FMCG Business September 2023

Focus on wellness in challenging times

New Zealand’s food and fibre sector export revenue has hit new heights, reaching $57.4 billion for the year to 30 June 2023, bringing $1.2 billion more into the economy than was originally forecast. That’s great news!

However, financial uncertainty, high cost of living, increases in retail crime and the effects of recent natural disasters are still putting pressure on the health and wellbeing of many Kiwis.

This month we welcome guest writer Fleur Heazlewood, a leadership expert, speaker, and founder of the Blueberry Institute. She works with leaders to create healthy, high performing teams and organisations. Fleur explains on pg 19 why wellbeing is your enabler for performance and why we need to flip our wellbeing to work equation.

Drinks are a cutting-edge FMCG category, accounting for more than one of every ten dollars spent on pre-packaged groceries. Total Circana defined Beverages are valued at $1.8B, thanks to innovative products that satisfy shoppers’ demands and needs. From health and wellness to performance and energy drinks, smart manufacturers have leveraged consumer trends to drive sales. We are also seeing the continued growth of premium mixers, zero-alcohol cocktails and chilled ready-to-drink coffee. You will find a quick snapshot of new beverages on pg 20-21, plus wine and beer news on pg 40-43.

Did you know that shopping for facial skincare is a highly planned trip with 70% of customers planning their purchase prior to going into the store? It’s all about personalisation – and many customers are now choosing ‘health’ over ‘beauty’ when it comes to skincare products, which reflects a global wellness trend. Find out more about new products in the skincare category on pg 14-18.

We’d love to hear from you if you have a new launch or other exciting news to share. Please keep in touch and join our daily conversations on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram. You can also subscribe to our weekly news updates here: https://www.fmcgbusiness.co.nz/subscribe/

We hope you enjoy this issue.

ON THE COVER

Handee, Purex and Sorbent take another big step forward with sustainable packaging. Look out for the new 30% recycled packaging products on shelves nationwide from August. More on this on pg 24.

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Countdown Bethlehem the first to relaunch as Woolworths New Zealand

Nearly 20 years on from its opening in 2003, Countdown Bethlehem has marked a new chapter, launching as Woolworths Bethlehem - the first supermarket to change as part of Countdown’s journey to become Woolworths New Zealand.

The Bethlehem supermarket has undergone a significant refresh over five months with over $5 million invested in upgrading the store to meet the needs of the local community. Highlights include a dedicated drive up area for online customers to easily pick up orders, introduction of electronic shelf labels, a new health foods aisle, and a fresh and modern look and feel throughout the store.

Woolworths Bethlehem Store Manager, Dwaine Geddes was part of the original team that first opened the store nearly 20 years ago and says it feels like a full-circle moment to now be leading the team through its reopening as Woolworths.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve got on offer with our renovation now complete. There really is something for everyone, and I’d encourage our local customers to come along and have a

look,” says Geddes.

Woolworths New Zealand Managing Director, Spencer Sonn opened the store alongside longserving Bethlehem team members and says the refreshed store is an exciting milestone as the retailer accelerates its mission to be the best supermarket experience for New Zealand.

“This opening is an example of the kind of results our customers will see from the $400 million we are investing in renewing and refreshing our stores to make them better and safer for local customers and for our team. Our investment is not in changing signage - it’s in modernising our stores to meet the needs of our communities across Aotearoa,” says Sonn. “Walking around Woolworths Bethlehem customers will find much more than a new name - it’s a fresh new shopping experience with upgraded fresh produce, deli, bakery and seafood areas, electronic shelf labels, additional selfcheckouts and new aisles with over 1700 new products on shelf.”

Woolworths Bethlehem is located at 19 Bethlehem Road, Tauranga, and is open 7am - 10pm, seven days a week.

High-tech Supie stores planned for 2024

Online food retailer Supie is looking to shake up the grocery industry again, announcing plans to open high-tech physical stores within the next year.

Founder Sarah Balle said rather than going for the “big box” style of shop, Supie stores would be more high-tech, unmanned, community focused and open 24/7.

The physical stores would be focused more on the regions, which Balle said were not being served well and were often limited to one supermarket option.

Balle said opening physical shops had always been on the radar, but it required a lot of time and investment.

Supie launched in 2021 as an online alternative to supermarkets and has grown rapidly since then to about 55,000 customers and 130 staff. Supie currently operates delivery services in Auckland, parts of Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua.

Supie Founder Sarah Balle

Woolworths New Zealand Managing Director, Spencer Sonn opened the store alongside longserving Bethlehem team members.

70%

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New Zealand’s food and fibre export hits new record of $57.4 billion

New Zealand’s food and fibre sector export revenue has hit new heights reaching $57.4 billion for the year to 30 June 2023 in the light of year-end data, bringing $1.2 billion more into the economy than was originally forecast, says Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor.

O’Connor comments: “This represents significant growth of more than $4.3 billion (8%) on the previous year to 30 June 2022. The focus on trade and export growth remains a major cornerstone in our Government’s economic recovery plan, with the securing of new FTAs like the UK and EU, as well as an upgrade to the China FTA. These are resulting in more export opportunities and more value being derived.

“Our job now is to continue supporting our producers by opening doors for exporters wherever we can and build on the seven signed or upgraded free trade agreements secured since we’ve been in office.

“We need to work together to maintain our international competitive edge to ensure New Zealand’s economy remains better positioned than many others against global headwinds.

“This Government has always backed our farmers, growers, fishers, and foresters to achieve success - investing significantly to support the sector to lift its sustainability credentials to maintain our competitive edge,” O’Connor said.

“I want to thank our food and fibre sector for this outstanding result. It’s particularly impressive following the tough start to the year for

many due to Cyclone Gabrielle and other weather events as well as the dry conditions in the South. I’d like to acknowledge the sector’s efforts.”

O’Connor said most sectors continue to perform strongly, driving solid export revenue growth. “Dairy export revenue reached a record $26 billion, an increase of 18% on the previous year.

“Our horticulture, seafood, and arable sectors are also performing strongly, with growth on the previous year of $254 million (4%), $178 million (9%), and $21 million (8%) respectively.

“Processed food and other exports also continue to go from strength to strength with growth of $268 million (8%) on last year.”

O’Connor said this growth shows collective efforts by the Government and sector to build the foundations for future growth, sustainability and prosperity are working.

“Since 2017 food and fibre exports have jumped an impressive $19.2 billion, an increase of 50%,” O’Connor said. “I know the recent drop in commodity prices and elevated farm expenses will affect farmers over the coming year. Inflation has peaked and on-farm costs like fertiliser have dropped dramatically. We all understand that farming is cyclical and we’re committed to working with the sector and to represent its work overseas.

“I want to thank the sector. They have successfully navigated enormous challenges over recent years, including the pandemic, which is a testament to their hard work, innovative thinking, and resilience,” O’Connor said.

NEW Delisio Restaurant Series potato chips

Created to take you on a unique taste discovery, the Delisio Restaurant Series is a carefully curated collection of premium potato chips that reimagines fine dining flavours from around the world. Take your tastebuds on a culinary flavour journey with Mexican inspired Jalapeno Poppers, Japanese inspired Yakitori Chicken and Shallots, or French inspired Triple Cheese Souffle – all from the comfort of your home.

Delisio Restaurant Series chips are made with thinly sliced premium potatoes and a select blend of seasonings, bursting with bold and rich flavours to deliver that delicate crunch.

This launch will be supported by digital and social media advertising from midSeptember, communicating the ultimate flavour and how everything is “Always Better with Delisio”.

Order yours today from Bluebird Foods. If you are a new customer, please reach out to us on 0800 652 583.

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor

Smooth Sour Cream Alternative

This month’s finalist for the FMCG Business Product of the Year Award is Angel Food’s plant-based sour cream, which is dairy free, gluten free, 100% vegan and made in New Zealand.

Smooth and creamy with just the right amount of tanginess, Angel Food plant-based sour cream is the perfect dollop on nachos and baked potatoes, or as a dip straight out of the pack, or with different seasonings stirred through.

“Where vegan sour creams have traditionally been mayonnaise-y in taste and texture, ours is a very good match for the familiar dairy experience,” says Angel Food Founder Alice Shopland. “We’ve been getting great feedback about it all over the place.”

Since 2006, the Angel Food team have been striving to make plant-based food mainstream, starting as a small importer of vegan products led by local activist and foodie Alice Shopland.

“We’ve since grown our own small team to develop and produce dairy-free cheese alternatives right here in Aotearoa. In 2014, we launched our very own dairy-free mozzarella alternative — the first commercial vegan cheese to be made in New Zealand.

“Today, we have a great range of plant-based and allergy-friendly cheese products suitable for just about any diet. We know how important the flavour, texture and comfort of cheese is to most Kiwis, so we want to make plant-based diets more accessible by keeping our favourite dishes on the menu.

“Consumers across the country are loving it, with our dairy-free cheese now available at hundreds of stores nationwide, and in countless NZ eateries like Pizza Hut and Zambrero, and in many of the vegan pies available at petrol stations.”

“The impact of our dietary choices is now widely recognized – for human health, the environment, social justice, and for the animals. But making conscious choices doesn’t have to mean missing out on comforts like good cheese,” says Alice.

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 2023.

To find out more on how to enter please email: trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz

“We have a great range of plant-based and allergy-friendly cheese products suitable for just about any diet”

Angel Food Founder Alice Shopland

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Five lessons learned from successful innovators

Innovation is the foundation on which strong brands are built. Meaningfully different innovation is a huge growth builder but is often overlooked as brands focus on survival mode through the turmoil of inflation, global challenges, climate change and technology advancements.

1 Embrace a consumer first mindset

2

3 Learn, test, learn

4

5 Shape the future

Kantar’s annual Outstanding Innovation Awards, celebrate brands from around the world that consistently use innovation as a driver for growth. This year, Kantar identified five lessons of successful innovation.

1. Consumer first mindset

A consumer first mindset involves always looking for and understanding human tensions. When looking for new opportunities, our winners go beyond whitespaces and look for the blind spots that often exist on the periphery of their category. This is important not only for breakthrough innovation, but also when innovating to continuously improve your core offer. Coca Cola commented “We look at how we can create a different set of experiences for people to interact with Coke”, to engage meaningfully with the brand beyond the product offer and packaging. It’s important to recognise that consumer needs keep evolving, and having empathy leads to products that just ‘feel right’. And don’t stop with just the innovation idea, make sure you understand the factors that influence consumer choice and purchase, and ensure adoption of your innovation is frictionless.

2. Be fit for your brand

The award winners were all really clear about their brand’s strategic foundations and had a clear purpose. Not all innovations are right for your brand. Ensure you have the balance right between protecting your core and looking for incremental growth opportunities. For Oreo, innovating from a strong foundation of being meaningful to consumers and differentiated from competitors, allows your brand to evolve beyond its core with consistency and a view to long-term sustainable growth – not just short-term sales and ‘easy wins’.

3. Learn, test and learn

A strong theme from winners was the idea of adopting a learning mindset – a culture that encourages and empowers teams to experiment and being prepared to try and fail. They think less about the traditional stage gate process and endless ideation, instead putting more energy upfront to get to the meaningfully different opportunity spaces. They then focus on testing assumptions throughout the innovation journey and being prepared to change tack

if necessary. Kantar Marketplace offers a solution that keeps pace with the most agile of approaches, while accounting for the interplay between both intuitive and considered responses. You can now test your early stage innovation ideas, test concepts or screen potential packaging options within 48-72 hours.

4. Better for the planet, better for you

Sustainability was at the heart of their thinking for a large number of the winners. They understood that there is a wide gap between a consumer’s desire to be sustainable and their ability or willingness to do so. They designed the innovation to drive the behaviour change they were looking for – understanding and resolving the critical tension points that stop consumers from buying more sustainable products.

5. Shape the future

A final observation about the global award winners was their commitment to not just follow trends blindly, instead leading with foresight and imagination. PepsiCo commented “We have a responsibility to attract and drive the category, as much as driving your brand”. They invest in creating and shaping the trends to stay ahead of the curve, capture consumers’ heart and minds and futureproof their brands. They do this by using both an ‘inside out’ and ‘outside in’ thinking approach. ‘Inside out’ takes account of your brand’s current power and potential, and then envisaging something better, what could be, not just what is. ‘Outside in’ seeks to expand your frame of reference, exploring how people’s lives and attitudes are changing, the emerging tensions and how categories around you are being re-imagined.

It takes bravery to innovate. Kantar’s agile research approaches enable you to iteratively test and learn, quickly and cost-effectively, to build strong propositions that lead to incremental and breakthrough innovations with confidence.

Better for the planet, better for you

Be fit for your brand

Best in season

Spring is the time of year that’s always bursting with bright colours, and the fruit and vegetables that are ripe for the harvest bring a vibrancy and a tang to the month of September.

The milder weather in New Zealand during spring is perfect for growing produce like asparagus, avocado, radish, spinach, and strawberries.

Grapefruit was first introduced to New Zealand in the mid-1800s from Australia and originates from Barbados, as a hybrid of the pomelo fruit with the sweet orange.

Grapefruit grow in subtropical climates with some varieties growing well in the northern parts of New Zealand.

While grapefruit are tarter than their citrus cousins, they are sought after for their refreshing flavour and often served at breakfast time. The citrus fruit can be red, white or pink on the inside.

What to look for: Select firm unblemished fruit with fairly smooth, thin skin. The juiciest grapefruit will also feel heavy for its size. Storage/handling: While grapefruit can be displayed at room temperature, try to store in refrigeration to slow down the process of drying out.

Nutrition: Like all citrus, grapefruit contain a good source of vitamin C, which helps support immunity and a healthy metabolism.

Tropical fruit

Tropical fruit brightens our moods and tastebuds, as we enjoy produce from warm and humid regions of the world. This month we can look forward to bananas, dragonfruit, pineapples, pawpaw/papaya and mangoes hitting our shelves.

Pineapples are picked at their peak, and do not ripen further after picked, so a green pineapple can be ripe, juicy and sweet. A good source of vitamin C, manganese and thiamin, they also contain potassium and dietary fibre.

Dragon fruit, also known as Pitaya, come from Vietnam in two varieties – white or red flesh. Both have pink skin, so it’s difficult to tell which is which, a label or a store sign helps customers distinguish.

Dragonfruit is good source of magnesium, and antioxidants, is high in fibre and a good source of iron.

Pawpaw or sometimes known as papaya has a soft buttery consistency that melts in your mouth.

Pawpaw is available in two delicious varieties. Yellow flesh is the most popular variety sold in New Zealand. The green pawpaw is mainly used as a savoury ingredient in a dish.

Pawpaw is rich in vitamin C. The fruit contains good quantities of beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E, which make them fantastic for your skin and a great antioxidant fruit.

Storage/Handling: With the exception of bananas, which are stored at room temperature, the other tropical fruit should be stored in a refrigerated cabinet. Handle with care to prevent bruising and damage.

“Grapefruit contain a good source of vitamin C, which helps support immunity and a healthy metabolism.”

What’s

It’s Only Good

Only Good made it their mission to create a truly honest and transparent brand to ensure consumers can make a simple informed choice, knowing our formulations and packaging are good, both inside and out. Available in five luxurious fragrances across four products, Only Good Hand Wash and Body Wash are packed with antioxidant-rich, high functioning skin loving ingredients. For trade enquiries contact natec@storelink.co.nz www.onlygood.co.nz

Granolas for the Mind, Body & Soul

pure delish’s new Wellness granola range offers four delicious cereals designed to help boost immunity, wellbeing, and gut health, whilst also catering to those wanting a low-carb/ keto option. Handcrafted from quality ingredients, flavours include Manuka Honey & Cashew, Blueberry & Blackcurrant, Peach, Pecan & Vanilla and Black Doris Plum. Available in a 26% recycled content pouch, the new range is the perfect choice for healthconscious shoppers. For more info on the range email info@puredelish.co.nz

A Fundraiser With Genuine Heart

Pete’s Natural is launching a special limited run Pink Lemonade in collaboration with Heart Kids NZ, with $1 from each bottle sold going to the charity. The lemonade will get its distinctive pink colour from New Zealand grown boysenberries. Available online and at selected retailers. For trade enquiries email info@petesnatural.co.nz

www.petesnatural.co.nz

#heartfulfizz

New Red Bull Summer Edition Juneberry

Red Bull kicks off the summer season throughout New Zealand with this year’s Red Bull Summer Edition with the taste of Juneberry. Available from 28 August at selected retailers in azure-coloured 250ml cans and 4-packs. More info at www.redbull.com/nz-en/energydrink

Eta Uppercuts Chef’s Edition

Eta Uppercuts have collaborated with Masterchef winners Kārena & Kasey Bird on a limited edition range. Eta Uppercuts Chef’s Edition features Kārena and Kasey’s favourites - Chargrilled Steak and Red Onion, Sea Salt & Smoked Butter and Coconut, Chilli & Lime, on a mixture of Purple and Gold potatoes from across Aotearoa. www.eta.co.nz

Health & beauty trends

With household budgets tighter than ever, many shoppers are reaching for affordable serums, cleansers and moisturisers at their local supermarket.

“Facial skincare is a highly planned trip with 70% of customers planning their purchase prior to going into the store,” explains Foodstuffs North Island Head of Grocery Non-Food & Confectionery Matt Lowe.

“Around 90% of customers will make the decision at the shelf, however they will walk away if the right product is not available. We are seeing more customers choosing ‘health’ over ‘beauty’, which reflects a global wellness trend. This is redefining skincare from a cosmetic focus to a health focus, with an emphasis on ‘suitable for me’, meaning personalisation is the new standardisation.

“Now more than ever, customers are being proactive about wellness, and younger consumers prefer prevention over cure. There’s also a trend for products like serums, which offer a concentrated form of powerhouse ingredients and sunscreen as skincare with ‘skinscreen’ now a beauty must-have,” says Lowe.

Only Good

Only Good is relaunching with total transparency this September. Eco-conscious, environmentally friendly, sustainable - these are just some of the buzzwords being used to promote the green credentials of personal care brands. But while the surge of brands responding to the climate crisis is hugely positive, it can be difficult to know whether you’re

being a responsible consumer or buying into greenwashing.

“It’s easy to say something is sustainable and not have to prove it,” says Tatum Dunster Sales & Marketing Manager, Apex Brands.

“It’s not always backed up by real, credible data, so it makes it difficult for consumers to make smart choices.”

Only Good made it their mission to create a truly honest and transparent brand to ensure consumers can make a simple informed choice, knowing our formulations and packaging are good, both inside and out.

“We kept our ‘good inside and out’ ethos top of mind throughout the NPD process, ensuring that every element of the new Only Good product was clean, safe, effective and sustainable. Supporting local business was also hugely important so our manufacturing, right through to our sugarcane packaging, screen printing and even our recyclable cartons, is made right here in New Zealand,” says Cara Lennan, NPD Manager, Apex Brands.

Available in five luxurious fragrances across four products, Only Good Hand Wash & Body Wash are packed with antioxidant-rich, high functioning skin loving ingredients such as Vinanza Kiwi, Kera Shaft Q, Prickly Pear, MagnoPro Magnolia Bark, Pomegranate & Daisy Flower.

Feel good inside and out, with a clean conscience and body.

It’s Only Good.

For trade enquiries or more information contact natec@storelink.co.nz. www.onlygood.co.nz @onlygoodnz

“Our manufacturing, right through to our sugarcane packaging, screen printing and even our recyclable cartons, is made right here in New Zealand”

Cara Lennan, NPD Manager, Apex Brands

Shoppers search for personalised, innovative skincare.

FRULABEAUTY

Embracing natural beauty with fruit and science, the New Zealand-born skincare sensation, FRULABEAUTY has masterfully redefined beauty by seamlessly blending quality, affordability, accessibility and being customer obsessed into their everyday offerings.

The heart of FRULABEAUTY lies in combining the goodness of fruit with scientific innovation creating fruit formulated beauty products for all.

The result? Personalised products that cater to the unique needs of every customer, offering effective solutions that truly work.

In a time of economic flux, FRULABEAUTY remains a reliable choice for discerning consumers who seek value without sacrificing results and excellence with FRULABEAUTY epitomising “back to basics” and “daily essentials” focus.

The brand’s core values are further underscored by its cruelty-free, vegan-friendly formulations devoid of SLS, SLES, and Parabens. Aligned with the US Clean at Sephora program, FRULABEAUTY’s products are meticulously designed to be free from undesirable ingredients.

As FRULABEAUTY celebrates its inaugural year, it marks the beginning of a continued journey of steadfast growth. Positioned to redefine affordable luxury, efficacy, and inclusivity, this trailblazing brand paves the way for a future of embracing natural beauty with fruit and science.

For more information, please get in touch with FRULABEAUTY at www.frulabeauty.com

hello@frulabeauty.com

Glow Lab

New Zealand Grocery’s #1 Natural Personal Care Brand* is on a mission to take natural skincare to the next level.

Developed in New Zealand by by a team of in-house chemists, Glow Lab combines the best of nature with cutting-edge science, harnessing powerful active ingredients that deliver to surging consumer trends. Their latest skincare innovation – with seven face and body products launching in 2023 - also debuts a new look for the brand, one that recognises a growing consumer shift towards shopping for key skincare ingredients.

In a survey conducted by McKinsey, nearly half of Gen Z respondents reported conducting extensive research on product ingredients and benefits before purchase, similar to millennials, compared to only one-third of Gen Xers and one-fifth of Baby Boomers (The State of Fashion: Beauty, 2023).

Glow Lab’s new Water Gel Hydrating Cream and Brightening Facial Serum put two highvolume trending skincare actives front and centre –Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C.

“The first natural Hyaluronic Acid based moisturiser in NZ supermarkets, Glow Lab’s Water Gel Hydrating Cream is a deeply hydrating formula that rapidly hydrates and soothes parched skin. Lightweight and oil-free, enriched with Betaine and Aloe Vera and free from silicones and synthetic dyes, it offers natural moisture for bouncy, dewy skin,” explains Emma Brown, Senior Brand Manager – Glow Lab.

“Glow Lab’s new Brightening Facial Serum is powered by SUPEROX-C™, a rich superfruit Vitamin C source that brightens skin tone and helps reduce UV and brown spots. Boosted with 10% Niacinamide (another high-growth active), it also helps smooth skin and reduces the appearance of large pores and hyperpigmentation.”

For more information visit www.glowlab.co.nz

Solimara Certified Natural

At Solimara Truly Natural, we take immense pride in our distinction as a Certified Natural company, a testament to our unwavering dedication to environmental preservation. Our commitment is solidified through the prestigious NATRUE certification (by BioGro NZ), which not only establishes a high-quality benchmark for producers but also provides transparency and reliability for consumers, ensuring they can easily identify genuine natural and organic cosmetic products and steer clear of greenwashing. NATRUE serves as a testament to our dedication to crafting products that truly deserve the “natural” label.

NATRUE certification requires detailed information about ingredient sourcing. There are many elements that need to be accounted for, and we must provide evidence for every step of the process.

NATRUE certification offers peace of mind because the natural extraction ensures the ingredients are pure and ethically sourced with the utmost respect for the environment and personal well-being. With the NATRUE label on a product, consumers can trust that it meets stringent standards set by the organization and is 100% natural.

Elevate Your Skincare with Natural Elegance: Day, Hand, and Body Cream.

In a world filled with options, these natural elixirs truly stand out for their authenticity and effectiveness. By harnessing the power of nature, they offer a pathway to revitalization and overall

*Circana NZ Grocery T. Natural Personal Care (Natural Skincare, Haircare Body Wash, Hand Wash) MAT 23/07/23

wellness. Experience the synergy of science, nature, and self-care firsthand. As you embrace the future, let your skin radiate with health, vitality, and a natural glow that defies time. Upgrade your skincare routine today and enjoy the transformative benefits Solimara products bring!

For more information and orders visit www.solimara.com

Trends in store

Countdown’s Category Manager, Jeffrey Hutchinson told FMCG Business: “We’ve seen a move towards more nature inspired brands like Glow Lab and Essano, and a real growth in therapeutic skin care with brands like Cetaphil, Dermaveen and Aveeno finding their way into more and more trolleys. Lip balm has become a total handbag essential and we’re seeing lip care products grow and grow in popularity.”

“We have seen a decline in face masks and other at-home treatments as customers return to beauty salons for their pampering needs,” says Hutchinson.

Blistex holds an extensive range of lip balms at all leading supermarkets. With the top-sellers – Blistex Lip Conditioning Balm SPF 30 and Blistex Intensive Repair SPF 15.

• Protect, Moisturise & Condition with Blistex Lip Conditioning Balm SPF30

The Blistex team says this is the #1 Lip care product in grocery – it rehydrates dry lips and helps to relieve chapped lips. Enriched with cocoa butter and Vitamin E, it offers broad spectrum high sun protection with SPF30.

• Repair and Relieve with Blistex Intensive Repair SPF15

The #2 Blistex product range in grocery, according to the Blistex team, to repair dry chapped lips and instantly cool with menthol and eucalyptus. This product is specially formulated to wrap your lips in a protective moisturising barrier, to restore hydration and prevent further damage from the elements. It also offers SPF15.

For more information on the Blistex range and distribution, please contact info@wilson.co.nz

Blistex

Blistex has been providing New Zealanders with solutions for all lip care needs - from sun protection, moisturisation to medicated relief product, making it New Zealand’s #1 brand for lip care in Grocery*. Anticipating further growth over the next 12 months, the lip care market has grown by 8.5%*, with Blistex growing by 19.2%* aided by the launch of the subrange, Blistex Infusion.

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

“Lip balm has become a total handbag essential” Countdown Category Manager, Jeffrey Hutchinson

Why wellbeing is your enabler for performance

People that are well, do well. But we are doing a lot of doing, and not a lot of well.

We know this because we see increasing numbers of people experiencing chronic stress, burn-out and mental health problems. People are under pressure. Exhaustion from the stress of the pandemic, trauma from natural disasters like the cyclone, and stress from financial and economic uncertainty is putting pressure on our mental health and wellbeing.

We need to flip our wellbeing to work equation

Many of us still operate with the industrial age model of work which focuses on (and measures) success by effort, productivity, and revenue, where people prioritise work first, and fit health, wellbeing, rest, and recovery into whatever time is left. The story we tell ourselves sounds something like this, ‘if I work hard and achieve my targets, I then deserve happiness and wellbeing.’

But this equation is broken and backwards. Shawn Achor’s work over the last decade from Harvard University shows that with this mindset we never get to wellbeing. Every time we hit our targets; we increase our targets. We get a nice car; we want a bigger one. We get a good job; we want a better one.

In our race for more, we are reducing ourselves to less. Our busy lifestyles keep us in a constant fightor-flight state. Our body continuously pumps out adrenalin and cortisol designed to keep us safe from threats in short bursts, but not as our regular operating system.

order to do this, it deprioritises resources less essential to survival like perspective-taking, problem-solving and innovation.

Think of wellbeing as your enabler of performance, rather than your reward for results

The best way to set ourselves up for wellbeing success is to consider it as an investment. Start small and start the day well when your energy and willpower is at its highest. Consider refining the way you approach your morning to include:

1. Grounding: Focus the first 30-minutes of your day making progress on something that is important to you, connecting with your family, your fitness, education, or a hobby. Resist opening your device when the alarm goes off and let the content from the rest of the world set the tone for your day.

2. Moving: Just ten-minutes walking boosts your energy, fitness, emotional state, mental health and when combined with nature and your pet or a friend provides an oxytocin boost as well.

3. Mindfulness practice: Ten minutes of journalling, a mindfulness practice, meditation, or immersing yourself in music or an activity that brings flow, boosts focus, clarity, and concentration.

4. Boundary setting: Treat yourself like the precious finite resource that you are. Put your own oxygen mask on first. Not only is it ok, but it is important to take care of your own mental wellbeing. There is a reason

won best Health and Wellbeing Book for 2022. Her follow up book, Leading Wellbeing – A leaders guide to mental health conversations at work has just been released. For information on how her books and programs can help visit www.blueberryinstitute.com

For more strategies and tips, check out Resilience Recipes –Making Space for Wellbeing that Works. This short, practical, easy to read wellbeing guidebook cuts through the sea of wellness information with a curated selection of evidence-based resilience and wellbeing strategies that are proven to work. This step-bystep guide covers where to start, what to do, and what works for boosting your wellbeing with resilience.

“Resilience Recipes is more like a VERB than a book. It has information and insights, like all good books, the difference is, “Resilience Recipes” inspires ACTION makes you DO something to improve resilience and wellbeing. If you are sick of talking about resilience and want to DO something, this book is for you.”

Luke Mathers

Cool drinks

Innovative thirst quenchers are driving sales

Beverages are one of the most cutting-edge FMCG categories, accounting for more than one of every ten dollars spent on pre-packaged groceries. Energy drinks in particular are driving sales. For example, Frucor Suntory’s most popular beverage line, V Energy, is expanding with a new refreshing sub-range of energy drinks ‘V Refresh’, bubbling with a new taste profile that is light, crisp and refreshing. The new no sugar, low calorie energy drink is now available in two delicious flavours, Citrus Lemonade and Pineapple & Watermelon.

HERBS & SPICES

Foodstuffs North Island Head of Chilled, Deli, Bakery, Liquor and Beverages, Rachel Carter told FMCG Business: “In non-alcoholic beverages, we are seeing the continued growth of premium mixers and zero cocktails as well as the rise of chilled ready-to-drink coffee, following a global trend from countries like Japan.

“There’s also a shift to better for you beverages with lower sugar or no sugar as well as natural ingredients for flavour and sweetness, offering a little treat or moment of refreshment without the guilt.

“The other aspect that’s in growth mode is single serve aluminium cans as they are endlessly recyclable, and great from a permissible portion perspective. It mirrors a trend which we have seen in the beer category over the past few years transitioning from glass to cans. Keeping cans in the fridge ensures they keep their ‘fizz’ in a way that larger bottles don’t.”

Countdown’s Category Manager Paul Maxwell says: “Functional beverages are continuing to grow in popularity with ‘added benefit’ drinks a particular highlight for customers at the moment. The stand out performer is Arepa, which continues to go from strength to strength.

“We are seeing some challenges from the disruptive weather earlier in the year, with orange juice being very tight on supply. Other fruit types are also experiencing pressure on supply due to crop damage and increased demand for fresh juice.”

A fundraiser with genuine heart Drinks company Pete’s Natural has launched a special limited edition Pink Lemonade in collaboration with Heart Kids NZ, with $1 from each bottle sold going to the charity.

The lemonade gets its distinctive pink colour from New Zealandgrown boysenberries.

Pete’s Natural is a family-owned company that makes lower-sugar, additive-free drinks at its solarpowered factory in Motueka. As well as reducing emissions by supporting local growers, their bottles are also made in New Zealand from recycled and recyclable materials.

Marleen Suy, aka Mrs Pete, says it approached Heart Kids NZ after hearing its precious mascot Maia Bear was stolen earlier this year, and after discussions the pink lemonade collaboration was born.

Working with Heart Kids NZ was an easy thing to do as they had similar values, Marleen says. “As parents ourselves we know how precious the health of our children is. That’s one of the reasons we decided to create a much healthier drink option.

We have always been committed to no nasties in our range. There are no chemicals or preservatives, and our drinks are made using freshly squeezed fruit. The Pink Lemonade product we are creating will be our classic lemonade but with a boysenberry twist.”

Marleen says the Pink Lemonade would be a limited run of 12,000 bottles, meaning there is the potential to raise $12,000 for Heart Kids NZ.

The special Pink Lemonade will be available online and at selected suppliers who choose to sell it. Heart Kids NZ will also be supporting it and selling it at their events.

For more information and orders and pre orders contact orders@petesnatural.co.nz

New range from Aroha Drinks

Coes is a new range of ‘the classics’ recently launched by the Canterbury drinks maker Aroha Drinks. The range includes a 330ml Crafted Cola, Cloudy Lemonade, Lemon Lime & Bitters, and Ginger Beer. The range has been named after Coes Ford, the local land mark near where the drinks are manufactured.

Coes is launching into grocery this spring and summer, available to supermarkets and grocery and coded for Foodstuffs stores.

So far the drinks have been well received by the market, particularly in cafes.

have a portfolio that can supply all the beverage needs for cafes throughout New Zealand and this has been a goal of ours for a long time.

“Many café owners will be looking for a point of difference in the beverage they are stocking coming into this spring and summer and I hope they look to give us a crack. We have all their needs sorted and can offer a range of fridging options as well.”

The drinks look to represent the local Canterbury region sponsoring a variety of local Canterbury initiatives. From music competition, local rugby league teams, to food industry events.

“We are looking to get liquid on lips at this stage. We believe that once people try the flavours they will appreciate the attention to the quality of the drinks.” For more information or to request some Coes samples check out the drinks on Upstock or email mark@arohadrinks.com

“Pete’s Natural is a family-owned company that makes lowersugar, additivefree drinks at its solar-powered factory in Motueka.”

Sustainable homecare

Environmentally friendly cleaning and homecare products are in demand.

Many shoppers are more aware of hygiene and have adopted regular, thorough cleaning routines at home as a result of the Covid pandemic.

Eco-friendly and budget-friendly homecare and cleaning products in particular are popular and driving sales in our supermarkets.

Foodstuffs North Island Category Manager, Homecare and Papergoods, Cameron Grant says: “As customers continue to focus on value, they are seeking the best dollar per unit price they can find, leading to increased growth in larger pack sizes.

“There are still some lingering trends from Covid, and the efficacy of the product is more important than ever. Social media is driving trends too, especially in younger people, with growing segments such as scent boosters.

“Customers are looking for more sustainable options, particularly when it comes to packaging. This is driving growth behind more concentrated solutions and less plastic packaging,” explains Grant.

Earthwise

“Earthwise is the market leading eco-friendly household cleaning brand in New Zealand supermarkets, with over 60% value share of environmental laundry products,*” says Eleanor Avakian, Senior Brand Manager Earthwise, Henkel. Earthwise has environmental products across most household cleaning categories – including laundry, dish and cleaning.

Consumers are becoming more eco-aware and are demanding more natural, sustainable alternatives, with trends towards more hygiene and cleanliness, while brand trust and efficacy remain key.

Avakian explains: “Earthwise, New Zealand’s original eco-friendly household cleaning pioneers, provide naturally effective products, free from harsh chemicals that don’t cost the earth (planet and pocket). Earthwise toilet cleaners, spray cleaners and disinfectant ranges kill 99% of germs, for example. Consumers are increasingly looking for the most effective formulations, that deliver the best possible results and have multiple functions.”

“Introducing Earthwise Ultra, our most advanced laundry formula yet. A naturally powerful 3-in-1 laundry range, scientifically formulated with plant based surfactants (laundry powder) and active stain fighting enzymes (laundry liquid), while being safer for you and the environment. The range provides an opportunity to trade consumers up from mainstream laundry offers and delivers the efficacy consumers expect, at a price that remains affordable.

The Earthwise Ultra range includes five lines: Laundry Liquid 900ml, 1.8L and 3.8L, and Laundry Powder in 1kg and 2kg sizing and is available now in supermarkets. For enquiries please visit earthwise.co.nz or call 0800 327 849.

*Source Circana T. Environmental Cleaning, T. NZ Grocery, MAT value sales to 06/08/23

Will & Able

Will & Able is a social enterprise brand of cleaning products. By purchasing their products you help create jobs for people with disabilities. It “does the job and creates a job”.

The brand has a full range of household cleaning, dish washing and laundry products at competitive prices and is available in most Countdown and New World stores.

While the brand was created during the Covid lockdown, it has recently increased its consumer awareness due to the highly impactful Hilary Barry TVC, which has doubled sales in most categories.

CLEANERS

Creating jobs is the brand’s core purpose, it is underpinned by ecco credentials and a unique bottle recycling initiative. While Will & Able bottles are made from recycled plastic, if you return your bottles to them, they will clean and refill them, which is the ultimate in recycling.

Will & Able will continue to launch new cleaning products in line with retailers’ category reviews that create jobs for people with disabilities. For trade sales enquiries please contact Nick Jensen at College Hill Associates ph (027) 2299703.

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

Source: Circana MarketEdge Grocery Data MAT to 06/08/23 (Selected

“Earthwise has environmental products across most household cleaning categories - including laundry, dish and cleaning.”

Handee, Purex and Sorbent take another big step forward with sustainable packaging

recognised household brands are leading the way with 30% recycled soft plastic packaging.

In 2021, Handee Paper Towel, Purex and Sorbent Toilet Paper were the first brands to offer Kiwi shoppers 20% recycled plastic packaging, reducing demand for virgin plastic and supporting the development of a circular economy.

While the shift to recycled soft plastic packaging presents a range of challenges, including how it performs during production and limited availability of Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) material, Essity’s commitment to innovation at its Kawerau Mill means all three brands will transition to 30% recycled content from August 2023.

By using 30% recycled content in the packaging, Handee, Purex and Sorbent will save 60 Tonnes of virgin plastic per year! The packaging can also continue to be recycled via the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme in New Zealand.

“We know Kiwis are passionate about plastic waste, so we are excited to be making our products available to our shoppers with more sustainable packaging. Our research into sustainable packaging options shows that using recycled packaging for Handee Paper Towel, Purex and Sorbent Toilet Paper reduces the carbon footprint of our packaging, contributes to the circular economy and reduces plastic waste,” said Jake Hatton, Head of Sustainability for Essity’s Australasian operations.

“We also hope that having more recycled packaging available on shelves will encourage people to drop off their used packaging at Soft Plastics

Recycling Scheme collection points where it can be recycled into useful, long-life products,” he said.

Essity’s “cradle to grave” product lifecycle for these products has been independently reviewed (via an Environmental Product Declaration). Confirming that whilst packaging contributes to only about 10% of the environmental impact of these products when you look across the full life cycle, it plays a critical role in maintaining product quality and safety for shoppers.

“By having 30% recycled plastic content in our packaging we make important progress towards achieving our sustainable packaging target of 85% recycled and/or renewable content in our packaging,” says Hatton. Look out for the new 30% recycled packaging products on shelves nationwide from August. The new recycled packaging will also be supported with a TV and digital campaign from late-August until mid-October.

About Essity

Essity is a leading global hygiene and health company. We are dedicated to improving well-being through our products and services. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands, such as Libra, TOM, Handee, Sorbent and Purex in New Zealand. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden, and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. Essity breaks barriers to well-being and contributes to a healthy, sustainable and circular society. More information at www.essity.com.

By using 30% recycled content in the packaging, Handee, Purex and Sorbent will save 60 Tonnes of virgin plastic per year!”

New look for New World Greymouth

New World Greymouth’s renovation is complete, bringing locals a state-of-the-art shopping experience and a store chock-full of sustainable features.

Victoria Boyes, a third-generation grocer and the store’s owner operator for the past 25 years, says the road to refurbishment has been challenging as well as immensely rewarding.

“The timing of the store transformation has been held off a few times as the local community were going through some tough challenges over the last few years, and we felt it was so important to remain a constant and support our community the best way we can. We’ve patiently waited for the right time to move forward.”

The comprehensive renovation encompasses a range of improvements. The new foyer is a particular highlight and now leads directly to the fresh produce section, creating an inviting ambience as customers step into the store. The introduction of new windows sees natural light flood into the store.

The refrigeration units and checkout counters have been replaced and revamped, and the new fridges have renewable CO2 technology to ensure the store’s carbon footprint is significantly reduced.

In addition to the in-store changes, the car park has been extended to provide ample parking spaces for customers and help prevent congestion.

Victoria is also looking at ways to be more efficient in product ordering and recycling protocols to further minimise waste. “The refurbishment is visually stunning, but it’s the little touches you don’t see that are equally as significant,” she says.

“We know sustainability is important to our customers, not just in the products they choose but in the decisions they make and how and where they choose to shop. Across the co-op lots of small changes like these add up to make a huge impact as the business moves to meet its carbon reduction targets, as part of our commitment to be here for NZ.”

With the completion of these renovations, New World Greymouth also has a much-anticipated online shopping service, a move that has the Greymouth community buzzing with excitement. The store is the final South Island New World to introduce this feature and aligns New World Greymouth with the rest of the Foodstuffs South Island co-operative. Victoria says: “The people we serve, both our customers and our community, are the most rewarding aspects of my role as an owner operator. My father originally purchased New World Greymouth because of his deep love of the West Coast and a desire to help give back to the

Victoria Boyes, New World Greymouth owner operator

Woolworths NZ invests $45m to reduce retail crime and make stores safer

investment in making its stores throughout the country safer for customers and team members.

The company is investing $45 million over the next three years to add further security measures to its stores and upskill team members dealing with conflict situations.

In the past six years, Woolworths NZ has recorded a reported 303% increase in physical assaults, an 806% rise in security incidents and a 326% increase in theft incidents.

Measures being introduced in the coming months include 30 additional trolley lock systems, new camera technology at selfcheckouts in more stores, and double entry gates in 12 stores.

In the last few years, the retailer has seen a significant increase in aggressive, threatening and brazen behaviour from offenders in stores, along with a marked rise in shoplifting and retail crime incidents.

Woolworths NZ Managing Director, Spencer Sonn says the trend is unacceptable, and keeping customers and team safe in stores is an absolute priority for the business.

“The behaviour our team and customers see and experience every day in our stores is simply not good enough, and we won’t tolerate it. We’re stepping up our security and safety measures across our network to combat this and make ourselves a much harder target for retail crime.”

“Our team comes to work every day to serve our local communities. They do not deserve to be abused, verbally or physically assaulted for simply showing up to do their job. Hearing our team describe some of what they see and experience on the frontline is simply disgraceful.”

number of new initiatives in our stores, and New Zealanders can expect to see further changes in their local area in the coming months and years. We also know our strong relationships with both local and national Police, community groups and other retailers are critical - and we’re continuing to further

Woolworths NZ already has a number of different safety and security measures in place including specific team training, store design initiatives, push to talk radios and the use of CCTV. All of these will continue alongside the new measures. Every measure implemented complies with New Zealand law including privacy requirements.

Trolley lock systems are in place in 12 stores, with a further 30 stores to be implemented within the next two months. The system uses a smart wheel lock technology to stop trolley push outs.

• New camera technology at self-checkouts is now live in 4 stores with a further 16 stores to have the technology by the end of 2023, with a plan to implement more from early 2024. The technology helps to reduce mis-scans at checkouts. If a misscan occurs, a short video highlights the affected product and customers then have the opportunity to re-scan it. If someone does a mis-scan, it’s the same as any other time assistance is needed - a team member will come over to help make it right. No camera footage is retained.

• Double entry gates are in place in 12 stores.

• Push to talk radios are now in place in all stores.

Woolworths NZ Managing Director, Spencer Sonn

Double entry gates will be added to reduce retail crime.

Social supermarket for Palmerston North

Foodstuffs North Island, in partnership with Palmerston North Methodist Social Services, has opened Palmerston North’s first-of-its-kind social supermarket; Koha Kai Whare.

Social supermarkets are a fresh, dignified approach to providing food support to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Unlike traditional foodbanks that often offer pre-packed food parcels, social supermarkets empower people to select the items they need themselves within a welcoming supermarket-style environment. This approach lets families choose the items that meet their dietary, cultural, and personal preferences, ensuring they receive support tailored to their specific needs.

Using a points-based system, the social supermarket offers a wide range of food and grocery products at little to no cost, making healthy and affordable food accessible to everyone in the community. Foodstuffs North Island is committed to opening many more social supermarkets, each in partnership with local community organisations.

Chris Quin, Chief Executive of Foodstuffs North Island said: “Our 100% kiwi owned co-op has made a commitment to be ‘Here for NZ’ and we’ve made a promise to ensure all New Zealanders have

access to healthy and affordable food. By partnering with Palmerston North Methodist Social Services, our goal is to take our support for the local community to the next level. We’ve got strong roots in Palmerston North, it’s home to two of our distribution centres where we have 250 team members so it’s especially meaningful to be supporting this community in this way.” With the cost-of-living crisis placing a significant burden on families, many hardworking Kiwis are struggling to make ends meet.

Foodstuffs North Island, as part of its ‘Here for NZ’ initiative, has made a promise to ensure all New Zealanders have access to healthy and affordable food, with each New World and PAK’nSAVE partnering with a local community partner to achieve this. Following the introduction of a social supermarket in collaboration with Wellington City Mission two years ago, Foodstuffs has continued to expand its social supermarket footprint and Koha Kai Whare is the seventh social supermarket under its partnership umbrella.

PAK’nSAVE Palmerston North will act as the buddy store for Koha Kai Whare, providing ongoing support and training to ensure the success of the social supermarket.

The Packaging Forum - leading sustainable solutions

As a member-based industry organisation, The Packaging Forum manages two voluntary product stewardship schemes funded by its members; but also provides opportunities for members to engage directly with key stakeholders, including Government, industry, and community representatives.

The Forum’s Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme (SPRS) has just re-launched collections in Blenheim, and the Nelson and Tasman regions, taking the number of collection points in the upper South Island to 13, and to 265 across New Zealand.

Forum CEO, Rob Langford, says the recent opening of processing partner Future Post’s new Blenheim operation has helped the Scheme expand its collections into the upper South Island.

“It’s an exciting time for the Scheme, which is 100 percent funded by members, with levies used to fund collections from stores, baling and transport to end markets and the cost of recycling the soft plastic into posts, garden frames or building products.”

The Forum also hosted an industry event for the Hon Rachel

Brooking, Associate Minister for the Environment, and officials from the Ministry for the Environment to talk about the Government’s waste work programme and to answer questions about how the new policies impact the supply chain.

Maintaining an open dialogue with key officials and providing opportunities for members to engage directly with them are key for The Forum, which represents the packaging industry - from suppliers and importers of packaging, brand owners, retailers, resource recovery businesses and processors.

Rob says that Minister Brooking’s presence was well received by attendees as it gave them a chance to ask direct questions about recent changes to waste legislation.

“There’s been a lot of legislative changes announced this year which have a huge impact on our members’ businesses and their future planning - and some of these changes have resulted in more questions from industry, so it was brilliant to have her team there to answer these directly,” says Rob.

Launch of Future Post’s new operation in Blenheim – Stuart Smith, MP for Kaikoura, Jerome Wenzlick, Founder of Future Post, Malcolm Everts, Chair Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme and Marketing and Sustainability Manager Cottonsoft, Hassan Wong, Future Post General Manager.

Willa Hand and Chris Quin from Foodstuffs North Island with Rik TeTau and Pat Handcock from Palmerston North Methodist SociaI Services.

Meeting consumer expectations in 2023 and beyond

New Zealand consumers are accustomed to the tyranny of distance and the logistical challenges that come with a nation of two narrow, mountainous and far-flung islands, and they know this comes at a cost. However, the latest EY Future Consumer Index suggests the patience of a growing proportion of Kiwis is wearing thin. The research shows the cost of groceries and other household essentials is the biggest concern for Kiwis, noted by 66% of respondents, surpassing rising costs of fuel (51%), utilities (50%) and healthcare (43%).

The brands that listen and respond to what their customers are saying will be the ones that come out of the current cost-of-living crisis with stronger, deeper relationships. The EY Future Consumer Index suggests three clear areas for brands to focus on.

Redefine brand value

As the cost-of-living bites, around one in three New Zealanders (38%) are switching from name brand items to budget ‘home brand’ labels, across multiple categories.

Brand substitution is not new. What is new is the increase in perceived quality of home brands. People once thought a cheaper price tag meant lower quality. This is no longer the case. In fact, 65% of New Zealanders say store brands satisfy their needs as much as branded products.

At the same time, customers have caught on to some of the strategies that brands deploy to create perceptions of value without delivering that value. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of Kiwi consumers surveyed felt store brands had increased their prices in recent months and 75% thought package sizes had been shrinking.

While the cost-of-living crisis will abate, brands should be prepared for some conservative shopping habits to stick around. Customers who have forged lifelong connections with certain brands may revert to old spending behaviours. However, younger people without the same emotional attachment may never make the switch back, unless brands can appeal to emerging customer values around sustainability, ethics, quality of service and price.

Create a complete customer experience

Online shopping remains a frustrating experience for many New Zealanders, with expensive, slow or careless delivery responsible for 61% of all issues encountered.

As more grocery and home delivery players knock on the nation’s door, Kiwis are getting a taste of a seamless delivery experience. Some large consumer brands have recognised that a direct-toconsumer channel can deepen their relationships with their customers through direct touchpoints and streamlined delivery.

New Zealand’s topography, geography and climate, coupled with its relatively sparse population density and limited infrastructure, make doorto-door deliveries a tough task. But brands must solve this challenge or risk irrelevance with younger demographics.

Meanwhile, people who visit a bricks-and-mortar store today expect much more than a transaction, and global market leaders are making their moves. Take Ikea’s first foray into New Zealand, slated for 2025, which won’t just be a gamechanger for budget-conscious shoppers. It will set a new bar for experiential retail – one that allows customers to immerse themselves in the products through digital experiences, dining and a sense of discovery around every corner.

See sustainability as a long-term strategy

While New Zealanders are worried about environmental impacts, 27% say sustainability is a low priority when they are weighing up a potential purchase. This is, unsurprisingly, down to cost – as noted by 59% of Kiwi consumers.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t expect brands to step up their sustainability efforts. Two in three New Zealanders agree that brands must be transparent about their environmental and social impacts, behave ethically, and invest in sustainable production.

Consumers are increasingly attuned to the many shades of greenwash. They want brands to demonstrate a credible, clear and transparent commitment to sustainability. They just don’t want to pay for it… yet. Taking care of themselves and their families is their first priority in the current climate, and that means sustainability takes a back seat.

How do brands strike the right balance? The secret is to be authentic.

Gearing up for big changes ahead

We are now definitely in the thick of the election campaign.

Many policy announcements will be of interest to the food and grocery sector and at NZFGC we’re keeping a keen eye on these. With the polls continuing to be neck and neck it’s critical we are across all policies so we can make sense of what is likely to be on the negotiating table in the much expected and awaited coalition talks.

There’s another important event for NZFGC members in 2023 – our annual conference.

This is our biggest member event of the year, when the supplier industry comes together to share ideas, learn new things, listen to inspiring sector and nonsector experts, and to network.

Held in Sydney over three days in November, the theme is Shared Horizons, and nothing has better exemplified the value of working together for the future than the events of past two years, as the Commerce Commission began its Grocery Market Study and the Government returned with its response.

And that’s why this conference is particularly significant.

The Grocery Industry Competition Act, the Government’s response to the Commerce Commission’s extensive and exhaustive study, will change the way business between suppliers and retailers has been conducted for many decades.

In fact, it’s change that is already happening, with the Grocery Commissioner – with a range of new powers and tools at his disposal – the dispute resolution process, and the Supply Code of Conduct together expected to result in a better and fairer grocery sector that will benefit both consumers and suppliers.

So, this at this year’s conference there will be an emphasis on those huge legislative changes, what lies ahead, and how to deal with them, as well as what’s happening across sustainability, diversity, supply chain, health and regulatory, and other daily issues members are confronted with. The conference will give members the opportunity to discuss and learn about the latest developments in all these areas.

We are expecting around 250 representatives from member companies to attend, including owners and senior managers from the cream of the New Zealand grocery sector.

With the line-up of speakers we have confirmed we’re confident we will offer a comprehensive update on not just the legislative environment but also the New Zealand trading environment.

Having the Grocery Commissioner, Pierre van Heerden, present to an NZFGC audience within six

months of being appointed is a milestone in itself, but so is the presence of the main grocery retailers. I’m sure most will agree we have a very impressive lineup:

• Spencer Sonn, Manager Director, Countdown (Woolworths NZ)

• Chris Quin, CEO, Foodstuffs North Island

• Mary Devine, CEO, Foodstuffs South Island

• Matthew Lane, General Manager, Night ‘n’ Day

• Sarah Balle, Founder, Supie

• Patrick Noone, Country Manager, Costco Australia Also speaking will be Australian Food and Grocery Council Chief Executive Tanya Barden, Debbie Simpson-Pudney of Circana (formerly IRI), and Megan Treston of NielsenIQ Pacific. Countdown will also have their Commercial Director, Fresh and Foodco, Pieter De Wet, and their Commercial Director, Packaged Foods, Drinks, Everyday Needs and Replenishment, Steve Mills, there.

We are also delighted to welcome back the amazing Petra Bagust, who did a spectacular job as our MC last year and is excited to be joining us again to keep us energised throughout the conference.

The conference will feature the launch of NZFGC’s Shared Horizons, an online content series that will address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the industry by highlighting information on consumer insights, market trends, industry innovations, and inspirational success stories from industry leaders. Themes will include food security and waste, packaging and the circular economy, skills and education, and reformulation and innovation.

NZFGC is excited to be able to share this in industry forums and with the public, so we can show how we’re meeting those challenges to deliver better outcomes for consumers and the environment.

Grocery Commissioner Pierre van Heerden is speaking at the NZ FGC conference in November.

Trustee tax rate increase

The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023-24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill was introduced on 18 May 2023 to bring into effect the government’s 2023 Budget. The Bill admittedly hinges on the election. However, if passed the trustee tax rate will rise from 33% to 39% to align with the top marginal personal tax rate. This will be something to keep tabs on for those businesses who have trusts as shareholders.

Impact of the increase in tax on trust shareholders

Currently an ordinary company is taxed at 28% on net income. Companies can attach up to 28 cents of imputation credit for each $1 of dividend they pay to shareholders. When dividends are paid to shareholders they are taxed at their own marginal tax rate but can usually “offset” the imputation credits already paid by the company.

For example, if a company declares $100 of profit it pays $28 of tax. If the company decides to declare a dividend to shareholders, the company attaches its imputation credits to the dividend, so that the shareholders get credit for the tax the company has already paid i.e. the $28.

A trustee shareholder receiving the dividend is currently taxed at 33% and is required to pay the extra 5% tax on the dividend (being the difference between the ICAs it receives on tax paid at 28% and its own marginal tax rate of 33%). This additional 5% tax comes in the form of Dividend Withholding Tax, which is withheld by the company when it declares the dividend.

However from 1 April 2024, when the trust tax

the Bill pass, business owners with trusts should consider the tax impact and particularly assess whether it is opportune to “clear out” any retained earnings the company may have.

Mitigating the impact

Between now and 1 April 2024 there is a window of opportunity to minimize some of the impact the rate change will have. Where a company has sufficient cashflow to pay a dividend to its trustee shareholder as well as to pay the extra 5% withholding tax to IRD at the point the dividend is declared, it can do so before the trust tax rate becomes 39% on 1 April 2024.

Exceptions

The tax increase to 39% will not apply to a deceased estate for a period of 12 months after death (unless the deceased was subject to a 39% tax rate). Nor will it apply to specific trusts, primarily for the benefit of disabled persons.

Brightside for trusts

Despite the increase of the trustee rate of tax to 39%, Trustees can continue to allocate or distribute trust income to beneficiaries on lower tax rates so that income can be taxed at that beneficiary’s personal tax rate. Putting tax considerations aside, the existing purposes of creating a trust does not change. If this tax change may affect your trust we recommend taking accounting and legal advice to understand the impacts on your situation and any changes that may be prudent to make. The above only highlights a potential issue or opportunity on the horizon that people with shareholder trusts should

“If this tax change may affect your trust we recommend taking accounting and legal advice”

Doreen Ford

Solicitor Steindle Williams Legal www.swlegal.co.nz

24-25 July 2024 | Due Drop Events Centre, 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

Do you want to free up space and time?

Is your retail space struggling with efficiencies in material handling?

OR, have you ever thought about removing those ugly cages filled with cardboard and plastic? The team at Output Envy thrive on problem solving, which can be unique for every customer. Part of the A-Ward Group, Output Envy offer a range of tailor made solutions to help retail outlets manage bulk material handling.

Output Envy supply commercial and home products that are both high-quality and offer efficient outcomes.

“We are excited to introduce ecological innovations that enhance the use of our basic needs. These include clean water, recycling and power across home and work environments,” say Simon and Deborah Ward, Owner/Operators.

“Outputting positive byproduct from everyday actions such as compaction for repurposing of cardboard, composting, or obtaining clean toxic-free water filtration is what we know best. You can trust you are receiving superior quality when purchasing your life-enhancing products. Exclusive partnerships with international brands including military and commercial grade innovation, means we can bring everyday New Zealanders the best product systems for water, energy, and waste security, previously only available in other countries.”

Bramidan recycling compactors

Output Envy’s full range of exclusive Bramidan machinery is designed to compact small, medium and large amounts of cardboard and plastic waste. Bramidan recycling compactors, as opposed to traditional labour intensive and unsafe processes, allow for the efficient flattening of cardboard boxes, plastics, and textiles.

Retailer supply chains have found enormous success from using Bramidan waste recycling balers. Their reliability and high-quality

european technology ensure a long-life span, with the reassurance of 24/7 full support and service. In addition, the Output Envy App guarantees service needs are only a click away.

This wrap around support means all Baler maintenance is up to date, taking away the stress of any resulting workflow inefficiencies.

Output Envy offers further ease of use for our customers, with a growing range of consumables and retail essentials now available online for easy order and delivery to your door.

Output Envy, (under the A-Ward Group), has helped improve efficiencies across New Zealand and international organisations such as New World, Sistema, DHL, Bunnings, PAK’n SAVE and Countdown stores New Zealand wide.

Former owner of New World Eastridge, and now current owner of Morrinsville New World, Kym Samuels, continues to use Bramidan Baler solutions in her operations. Kym says: “The Baling systems have been a great decision for cardboard and the service provided has always been quick and efficient… often in times of great need! The Output Envy team (formally under A-Ward) are always looking for opportunities to help improve our business and have now supplied multiple stores within our co-operative with world leading technologies.”

Technology and innovation built into the machines, continuously focuses on customers health and safety as a top priority. Therefore, every Bramidan machine is designed around the end operator.

“All Bramidan Balers come with a built-in monitoring system (BRA-IN) that allows us to identify when a machine needs servicing. This helps avoid any expensive breakdowns and ensures a long lifespan,” says the team. For further information please visit: info@outputenvy.com or phone our team on 0800 800 466.

“The Baling systems have been a great decision for cardboard and the service provided has always been quick and efficient”

Kym Samuels, New World Owner/Operator

Output Envy Service Technician, Craig Thomas

Ready to thrive

Life-enhancing products

Output Envy supply products that offer both high-quality and efficient outcomes. We are excited to introduce ecological innovations that can enhance our use of basic needs such as clean water, recycling, and power in both commercial, home, off grid, and more. Products that think ahead, are beneficial to the environment, and are now available for everyone to access.

Hoses

Our award-winning hoses are 100% pure FDA-grade polyurethane. Plus free from contaminants such as lead, BPA and phthalates, kink resistant, durable and safe for drinking water.

 No toxic chemicals

 Leak free

 Super light

 Mould resistant

 Kink resistant

Bramidan Balers

Bramidan commercial recycling balers and machinery can compact small, medium, and large amounts of cardboard and plastic waste.

 High-quality European technology ensures a long-life span

 Full support 24/7 via our Output Envy App

 Efficient flattening, as opposed to traditional labour intensive and unsafe processes.

 Low noise level – can be placed directly in the working environment

Baler Consumables

Flat strapping and pre-cut galvanised baling wire, thoroughly tested to withstand the demanding conditions of the recycling industry.

 Accredited by the IANZ Laboratory

 Made to withstand up to 234KG making it safe for your baler operators

 Easy disposal, weatherproof and no corrosion

New Zealand’s best ice cream & gelato named

A boutique ice cream maker from Queenstown has taken out the country’s top ice cream accolade – with Patagonia Chocolates, Hazelnut Cremino named Formula Foods Supreme Champion Boutique at the NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards 2023.

Patagonia Chocolates, Hazelnut Cremino received two trophies – the Boutique Champion as well as the PACT Packaging Champion Standard Ice Cream Award. Chief Judge Jackie Matthews noted that the base of NZ-grown nuts, which are hand roasted, “provided a delicate and truly authentic flavour, which combined with a superbly crafted and well-made ice cream that is simply stunning, deserving of the Supreme Award.”

Patagonia Chocolates founder Alex Gimenez and his wife Lorena Giallonardo started their business in 2005. The couple run four stores in the Southern Lakes, creating delicious ice cream experiences. This year their entries were recognised with five Gold Medals and three Silver Medals, as well as two trophies.

16 trophies were revealed at the NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards 2023 in Auckland on 31 August. The trophy winners are the best of best, and came to the fore after a thorough tasting of more than 270 entries from across Aotearoa.

A newcomer to the trophy winners’ podium is Americold Supreme Champion Commercial, Allied Faxi New Zealand Food Co with its G’nature Vanilla Ice Cream. It was also awarded IMCD & Givaudan Champion Premium Vanilla Ice Cream Award and was a favourite with the judging panel who said: “This classy ice cream has an uncompromising depth of flavour, is rich and creamy and succeeds perfectly in its mission to deliver a super smooth vanilla flavour.” Matthews added that it is a great example of a classic flavour, “it is perfectly produced, with wonderful texture and balanced flavour.”

Category Trophy winners are a roll call of the country’s finest ice cream and gelatos, from Tip Top Ice Cream Company, Jelly Tip, which was

awarded the Pacific Flavours & Ingredients Kids’ Choice Award, through to exciting new flavours such as Little ‘Lato, Raspberry Lamington Gelato, which won the Infruit Champion Dairy-Free Trophy. Tip Top took out five trophies for:

• Tip Top Ice Cream Company, Tip Top Chocolate Trumpet; Davis Food Ingredients Champion Novelty Ice Cream Award

• Tip Top Ice Cream Company, Tip Top Jelly Tip; Pacific Flavours & Ingredients Kids’ Choice Award

• Tip Top Ice Cream Company, Tip Top Frozen Yoghurt; NZ Life & Leisure Champion Low Fat & Frozen Yoghurt

• Tip Top Ice Cream Company, Baklava Bonanza; Invita NZ Champion Open Creative Award

• Tip Top Ice Cream Company, Kāpiti Fig & Manuka Honey; Chelsea Sugar Champion Premium Ice Cream Award

A panel of 20 food judges led by Matthews evaluated each entry with meticulous attention to detail over two days. After careful deliberation, they decided upon the 16 trophy winners and a remarkable 183 medals; 64 Gold Medals, 74 Silver Medals and 45 Bronze Medals.

Matthews made special mention of the high standard of entries in 2023. “The ice cream, gelato and sorbet from the boutique makers were especially fabulous with sensory indulgent, rich, complex flavours. While dairy-free products are following global trends with entries made with an oat base growing rapidly,” she says.

A full list of NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards trophy and medal winners can be found on www.nzicecreamandgelato.co.nz .

Kiwis can enjoy the winners at Scoop Stores and supermarkets across the country and will have the chance to celebrate Aotearoa’s finest when NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Week returns from Sunday 5 November to Sunday 12 November 2023, incorporating NZ Ice Cream Sundae.

What’s on in 2023

SEPTEMBER

6-8 ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA

AsiaWorld Expo

Hong Kong

https://www.asiafruitlogistica.com/

9-10 NZ CHOCOLATE & COFFEE FESTIVAL

Auckland, NZ

https://chocolatecoffeefestival.nz/

11-14 FINE FOOD AUSTRALIA

Leading food industry B2B show Sydney, Australia

https://finefoodaustralia.com.au/

13 FMCG BUSINESS MARKETING & INNOVATION SUMMIT

Auckland, NZ

www.fmcgsummit.co.nz

19-23 FOODTECH PACKTECH

Auckland, NZ

https://www.foodtechpacktech.co.nz/

OCTOBER

7-11 ANUGA

Cologne, Germany

www.anuga.com/fair/anuga/anuga-home/

14 GROCERY CHARITY BALL

Cordis Hotel

Auckland, NZ www.grocerycharityball.org

14 NZ BREWERS FEST

Wellington, NZ

https://www.brewtown.co.nz/whats-on/ brewers-fest-2023

19 NZ FOOD AWARDS

Powered by Massey University www.foodawards.co.nz

19-20 CONVENIENCE & IMPULSE EXPO 2023

ICC Sydney

19 October 11am-5pm

20 October 12pm-4pm candiexpo.com.au

19-20 C&I INDUSTRY SYMPOSIUM

19 October 9-11am

20 October 10am-12pm candiexpo.com.au

NOVEMBER

1-3 NZ FGC CONFERENCE

Sydney, Australia

https://www.fgc.org.nz/event/2023-nzfgcconference/

2024

FEBRUARY

24 MARLBOROUGH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Marlborough, NZ

https://marlboroughwinefestival.com/

JULY

24-25 CONVENIENCE & IMPULSE

RETAILING EXPO

Due Drop Events Centre

Auckland, NZ

www.candiexpo.co.nz

The NZ Chocolate & Coffee Festival returns to Auckland in September. The C&I Expo will be held in Sydney in October.

2023 NZ Food Awards finalists revealed

After inviting the country’s food and beverage sector to submit their innovative products to be part of the New Zealand Food Awards, the 2023 finalists are now ready to be revealed and celebrated. Following robust and thorough judging, three distinct themes were highlighted by this years’ New Zealand Food Awards finalists – plant-based proteins, functional foods and sustainability.

There were 396 entries from 124 companies, resulting in 61 outstanding finalists from across the length and breadth of New Zealand. This year’s finalists include some big players in the Aotearoa food and beverage industry, such as Anchor, Kāpiti, The Collective, Wattie’s and Farrah’s, as well as plenty of new players to the market showcasing innovation at its finest. Previous winners featuring with new products this year include The Pure Food Co, The Wild Fermentary, Beard Brothers and allmite gold.

Head Judge Kay McMath commended the entrants on the extremely high quality of submissions and how they were able to articulate innovation, sustainability and excellence through their product or business.

“The judges really enjoyed hearing the challenges producers faced, how they employed clever technologies to solve these issues and the journey producers have taken from concept to market.

“It’s exciting to see how companies are adding value to primary produce. They’re shifting and adding value. It’s a vital component of the food and beverage sector.

“The concept of paddock to plate, organically certified, catch to order, for example, demonstrates real commitment to ensuring New Zealand is producing the freshest, highest quality food in sustainable ways,” McMath says.

It’s been a few years since a live product was a finalist at the New Zealand Food Awards but both Tora Collective’s products, Live Crayfish and Live Blackfoot Pāua (Abalone) have been named a finalist in the Primary Sector category. The company’s ‘catch to order’ model ensures sustainable fishing practices are adhered to as mother nature dictates when products can be harvested. It also allows for the raw products to be received in their most pure form. A trait that is quite rare these days!

Storytelling was used to narrate many journeys from concept to product. Hinterland Food, one of New Zealand’s few organically

certified mānuka honey producers, have been named a finalist for their product, Organic 20+ UMF Mānuka (known as ‘liquid gold’) in both the Artisan and Novel categories. The commitment demonstrated by Hinterland Food for producing a premium product that is distinctly unique to Aotearoa is carefully and sustainably packaged in glass jars with the precious gift of a ‘whakatauāki’ (Māori proverb) on each jar to connect back to the whenua.

The New Zealand Food Awards have celebrated Aotearoa’s food and beverage manufacturers, focusing on innovation, sustainability and excellence, since 1987. Owned and operated by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, the awards are open to small and large food and beverage manufacturers, primary food producers, food service providers, and ingredient supply companies.

Massey University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says from food science and product development to nutrition and dietetics, as well as farming and horticulture, Massey’s name is synonymous with New Zealand’s innovative food sector.

“Our ownership of the awards, which have been running for more than three decades, stems from the role the university plays at the forefront of food-related education and research here and around the world. It reflects our commitment to promoting innovation in the food industry and supporting the growth and development of this important sector of New Zealand’s economy.”

The 10 category winners and overall Massey University Supreme Award winner will be announced at a gala dinner in Auckland on 19 October.

Finalist and winning products earn the New Zealand Food Award’s quality mark to highlight their technical capability, consumer acceptability, regulatory compliance, and food quality and safety to shoppers and industry following one of the most robust judging processes in the industry.

The awards programme is made possible with the support of Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, Countdown, Cuisine, FMCG Business, Palmerston North City Council, BNZ, New Zealand Food Safety, FoodHQ, New Zealand Food Innovation Network, AsureQuality, The New Zealand Institute of Food Science & Technology Inc., XPO Exhibitions and Villa Maria.

allmite gold – allmite gold mild chilli

Augustines of Central – Blackcurrants in Cassis

Automatic Bakery – Half Baked Bread - Balsamic Onion + Feta

Dona Lou’s Goan Cuisine – Prawn Balchão

Hinterland Food – Certified Organic UMF 20+ Mānuka Honey

Kāpiti – Bridge Street Blue

Mixed Roots – “Hot Stuff” Curry Oil

Robbies by Mrs Pickles – Honey Sloe Gin Pickled Onions 1kg

Royalburn – Fine Lamb

Spice Tree – Chermoula

Below Zero Award – Sponsored by FoodHQ

Beard Brothers – Beard Brothers Old School Beef Sausage Rolls

Beard Brothers – Beard Brothers Old School Pork Sausage Rolls

EatKinda – EatKinda Strawberry Swirl

Island Gelato Co. – Chocolate & Forest Berry Cake

Naked Nectar – Smoothie Wheel – Morning After

The Pure Food Co – Tiramisu

Wild Nation – Vegetable Bites - Smashed Pea and Mint

Beverage Award – Sponsored by Massey University

AF Drinks – Sparkling Rosé

AVATAR – Mānuka Honey Elixir - Lemon & Mixed

Berry Flavoured

Buzz Club – Session Mead - Kāmahi Blossom + Lemon

Future – Future Natural Energy Citrus

Pete’s Natural Sodas – Fresh Hop Lemonade

The Wild Fermentary – Bloody Mary Mix

Chilled Award – Sponsored by Countdown

Anchor – Anchor Probiotic+ Mango & Apricot Greek Yoghurt

East West Kitchen – Indian Butter Chicken

East West Kitchen – Massaman Beef Curry

Kāpiti – Succulent Summer Plum Yoghurt

Little Island – Berries Yoghurt 800g

The Collective – Suckies Dairy Free Strawberry

Health and Wellbeing Award – Sponsored by Palmerston North

City Council

Anchor – Anchor Probiotic+ Mango & Apricot Greek Yoghurt

Farrah’s – Low Carb Keto Wraps

Lucy’s Gluten Free – The White One

The Pure Food Co – Tiramisu

Hinterland Food – Certified Organic UMF 20+ Mānuka Honey

Zamati – High Performance Beef Protein – Plain – Reduced fat

Pantry Award – Sponsored by Countdown

Ceres Organics – Ceres Organics Pea Chips Salt & Vinegar

Culley’s Kitchen – Savoury Onion Dip

Farrah’s – Low Carb Keto Wraps

Gluten Freedom – Everything Sourdough Bagels

Heilala Vanilla – Alcohol Free Vanilla Paste

NORISH – Blooming Blueberry & Chia Pudding

Stripped Jerky – Sumo Cowboy

TOP Hemp – PATA - Garlic

Primary Sector Award – Sponsored by New Zealand Food Safety

Big Glory Bay – Fresh King Salmon Portions

Royalburn – Autumn Venison Sausage

Royalburn – Fine Lamb

Royalburn – Lamb Farm Sausage

The Collective – Splitz Bickies & Cream

The Collective – Straight Up Sour Cream

Tora Collective – Live Blackfoot Pāua (Abalone)

Tora Collective – Live Crayfish

Product Lifetime Achievement Award – Sponsored by AsureQuality

Edmonds – Baking Powder

Galaxy – Blue Vein Cheese

Wattie’s – Tomato Sauce

Business Awards

Business Innovation Award – Sponsored by BNZ

Epic Coffee

Genevieve’s

Heilala Vanilla

Rescued Kitchen

Royalburn Station

Gala Dinner event details

Thursday, 19 October 2023

Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland

6.30pm - 11pm

Tickets on sale here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/new-zealand-food-awardsgala-dinner-2023-tickets-681081582347?aff=oddtdtcreator

Out & About

Winner of the Here For NZ award, New World Southmalls Lin Guo (R), with Foodstuffs North Islands Willa Hand (L), at the Foodstuffs NI Co-op Awards.

New Zealanders can now enjoy the sweet taste of summer much earlier, thanks to the arrival of 26 Seasons super sweet and sustainably-grown strawberries in supermarkets in the North Island.

Woolworths New Zealand will become the naming rights partner of the popular futureFERNS (with Netball New Zealand CEO Jennie Wyllie (L) and Woolworths New Zealand Director of Brand, Brid Drohan-Stewart (R).

Jenny Dodds from the Bay View Community Charitable Trust receives PAK Your Pantry gift cards for the Esk Valley Community Hub from Andrew Graney, owner operator of PAK’nSAVE Tamatea.

Kym Samuels (R), Co-Op Spirit award winner, with Foodstuffs North Island Board Chairman Dean Waddell (L) at the Foodstuffs NI Co-op Awards.

Patrick Lam (R) of Patrick’s Pies Gold Star Bakery in Tauranga won his eighth Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Award with a Roast Duck, Onion & Mushroom Gourmet Pie.

SNAP WIN! AND

Has your team moved to new premises, or been part of a fun event, great harvest, or promotional activity?

Send us your favourite snapshots to be in to win a copy of Resilience Recipes – Making Space for Wellbeing that Works. This practical, easy to read wellbeing guidebook by Fleur Heazlewood cuts through the sea of wellness information with a curated selection of evidence-based resilience and wellbeing strategies that are proven to work.

Just email your high res image with a caption to trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz

Mataura Four Square customer Tina Waitaiki (centre) was the lucky winner of a South Island giveaway, receiving a whopping $9,999 worth of Four Square gift cards in celebration of the supermarket brand’s 99th birthday.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Minister of Finance Grant Robertson at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Quarter Final in Wellington.

The Finery team at the Food Show in Auckland.

Steve McClean, Owner Operator of New World Orewa, helped to cook a three-course dinner for 150 guests at the Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai Cook-Off.

Suntory Oceania launches as new $3bn drinks giant

Beam Suntory and Frucor Suntory have announced Suntory Oceania, a new AU$3bn multi-beverage partnership across the premium spirits and non-alcohol segments in both Australia and New Zealand.

Under the Suntory Oceania umbrella, Beam Suntory and Frucor Suntory together will create the fourth-largest ANZ beverage group in Oceania with full end-to-end control of its portfolio, including manufacturing, sales, and distribution. Preparation will start now to ensure the partnership is operational for mid-2025 in Australia and 2026 in New Zealand.

Suntory Oceania’s 40 market-leading brands will include Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, Hibiki® Japanese Whisky, Canadian Club® Whisky, -196, V Energy, Maximus, Suntory BOSS Coffee among many more, and spans premium spirits, RTD (ready-to-drink) alcohol beverages, juice, water, soft drinks, coffee, energy and sports drinks.

Frucor Suntory CEO, Darren Fullerton said: “This new venture is all about bringing the best of Suntory to Oceania. With the ability to accelerate our growth trajectory, we strongly believe it will redefine market dynamics and offer more consumer beverage moments from sunrise to sunset, unlocking innovation for our customers across retail and hospitality industries.”

Mark Hill, Managing Director of Beam Suntory Oceania, commented, “This collaboration demonstrates our belief in the growth potential of the Australian and New Zealand markets. When other businesses are pulling back, we are forging ahead, bringing Suntory’s spirit of bold ambition to life.”

The largest single FMCG investment in Australia in over a decade, the

construction of a new AU$400M, net zero facility in Ipswich, Queensland, will be the catalyst for Suntory’s growth ambitions.

Complementing current manufacturing operations in Auckland, the new Queensland site will become home to additional beverage processing, packaging, warehousing, and distribution. The new facility is on track to be operational in mid-2024 with the ability to produce 20 million cases on start-up and over 50 million cases in the future.

Fullerton added: “At Suntory, we are proud of our nearly 125-year-old focus on Growing for Good. The new site sets the industry standard in terms of investment into sustainable technologies to drive efficiency and minimise our carbon footprint. We are looking at a multi-pronged strategy through a CleanCo solar power purchase agreement, over 14km of solar panels on site, biomass boiler and state-of-the-art production equipment.”

Growing for Good also means fuelling the economy, with Suntory expanding the current workforce and hiring over 400 roles as the partnership comes to life from mid-2025.

“We are immensely grateful for our long and successful relationship with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, which will continue through to 2025,” Hill said.

“With Suntory Oceania, we are looking to the future with optimism and a wholly owned platform from which to build the long-term growth of our brands for years to come. It is the perfect opportunity for us to build upon the strength of Suntory as the global leader across the beverage sector,” Hill concluded.

“This collaboration demonstrates our belief in the growth potential of the Australian and New Zealand markets.”

Mark Hill, Managing Director of Beam Suntory Oceania

Darren Fullerton CEO Frucor Suntory Oceania (L) and Mark Hill Managing Director Beam Suntory Oceania (R)

SJP and Invivo winemakers celebrate five-year milestone

Cameron are toasting to five years of their highly acclaimed wine brand ‘Invivo X, SJP’.

With 10.5 million glasses of Invivo X, SJP wine enjoyed around the world, the partners-in-wine came together recently in New York during a two-hour tasting and blending process to create their new, fifth, vintage of Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand.

Sarah Jessica Parker – who will be headlining and speaking at Wine Spectator’s New York Wine Experience this October – is hands on and instrumental in creating the flavour profile of the award-winning drop.

Sarah Jessica Parker, Cofounder of Invivo X, SJP, says: “It was a joy to blend the fifth vintage of our much-loved Sauvignon Blanc with my Invivo X, SJP partners Tim and Rob. It’s important to us that we continue to uphold the high level of quality that our customers have come to expect from us, but with experience also comes the ability to reflect on previous years and challenge ourselves to build on the structure, complexity and sophistication of our signature style. Our final 2023 Sauvignon Blanc blend has an incredible fragrance with perfectly balanced flavours of guava and citrus rind that are mouthwatering. We are excited for our customers around the world to try it, and we care deeply about their loyalty to this wine.”

Invivo X, SJP Cofounder and winemaker

Rob Cameron says: “We were really excited about our 2023 Invivo X, SJP blending session, being our fifth vintage. The 2023 vintage was of such fantastic quality and this, coupled with Sarah Jessica’s palate, passion and experience at the blending table, means this year’s wine is definitely one of our best yet.”

smile-inducing tropical fruit, full-bodied texture and a long finish, but also pushing the boundaries each year. Sarah Jessica has grown massively in her skills and experience at the blending table and her reflection of previous vintages is invaluable. Our amazing collaboration with Sarah Jessica keeps on getting more fun each year.”

The trio celebrated their five-year milestone at the end of the blending session by toasting with glasses of their final Sauvignon Blanc blend, while enjoying slices of a special ‘X’ cake. Inspired by the ‘X’ logo on the front of the bottle that was hand-painted by Sarah Jessica herself and represents her signature sign off ‘X, SJP’, the sweet treat was created by New York-based boutique cake business Soma Cakes.

Invivo X, SJP is available in all good supermarkets and liquor stores across New Zealand.

Commercial success globally

Invivo X, SJP was founded in 2019 by SJP and New-Zealand winery

Invivo. The highly acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc was named in the World’s Top 100 wines in its first vintage by Wine Spectator and has been awarded four 90+ point scores by the publication for its first four vintages including 93 points for vintage 2022. The range also features an award-winning French Rosé.

Invivo X, SJP has enjoyed huge commercial success since launch, with sales growing significantly throughout 2022 and in the first half of 2023.

Invivo X, SJP is now available in 18 countries including USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Finland, Greece, Holland, Norway and Sweden.

All photography credit Daphne Youree

Sarah Jessica Parker and Invivo Cofounders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron

New legislation will make it harder to renew a liquor license

The Government has passed new legislation on the Sale & Supply of Alcohol Act (Community Participation) Bill, making getting and renewing a liquor licence harder than it already was and threatening the commercial future of responsible hospitality and alcohol retail operators.

“For a sector so critical to the very fabric of New Zealand’s hospitality, retail and tourism industries, this is a massive blow, especially on the heels of a tough few years, thanks to Covid-19 restrictions,” says NZABC Executive Director Virginia Nicholls.

“This new legislation is meant to give communities greater say over who gets a license in their area. Except the legislation will not do this. In fact it will probably make it harder for communities to have a say”, says Nicholls.

Throughout the country these processes are determined by District Licensing Committees (DLCs) in keeping with the relevant Local Alcohol Policies (LAPs).

The legislation is focused on the process an entity goes through to apply for a new license or renew an existing license.

“This will now allow individuals or groups outside a region to object to a licence in another part of NZ. This goes against the sentiment for a community to decide on their own local requirements.”

“This will result in an increased number of licensing hearings which will be longer and more involved, with higher costs for participants.”

“The problem lies in the changes, which instead of addressing alcoholrelated harm, will significantly impact responsible business operators and exaggerate existing problems with the current licensing process.”

“Under the legislation and an LAP allows proximity provisions to sites such as schools or a church, this could force the closure of a pre-existing on or off-licence irrespective of whether it was well run or valued by the community.”

“A neighbourhood restaurant which has operated responsibly for years, may find themselves under the new legislation, having their license refused because a new medical centre has opened along the road.”

“The legislation removes the parties’ ability to appeal Local Alcohol Policies (LAPs) to the Alcohol Regulatory Licensing Authority (ARLA) which will restrict the appeal rights in the community. This ignores the ability to challenge decisions that unduly impact trading rights or may not be based on evidence,” says Nicholls.

“Removing the appeal provisions will not necessarily speed up the LAP process since most delays are caused by the use of legitimate judicial reviews which have nothing to do with the current Act.”

The legislation has not balanced the different community groups including small business owners, beer, wine and spirit suppliers, and those who consume beer, wine and spirits safely and responsibly.

Nicholls explains: “Since 2010 the number of licences nationwide has declined by more than 23%*.”

“Research tells us that the vast majority of New Zealanders drink responsibly. New Zealanders are drinking 25% less now than they did

in the late 1970s**. Further, harmful drinking – particularly among younger drinkers – has also fallen,” says Nicholls.

About the New Zealand Alcohol Beverages Council

The NZ Alcohol Beverages Council is a pan-industry group that comments publicly on matters relating to the beer, wine, spirits and beverages industry. It focuses on supporting responsible alcohol consumption and wants to see a fair and balanced debate on alcohol regulation in New Zealand.

*Over the past 12 years (from 2010 until 2022), our licences have decreased from 14,424 (Law Commission Report February 2010) to 11,078 (ARLA December 2022).

**Total NZ population 15 years and over total alcohol, 12 litres per person in 1978 – 8.6 litres per person in March 2023. StatsNZ Infoshare.

NZABC Executive Director Virginia Nicholls

“The legislation has not balanced the different community groups including small business owners, beer, wine and spirit suppliers, and those who consume beer, wine and spirits safely and responsibly.”

Photo credit: Linda Robertson –ODT

NZ Beer Awards winners revealed

The New Zealand Beer Awards 2023 winners were announced at a gala dinner held in Christchurch in August.

The big winners on the evening included 8 Wired Brewing who took out both of the top gongs - Overall Champion New Zealand Brewery Trophy as well as the Champion New Zealand Beer, with their Wild Feijoa 2022.

The Awards also celebrate the wider brewing industry and included awards for Beer Tourism, Sustainability in Brewing, the Packaging Award and the Morton Coutts Award for Innovation, which was won by Simon Ross of Wanaka.

Judging of the 825 entries took place in Christchurch in late July, and Executive Director of the Brewers Guild Melanie Kees said they were thrilled with the number and the quality of entries.

“Considering the challenges the industry has faced over the past few years we were really pleased to receive such a high number of entries. The quality was also improved on from last year’s competition with the success rate at gaining a medal up 11% from last year, in fact 69% of all entries gained a medal. This is testament to the quality of the beer being brewed, which is of course wonderful to news – for both brewers and consumers.”

Across the 2.5 days of judging 25 stewards, 30 judges and 6 support staff worked together to pour around 400 litres of beer and serve nearly 4000 glasses to the team of judges. NZ Styles and Juicy and Hazy continued to be the largest classes, with Speciality & Experimental and Fruit & Flavoured the next most popular classes, a sure sign that creativity is alive and well in the New Zealand brewing sector.

This year’s celebration was at the Wigram Airforce Museum, where over 300 individuals from across the industry gathered together to celebrate. “It is the first time our industry has been able to celebrate together since 2019, which made the evening even more special,” said Kees.

Chairman of the Brewers Guild of New Zealand, Brian Watson added, “It is always an honour to put these awards together, and to have people from across our entire supply chain together celebrating what we as a collective have achieved, as well of course, the beers, breweries and individuals who receive awards on the night.”

Champion Award Winners

Champion Micro Brewery

Workshop Brewing, Raglan

Champion Small Brewery

Shining Peak Brewing, New Plymouth

Champion Medium Brewery

Behemoth Brewing Company, Auckland

Champion Large Brewery

Garage Project, Wellington

Overall Champion New Zealand Brewing Company

8 Wired Brewing, Warkworth

Champion New Zealand Manufacturer bStudio, Napier

Champion New Zealand Beer

8 Wired Brewing, Warkworth – Wild Feijoa 2022

Trophy Winners

McLeod’s Brewery

International Lager – Longboarder Lager

Behemoth Brewing Company

New Zealand Styles – Clayton F#$%ing Hops NZIPA

Sprig + Fern Brewing Co

Amber/Dark Lager – Lock Bock Barrel

The Emerson Brewing Company Ltd

British Ale – Emerson’s Old 95

Garage Project Brewery

European Ale – Chance, Luck & Magic 2020

Parrotdog

Amber/Dark Ale – Red IPA

Sawmill Brewery

International Pale Ale – Sawmill XPA

Beer Baroness Brewing Company

No & Reduced Alcohol – Little Mighty Brave Brewing Co

Indian Pale Ale – Terrible Lizards

Behemoth Brewing Company

Juicy/Hazy – Music City Hazy IPA

Burkes Brewing Co

Stout & Porter – Unforgiven Porter

Good George Brewing

Wheat & Other Grain – Good George Hefe Mulligan

8 Wired Brewing

Fruit & Flavoured – Wild Feijoa 2022

Deep Creek Brewing

Specialty & Experimental – Solera

Wilderness Brewing

Wood & Barrel Aged – Russet

Industry Award Winners

Brewing Sustainability Award – Sawmill Brewery

Beer Tourism Award – Rhyme & Reason

Packaging Award – Waitoa Beer

Morton Coutts Award for Innovation – Simon Ross, MicroBrewTech

Full Catalogue of Results – https://brewersguild.org.nz/nzba/ New Zealand Ale Trail – https://www.nzaletrail.com/

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