VIBE IS DIABETES NZ'S NEWEST CHAMPION SPONSOR

VIBE, a company bringing delicious sugar-free drinks to schools and other outlets, has entered into an exciting partnership with Diabetes NZ.

Heather Verry, Diabetes NZ CEO, welcomes VIBE to the organisation’s elite group of Champion Sponsors. ‘It’s a very positive move toward increasing awareness of the importance of reducing consumption of sugar in beverages.

‘Limiting sugar intake is pivotal to improving health outcomes in our community, reducing the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and ultimately the long-term complications that can develop later in life.’

Stefan Crooks, Managing Director of VIBE, says, ‘We’re delighted to be working with Diabetes NZ. I have type 2 diabetes myself, so it’s important to me that all the ingredients used have been signed off by Diabetes NZ.’

He says VIBE was born from a conversation about improving the products their existing school food supply business offered. ‘VIBE was created to provide a greattasting alternative to sugary drinks – one that allows kids to enjoy a carbonated drink full of flavour but with zero sugar.’

As VIBE is now available at schools and kura across Aotearoa, Verry says, ‘This allows for strong opportunities to educate school principals on the importance of nutrition intervention, as they have the power to influence children’s knowledge and behaviour.’

The New Zealand Health Survey 2018/2019 found that approximately one in nine children (aged two to 14) were obese, with an over-representation in Māori and Pacific communities.

Stefan Crooks

Crooks says, ‘Today’s consumers are looking for products like VIBE that support their emotional, indulgent, and physical health needs, ranging from relaxation to hydration. They want less sugar – no question. But they also don’t want to sacrifice taste.’

He says VIBE concentrates on the quality of its natural flavours, which are made from New Zealand ingredients.

‘Consumers are not only demanding functional drinks that don’t compromise on taste, they’re also looking for companies that adhere to a sustainable ethos. That’s why there’s no plastic used on VIBE products. Our clear can design and branding highlights the aluminium-can packaging and encourages recycling.’

Diabetes NZ is looking forward to extending the messaging about good nutrition in partnership with VIBE.

VIBE is available in schools and in New World, Pak’nSave, and Four Square stores. It’s also online at vibedrinks.co.nz.