790 suzie@convergencepartners.co.nz

convergencepartners.co.nz

Out & About

Trade Aid won the Goo

d Food category at the

21st Sustainable Bus

iness Awards.

TV personality Chris Parker visited Four Square St

Heliers in Auckland.

Four pioneers of the Marlborough wine industry were presented with Wine Marlborough Lifetime Achievement Awards: James Healy, Dave Pearce, Tessa Anderson and Murray Gibbons.

derson and Lead Chris An Milling Country Ilevbare cut the ribbon to ur Flo on pi Cham use. luwaso ld Charity Ho Officer Mofo nald McDona Chief People om in the Ro ro d re so on the sp

g Heart Kids fundraisin Pete’s Natural Sodas rk. ma 0 ,00 $10 gic initiative hit the ma

42

FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

Champion Flour Milling supports Ronald McDonald House Charities® New Zealand as part of its new community partne r program.

out & about

Zealand’s number one was again named New Cookie Time Limited ing ALL Channel sult Con e lfac 2023 Coa th, Dawn Cleary FMCG distributor, in the Boo n col Lin R) to (L ranking. ith from Coalface.

Supplier Satisfaction Sm ff Geo h wit e Tim Cookie and Sam Pollock from

At the World Cheese Awards, Ole and Maren Gangst adt from Norway won the World Champion trophy for Nidelven Blå, their handmade, cows’ milk blue mould cheese .

Owner Operators Tim and Fiona Jackson cut the cake to celebrate the opening of Four Square Fitzroy.

SNAP D ND A AN

WIN!

6 Green world-leading erty, was awarded op re Pr nt d ce an t or pp rship rth Island’s su es, GM Membe ck Foodstuffs No Lindsay Rowl ion, NZGBC; Ni rating. (L to R) or of Market Transformat T Pacific. rs io er Int ar St ct , Director, RD re on Di , ils er W ch on Ar m m Si Foodstuffs; Sa Property, Foodstuffs; and of Hanson, Head

Has Has your your team team moved moved to new to new premises, premises, or or been been part part of a offun a event, great funharvest, event, great or promotional harvest, or activity? promotional Sendactivity? us yourSend favourite us snapshots your favourite to be in snapshots to win a Heilala to be ingift to win packfive (RRP Silver $49.96).

Fern Farm Indulge in the Honest tasteBurger of thisvouchers, sweet vanilla worth bundle, $75 inbrimming total. It’s with barbecue flavour. For useseason with pancakes, and Silverwaffles, Fern Farms’ French Honest toast, Burgers porridge,are tea, thecoffee, perfect and milkshakes, accompaniment this bundle to any satisfies summer allcelebration. your sweet cravings.

Honest Burgers Heilala’s Sweet are for Vanilla burger Bundle lovers includes: who areVanilla seriousSyrup about500ml, quality,Vanilla madeSugar from 330g, NewVanilla Zealand’s Extract finest with pasture-raised Seeds 50ml and beef, a Silicone lamb andSpatula. venison.

Just Just email email your your high high resres image image with with a caption a caption to to trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz FMCG BUSINESS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

43

Drop Events Centre, 20-21 Nov 2024 | Due Auckland

Exhibiting at C&I NZ EXPO gives you a presence at the only FMCG event that delivers: A trade show purely focused on Convenience & Impulse and Independent Grocery Retailing Access to motivated high-quality buyers Exposure for independent operators who may not be receiving adequate representation The opportunity to meet reps from corporate and independent chains

C&I NZ EXPO is devoted specifically to the needs of convenience retail owners and operators, where retailers and suppliers will gather for two days of information sharing, education, discovery, and networking. If you are, or hope to be, a convenience supplier then you want to talk to our audience of: service stations convenience stores/dairies/corner stores newsagents

mini marts independent grocery take-aways/hospitality venues

To secure your stand for the trade event of 2024 Email: exhibition@candiexpo.co.nz | Call: +61 2 8586 6172

candiexpo.co.nz