Industry News

NZ hospo on road to recovery, says CGA

NEW RESEARCH from global on-premise data and insights consultancy CGA shows that consumers in New Zealand are feeling positive and ready to support the hospitality sector in 2022.

The research comes as CGA launches in New Zealand and it is taken from its first monthly On Premise Consumer Pulse1 , which surveyed around 500 New Zealand on-premise visitors to understand their recent behaviour, how they feel about the channel (including any COVID-related restrictions) and their intention for visits in the month ahead.

Key findings:

• 89% of New Zealand consumers surveyed have visited on-premise already in 2022. While there are lingering concerns around COVID-19, the vast majority of these consumers are eager to get back to bars and restaurants – with 78% planning to visit the same or more often than they did in 2021. • 51% of New Zealand consumers would feel more comfortable visiting on-premise if social distancing was maintained, while mandatory masks (49%) and table service (32%) also ranked highly. • 21% intend to visit on-premise more over the months ahead than last year.

CGA’s managing director, Americas and Asia Pacific, Scott Elliott said: “There is little doubt that the hospitality industry in New Zealand has been hit hard by the pandemic but this latest research suggests that consumers do want to come back and the tide is beginning to turn. Right now, the key to success for suppliers will be to take learning from other markets a little further down this path. In other developed on-premise markets, the suppliers who have been able to best help their customers navigate a new guest path to purchase – especially in the areas of maximising visit spend via digital and server advocacy/upselling – have gained space, share and loyalty.

“Now is the time though, not in 12 months. Based on our experience around the world, there is no doubt that once the hospitality sector has returned to a more traditional trading pattern, the suppliers who were most proactive in their investment at this resurgent stage have seen the greatest benefits. These gains are proving hard to displace by the late-returners.”

cgastrategy.com

1 New Zealand On Premise Consumer Pulse – CGA. Consumer research: Survey conducted over 9-14 February, 2022 of 503 respondents across New Zealand, who have visited On Premise venues since the start of 2022. The collection was a nationally representative sample of consumers across age, gender and region.

West Auckland Trusts pulls Russian stock over Ukraine

THE WEST Auckland Trusts has stripped thousands of bottles of Russian vodka and beer from shelves in response to Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine.

The Trusts, which is one of New Zealand’s largest alcohol retail chains, with 26 retail stores as well as hospitality venues throughout the region, stopped selling Russian-made products just days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Allan Pollard, Trusts CEO, says the move is a response to Russia raising its nuclear alert level along with a growing groundswell of consumer sentiment.

The ban includes those brands with Russia as their country of origin and includes: Ivanov, Russian Standard, Russkaya, Kristov Red vodkas, Gorkovskaya Vodka, JJ Whitley Rhubarb Vodka, Royal Bison Vodka, Russkaya Vodka, Baltika Beer and Three Hills Pale Ale beer.

The product has not been replaced with other brands and the empty shelf space instead displays a Ukrainian flag.

Pollard says the immediate removal of Russian vodka and beer from sale is in line with similar actions taken by businesses in a number of other countries around the world including Canada, US and Australia.

“Vodka is Russia’s most high profile export product and our actions today are designed to show our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

“While New Zealand is a comparatively small market individually, joining our counterparts in other countries around the world in boycotting the sale of these products is a statement of solidarity for the Ukrainian people,” said Pollard.

NZIER report highlights innovation in alcohol industry

THE NZ Alcohol Beverages Council says a new report shows that innovation around local skills, social change and sustainability has been key to the New Zealand alcohol industry’s significant contribution to the local economy.

The NZ Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) report, Alcohol beverages industry: A thriving, durable industry adding value to New Zealand’s financial, environmental and social economies produced for NZABC, found that the sector contributes $1.92 billion to GDP, pays $1.819 billion in excise tax and GST, spends $2.02 billion on local goods and services and generates $2.09 billion in exports.

“The report shows that the 1,865 beer, wine, and spirits businesses employ around 10,200 people from boutique distilleries in rural areas, to specialty production in the regions, to head offices in city centres,” says Bridget MacDonald, NZABC’s Executive Director.

“In addition, another 20,900 are employed indirectly from businesses in the supply chain, from yeast producers and hops growers to packaging, logistics and shipping. As a supplier itself, the industry connects to the hospitality industry, which employs around 172,000 in cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels and events businesses.”

The report also details how the industry and society have changed over the last couple of decades. MacDonald says that’s reflected in people becoming more moderate consumers, choosing higher quality products, or no- and lowalcohol options. She also cites a growing shift to supporting local producers and the growth of boutique wineries, distilleries and breweries, as well as more focus on sustainability.

“It’s an exciting time for our industry – we are diversifying our product ranges in response to consumer demands and trends,” says MacDonald. “The challenges of today are becoming the opportunities for tomorrow, and this encourages innovation and investment in research and development right throughout the industry – from developing unique hops varieties for beer, embracing indigenous ingredients for spirits to refining viticulture practices to create lower alcohol wines.”

See the full report at nzabc.org.nz

SHOWCASE

Growth time at No.8 Distillery

NO.8 DISTILLERY was born in Dunedin during the March 2020 lockdown, but it draws on a legacy that dates back over four generations of treasured French family recipes and distilling knowledge.

Established by Julien Delavoie and Michael Wilson, the distillery started life with a single still called “Therese”, sitting in the window of their Dunedin café and venue Dog with Two Tails.

Two years later, No.8 Distillery has a new home in central Dunedin and the range includes awardwinning gins, absinthe and liqueurs, which are made by Delavoie. A former chef and pastry chef, he draws upon his flavour knowledge, and distillation experience making rum, calvados and cider with his grandparents in Normandy.

Awards and a time of growth

No.8 Distillery has already enjoyed success locally and internationally with notable wins at the World Gin Awards this year, where its Horopito Fire Gin was named New Zealand’s Best Contemporary Style Gin, and a slew of Silver medals across its range at the 2021 NZ Spirits Awards.

The recognition and rapid growth prompted a move in January this year from the café to a new red brick building in the city centre where the new distillery is open to the public for tours and tastings, with a bar and retail shop selling their range of spirits and liqueurs (Delavoie says they will be the first bottle shop to sell spirits on tap too) as well as botanicals for those wishing to try distilling their own spirits. Workshops will also be available. Delavoie says it’s an exciting time. “We will soon have our new 300L still named ‘Jacquie’, to respond to the domestic demand and we’ll also increase production to export to the UK, Ireland and Germany, where discussion has started with distributors.”

Sustainability is key to No.8’s operations – it has a zero waste target and has a nationwide programme to swap and refill its bottles with $5 cash back.

Julien Delavoie

Highlights at No.8

Horopito Gin: Eight botanicals offering a flash-bang of orange, cardamon and a hint of pepper. (Winner of NZ’s Best Contemporary Style Gin at World Gin Awards 2022) Dunners Dry Gin: New Zealand native and Mediterranean herbs combine for a herbaceous gin with a very smooth finish. Hibiscus Gin: A delicate floral note with a bittersweet marmalade taste. 1926 Absinthe: This little green fairy is ripped and an undisputed French MMA champion. A family recipe since 1926. Limoncello: A thick, liquid tangy lolly washes over your tongue with the sweet citrus of lemons.

CCEP NZ steps up for Tonga

FOLLOWING THE recent volcanic eruption in Tonga, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand (CCEP NZ) has provided just over $10,000 in financial relief plus additional support to the Tongan community.

CCEP launched a fundraising appeal following the eruption in mid-January and matched staff donations, resulting in a total donation of over $10,000 to the Vodafone Foundation/Redcross Pacific Tsunami Appeal on Give A Little.

The major volcanic eruption was followed by a tsunami that hit the island nation. Chris Litchfield, General Manager at CCEP NZ said, “Our immediate thoughts turned to our Tongan colleagues and their families, who were thankfully confirmed safe and healthy. We wanted to do all we could to provide swift support to the Tongan community.”

In addition to its donation to the Give A Little page, CCEP NZ also provided significant aid and support to the community directly after the tsunami.

To date, CCEP NZ has: • Donated 35,000 bottles of 1.5 Pure

Drop water that was shipped to

Tonga within the first week following the tsunami • Donated 100 metal drums, collectively worth $8,000, for the New Zealandbased Tongan community to fill with personal items to ship over to their families in Tonga.

SHOWCASE

Fever-Tree drives mixer growth in NZ liquor retail

PREMIUM MIXER brand Fever-Tree is driving significant growth in the New Zealand market, with latest figures showing it holds a substantial market share.

Data from Nielsen1 shows that New Zealand’s Total Carbonated Mixer Category is growing at +19% versus last year and Fever-Tree is growing ahead of the category at +32% versus last year.

It also shows that Fever-Tree’s total value share is now more than 36%, compared with its closest competitor whose value share is just 8%. • Fever-Tree has 14 of the top 25-selling mixer SKUs, which make up more than 80% of total category value • Fever-Tree’s six top-selling SKUs account for more than 20% of total category value • Fever-Tree is 4.8 times larger in value and 5.1 times larger in volume than its main competitor brand.

New flavours and formats drive growth

• Fever-Tree Elderflower and Aromatic

Tonics are up 24.5% in value versus last year • Fever-Tree’s 500ml range offers the largest opportunity for growth, with value growth of +44% versus last year across Premium Indian, Mediterranean, and Refreshingly Light Tonics • Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Cans are now a

Top 16 selling SKU, growing at +369%.

Thirsty Camel

1 Data Source: Nielsen Scan Track – Carbonated Mixers Category - Total Defined Liquor to 30/01/22

Fever-Tree’s Top 12 Category SKUs at Liquor Retail

#5 Fever-Tree Indian Tonic 200ml +7% #7 Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic 200ml +27% #8 Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Indian Tonic 200ml +35% #10 Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic 200ml +16% #11 Fever-Tree Aromatic Tonic 200ml +32% #12 Fever-Tree Indian Tonic 500ml +31% #14 Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic 500ml +48% #15 Fever-Tree Light Indian Tonic 500ml +53% #16 Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Cans +369% #18 Fever-Tree Pink Grapefruit Soda 200ml +361% #19 Fever-Tree Light Cucumber Tonic 200ml +789% #23 Fever-Tree Lime & Yuzu Soda 200ml +249%

New CEO for Lion Group

LION HAS announced the appointment of Sam Fischer as CEO of the Lion Group in Australia. Fischer joins Lion from Diageo, where he is President Asia Pacific and Global Travel, and a member of the Global Diageo Executive Committee.

Prior to Diageo, he spent 15 years with Colgate-Palmolive, starting in Australia and moving on to hold senior commercial roles working across several markets in Europe and Asia. He is also currently a Non-Executive Director with the Burberry Group.

Lion Chairman Sir Rod Eddington said: “On behalf of Kirin and the Lion Board I am thrilled to welcome Sam home to Australia and to Lion. Sam brings 30 years of global leadership experience, deep expertise in alcohol beverages and FMCG businesses and a strong track record in driving business growth. Sam joins Lion at a pivotal time, as our industry continues to navigate the impacts of the pandemic and Lion delivers a new mid-term plan to return to sustainable growth. His drive for performance and proven ability to lead with purpose and conviction will be invaluable as Lion enters this next chapter.”

Sam Fischer will join Lion in July 2022, when current CEO Stuart Irvine will step down after nine years in the role.

Wine industry welcomes UK Free Trade Agreement

NEW ZEALAND Winegrowers has welcomed New Zealand’s signing of an historic free trade deal with the United Kingdom. “The agreement is very positive for the New Zealand wine industry. This will help remove technical barriers to trade, and minimise burdens from certification and labelling requirements. It will also support future growth in the market, and encourage exporters to focus on the UK,” said Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers.

“The UK is New Zealand’s second largest export market for wine, with exports valued at over $400 million over the past 12 months. The agreement will reduce trade barriers on New Zealand wine exports to the UK, which will make a big difference for many within our industry.”

Gins

MARTINI joins Federal Merchants & Co

THE STORY of MARTINI® is one of perfect combinations. From the unique partnership that led to MARTINI’s creation, to the style and taste it brings to any social occasion, MARTINI® stands for the idea that special things happen when people get together.

Federal Merchants & Co has joined MARTINI® in a partnership as the new official distributor of MARTINI® in New Zealand. Kane Stanford, Commercial Director of Bacardi New Zealand is excited to work with Federal Merchants & Co for the first time on this portfolio.

Head of Brand and Business strategy at Federal Merchants & Co, Michael Morton says, “We’re so excited to have MARTINI®, an iconic brand with such a rich history in our vermouth portfolio, including the Riserva Speciale Bitter, which is available in New Zealand for the first time.”

Federal Merchants & Co will be distributing the following MARTINI® brands:

MARTINI® ROSSO

The original MARTINI® recipe. A classic sweet red vermouth.

Bittersweet and harmonious. Intensely herbal character through a complex selection of Italian herbs such as sage, savoury and dittany, balanced against bittersweet exotic woods.

Highly perfumed with a sweet and sour taste and a herbal character, which makes it a naturally refreshing accompaniment. Food pairing: Mortadella, kalamata olives and pecorino cheese. Aroma: Rich, complex and intensely herbal. Taste: Bitter-sweet, wellbalanced, strong and persistent.

15% ABV, 750ml RRP $34.99

MARTINI® EXTRA DRY

The classic extra dry vermouth. Captured in every crisp drop of MARTINI® Extra Dry is the essence of orris, raspberry and citrus that make up the secret recipe. A pillar of the iconic cocktail that shares its name.

Bright, with a pale gold colour and a delicate perfume. Food pairing: Fresh oysters, grilled scallops, chorizo, pepperoni. Aroma: Delicate and elegant with raspberry and lemon touches over a background of St John’s Wort and orris. Taste: Extra-dry, bright, and not bitter with a wellbalanced acidity.

18% ABV, 750ml RRP $34.99

MARTINI® BIANCO

Launched in 1910, MARTINI® BIANCO earned the name ‘Bianchissimo’ meaning “the most white”, referring to the purity of its colour. Floral and complex, at its heart lies a combination of herbs, sweet spices and floral notes that produce a softer style of vermouth; lighter and more delicate. Food pairing: Chargrilled prawns, red chilli, garlic bread and focaccia. Aroma: Intense, sweet, gentle, soft, with a touch of vanilla. Taste: Approachable with a well-balanced mixture of vanilla notes and aromatic herbs; both sweet and bitter notes.

15% ABV, 750ml RRP $34.99

MARTINI® RISERVA SPECIALE BITTER

Inspired by the original 1872 recipe and launched in 2017, the MARTINI Riserva Speciale Bitter is characterised by three rare botanicals: saffron, angostura and calumba. Complex and rich; this is a modern bitter aperitivo. Its unique complex bitter taste has been crafted to be the perfect complement to gin in the MARTINI® Negroni cocktail. Aroma: Intense notes of orange with gentle hints of rose. Taste: Complex and unique, the citrus taste is followed by a long-lasting, balanced bitter finish.

28.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $54.99

A modern twist on vintage

ALWAYS AHEAD of design trends, French specialist glass company Saverglass has developed a unique and stunning reinterpretation of the hand-blown-glass sought out for the grand crus of yesteryear.

Revisiting this tradition and applying the latest glassmaking technologies, Saverglass provides a modern twist inspired by vintage designs to create two unique models that re-interpret the iconic amphora and offer a fresh contemporary approach to authentic styles. Bordelaise and Bourgogne ANTIK models are modest in height and boast generous shoulders and a “boudine” in the punt.

The Bourgogne ANTIK is also available with a BVS finish in both Flint and Antique Green Glass.

Find out more about the Saverglass range today. 09 522 2990 saverglass.com

BVS BOURGOGNE ANTIK A REINTERPRETATION OF BURGUNDY’S CLASSIC FORM The BVS BOURGOGNE ANTIK is a reinterpretation of Burgundy’s classic form and exhibits a remarkable variation on this theme, a trace of times gone by and suitable for the most elegant tables. The BOURGOGNE ANTIK range, already available in 75 cl and 150 cl sizes, in extra-white flint or antique glass, is now equipped with screw finish for a wide use.