The Beverage Report 2023

CARBONATED $

16.95

Original, craft and sugar–free

Discover a reFreshing New World oF Tea.

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EDITOR’S A Nimble And Innovative Industry Tania Walters Publisher

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elcome to the Beverage Report for 2023, your trusted source for insights into the ever-evolving world of beverages. As we dive into this annual publication, we’re excited to bring you a comprehensive look at the latest trends, innovations, and developments shaping the beverage industry in 2023, as well as showcasing the top must-have products in each category.

In an era marked by rapid change and evolving consumer preferences, the beverage sector is no exception. The Beverage Report provides the industry with access to insights into the sector’s dynamic transformation. From craft brews to wellness elixirs, we’ll explore the diverse array of beverages that continue to captivate and quench the thirst of consumers locally and globally.

In the global beverage landscape, we’re witnessing a fascinating convergence of health-conscious choices and indulgent experiences. Consumers are increasingly seeking out beverages that not only tantalise their taste buds but also align with their well-being goals.

From the surge in functional beverages like probiotic-infused and adaptogenspiked teas to the continued popularity of sparkling waters and premium craft sodas, the global beverage industry is responding to this demand with an impressive array of options.

Moreover, the concept of “mindful drinking” has gained significant traction, with low-alcohol and alcohol-free alternatives becoming more than just a trend—they’re now a movement.

Consumers are looking for ways to socialise and unwind without the traditional alcohol content, and beverage

companies are stepping up to craft sophisticated, alcohol-free cocktails and sophisticated zero-proof options that capture the essence of a night out without the hangover.

These global trends reflect an industry that is nimble, innovative, and always attuned to the evolving tastes and values of consumers. The Beverage Report is committed to keeping you informed about these dynamic shifts and exploring the exciting possibilities they bring to the world of beverages.

We’ll unpack the rise of sustainable and eco-conscious practices within the industry. Discover how beverage companies are embracing environmental responsibility and making strides towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Additionally, we have looked at the exciting realm of flavour innovation, showcasing the groundbreaking products that are pushing the boundaries of taste and texture. From unique pairings to unexpected ingredients, you will find inspiration for your own beverage offerings, whether it be in-store, on-site or in-room.

Thank you for choosing us as your source for all things beverage related.

Cheers to another exciting journey through the world of beverages.

For more information, contact beverage@reviewmags.com. Our thanks to all contributing writers for sharing your thoughts on the status, trends and innovations in the Beverage Market.

Additional information and detailed graphs available online at:www.supermarketnews.co.nz,www.restaurantandcafe.co.nz, www.hotelmagazine.co.nz

Tania Walters tania@reviewmags.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH The Beverage Buyer’s Guide is available through subscription to SupermarketNews, Restaurant & Café and HOTEL magazines.

Additional copies are also available.

PUBLISHER: Tania Walters GENERAL MANAGER: Kieran Mitchell EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Sarah Mitchell MANAGING EDITOR: Caitlan Mitchell

ADVERTISING SALES: Caroline Boe, Findlay Murray, Felicity Flack EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE: Annabel Maasdam, Sam Francks SENIOR DESIGNER: Raymund Sarmiento GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Raymund Santos

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FUNCTIONAL

Water, fermented and superfood

NEW

FIERCE GRAPE

SWEAT. EMBRACE IT. REPLACE IT. TO STOCK GATORADE, CONTACT: BRENT SNADDON – NATIONAL BDM FRUCOR SUNTORY BRENT.SNADDON@FRUCORSUNTORY.COM Gatorade is a registered trade mark of Stokely-Van Camp, Inc, used under licence in New Zealand by Frucor Soft Drinks Limited.

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COLUMN

Challenges For The Beverage Industry

Sugar reduction and nonsugar alternatives are hot topics at the moment, with consumers increasingly wanting to explore alternatives.

BELINDA MILNES​ NZ Beverage Council Director of Public Affairs

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he New Zealand beverage sector and its members are right at the forefront of this trend. Over the past few years, they have been making efforts to be socially responsible, marketing products to children and young people and reducing sugar across a wide range of product lines.

That takes two forms: offering consumers choices and being responsible for not targeting high-sugar beverages at children.

For example, members of the New Zealand Beverage Council (NZBC), which represents over 75 percent of the non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages sold at the retail level in New Zealand, have committed that they will only sell bottled water directly to primary and intermediate schools and that they will not sell sugar-sweetened carbonated soft drinks to secondary schools.

NZBC members will not advertise any beverage in media directly targeting children under-14 or where 25 percent or more of the expected audience will be children under-14.

The NZBC also abide by the voluntary Children’s and Young People’s Advertising Code, the Code for Advertising Food, and the Advertising Code of Ethics.

Regarding reducing the amounts of sugar people consume from beverages,

NZBC member companies have been working on offering choices, including zero-sugar and reduced-sugar products, for some time now, and we are finding that consumers are increasingly interested in these products.

Circana Market Edge Data shows that in the past four years, No-Sugar has driven a 35 percent share of category growth, including an increase of 60 percent in Energy Drinks, 44 percent in Carbonated Beverages, and 43 percent for Sports Drinks.

That significant growth shows that the beverage sector is responding and making alternatives available.

The NZBC strongly supports the voluntary Health Star Rating system, designed to provide convenient, relevant and readily understood nutrition information on food packs to assist consumers in making informed food purchases and healthier eating choices.

The latest monitoring report showed that in New Zealand, 28 percent of surveyed consumers report using the HSR to help choose packaged food, with 88 percent choosing the product with more stars.

Combined with ongoing education about healthy choices, this is a practical, light-handed way of achieving the sugar reduction outcomes the government seeks.

JUICES & SYRUPS

Fresh, ambient and carbonated

TASTE OF THE TROPICS

Straight from Dole’s famous pineapple plantations comes delicious Dole 100% Pineapple Juice in a convenient 240ml can. Its sweet, tropical flavour will delight your tastebuds! Loved all over the world, DOLE 100% Pineapple Juice has a thousand uses. It’s terrific on its own and enhances a host of favourites, including cocktails, marinades and smoothies. It’s also a good source of Vitamin C, has no added sugar, and is free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.

For more information or to become a stockist, visit www.pave.co.nz or phone 09-302-1190.

THE BEST OF NATURE AND CUTTING EDGE SCIENCE

Since its inception in 1973, 73 Citrus has garnered a reputation for cultivating topnotch oranges. This family-owned orchard has consistently delivered the finest fruit from the most skilled growers. Now, as a new generation takes the reins, they take pride in directly bringing their unwavering commitment to quality and flavour to consumers.

At 73 Citrus, they combine the best of nature and cutting-edge science to offer a sparkling, invigorating, healthier beverage. Their drink not only lacks added sugar but also boasts a powerful immune-boosting punch with a substantial 1000mg of

Liposomal Vitamin C in every can. What’s more, it replicates the exceptional taste of Gisborne orange juice to perfection—an assurance they stand by.

73 Citrus exclusively sources all their fruit from the family orchard in Gisborne, emphasising the significance of each 3-4 fruits in their production.

The company is thrilled to announce that they have expanded their reach to the North Island Distribution Center through Foodstuffs.

For more information or to become a stockist, contact Henry Witters at henry@73citrus.co.nz or 027 310 2935 or visit WWW.73CITRUS.CO.NZ .

SQUASHED MINIS

When people are on the go all day, we know it can be difficult to stay on top of keeping hydrated. UK Foods has just the answer. Just pop a squashed mini on the way out and stay hydrated all day. The success of the Minis range reflects consumer demand for convenient formats of squash great for on-the-go occasions, travel, and gym. You can keep them in your handbag and squeeze a few drops straight into the water bottle to suit your taste. Five top-selling flavours. No added sugar and makes 20 servings of great-tasting water.

For more information or to become a stockist, visit www.ukfoods.co.nz.

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JUICES & SYRUPS

Fresh, ambient and carbonated

BICKFORD’S 100% PREMIUM JUICE

If you struggle with joint pain or even getting a good night’s sleep, Bickford’s 100% Premium Cherry Juice could be just what you need! Cherries are one of the few sources of melatonin – a hormone that may help to regulate your sleep cycles and can improve your overall sleep quality. Plant foods, like cherries, are also commonly known for their role in helping to combat obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Cherries are also a great source Vitamin A and C and are high in antioxidants, zinc, fibre, protein and good fats, great for your overall wellbeing. Bickford’s 100% Cherry Juice is made up of sweet cherries and tart cherries to deliver you a perfectly balanced cherry flavour you just can’t resist. All Bickford’s Premium Juices are made from 100% natural fruit juice and contain no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives and no added sugar. It’s only natural.

AWARDWINNING 100% PURE CHERRY JUICE

For more information, contact chris.bhimy@bickfordsgroup.com

CALYPSO TASTE OF THE ISLANDS

Calypso, the originator of the flavoured lemonade category. Made with real lemon or lime bits, real sugar, natural flavours and served in premium custom glass bottles.

Over the past eighteen years, Calypso’s range has evolved from four lemonade blends into over a dozen lemonade, limeade, and tea and lemonade combinations.

Email: Loren@zebrainternational.co.nz or visit www.zebrainternational.co.nz

With over two kilograms of cherries in every bottle, Eden Orchard’s award-winning 100 percent Pure Cherry Juice is packed with anthocyanins. These powerful antioxidants help to combat inflammation and support optimal muscle function. Eden Orchard’s juice is renowned for helping to relieve symptoms of gout and arthritis. Cherries are also a natural melatonin source, promoting deeper, more restful sleep. Eden Orchard is a proud family business that has been passionate about growing the finest fruit for over 30 years. The family’s cherries are hand-picked in the beautiful Central Otago region. Eden Orchard believes that the best flavours are created by nature. Therefore, Eden Orchard juice is 100 percent pure with no added sugars, preservatives, or colours of flavours. Perfect for children and adults alike, the juice can be combined with ice after a workout to relax muscles, drizzled over yoghurt as a tasty treat, or enjoyed as a small glass before bedtime to help with sleep.

Contact Nik Agoli: nik@edenorchards.co.nz or +64 21 045 2044 for more information

NEW 100% SUGAR FREE CORDIAL

Bickford’s have been serving up Australia’s favourite premium cordial range with some recipes barely changed in 143 years. Hand blended with up to 35% fruit juice and no artificial colours, flavours, or sweeteners, these Australian made cordials can be crafted into contemporary cocktails and mocktails or enjoyed simply mixed with soda or still water.

Recently added to the range are Bickford’s 100% Sugar Free Cordials in two delicious flavours, Tropical and Peach Iced Tea. These maintain the Bickford’s tradition of delivering a quality product with exceptional flavour, with a blend of sweeteners; Stevia and Erythritol.

A great alternative for diabetics or those looking to cut back sugar in their diet, without compromising on flavour.

For more information contact chris.bhimy@bickfordsgroup.com

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RETAIL DESIGN

Physical Retail Will Never Die

Nowadays, retailers worldwide are facing similar problems: rising energy costs, labour shortages and supply bottlenecks, to name a few. They are required to adjust to the current situation and need to find solutions for these challenges.

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ast-changing consumer needs and external conditions force retailers to adapt their spaces and offer products quickly and easily.

In the past three years, the world has experienced a pandemic and a war in Ukraine, which have changed consumer behaviours irrevocably.

Therefore, one of the key drivers remains flexibility – conceptionally and functionally.

Flexibility in store concepts boils down to a flexible layout with mobile furniture, allowing retailers to adapt the product offering at any point.

Plug-in fixtures benefit both the consumer and retailers

Flexibility in store concepts boils down to a flexible layout with mobile furniture, allowing retailers to adapt the product offering at any point. in addressing their changing needs, being cost-effective and energy-efficient over the long term due to the savings associated with part-renovations through the lifecycle of the store. With the trend toward smaller stores, implementing plug-in furniture for the whole store

or single new department renovations is the easiest and smartest option for today’s market conditions.

When a retailer changes or adds more refrigeration, which has been the case for most retailers over recent years, a central CO2 plant is no longer optimised

for the increased supply requirement. Long runs of CO2 copper pipes are also fundamentally inefficient, which has a massive longterm effect. With integrated cooling, the proximity guarantees efficiency throughout its entire life.

Refrigerated counters

combined with waterloop systems make plugin furniture a genuine alternative to achieve smaller footprints. The waterloop requires no plant, just a small unit that cools the water before running through flexible pipes. By carrying the Continued on page 10.

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Continued from page 9.

heat they generate away from the store, the waterloop helps to alleviate AC systems in the summer while providing the option to use the generated hot water for heating in the winter. It’s a win-win regardless of the climatic conditions of the store site.

The pipes are easy to install, move and maintain, adding much installation flexibility.

If you take a typical store with a 10-year lifecycle, you can be sure that there will be countless alterations to the layout, each time resulting in the need to bring in specialist plumbers at great expense and material cost.

Non-engineers can move or maintain plug-in systems, resulting in no damage to floor surfaces and layout changes managed far quicker.

Apart from being flexible

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in their positioning, counters must quickly adapt from service to self-service to address the acute labour shortage in the service departments. Adding another dynamic layer to the store that helps bypass staffing difficulties.

An efficient product presentation can also help tackle this issue by developing a targeted storytelling strategy that can convey the expertise of a specialist and communicate product information without a constant physical presence on the floor. At Schweitzer, these are called “talking fixtures” and can deliver the most important information to consumers through clever communication and contribute to an emotional, warm atmosphere. The

product is king, and the furniture should be invisible where possible.

The importance given to the product right from the beginning forms the basis for furniture design and installations within the entirety of the store concept.

Another approach that adds to a department’s efficiency, without being fully staffed, is integrating specially developed brands within a department. These create trust, involve the consumer in the history and identity of the brand and elevate the entire product presentation, which speaks for itself.

Contrary to much doom and gloom, Schweitzer is convinced that physical retail will never die despite all current challenges.

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CARBONATED

Original, craft and sugar–free

WHERE THE MAGIC SODA HAPPENS Have you ever wondered where the soda magic happens? Yep, you guessed it, Motueka, the HQ of Pete’s Natural Sodas, where they’re turning New Zealand’s primo fruits into the yummiest 100 percent natural sodas. No imported hocuspocus, just pure, fruity fun. Pete’s all about Kiwi-grown gems and rescuing those wouldbe-wasted fruity wonders, giving fruit farmers a high-five with fair deals, all while rockin’ the ‘Fairtrade at home’ game.

But hold your soda (reusable) straws. There’s more! Pete and the squad? Eco-warriors, big time.

Solar-powered factory? Check. Zipping in electric cars? You bet. Glass bottles? They’re made from up to 70 percent recycled glass and are dressed in paper labels, with a ‘no plastic’ policy.

And here’s the cherry: Pete’s all in for good vibes, supporting charities, and dishing out donations like soda pops.

Pete’s Natural has introduced its latest flavour, Pink Lemonade and, working together with

Heart Kids NZ, with each bottle sold, $1 will be directly donated to their cause. In the first week of release, Pete’s Natural has already raised $5000 for the cause. So sip, smile, and groove with your soda, knowing you’re sippin’ sustainably and sprinkling positivity!

For Wholesale enquiries, please email Lizzie at info@petesnatural.co.nz or visit www.petesnatural.co.nz.

PEPSI MAX

With Max taste and no sugar, Pepsi Max is a lowcalorie and sugar-free version of its classic Pepsi cola soft drink. The bold taste of Pepsi Max offers a deliciously refreshing and thirst-quenching cola refreshment that can be enjoyed with a meal or shared with friends and family.

Available in 250ml mini cans, 330ml regular cans, sharing-size bottles and various multipacks, Pepsi Max has the right option for everyone. Pepsi Max - No Sugars Given.

For more information or to become a stockist of Pepsi Max, contact brent@frucorsuntory.com or +6421703528.

A ZESTY TWIST

Add a zesty twist to your favourite drop with Alchemy and Tonic’s newest edition, Yuzu and Lemongrass Tonic. This refreshing tonic water perfectly balances bold citrus notes crafted with a pinch of sea salt for true magic in every sip. Great with gin or on its own.

Whatever tickles your fancy.

For more information or to become a stockist, contact retail@naturalsugars.co.nz.

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TASTES LIKE VICTORY 55% OF NZ PREFER THE TASTE OF PEPSI MAX

TASTE CHALLENGE TO STOCK PEPSI MAX, CONTACT: BRENT SNADDON – NATIONAL BDM FRUCOR SUNTORY BRENT.SNADDON@FRUCORSUNTORY.COM

54.86% of 14,062 participants chose the taste of Pepsi Max in blind taste tests against full sugar Coca Cola across New Zealand from 17.10.22 to 30.03.23 Review Publishing Co Ltd

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CARBONATED

Original, craft and sugar–free

GREAT TASTING FLAVOURS

The recipes for the KA range are authentic, great-tasting flavours offering consumers a true taste of the Caribbean. Based on original Jamaican soft drink recipes. Tried and tested since the 1960s. With a fresh new look created by Ben Drury. Ben’s influence on design within the urban culture and his passion for KA makes the new design come to life.

For more information or to become a stockist, visit www.ukfoods.co.nz.

FUN LOVING SODAS

Fizz up your day with the fun loving flavours with something for everyone. Mix things up with Barr - From American Cream Soda to Bubblegum, Lemonade to Limeade, Barr has something for everyone. Just sit back, sip and enjoy everyday with our wide range of great tasting flavours fro Barr.

For more information or to become a stockist, visit www.ukfoods.co.nz.

PREMIUM SPARKLING BOTANICAL SOFT DRINKS

Daily Organics’ premium range of old-fashioned cloudy botanical soft drinks is crafted with the highest quality organic ingredients and hand-selected botanicals. Perfect on their own or as a mixer. Classic Lemonade, reminiscent of another era, is refreshingly real and old-fashioned. Daily Organics Ginger Beer is full of bold and spicy gingerbread notes, delivering a nostalgically satisfying taste. Finally, the Rose Lemonade is delightfully vintage with a delicate floral burst of lemon and rose, a cause for celebration.

For more information or to become a stockist, contact orders@dailyorganicsnz.com or visit www.dailyorganics.com.

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CLEAR BOTTLES. SAME GREAT TASTE.

After nearly 60 years in New Zealand Sprite’s iconic green plastic bottles have switched to clear plastic. While green PET plastic is recyclable, it is usually converted into single-use items like clothing and carpet. The shift from the signature green to clear Sprite bottles increases these bottles’ likelihood of being remade into new bottles.

The change has now been made across all pack sizes of Sprite Regular bottles in PET plastic packaging in New Zealand.

Sprite, The Coca-Cola Company’s secondlargest brand, has been sold in iconic green bottles since the drink was first introduced in the 1960s.

For more information contact your local Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand representative or call 0800 505 123.

CARBONATED

Original, craft and sugar–free

ORIGINAL, CRAFT AND SUGAR-FREE After having been recognized as the iconic water of fine dining, S.Pellegrino introduced a real revolution where the sparkling bubbles of its mineral water encounter intriguing Mediterranean flavors. This is how S.Pellegrino ESSENZA was born: a range of sparkling flavored water that will accompany casual dining occasions, with a new and exciting taste experience.

S.Pellegrino ESSENZA is created with 100% natural ingredients, contains zero calories and no artificial flavors, and is thought for those informal and spontaneous dining moments with friends and family. Three different flavors characterize the range in New Zealand, offering a creative blend of Mediterranean fruits, specially mixed with the gentle sparkle of S.Pellegrino mineral water.

Lemon & Lemon Zest

With intense citrus aromas this flavour is fine and elegant, offering surprising freshness. Perfectly paired with lighter, more delicate dishes such as fish, salads, fresh greens and fruit.

Blood Orange & Black Raspberry

Delicate elements of red fruits, mellowed by notes of sweet citrus, conveying a subtle sweetness to enhance the sparkle while keeping the palate fresh and light.

Pair with rich, complex foods from red meat dishes to cheesy pasta.

Tangerine & Wild Strawberry

Intense aromas and captivating flavour are balanced by the minerals of S.Pellegrino water with a slight tingling of bubbles. Matches with medium flavoured dishes such as cooked vegetables and white meat, tomato pasta and ice cream.

S.Pellegrino ESSENZA brings the essence of the brand’s elegance and touch of taste and style, whilst adding its own delightfully flavourful twist.

Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks Naturali

Iconic, Italian, 100% natural. The premium range from Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks made with the finest fruit, ripened under the Mediterranean sun. Our favourite Italian Sparkling Drinks just got even more natural, more stylish, and more sustainable. Look out for the elegant design of the new bottles and sleek cans.

FLAVOURS INCLUDE: Aranciata, Limonata, Clementina, Pompelmo, Aranciata Rossa, Melograno & Arancia

For more information, visit federalmerchants.co.nz or contact Clientservices@federalmerchants.co.nz, (09) 578 2619.

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CARBONATED

Original, craft and sugar–free

LOW SUGAR, NATURAL BREWED FLAVOURS, CARBONATED WITH NO STEVIA

Dilmah Low Sugar Tea sodas are unique and hand-crafted to produce sophisticated and perfectly balanced sparkling tea sodas. Natural brewed flavours Tropical Hops, Yuu & Elderflower & Brewed Ginger & Lemon with No Stevia make Dilmah Low Sugar Tea Soda the perfect soft drink or alcoholic beverage replacement this summer.

Contact Mark Freeman MJF Beverages ANZ at Mark@anz.mjfbeverages.com or +64 27 8362977 or email: info@dilmahdrinks.co.nz Visit our website www.dilmahdrinks.co.nz

BUNDABERG

Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is a family-owned business known for our iconic Bundaberg Ginger Beer and a range of 13 other Brews. For four generations, we’ve kept tradition at heart, using time-honoured brewing methods, and we are proud of the fact that we use real ginger, fruits, herbs, and spices in our Brews. And we take our sweet time too, we brew for up to seven days to achieve the best taste. We’ve always lived by one simple rule; If it’s worth brewing it’s worth brewing well. We have also expanded into convenient 200ml Mini Cans, perfect for all your adventures!

For more information email salesnz@bundaberg.com

WHAT EVERY HERO NEEDS

Every hero needs a Sidekick, and that's exactly what Gobsmackingly Good has created in its fruity little sodas. The perfect drink for any hero (like you), made from a classic recipe for sparkling shrub (go look it up: 'shrub' is a thing). Using real fruit, New Zealand honey, organic apple cider vinegar and no villainous additives, Sidekick is packed with flavour and the perfect boost for everyday heroes.

For more information or to become a stockist, contact Fiona Tomlinson at hello@sidekicksoda.com or +6421668241.

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CARBONATED

Original, craft and sugar–free

FOXTON FIZZ

Foxton Fizz has been increasing distribution in the last 12 months, adding to the 103 year old brands’ footprint in the grocery and convenience channels.

In addition to increased distribution, they’ve been working on their NPD and the recently introduced Foxton Fizz 1.5L bottles have proven to be a hit, with sales increasing strongly over the last six months. Creaming Soda leads in terms of sale rate, followed by Raspberry and Kola. While Foxton Fizz has been available in the 250ml bottles for over 100 years, the 1.5L PET bottles allow an affordable take home and share option, with their research indicating that consumption occasions often include events and gatherings of friends and family. The small town soda drinks brands, of which there used to be over 200, were strongly associated with family gatherings and holidays such as Christmas and Easter, and it seems this continues.

Foxton Fizz is supplied to the grocery channel

by DKSH New Zealand. Phone: +64 6 356 5323, Email: customerservice.nz@dksh.com

TREAT YOURSELF FA M I LY O W N E D F O R G E N E R AT I O N S

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COLUMN

The Question Of Sugar

EMMA STRIDE​ Business Development Director for Taste, Kerry Ingredients

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Kerry is a market-leading provider of taste and nutrition ingredients and solutions across the beverage industry, supplying a broad range of authentic natural flavours. This includes botanicals and citrus extracts for refreshing and alcoholic beverages or specific functional ingredients providing health benefits like probiotics to the functional beverage space and even processing aids to the brewing industry.

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oving into 2024, sugar reformulation will be a significant challenge for the beverage industry in the Asia Pacific region. This has only been accelerated by sugar taxes implemented by governments across the globe to control and reduce unhealthy sugar levels in products, with United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Nigeria, and South Africa among countries within the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) region taking the lead in this category.

Emma Stride, Business Development Director for Taste at Kerry Ingredients Australia and New Zealand, said in recent years, particularly post-pandemic, consumers have become more receptive to sweeteners and sugar alternatives.

This acceptance comes with a catch.

Research shows that 77 percent of global consumers considered the type of sweetener used as the most critical detail, with 75 percent having a preference for natural sweeteners.

Stride continued that 98 percent of APMEA consumers polled had negative taste and health perceptions of artificial sweeteners, with the majority perceiving it as bad for health (58 percent) and believing it to have harmful side effects (47 percent).

Despite this, the APMEA market is dominated by artificial sweeteners, with 46 percent of sugar-reformulated new product launches using synthetic sweeteners such as sucralose or acesulfame K. “While this can be viewed as a challenge, this presents a great opportunity for industry players to address the rising demand for natural sweeteners,” said Stride.

Stevia is one example of this. This natural sweetener is a plant extract and is currently the third most preferred sweetener in the world, following honey and sugar. After these three, coconut sugar and fructose fall in fourth and fifth place.

The growing and evolving consumer demand for healthier sustainably produced functional beverages that better support nutritional needs while retaining great taste is a trend that spans numerous FMCG categories.

Consumers can be categorised into three main types: Zero Sugar Advocates, Taste Chasers, and Sugar Reducer Seekers.

The first group is particular about the type of sweetener as they have removed sugar from their diet for health reasons, such as diabetes. In APMEA, Taste Chasers constitute the most significant consumer segment; while they are open to reduced or no sugar, they want an authentic taste.

Sugar Reducer Seekers are motivated by a healthier lifestyle by cutting back on sugar, of which Australians, Malaysians, and Vietnamese are top consumers that fall under this group.

Kerry’s research shows Australian consumers expect cost parity between low-to-no and high-sugar beverages, with consumers willing to pay more for a beverage with functional benefits such

as added protein immunity or gut health support.

The number of product launches with sugar reformulation (reduced, low, or no sugar) between 2018 and 2022 grew at a 38 percent CAGR within APMEA. Kerry’s combined and unique capability in taste and nutrition, and its utilisation and breadth of technologies to enhance taste and improve nutrition and functionality of products, make it an incredibly resourceful and significant industry player.

“We innovate with our customers to create great tasting products with improved nutrition and functionality while ensuring better impact for the planet.”

Kerry’s leading consumer insights, global research, development, and applications team of over 1,100 food scientists, and extensive global footprint enable it to solve its customers’ complex challenges with differentiated solutions, no matter where they are.

Stride explained that Kerry’s deep innovation expertise and extensive solutions portfolio covering food safety and security, clean label, positive and balanced nutrition, proactive nutrition, and personalised nutrition allow it to help its customers move along the sustainable nutrition spectrum to produce healthier, nutritious products that satisfy consumer demands, feed a growing population and are better for people, society and the planet.

Through its annual taste chart insights on flavours and ingredients, Kerry has determined several new emerging trends in the beverage industry, particularly regarding flavour. This includes unique flavours, such as finger lime or applewood smoke, to mainstream

trends with a twist, for example, citrus, including lemon or lime, combined with yuzu or grapefruit. These unconventional combinations of traditional ingredients present a significant area of growth.

The sugar reformulation movement and industry awareness of food and beverage is growing consistently, with the Australian Beverages Council taking the lead in the Sugar Reduction Pledge within the beverage industry, which has gained significant traction since its introduction in 2018.

Stride added that earlier this year, the Australian Medical Association called for implementing a sugar tax. The increasing cost of sugar is also putting pressure on manufacturers in isolation to tax.

“Price of sugar is highest in over a decade and double what it was two years ago.”

Kerry recently launched its Sensibly Sweet campaign to provide solutions, showcasing its latest range, Tastesense Advanced, which offers an affordable alternative to sugar and stevia. This new range can reach over 50 percent sugar reduction, up to 80 percent and is more advanced than single-ingredient solutions, offering benefits across sustainability, taste, and health.

“We understand that taste is a crucial factor in low and no-sugar products, and with Tastesense Advanced, we believe we have provided an excellent solution that will allow manufacturers to create the products consumers want.”

As well as reducing sugar, it supports Kerry’s sustainability pledge by reducing carbon emissions by 30 percent and water usage by 45 percent, compared to sugar, and this aligns with the demand for superior tasting and healthier food options.

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INTERVIEW

Thirsty For Healthy Hydration

Excessive sugar consumption has long been linked to many health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity. As a category, carbonated drinks are the single largest source of calories and added sugar in the Western diet. On average, a 600ml bottle of soft drink has more than 16 teaspoons of added sugar, almost double the daily sugar intake recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

DIDO LO, Lo Bros founder

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ido Lo, founder of Lo Bros, aims to provide consumers with natural, low-sugar alternatives to the traditional soft drink.

“Lo Bros is answering the call for natural low-sugar beverages that give you the fun, kick and fizz of conventional carbonated drinks, but without the junk and bad stuff,” said Lo. In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for better alternatives to soft drinks as consumers have increasingly become more aware of the health risks surrounding high sugar intake. However, almost all zero-sugar alternatives include artificial sweeteners, often aspartame, a chemical sweetener recently found to be potentially carcinogenic by WHO. Lo utilises old-school brewing and

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fermentation techniques to create refreshingly fizzy drinks that are naturally low in sugar and contain no artificial sweeteners. The process has been adapted to expand the Lo Bros range, which now includes kombucha, soft drinks and energy drinks.

The newest addition to the Lo Bros range is the Not Soda, a range of soft drinks that leave a lasting impact.

Created as a way for Lo Bros to address

the plastic waste that plagues the beverage industry, for every Lo Bros Not Soda can be sold, the equivalent of two PET bottles of plastic is removed from the ocean through a partnership with Seven Clean Seas. Over the past year, Lo Bros have removed more than 1.6 million bottles from the ocean. On top of the Not Soda initiative, Lo Bros has committed to never again using plastic bottles, instead turning to aluminium cans and glass bottles.

Lo Bros has carved out a unique place for themselves in the market, with alternative soft drink options and an unwavering drive to impact the environment through their work positively. In a market dominated by multinational companies, having a presence is not something Lo takes for granted. Lo believes the key to success is understanding the underlying consumer driver behind trends and applying it to products in a way that is true to the brand’s ethos.

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COLUMN

Maintaining A Competitive Edge

Sam Borgfeldt has over 20 years of industry experience working for some of the most influential food and beverage brands, including Frucor Suntory. With his global and extensive experience within the industry, Borgfeldt established his own Food Science consulting agency, Beverage and Food Gurus, of which he is the managing director.

SAM BORGFEDLT, Director Beverage & Food Gurus

B

orgfeldt fell into the food industry. With a passion for science at school, Borgfeldt knew he would pursue a career driven by the sciences. However, during his studies, Massey University of Auckland had a minimal offering of science degrees, with one exception that caught Borgfeldt’s eye: Food Science.

“I was one of the people who found a career that excited them for the first time. I know not everyone has the same experience, so I feel fortunate,” said Borgfeldt. Moving into 2024, the most significant challenge he has analysed for the beverage industry is meeting the ever-increasing consumer demands.

“When I started in the industry, it was enough to create a delicious product, but consumer expectations have increased considerably over the last 20 years, and this is no longer good enough alone.”

Now, a product must taste, be convenient, be good for you, and be crafted from natural ingredients, which must also offer value for money. This increase in consumer expectations has made the work for those in the industry more challenging. Despite this, it has also created a foundation for and pushed the industry to introduce ground-breaking products.

Fermentation is a significant trend in the beverage industry. The innovation occurring in this sector is exciting and mind-blowing, with it checking the boxes

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of key consumer expectations, including introducing unique flavour profiles, low sugar content, and live probiotics.

“Fermentation is not only enabling exciting new products, it is also being used to create a whole new range of ingredients.”

Another significant trend is the premium food flavour crossover, where food culture from pop culture and influential television shows, such as Masterchef, has inspired manufacturers to unique and exciting ingredients, including yuzu, basil, rhubarb, star anise, and dragonfruit. The visibility of these ingredients through pop culture has made them more accessible and less intimidating for consumers and manufacturers, encouraging manufacturers to pursue these ingredients and experiment with them.

One key concern and trend supported on both a consumer and government level is the drive for sugar reduction.

With taxes on sugar being implemented globally, Borgfeldt said a sugar tax would eventually be implemented in New Zealand. However, by this time, Borgfeldt anticipates it will almost be irrelevant.

“Consumers are already shifting to low, and no sugar offerings in huge numbers, so tax or no tax, manufacturers and suppliers are already making these changes either via large reduction exercises or smaller incremental changes.”

Borgfeldt firmly believes that those who do not have a low or no-sugar offering in their beverage portfolio are not set up for the future. The drivers behind these sugar reductions include the apparent reasons, health and wellness, particularly regarding weight and obesity.

“Consumers see sugar, particularly sugar in beverages, as ‘empty calories’.”

Traditional sugar-sweetened beverages often come without many other beneficial nutrients, such as protein and fibre. Therefore, there is a decreased drive in consumers to validate sugar consumption. Coupled with the

rise in the cost of sugar and the rise of functional beverages, the drivers for sugar reductions have grown.

Reducing sugar also reduces costs to manufacturers, enabling manufacturers to remain competitive and deliver consumers with value. Sustainability is another driver in the sugar reduction movement, as its sheer volume and need to be moved across long distances to get to beverage plants leave a significant carbon footprint.

“High-intensity sweeteners take up much less space and are much more costeffective to move around.”

Borgfeldt said that manufacturers must innovate in the flavour and functional offerings they bring to consumers as the industry moves into 2024. “They will also need to focus hard on what represents value to their consumers.”

The costs of material and packaging will likely continue to increase for the foreseeable future; therefore, ensuring that the ingredients and packaging used add value and meet consumer expectations is essential to maintain a competitive advantage.

“It is a challenging time to be in the beverage industry, and sometimes it feels like we are being attacked on all sides.

But this is a resilient and innovative industry, and that is how we will cope with these challenges, using positive and innovative thinking rather than being fearful and resistant to the change that our consumers are demanding.”

TRENDS, OPPORTUNITIES

AND RESILIENCE

in New Zealand's Beverage Industry

A CONVERSATION WITH BRAD ERCEG OF FRUCOR SUNTORY OCEANIA

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FUNCTIONAL

Water, fermented and superfood

V REFRESH GREEN APPLE LEMONADE

With summer just around the corner, V Energy has released a new Zero Sugar, Crisp, Light, and Refreshing Energy Drink to keep you fuelled with good energy all summer long. V Refresh Green Apple Lemonade is ultrarefreshing, with delicious apple flavours and the familiar burst of V Energy. The V Refresh range was crafted to be the perfect pairing for sunny days at the beach that turn into hot summer nights.

Enjoy the delicious taste of V Refresh Green Apple Lemonade, Crisp, Light, Refreshing and Zero Sugar.

KEEPING YOU HYDRATED

With a legacy of over 50 years in the making, Gatorade’s contribution to replacing electrolytes lost in sweat has been extensively researched and game-tested. It is specifically made to help keep you hydrated, which is why it’s trusted by some of the world’s best athletes.

Available in 1-litre bottles, it’s a great choice for anyone needing refreshing hydration. With an extensive flavour range, including the new Fierce Grape Gatorade – Fuels you Forward.

For more information contact Brent Snaddon brent.snaddon@frucorsuntory.com

For more information contact Brent Snaddon brent.snaddon@frucorsuntory.com

REFRESHING ALOE GOODNESS

Rejuva is the top-selling brand in the popular Aloe Vera Drinks segment and, even though it’s been on the market for over 15 years, is growing 10.0% annually by Value*. Consumers love Rejuva’s delicious, refreshing taste and the goodness of its huge 41% aloe vera content. For people wishing to lower their sugar intake, Rejuva Light uses stevia to reduce sugar by 50% – while still offering 41% aloe vera. Rejuva Light has a drier, fresh flavour, so it is the ideal drink on a summer day. Available in 1.5L and 500ml PET bottles.

For more details, visit www.rejuva.co.nz or phone 09-302-1190

NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST SPARKLING YERBA MATE

Planta Mate is New Zealand’s first sparkling Yerba Mate. Yerba mate (pronounced: yer-bah mah-tay) is a magical leaf that is naturally caffeinated. It’s brewed like tea and is a long-time popular pick-meup in South American places like Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Yerba Mate is a growing drink trend already very popular in the United States and Europe. Its amazing health benefits and mood and energy-boosting perks make it one of the best alternatives to coffee you’ll ever find. Planta Mate wanted to create the perfect blend of South American superfoods and local botanicals. The result was a functional drink that’s exotic, healthy and unique, something that’s good for the soul, as well as energising and refreshing. Planta Mate is now available in three delicious flavours: Lime & Kawakawa, Blood Orange & Hibiscus, and Passionfruit & Nectarine. Go on, live wild and free, be liberated and inspired, be playful wherever you go, in full health, with a skip in your stride and a PLANTA MATE by your side.

For more information or to become a stockist, contact Planta at hello@plantamate.co.nz or visit www.plantamate.co.nz/.

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* Source: Big Picture T. Supermarkets Scan Data MAT to 18/6/23

FUNCTIONAL

Water, fermented and superfood

NAMED THE “BEST SPARKLING WATER 2020”

Named the “Best Sparkling Water 2020” in the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition, Voyage Water is sourced from The Blue Spring Te Waihou. Voyage is an ode to the pure New Zealand spring water’s geographical journey of rain hitting the Mamaku plateau, forcing its way deep underground. Emerging pure. Voyage Water is a force of nature, made to savour in both the still and sparkling options.

Voyage Sparkling is lightly carbonated, creating an elegant mouth feel and freshness on the palette.

Voyage Still is soft and textural, with a lingering minerality that is subtle and smooth.

For more information, contact your local Coca-Cold Europacific Partners New Zealand representative or call 0800 505 123

MORE THAN JUST

KICK-ASS KOMBUCHA Review Publishing Co Ltd

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FUNCTIONAL

Water, fermented and superfood

THE GOOD GUT DRINK

Good Sh*t Soda is The Good Gut Drink. The world’s first Pre and Pro Synbiotic Soda with 1 billion probiotics and a third of your daily fibre in every can tastes delicious with only 2.4g of sugar per 100ml. Good Sh*t is made in New Zealand and comes in four flavours, including Ginger, Tropical, Citrus, and Cola.

For more information or to become a stockist, please contact Rebecca Caughey at accounts@poptimist. co.nz or 021886024 or visit www.goodshitsoda.com.

THE BEST-TASTING PREMIUM COCONUT WATER

CoAqua is the best-tasting premium Coconut Water, sourced from the freshest, youngest, greenest coconuts, at the peak of their natural sweetness. It’s pure tropical goodness, as natural as the sunshine that made it.

Replenish and rehydrate your customers today.

Email hello@CoAqua.co.nz for trade enquiries, or order online at www.CoAqua.co.nz Use the code BEVREP to save six percent on your order of two or more cartons.

PWR-BRU

A bold new energy brand from the House of IRN-BRU will create a storm in the big can energy scene. PWR-BRU is a new energy drink with IRN-BRU DNA running through it, giving people a PWR-BRUst when they need it most.

Arriving exclusively at UK Foods soon, PRUBRU will pack a PWRful punch in four flavours.

‘Origin’ Original captures the unmistakable flavour of IRN-BRU, whilst ‘Diablo’ Cherry, ‘’Maverick’’ Berry and ‘’Dropkick’’ Tropical complete the bold line-up.

PWR-BRU contains a drop of the iconic IRNBRU essence in every flavour for a unique taste along with caffeine, taurine and B-Vitamins, delivering an energy drink in a way that only IRN-BRU can.

For more information or to become a stockist, visit www.ukfoods.co.nz.

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FUNCTIONAL

Water, fermented and superfood

WHY COMPROMISE?

Remedy Drinks knows choosing something ‘healthier’ typically means you’re making a compromise, whether it tastes bad or is full of artificial nasties that make you feel just as guilty as the sugary option. But why should you have to compromise?

Well, luckily, guilt-free just got better for you. Sodaly is the deliciously different, 100 percent natural soft drink you’ve longed for! It’s big on flavour but low on calories. It’s full of prebiotic goodness with no sugar. They say you can't have it all; they were wrong! Sodaly is an all-natural, no-sugar soft drink.

For more information or to become a stockist, visit www.remedydrinks.com/en-nz.

MANUKA HONEY ELIXIR Introducing our new carbonated beverage made with Avatar’s pure NZ MGO500+ manuka honey, lemon juice & a blend of essential vitamins (B3, B5, B6, B12 & C), to give you a sustained energy boost that will last throughout your day.

• Capitalize on the growing demand for wellness beverages.

• Create Profitable Pairings: Elevate your menu with signature cocktails and beverages featuring Avatar’s Manuka Honey Elixir.

Delicious, Refreshing.

A complete new Taste!

orders@avatarhoney.com facebook.com/avatarhoney

www.avatarmanukahoney.com

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FUNCTIONAL

Water, fermented and superfood

LOW CALORIE, HAND-CRAFTED, BREWED TEA FOR THE PERFECT COCKTAIL OR MIXER

GIVING YOU THE ENERGY BOOST YOU NEED

Delicious and truly unique range of luxurious hand-crafted healthy Tea mixers designed to pair with white spirits and light rums. Dilmah Craft Tea Mixers have exciting flavours of Rhubarb Rose & Ginger, Grapefruit & Cardamom, Ginger Lemon & Bergamot, bringing the finest natural flavours & botanicals for the perfect cocktail or sophisticated tea mocktail unlike anything out there this summer.

Avatar Honey is introducing its very first carbonated beverage, the Mānuka Honey Elixir. The Mānuka Honey Elixir is designed to give you a sustained energy boost throughout the day. Crafted with Avatar’s pure New Zealand MGO 500+ Mānuka honey, the new lemon and mixed berry flavoured beverage blends essential vitamins, including B3, B5, B6, B12 and C.

Contact Mark Freeman MJF Beverages ANZ at Mark@anz.mjfbeverages.com or +64 27 8362977 or email: info@dilmahdrinks.co.nz Visit our website www.dilmahdrinks.co.nz

For more information, please contact Robbie and Brendon at orders@avatarhoney.com or visit www.avatarmanukahoney.com.

NOOTROPIC SPRING WATER

This exciting new functional drink is made in NZ, formulated with help from the University of Otago and is NZ’s first nootropic spring water. So, what’s a nootropic anyway? Nootropics are substances that can improve people’s thinking, mood, learning and memory, and are popular with people young and old, looking for more from themselves! Vitae Water is designed to give a healthy everyday boost by providing a balance of calm, energy and focus unlike anything else on the market – they call it ‘Peaceful Energy’.

There are two naturally flavoured lightly sparkling options to choose from, a delicious Strawberry and a refreshing Lime. Each with a subtle flavour, unadulterated by sweeteners, preservatives, salts, or other nasties, which means a beautifully clean, crisp finish. For those who prefer still, there’s a Natural unflavoured version that tastes as water does but still packs the same carefully crafted nootropic blend!

For more information or to become a stockist, visit www.vitaewater.co.nz or contact Vitae Water at hello@vitaewater.co.nz

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FUNCTIONAL

Water, fermented and superfood

BREWED THE OLD SCHOOL WAY

Remedy Kombucha is brewed the old-school way in small batches over 30 days using only the best ingredients. The result is a delicious, all-natural, sparkling beverage packed with goodness. Best of all, it has no sugar and is packed with live cultures, antioxidants and organic acids.

For more information or to become a stockist, visit www.remedydrinks.com/en-nz.

YOUR WELLNESS ARTILLERY

Whether you’re feeling run down, indulged in too many late-night snacks, or need a pick-me-up, Remedy Drinks has built your wellness artillery in the form of Remedy Shots, Remedy Immune+, Remedy Digestion, and Remedy Energy.

Remedy Shots contain no sugar and are packed with the perfect blend of delicious and functional ingredients to give you a direct hit of goodness. Remedy Shots are an easy and tasty way to boost your immune system, ease your digestion, and give you an energy kick.

For more information or to become a stockist, visit https://www.remedydrinks.com/en-nz.

LEADING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENERGY DRINKS Developed for 2023 and beyond, Future is leading the way forward for next-generation energy drinks in New Zealand. In a category saturated with sugary and artificial-laden drinks, Future stands out as an all-natural, zero-sugar, plant-based alternative with a refreshingly light taste profile.

Now available in two epic flavours, Citrus and Peach, Future is the flagship product for Future

Drinks Co, a local start-up dedicated to disrupting the non-alcoholic drinks industry in New Zealand by developing functional and healthier alternatives for the young consumers of tomorrow.

For more information or to become a stockist, please contact Kieran Metherell at kieran@ drinkfuture.co.nz or visit drinkfuture.co.nz.

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COLUMN

A Sensory Experience Beyond Caffeine The New Zealand coffee industry has undergone a significant transformation following the pandemic, with emerging flavours, trends, and values shaping its landscape.

Consumers increasingly seek coffee that offers a sensory experience beyond just caffeine content. And leading the way is planting milk at the cafes, while for the home office, brewing has levelled up.

MEGAN WYPER, President, New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association (NZSCA)

A

dditionally, the NZSCA has expanded its constitution to welcome all in the industry to our membership. Together, we can create a stronger community by building on all aspects. Coffee companies celebrating big-decade birthdays prove that our young industry has staying power despite buyouts by large overseas companies.

The specialty coffee industry’s biggest challenges include values, sustainability and ethical sourcing. The NZSCA continues to advocate transparency in supply chains, adding value to the cup, not reducing price, even when the cost of importing/production continues to grow across all areas of seed to cup. The cost-of-living crisis is impacting, and we discourage a race to the bottom.

Consumer behaviour has evolved with a greater emphasis on convenience and

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personalisation. The demand for on-thego options has led to a surge in readyto-drink coffee beverages. This shift has influenced the industry by encouraging companies to invest in packaging innovations that maintain quality and freshness while catering to busy lifestyles and diverse diet choices. Think pods, instant and canned beverages. But also, think of sustainable options.

Sustainability is now a central pillar of the industry. Brands commit to environmentally friendly practices, from responsible sourcing to eco-conscious packaging. Sustainability is a common practice in supporting people, too. This young industry is being redesigned for longevity, with many exciting careers and opportunities continually brewing.

Flavour innovation extends beyond blends, with experimental offerings like barrel-aged coffee and coffee infused

with botanicals. Ample work is being conducted at the origin to develop complex farming techniques and process coffee efficiently, and we expect to taste even more delicious beverages in the future. Changes at the government level regarding straws, single-use bags, etc., are creating a steady paradigm shift.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is crucial in promoting sustainable practices and reducing energy consumption across various industries. EECA has created a working group of engaged experts in the coffee industry. This partnership has facilitated the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and technological advancements that benefit the adoption of energy-efficient equipment within production facilities. There are energy audits for businesses to identify energy wastage and recommended strategies for improvement are available on our website. These audits help businesses understand their energy usage patterns and implement targeted measures to optimise efficiency.

Coffee industry employees are educated about energy-saving practices, such as turning off equipment when not in use, properly maintaining machinery, and utilising equipment settings that minimise energy consumption. Over time, those implementing energyefficient practices will likely experience reduced operational expenses and a smaller carbon footprint. As technology advances, more roaster manufacturers will bring the ability to roast with renewable resources to market.

As for the niche competition space, this past August saw attendees and competitors in the Meadow Fresh Latte Art Championship and NZ Cup Tasters Championship with numbers reminiscent of pre-COVID levels. This positivity, talent and skill our community competes within is a testament to an industry that has weathered many disruptions and will continue to rise. Watch out for our talented Kiwis on the World stage in 2024.

The focus on locally efficiently roasted and sustainably sourced components is reshaping the industry’s landscape, with innovations spanning manufacturing, flavour, packaging, and supply chain management. To remain competitive and relevant, industry players must continue to adapt to both pricing challenges and environmental gains while maintaining sight of the value in the cup.

COFFEE & TEA Hot and cold

LOW CALORIE, NO STEVIA, REAL TEA, NATURAL FLAVOURS, 100% HAND PICKED CEYLON BLACK TEA

Dilmah Iced tea brings the healthy plant-based goodness of 100% Ceylon tea, crafted with natural flavours and no stevia.

Refreshing and revitalising flavours of Peach, Lemon, Blood Orange & Pink Grapefruit & Rosemary.

Contact Mark Freeman MJF Beverages ANZ at Mark@anz.mjfbeverages.com or +64 27 8362977 or email: info@dilmahdrinks.co.nz Visit our website www.dilmahdrinks.co.nz

SUNTORY BOSS COFFEE Suntory BOSS Coffee is extending the local range of ready-to-drink coffees to include the iconic Rainbow Mountain Blend - Signature Blend Iced Latte, which is a famous and well-loved variety from the Japanese range.

Rainbow Mountain Blend is a uniquely balanced coffee – achieved through a complex variety of seven beans, sourced from different growing regions within Guatemala, then expertly crafted with a splash of milk and a touch of sweetness.

BLISSFUL WHISPER

Smitea meticulously hand-blends the finest organic herbs and ingredients from across the globe in Aotearoa to create unique and alluring blends. The Blissful Whisper fusion from Smitea shines like a floral meadow, combining earthy honeybush and jasmine with striking lavender blossoms. The notable jasmine and lavender hints fuse perfectly, creating a serene aroma that awakens the senses.

Blissful Whisper is crafted with Organic Honeybush, Organic Lavender, Organic Jasmine, and Organic Vanilla Flavour.

For more information or to become a stockist, contact Sriprasanth Balaras at sri@smitea.co.nz or 0275242800 or visit www.smitea.co.nz.

COOLING CHARM

It’s a relaxing charm like a soft seashore breeze! Smitea’s Cooling Charm is a vibrant fusion of refreshing peppermint, lime blossoms, calendula petals, and fragrant rose. The tea steeps with a comforting aroma while prominent mint notes of the brew fuse in perfect harmony with fragrant rose. Pour a cup from this gentle elixir when you seek serenity from within.

Ingredients include Organic Peppermint, Organic Lime Blossoms, Organic Rose Petals, and Organic Calendula.

For more information or to become a stockist, contact Sriprasanth Balaras at sri@smitea.co.nz or 0275242800 or visit www.smitea.co.nz.

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COFFEE & TEA Hot and cold

ENJOYING CLASSIC TEA BLENDS WITH CAFFEINE Consumers sensitive to caffeine want healthy, plant-based beverages suitable for any time of the day.

Catering to this trend, Dilmah has launched the new Dilmah Decaf English Breakfast and Dilmah Decaf Earl Grey.

They come in a handy 20-pack of tagged teabags for maximum convenience while offering new occasions for consumers to indulge in a hot ‘cuppa’.

Dilmah prides itself on using a natural CO2 method to extract caffeine. Not only is it considered the safest and most eco-friendly process, but it also retains greater levels of flavour and health-giving antioxidants. It retains naturally occurring L-Theanine, which is well known to assist with cognitive function.

EXOTIC DELIGHT ENCHANTED GARDEN

Just in time when you need to focus!

The Enchanted Garden from Smitea is a powerful fusion of ginkgo, ginger, cinnamon and clove with a few equally robust ingredients. Enchanted Garden is hand-crafted with Organic Ginkgo Leaves, Organic Ginger, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Lemon Balm, Organic Cloves, and Organic Cardamom.

The blend leaves a sweet and spicy balance on your palate while delivering a rich flavour profile that tantalises your taste buds with every sip.

For more information or to become a stockist, contact Sriprasanth Balaras at sri@smitea.co.nz or 0275242800 or visit www.smitea.co.nz.

HOLISTIC WELLNESS THROUGH HANDCRAFTED TEA

Discover Better Tea Co’s handcrafted wellness teas, designed to impact mental health and wellbeing positively. Better Tea Co. believes holistic wellness results from small, impactful daily choices. That’s why it offers a conscious collection of need-based teas to support you through your unique life journey. Better Tea Co. is dedicated to supporting mental health and donating five percent of profits directly to the New Zealand Mental Health Foundation. Fueled by its relentless pursuit of better, Better Tea Co. now offers its tea in certified home compostable pouches, embodying its unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and unparalleled quality. Better Tea Co. welcomes you to discover its range and create your daily tea ritual.

For more information or to become a stockist, please contact orders@bettertea.co.

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Smitea isn’t just about tea; it’s an invitation to reconnect with yourself, embrace moments of tranquillity, and strengthen connections. Smitea’s Exotic Delight is no exception. It’s a secret from nature for ultimate purity! The Exotic Delight blend from Smitea is a formulation that combines grassy nettle with peppermint, ginger, dandelion, and a few other time-tested cleansing herbs. This flavourful unison brews a zesty concoction perfected by minty undertones & works its magic to create a refreshing and invigorating experience that awakens your senses and leaves you feeling fresh. Exotic Delight is made with Organic Calendula, Organic Nettle, Organic Peppermint, Organic Ginger, Organic Red Clover, Organic Dandelion Root, and Organic Hibiscus.

For more information or to become a stockist, contact Sriprasanth Balaras at sri@smitea.co.nz or 0275242800 or visit www.smitea.co.nz.

NE

COFFEE & TEA Hot and cold

W

Single Origin Ceylon

Single Origin Ceylon

Single Origin Ceylon

Tea Soda

Iced Tea

Low Sugar Tea Soda

Crafting the perfect premium mixer

Experience the perfect balance of

A sophisticated soda range,

with a blend of exotic flavours.

refreshment and flavour with no stevia.

naturally brewed with real tea.

dilmahdrinks.co.nz Review Publishing Co Ltd

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COFFEE & TEA Hot and cold

BARISTA-WORTHY

Once upon a time, you’d be hard-pressed to find a barista-worthy coffee in a supermarket aisle. Thankfully, those days are behind us.

In 2022, Auckland coffee roasters Kōkako launched Everybird, a specialty coffee designed for grocery stores.

“We wanted to get certified Fairtrade, organic, climate-neutral specialty coffee into more people’s hands. By launching into supermarkets, we’ve made it even easier for people to choose responsibly sourced coffee that’s made with people and the planet in mind,” said MD, Mike Murphy.

While bright colours and fun illustrations certainly make a statement on the shelf, it’s what’s inside the compostable packaging that really garners your attention. Available in two variants, Every Everybird proves that you don’t have to go to great lengths to get a good coffee – just to the grocery store.

For more information contact hello@everybird.co.nz

DILMAH

Dilmah is pleased to introduce a new flavour to our family of Green Teas, ‘Green Tea with Lemon & Lime’ - a beautiful blend of green tea with natural Lemon & Lime to give a refreshing citrus flavour. Also, back by popular demand, ‘Green Tea with Jasmine’, now with real Jasmine Petals. This brings a fragrant aroma and a soft, floral flavour to the tea. The tea plant, Camellia Senensis, has an abundance of antioxidants, well known to boost immunity, also a good source of L-Theanine, which helps to boost cognitive function and relax the mind.

#DoTryIt #TasteGoodnessPurpose

FRESHPAK ROOIBOS TEA ORIGINAL ROOIBOS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

Freshpak Rooibos grows in the clean mountain air on the slopes of the Cederberg in the Western Cape South Africa to produce a tea distinguished by its warm aromatic fragrance and strength of flavour.

Freshpak Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free and contains beneficial antioxidant, polyphenols.

Email: Loren@zebrainternational.co.nz or visit www.zebrainternational.co.nz

PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST

Good Fortune Coffee started in 2016 in a Garage in Lyall Bay after a panic Trade-me purchase. Good Fortune Coffee has always been about the people. It is New Zealand’s first Fairtrade, Organic and Living Wagecertified Coffee Roastery and is growing fast. Good Fortune Coffee welcomes visitors at 52 Fitzherbert St, Petone, for a factory tour and a coffee in its flagship cafe. The team is also happy to provide and send a sample box you’ll love to see in your store.

For more information or to become a stockist, contact Matt Wilson at matt@goodfortunecoffee.co.nz or 04 3828774.

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RoASTING THE GooD STUFF SINCE 2007

Build your bus in es s with better coffe e

Ch a t to u s a b o u t w h o l e s a l e s u p p l y o n i n f o @ e s p r e s s o w o r k s h o p . c o . n z

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COLUMN

Kōkako Release Fourth Biennial Report

Auckland coffee roasters, Kōkako recently released their fourth biennial sustainability report. This is the third report they have completed to stringent Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, with the help of local consultants, Go Well.

T

he GRI framework helps businesses and other organisations understand and communicate the impact of their operations on critical sustainability issues.

It also means the performance of Kōkako can be compared to other organisations and sectors worldwide.

Kōkako Managing Director, Mike Murphy said that the sustainability reports enable the company to track the impact it has on people and the planet, and to hold itself accountable and be completely transparent.

“These reports aren’t just about conveying the impact of our coffee production, most importantly they’re about advocating for change within our industry and others,” said Murphy.

Covering the period from the first of July 2020 until the 30th of June 2022, this latest sustainability report spans a couple of the toughest years in the business’s history.

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The effects of the pandemic were vast and enduring, with the hospitality industry taking a particularly hard hit. With a significant loss in revenue, Kōkako walked the thin line between running a sustainable operation and business viability.

Many of the company’s sustainability commitments come at a higher cost to the business, namely offsetting their carbon emissions through the FairClimateFund, packing their coffee and drinking chocolate in home compostable packaging, and purchasing only certified organic, Fairtrade green beans (unroasted coffee) which can cost over 20 percent more than conventional coffee.

“The Kōkako reputation is built on these commitments, so deviating from them was never an option. We focus on sustainability because we believe business is inextricably linked to people and the environment. We’re not perfect by any

means, there’s always more we can be doing, but we’re not interested in going backwards,” said Murphy.

Despite the challenges Kōkako faced as a business over the past couple of years, there were several notable achievements.

For one, they could keep their entire team employed during the pandemic and even utilise some staff’s extra downtime for professional development.

The pandemic also fast-tracked the company’s plans to develop its designated grocery brand, Everybird, which launched in April 2021.

Other highlights from the report include their Fairtrade contributions, the increased uptake of their reusable bucket scheme and continued support of the Rotoehu Ecological Trust (who recently rebranded to Kōkako Ecosanctuary).

The report is also transparent about what hasn’t been achieved. Of the takeaway drinks sold at Kōkako Commercial Bay over the reporting period, just 13 percent were in reusable cups. This may be due to the move back to singleuse takeaway cups during the pandemic, which may have undone some good habits.

Regardless of the cause, the team at Kōkako is adamant this needs to improve.

In October 2022, Kōkako partnered with Again Again to offer an alternative solution for customers who forgot to bring a reusable cup. While the uptake has been slow, they’re optimistic that this could affect change once customers become more familiar with the system.

With the launch of Everybird and an additional car added to the Kōkako fleet, their carbon emissions have inevitably increased.

Kōkako is actively engaged in a coffee sector decarbonisation project facilitated

by EECA and NZSCA. “What I really want to see is a coffee roaster of scale that can be powered electrically or with bio-gas and still roast to the same profile and consistency as a natural gas-powered roaster.”

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MILK & MYLK

Dairy and alternatives

THE ULTIMATE ALTERNATIVE

BICKFORD’S ALMOND MILK

Bickford’s have been making liquid lusciousness for more than 100 years. Made with 100% Australian sourced Almonds delivering a smooth texture, raising the bar with a creamier, fuller mouthfeel, and bolstered with a generous hit of coffee and chocolate. Bickford’s dairy alternative RTD range contains no artificial colours or flavours, is GMO free, Gluten free and Vegan friendly. Available in two delicious flavours, Iced Coffee Almond, and Iced Chocolate Almond.

For more information contact chris.bhimy@bickfordsgroup.com

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Plant Milk. It’s just like milk but made from peas! Natural Sugars knows—milk made from peas.

Now you’ve seen it all. But peas are the ultimate alternative. They have more protein than oats and almonds and fewer carbs than regular milk. Neutral tasting, Natural Sugars plant milk is versatile; it stretches, steams, and creams. Natural Sugars plant milk’s rich, silky consistency rivals your regular run-of-the-milk.

With the added goodness of calcium, riboflavin and vitamin B12 and gluten, soy and lactosefree, we are No Ordinary Plan Milk. Look out for No Ordinary Plan Milk in-store or online at Countdown or New World.

For more information or to become a stockist, contact Natural Sugars at info@naturalsugars.co.nz.

MILK & MYLK

Dairy and alternatives

A CONSCIOUS RANGE OF PLANT-BASED MILKS

Developed specifically for coffee, with the planet in mind. Every soy bean, almond kernel & oat grain is sourced from local Australian farmers and made in Australia. Along with a local sourcing policy, Barista’s Choice by Vitasoy cartons are also made from over 85% renewable materials, which together with plant-based caps, reduce its carbon emissions by 17%. It’s the conscious choice for barista-made coffee, so make every sip a conscious one.

For more information, please phone 09 302 1190 or email vitasoy.orders@pave.co.nz

WHAT MAKES GREEN VALLEY DAIRIES MILK SO GREAT?

Take a passionate family business with its roots in the lush soil of the North Waikato, Add modern manufacturing plant. On top of this is a long serving dedicated team who have the belief they are creating the best possible milk available in New Zealand.

The Green Valley range includes Pure Milk and Cream (in Full; 3.3%; Lite and Low); Organic Milk (in 3.3% and Low) and Cream; Barista Milk (Silk and Lite)and Organic Barista Milk (Velvet and Lite); as well as Calic enriched milk and flavoured milk.

Available in a range of bottle sizes from 2 litre to 225ml as well as bulk pack formats such as 18 litre Kegs and 10 litre Bladders. Green Valley, it's your local. Talk to the team today to discuss your requirements and Green Valley Dairies range of Milk.

Visit www.gvd.co.nz or contact Steven Gardner on steve.gardner@gvd.co.nz or call 027 233 9555.

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BREWERY

Future of Local Craft Brewing

Moa Brewing is an independent and multi-awardwinning brewery from Marlborough, credited as a craft beer pioneer in New Zealand. Managing director, Stephen Smith, said that all craft beer has a little more attention paid to it and generally uses a lot more hops and malt to give it the flavour that consumers expect.

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S

mith said that there had been many contributing factors to the increased demand for RTDs and beverage diversity in New Zealand.

“Some of them are linked to flavour because beer is not as appealing as it once was, especially to a younger audience wanting slightly sweeter and lighter products. There has been massive growth in better-for-you beers from zero percent to low carb, but low sugar RTDs have been a large reason for its recent success,” said Smith.

Since leaving university in the mid1990s, Smith has worked predominantly

within the FMCG industry. After working for six years in the United Kingdom, Smith returned home to work in various senior and management roles in New Zealand and Australia. In 2021, Smith began his involvement with the Moa Brewing Company, which is now in its 20th year of operation.

New Zealand-owned and operated, Moa Brewing Co. sources 100 percent of its raw materials from other New Zealand businesses. Smith’s focus in the industry is to continue to make great beers for great prices and hone in on drinkability and session-ability, as that is where the real volume is. Smith added this was vital due to the fact that consumers have migrated out of mainstream beers.

Smith noted that there was still a lot of room for growth within the industry, particularly alternative alcoholic beverages such as Moa’s Ginger Bomb ginger beer and recent better-for-you beer launches. The Bush Moa Mid Ale was launched this year at 2.5 percent ABV, hoping to cater to the audience.

Smith said that the zero percent market

is cluttered and already has some great offerings. Smith said that there hasn’t been a significant impact on business yet, and despite outperforming the market two times over with its current range, he is still searching for more growth.

The cost of doing business in New Zealand has become a major issue for the industry as a whole, with increases linked to raw materials and final shelf prices.

Smith said that the government should follow its Australian counterpart and set up an excise regime to help support smaller operators.

“From our side, we run a very lean business and can roll through the more challenging months better than most.

It’s always important to run lean first and build up later rather than having a large cost base and hoping the sales turn up. We also only invest in things that we think consumers really care about, such as value perception of our products and using New Zealand ingredients,” said Smith.

One major development within the industry that Smith noted was the

STEPHEN SMITH (middle back row), Moa Brewing Chief

industry is in a state of dismay. He added that it was sad to see smaller breweries go into liquidation, as they have often been the heart and soul of the industry.

According to Smith, the market in New Zealand is too small for this many players and some consolidation is needed, but at the same time, the industry should not end up with only the larger brewers making it through, potentially leading to all the genuine creativity and innovation disappearing.

Moa Brewing Co. was the first craft brand to move all of its main range to cans for sustainability reasons. Cans are better for the environment and are lighter to transport, more can fit

on a pallet, and there are fewer glass breakages in the community.

The company values its partnerships across the supermarket and wholesale brands, although Smith admitted that it is never perfect from either side.

“We need to remember that the best position is when we are winning, the retailer partner is winning, and the shopper is winning. Often, it’s a tough thing to achieve.”

Moa Brewing Co. has continued to work closely with liquor retailers who have played a critical role in developing the category, reaching important shopping occasions, and to support local communities.

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COLUMN

New Zealand's Drinking Undergoing A Cultural Shift, NZABC

How New Zealanders drink is undergoing a cultural shift.

Virginia Nicholls, executive director at the New Zealand Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC), said alcohol consumption had declined more than 25 percent since the late 1970s.

VIRGINIA NICHOLLS​ Executive Director, New Zealand Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC)

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T

he New Zealand annual health survey revealed that 81 percent of New Zealand adults (four out of five) drink beer, wine and spirits responsibly. This is 2.1 percent fewer hazardous drinkers in the past five years.

There is a decline in hazardous drinking, which is currently 18.8 percent.

“But this is still too high,” said Nicholls.

Skill shortages and continuing inflationary pressure, including the rising ingredient and packaging costs, higher interest rates, increasing commercialgrade carbon dioxide, and increasing excise tax, are the biggest challenges facing the beverage industry for 2024/ Nicholl said these costs will be passed onto consumers, who are also struggling during these inflationary times.

The quality of wine is well known, hops

provide the beer industry with the highest quality ingredients, and a New Zealand gin was recently named the world’s best.

New Zealand-crafted alcoholic beverages continue to achieve world recognition even when benchmarked against longestablished international brands.

Global food and beverage trends show consumer preferences increasingly call for products based on authenticity, sustainability and a connection through story and provenance. Leveraging these attributes can strengthen the industry’s global competitive advantage.

Investment in local and regional knowledge and know-how will provide a pathway for new products and market opportunities to sustain industry growth and contribute to the economy.

Consumers are moving away from quantity to quality, and through a growing self-awareness of health and well-being, they are drinking in a more ‘mindful’ way.

Nicholls said this mindfulness in drinking has resulted in a trend dubbed 'premiumisation’.

“This is about choosing a drink that may cost a little more, such as a craft beer, a fine wine, a cocktail or a premium spirit or liqueur, and then taking a 'sip and savour’ approach to enjoy the flavours and the experience of the drink in a slow and relaxed way.”

In December 2022, 69 percent (up by 13 percent in the past year) of New Zealanders

said they had savoured a premium beer, wine or spirit beverage in the past year.

The most common premium drinks were liqueur and quality spirit at 37 percent, premium quality wine at 35 percent, and craft beer at 32 percent.

The two main reasons people choose a premium drink are a special occasion at 45 percent and a taste at 28 percent.

In recent years, New Zealand breweries, distilleries and winemakers have invested heavily in innovation to enhance their no to low-alcohol offerings, with greater choice and better flavour than ever before.

The results of this innovation mean New Zealanders have a more comprehensive range of no to low-alcohol beverages to enjoy than ever before.

Demand here mirrors the global trend. A poll of 1,250 New Zealanders in December 2022 found 56 percent of respondents drink low-alcohol beverages at least some of the time (compared to 47 percent the year before), and many consumers prefer low-alcohol beverages.

The factors driving this shift to sip and savour low-to-no-alcohol beverages are many. Some consumers choose no or lowalcohol beverages because they are driving.

Some find it easier to track their alcohol consumption, and some are more mindful of health and well-being.

However, one of the biggest challenges facing the alcoholic beverage industry is the recent passing of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act (Community Participation) Bill in Parliament.

Nicholls explained that the new bill makes getting and renewing a liquor license harder than it already was and threatens the commercial future of responsible hospitality and alcohol retail operators.

This means that owning and operating a bottle store, bar, pub, restaurant, cellar door, or any other business that sells alcohol should hinge on a set of rules that can change at any time, with no right of appeal.

“This is a massive blow for a sector so critical to the fabric of New Zealand’s retail, hospitality, and tourism industries, especially on the heels of a tough few years, thanks to COVID-19 restrictions.”

These law changes were meant to give communities more significant input over who gets a liquor license. However, the legislation will not do this. It will probably make it harder for communities to have input and, in the process, make retailing alcohol, whether in a retail store or hospitality venue, unsustainable.

For example, individuals or groups from anywhere in New Zealand can now object to a licence or a licence renewal in any part of the country. This means someone in Auckland can have a say in whether a retail store in Wellington should have their licence renewed.

This is manifestly unfair and goes against the intent of the amendments to the Act, which was to strengthen the ability of communities to decide how alcohol should be sold and supplied in their neighbourhood.

Under the legislation, a 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.

The law changes mean any alcohol retail store or hospitality venue that has been operating responsibly in a particular location for decades could be forced to close because a ‘sensitive site’ decides to locate close by.

A neighbourhood bottle store or restaurant, which has operated responsibly for years, may find themselves having their re-license refused because a new medical centre has opened along the road.

“We also expect the changes will mean an increased number of licensing hearings, which will be longer and more involved, with higher costs for everyone involved – from the community to the licence applicant.”

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.

Removing the appeal provisions will not necessarily speed up the LAP process since most delays are caused by using legitimate judicial reviews, which have nothing to do with the current Act. Since 2010, the number of licences nationwide has declined by more than 23 percent. The NZABC expect these law changes to see that decline continue, which will mean responsible operators shutting up shop, communities and visitors to New Zealand having less choice about where and how they socialise or buy alcohol and, critically, no reduction in alcohol harm.

Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing society. Its impacts will be far-reaching and potentially disrupt the

industry’s value chain, from the supply of raw materials to the distribution of products.

The industry’s proactive approach to sustainability aligns with the New Zealand government’s goals of reducing carbon emissions by 2050.

Still, many in the industry are accelerating their ambitions to 2030 and are already well on their way. They see it as a journey not just for the company and its employees but for their partners, suppliers, growers, and farmers.

Many wineries, breweries, and distilleries have already become net carbon neutral or are working on programmes and accreditations that drive them towards that goal.

Beer, wine and spirits sectors are proactive about improved recycling in New Zealand, which includes reducing, recycling, and reusing.

The industry is actively recycling, including members that produce beverages in glass containers belonging to the Glass Packaging Forum (GPF), a cross-sector voluntary Product Stewardship Scheme representing over 100 brands. GPF member brands account for approximately 80 percent of New Zealand glass packaging, and the GPF is achieving a creditable 75 percent glass recovery rate.

Members’ levies go toward running the scheme and funding projects that get more container glass back for recycling and reuse. Projects include providing infrastructure to improve glass recovery, facilitating glass recycling and funding research into alternative uses for glass.

It is not well known that most beer, wine and spirits producers, hospitality providers and retailers are small and medium-sized businesses.

The wine, beer, spirits and beverages industry provided much-needed jobs, including all essential entry-level opportunities in every small town, city centre and suburb. This includes 1,865 businesses across small, medium and large businesses.

The more than 10,000 directly employed in the industry do various jobs, from vineyard workers, involvement in winemaking/brewing/distilling, manufacture and packaging, scientists, accountants, marketing, transport and logistics, salespeople and retail. Indirectly, 20,913 kiwis are also employed.

The industry also sustains a productive and innovative domestic market and a growing export market.

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The Ever-Rising Cost Of Excise Tax Craft spirits in New Zealand have been moving along at a staggering pace with no sign of slowing down. With over 170 craft distilleries in New Zealand, all varying sizes, from small micro-distilleries in small rural regions supplying truly boutique spirits to large-scale industry, creating world best and world firsts, exporting right around the globe.

RICHARD WILSON​ Distilled Spirits Aotearoa (DSA)

D

iversity in shape, size, volume, and category of spirits is being produced. Gin still holds the lion’s share, with dominant sales volume nationwide, the majority of the country’s distilleries producing at least a few different gin labels each.

All distilleries, big and small, are faced with one constant challenge, and that is the ever-rising cost of excise tax, this year being raised by 6.7 percent alongside the rise in the CPI to just over $64 per litre of alcohol, making an average bottle of New Zealand made spirits contain around the $20 mark of tax.

The Health Promotion Agency Levy (HPA) will increase exponentially in 2024. This reduction in margins and onwards cost to the consumer further squeezes the production and sales of spirits in New Zealand. This forces two things to happen: the cost of production must pull up its trousers, finding new ways to lower the cost of goods, and with the tightening of margins, this will encourage producers to go one of

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two ways, either increase the premium quality of the product. Or decrease it.

Staying in the middle is now becoming an option. Sharp-eyed consumers will start to see this.

However, the trends are slightly shifting, and distillers and consumers alike are becoming curious. While Rum and Whisky are still hot on everyone’s lips as the next contender of in-trend spirit, less conventional offerings are presenting themselves more and more. Vermouth, aperitif, absinthe, and brandy are lifting their heads and becoming noticed.

Over the last few years, the ambition of people at home to make cocktails has informed us on how to use these once mysterious products.

Everyone had heard of a Negroni; most had tried one, but now we know how to make it. While they do not yet hold the hearts of most at-home consumers, they show promise as the chain reaction of normalising spirits in Aotearoa progresses. We see this in how drinks are ordered over the bar, when once someone may specify the gin we use in our Martini, now a customer may specify the vermouth too.

Cocktails in bars and restaurants are becoming increasingly popular for customers’ attention and admiration and the premises’ gross profit. This is moving

hand in hand with New Zealand’s buylocal desire, where cocktails are being shaken or stirred, and both customers and bars alike want to see them constructed with domestic offerings, with a noticeable presence of New Zealandmade products proudly displayed on menus throughout New Zealand.

Placement on menus is making the difference for New Zealand-made wares.

Cocktails on menus take up space where only beer and wine once existed. When once it was only appropriate to have a beer or wine while sneaking away for a midweek work lunch, it is now entirely accepted to pick the Negroni spritz or a gin and tonic off the menu, and no one blinks an eye. And to be fair, they are likelier to stick to a single standard drink per serving.

Post-dinner time and spirit-forward cocktails are called for. The pre-batched cocktails are starting to shine, becoming the offering of choice for more and more hospitality venues. As they say, a good cocktail is 90 percent preparation. Prebatch cocktails allow premium spirits, alongside skilful mixing, to create highend drinks without compromise. With the long shelf life of batched cocktails, venues can serve a high standard in a fraction of the time, and a single staff member can tend to twice as many tables. This trend is moving quickly through on-premises, and we expect it has just started.

The Distillers Association Aotearoa look forward to seeing the normalisation of spirits grow and grow, with the use of domestic products hand in hand.

ALCOHOLIC

Wine, beer, cider and spirits

NEW SELAKS ORIGINS LIGHTER RANGE

The Selaks Origins Lighter range introduces a fusion of tradition, innovation and sustainability by embracing the Piquette method of winemaking and catering for those seeking lower-alcohol, lower-calorie options. Selaks winemakers have masterfully crafted each bottle to ensure the vibrant flavours of the brand remain. The result is easy-drinking fruit wine, bursting with flavour. The range includes a crisp tropical Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and a refreshing New Zealand Rosé featuring light summer berry flavours. At 8% ABV, Selaks Origins Lighter is an excellent choice for long lunches, outdoor picnics, and leisurely afternoons.

For more information or to become a stockist, please contact info@selaks.co.nz.

BEE READY, HERE COMES NZ’S FIRST SUPERMARKET COMPLIANT ALCOHOLIC LEMONADE Introducing BEE, Alcoholic Lemonade. This thirst-quenching, old-fashioned styled lemonade has made a splash with its 1.25L and 330mL formats. The BEElicious mingle of crisp lemon, and mead is New Zealand’s first supermarketcompliant alcoholic lemonade, and it is available nationwide now.

For more information or to become a stockist, please email sales@drinkbee.co.nz.

PERFECTLY BALANCED AND EXCEPTIONALLY CRISP

Steinlager Ultra Low Carb is a perfectly balanced, super easy-drinking beer with an exceptionally crisp and refreshing finish. Made with no additives and preservatives, it is 99 percent carb-free with just 88 calories.

For more information, please visit steinlager.com.

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COLUMN

Looking Ahead: A YEAR IN BEER

Twelve months can be a long time for a small business. It can be the difference between keeping the doors open or shutting up shop.

Or it can be the launching pad for huge investment or expansion.

DYLAN FIRTH​ Executive Director, Brewers Association New Zealand

T

he former is definitely true for several breweries in 2023, and no doubt 2024 will throw similar challenges for brewers to brave the economic doldrums that New Zealand finds itself in. Unfortunately, the time for huge expansion in the beer sector has somewhat slowed, especially in the craft sector, where the number of breweries has stabilised at around 200.

The next 12 months will prove to be a real test of the sector’s ability to maintain that figure as changing consumer preferences are starting to become increasingly prevalent. Most notable is the growth of the lowcarb beer category. This has grown to approximately 15 percent of the entire beer category in only a short few years, and looking at statistics NZ data for alcohol available for consumption, it looks like much of this shift has come from the mainstream traditional ‘New Zealand ale’ or the well know four percent, abv brand drinkers. With the introduction of some major brands, such as low carb versions, as well as several craft breweries own entries to the category. The trend is likely to continue

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for a few years to come. This is no major surprise, with international experience in the beverage sector showing consumers move to a well-being and health focus still a major driver of product choice.

Alongside the low-carb growth, the zero-percent alcohol trend is still seeing popularity. While the growth is less impressive, zero-percent has proven to be a popular addition to many brands’ offerings. We expect to see more in the way of new zero-percent alcohol brands available in the next 12 months. However, the overall growth will continue to be slow. In some more developed European markets for low and no-alcohol products, there is an eight to ten percent market share for these products. While in New Zealand, it is only sitting at about two percent.

Moving to the wider regulatory and operational influences. 2024 is still expected to see stubbornly high inflation, and with alcohol excise linked to the CPI, we can expect that the July first alcohol excise increase to be potentially over five percent, adding over $20 million in costs to beer producers alone. The government is also currently looking at the alcohol levy paid by brewers and other producers now that the former Health Promotion Levy (approximately $11 million per annum) has been folded into the new health authority. Expect the review of this to suggest an increase.

The likely introduction of mandatory

energy labelling on alcoholic beverages will see producers having to once again change their labels at an added cost, although these changes will most likely be given a multi-year transition period.

There have been a number of food standard and labelling-related changes in the past few years, including mandatory pregnancy warning labels, and after the energy labelling work is complete, we expect things to calm down in this space for some time.

Overall, beer production volumes have stagnated in the last ten years, with some growth post the first lockdown in 2020 but rationalisation in the last two years.

With the rapid immigration growth we have seen in the previous 12 months and will continue to see in the coming year, beer volumes produced will likely grow. However, it is unlikely that per capita consumption will increase overall, given the places that many of these new migrants come from, not being large beer-drinking countries.

The next 12 months will be a tough slog for many in the sector, with breweries focusing on direct-to-customer through e-commerce and local channels to ensure the highest possible profit margins. Many will be hoping for a long, hot 2023/2024 summer and the end of some economic pressures in late 2024, ensuring consumer confidence returning, meaning greater hospitality spending and summer beer occasions.

ALCOHOLIC

Wine, beer, cider and spirits

THE NEW LIGHT, CRISP AND EXTRA DRY DROP

Al Brown and his winemaking friends created Tipping Point Wines—a series of good drops supporting great causes. With summer just around the corner, the new Tipping Point Prosecco D.O.C makes a great addition to the range, which includes a Hawke’s Bay Rose, Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay, Hawke’s Bay Syrah, and a Central Otago Pinot Noir. Brown embarked on a journey to Northeast Italy, the home of Prosecco D.O.C, to create this light, crisp, extra dry drop featuring classic apple and pear flavours with a signature tingle to finish. As part of Brown’s belief in giving back, a portion of the proceeds of this wine goes to Southern Seabirds Trust, which works with fishers to protect New Zealand Seabirds like the majestic albatross. It’s fun in a bottle. So gather friends, pop the cork and ‘serve and protect’.

For more information or to become a stockist, please contact info@tippingpointwines.co.nz.

REMINISCENT OF SLOW N’ SALTY DAYS A few years ago, five gin-loving friends dreamt of creating their own spirit. Founders Josey, Tom, Regan, Charlie, and the Margot Robbie crafted Papa Salt Coastal Gin with a simple goal in mind: to create a gin to compliment any soda, taste great with tonic, and make a mean martini.

Papa Salt launched earlier this year in Australia and has sold out everywhere.

About to receive its next bottling, Papa Salt Coastal Gin will be launched by its founders in New Zealand.

Celebrating the subtle taste of native Australian botanicals, Papa Salt Coastal Gin flavours are brightened with zesty wax flower, hibiscus, and citrus peel, all wrapped up with subtle hints of nutty wattle seed, the mild spice of pink peppercorn and an unmistakable minerality from a hint of oyster shell.

Reminiscent of slow n’ salty days, it is an easy-drinking gin for sharing.

For more information or to become a stockist, please contact sales@tickety-boo.co.nz or call 09 377 7597 or visit www.tickety-boo.co.nz.

With our full beverage range, we make serving food and drink a whole lot easier Sign up and put Gilmours on your menu today gilmours.co.nz Review Publishing Co Ltd

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ALCOHOLIC

Wine, beer, cider and spirits

AN ELEGANT OLD-WORLD TRADITION OF FRUIT CUPS

Lady H’s Spirits Duchess range and small batch Gin Cup Liqueur pay homage to the elegant old-world tradition of Fruit Cups, best enjoyed with soda water. These flavours are seasonal and all about the fruit. The soft herbaceous botanicals of 25 percent Lady H Gin are the perfect base for the fruit sweetness to champion this range.

The Peach and Passionfruit flavour is fragrant, with bright peach and soft citrus greeting the nose and a juicy punch of tangy and tart passionfruit sweetness. Summer Escape has fruit-forward aromas of pineapple, mango and coconut, complemented by the subtlety of Lady H Gin throughout. Apple Pie is an explosion of delicious autumn sweetness. Its succulent and juicy freshness of baked apple greets the nose, and its warming winter spices with hints of cinnamon, followed by a rich buttery pastry finish, complemented with Lady H Gin, making it a flavour sensation.

For more information or to become a stockist, please contact info@ladyhspirits.com or visit www.ladyhspirits.com.

THE PERFECT DRINK FOR SUMMER

Chiarli Lambrusco, or “Charly”, is a Red sparkling wine from the small town of Modena in Italy, most commonly known for Balsamic Vinegar and a famous red sports car.

Chiarli Lambrusco is young and fun, light, fruity, and frothy. Made to drink chilled, this is the perfect drink for summer. At only 7% alcohol, it ticks the lighter box as well.

Because of its accessible flavour profile and affordability, Chiarli Lambrusco is great for those just starting their wine journey. Keep in mind that while it’s known for its youthful appeal, it’s not exclusively for young drinkers.

It’s the gift that keeps on giving that is incredibly versatile with different foods, cocktails, or straight out of the fridge on a summer’s afternoon.

For more information or to become a stockist, please contact Sam Baker at sam.baker@hancocks.co.nz.

TASTE THE CALIFORNIA SUN

AN UNMISTAKABLY KIWI RUM

Bayside Rum Company takes inspiration from its surroundings to craft an unmistakably Kiwi rum. The Antipodean influence of New Zealand affects the rum from the ingredients used to keep it as local as possible through to the processes the team employs, from sourcing its ingredients to fermentation, aging, and design. The result is a modern rum that reflects New Zealand’s culture and people while respecting the highest standards of traditional rum production. ‘Three Moons’ Rum is the first release

by Bayside Rum Co, using 100 percent Blackstrap molasses fermented using a Kumara fermentation starter and twice distilled in a Kiwi-made pot-still.

The freshly distilled spirit has notes of golden kiwi fruit, honey, pear and citrus. Once rested for three months in New Zealand ex-pinot noir wine barrels, the rum develops further notes of cooked red fruit, Christmas spice and a touch of apple cider vinegar.

For more information or to become a stockist, please contact sales@tickety-boo.co.nz or call 09 377 7597 or visit www.tickety-boo.co.nz.

Experience the taste of California with Robert Mondavi Private Selection wines. Robert Mondavi Private Selection wines are carefully crafted spirit barrel-aged wines that deliver a complex structure with delicious hints of vanilla and spice that truly set these wines apart. Explore the selection, which includes a Bourbon-Barrel Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Rum-Barrel Merlot. In addition, the range also features a Buttery Chardonnay, a wine that beautifully showcases what California has to offer. It is a decadent and balanced wine made from 100 percent Chardonnay grapes grown in the Robert Mondavi Private Selection Coastal California Vineyard. Aged in 100 percent French oak barrels, it acquires finishing touches of brown spice, toasted oak, and vanilla. Try the range today and ‘Find your California’ with Robert Mondavi Private Selection.

For more information or to become a stockist, please contact info@robertmondaviprivateselection.co.nz.

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ALCOHOLIC

Wine, beer, cider and spirits

MADE WITH A WOMAN’S TOUCH

Made locally in New Zealand, Lady H is a subtle, soft, elegant sipping gin, created to be paired with soda with only a splash of tonic or simply to be enjoyed on the rocks – allowing the softer botanicals to come through and be the hero.

Lovingly created with the care and attention of a woman’s touch, Lady H gin is a contemporary and modern gin selection, which is smoothly balanced, softly Juniper forward, displaying floral notes with a deep warming spice, vibrancy of fresh citrus with a sweeter finish.

Clean, fresh and floral, making the smoothest dry martini in town.

SEE WHAT THE BUZZ IS ABOUT

Beehave! Craft Meadery uses the ancient art of Mead making to create modern taste experiences designed to thrill wine lovers, beer lovers and, of course, mead lovers. Fermenting organic honey from New Zealand native trees such as Rewarewa, Kanuka, Tawari, and Kamahi provides the perfect base for a range of untamed natural flavours. All ingredients are the best Beehave! Craft Meadery can find, and every batch is handcrafted by their Alchemists to provide you with true taste sensations. Even their water is treated with care and love, Beehave! Craft Meadery uses water revitalising units to impart water's true resonance into their base element. Lemon and Ginger, Hops and Honey, and Chilli and Chocolate are a few of the combinations available in the range, whether you are a nonalcoholic drinker or enjoy a session carbonated thirst quencher or a still 12%er to go with your dinner. You can buy online or visit our premises in Taupo. Beehave! Craft Meadery look forward to sharing the modern age of mead with you.

For more information or to become a stockist, visit beehave.nz.

For more information or to become a stockist, please contact info@ladyhspirits.com or visit www.ladyhspirits.com.

REMARKABLY DELICIOUS CREAM LIQUEUR ALTERNATIVE FROM THE BEAUTIFUL DUNEDIN TROPICS

Introducing Fizzliss, the brainchild of lifelong friends and beverage enthusiasts Max Broadhurst and Zac Stevenson. Nestled in the tropical paradise of Dunedin, these two visionaries identified a distinct gap in the market for non-carbonated RTDs. This revelation sparked their mission: to craft a drink that seamlessly combines juice and vodka in the convenience of a can, boasting a delicious, refreshing experience with low sugar and low calories. With their dream firmly in motion, Max and Zac proudly present three tasty flavours: Pineapple and Passionfruit with Vodka, Old Fashioned Lemonade with Vodka, and Cranberry and Apple with Vodka.

Each creation is meticulously designed to explode with flavour and uniquely contain NO FIZZ! But there's more to Fizzliss than just fantastic flavours. With an unwavering commitment to the environment, they pledge to donate 10 percent of their profits towards reducing CO2 levels in our atmosphere with each can sold.

For additional details or to join the Fizzliss family as a stockist, contact Max at max@fizzliss.co.nz or call 02108494984.

You can also explore their journey at www.fizzliss.co.nz

Born from a vision to create a world-class New Zealand Cream Liqueur alternative, Remarkable Cream showcases the best of New Zealand’s dairy products. Using fresh cream and exceptionally smooth milk vodka, Remarkable Cream endeavours to keep its product remarkably delicious while using less sugar and only natural ingredients. Remarkable Cream only adds flavours that come from natural sources and is committed to using authentic ingredients, including genuine dark chocolate, brown sugar, single-origin coffee, and fresh raspberries.

For more information or to become a stockist, contact Remarkable Cream at hello@remarkablecream.nz or 0800 123 464, or visit remarkablecream.nz/

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ALCOHOLIC

Wine, beer, cider and spirits

EMBARKING ON NEW PROJECTS AND CRAFTING NEW FLAVOURS

The boys at Greenhill have released two new drinks just in time for summer: Otago Peach Iced Tea. and Gin and Tonic with Gisborne Lemon. They’ve also embarked on a new project called ‘Flavour Club’, which includes one-off batches of sugar-free, all-natural vodka soda.

Each batch is a brand new flavour, and when it sells out, they release a new one, similar to craft beer. The ‘Flavour Club’ (consumers) rate

the flavours and develop the next ones, starting the cycle again.

Mixing small batches lets the boys at Greenhill have fun with flavours, trying out whacky combos and releasing new flavours every couple of months. The team is always excited to see what flavour suggestions customers come up with and base their new flavours on these suggestions.

For more information or to become a stockist, visit Greenhill Seltzer’s website at www.seltzers.co.nz or its Instagram at www.instagram.com/seltzersnz/, or visit Flavour Club’s website at www.flavourclub.co.nz/ or its Instagram www.instagram.com/drinkflavourclub.

REAL GIN MADE WITH REAL INGREDIENTS THE SIMPLE PLEASURES IN LIFE

Inspired by a country Jam Shed on a vineyard that crafted deliciously juicy jams and amazing mouthwatering wines, Jam Shed was created with one thing in mind: to craft delicious, smooth and gluggable wines for those who enjoy great-tasting wine.

Sometimes, it’s best to go back to the simple pleasures in life, like a simply delicious glass of wine. That’s how Jam Shed makes life simple and gets straight to what you want. When you’re just after something that’s deliciously gluggable and jammed full of taste, Jam Shed has you sorted.

For more information or to become a stockist, contact John Yoo at john.yoo@hancocks.co.nz or 021 950 845.

Dabblers gin includes a range of naturally infused gins made in the Bay of Plenty. Natural infusion is a unique process that allows the extraction of flavours and colours from natural ingredients. This results in an authentic-tasting gin range. It means there is no need to use added colours, flavours and sugars. So it’s real gin made with real ingredients, the way it should be. Four flavours are in the core range, with seasonal variants throughout the year. The core range is available in 500mL and 200mL bottles and a tasting pack with three 200ml bottles.

Dabblers Lemonade Naturally Infused

Gin is a zesty best friend for gin lovers. This lively gin is a juicy, zesty infusion of lemon, orange, and lime.

Dabblers Orange, Raspberry, and Rhubarb Naturally Infused Gin is a gin for the soul. This gin is a beautifully balanced infusion of bright rhubarb, juicy orange and sweet raspberry.

Fresher than a daisy, Dabblers Lime and Mint Naturally Infused Gin is a bright and vibrant infusion of zesty lime and earthy mint. Berry delicious, Dabblers Summer Berry Naturally Infused Gin is sweet and vibrant, infused with Boysenberry, Blackcurrant, Strawberry and blueberry.

For more information or to become a stockist, please contact hello@dynamicdistilling.co.nz or visit www.Dabblersgin.co.nz.

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ALCOHOLIC

Wine, beer, cider and spirits

THE 24K GOLD EDITION

SAVOURING THE WARM SUMMER MONTHS

Kiss Ciders are celebrated in Lithuania for their commitment to using only real fruit juice. Crafted with this natural juice, it delivers an authentic and revitalising flavour. Q-Liquid proudly presents three delightful Kiss Cider flavours: Cherry, Pear, and Wild Strawberry. These refreshing options are perfect for savouring during the warm summer months, offering a genuine and satisfying taste experience.

Q-Liquid proudly offers Blue Nun 24K GOLD EDITION in New Zealand. This high-quality sparkling wine is renowned for its full, rounded flavour and light and elegant style. What truly sets it apart is the presence of fine flakes of 24-carat gold leaf, carefully integrated to enhance its natural effervescence. This unique feature not only adds a touch of luxury but also makes it a showstopper on any special occasion. Blue Nun 24K GOLD EDITION is crafted by Germany's leading wine producer, ensuring the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

For more information or to become a stockist, visit www.qll.co.nz.

For more information or to become a stockist, visit www.qll.co.nz.

TICKING ALL THE BOXES

Featuring a twist of Kaffir Lime Leaf, Juno Gin is a classic London Dry Gin that ticks all the boxes. It's Juniper-forward, aromatic and well-balanced, with a peppery heat in the finish. And for the full feel-good, distilled in New Plymouth at their revolutionary zero-waste distillery by husband and wife duo Dave and Jo. Working with local horticulturalists and Massey University, the supply chain is local, bringing a freshness to the gin that has to be tasted to be believed. Juno Gin was the Taster’s Pick in the New Zealand Gin Guide in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Thirsty Camel distributes Juno Gin.

For more information or to become a stockist, visit www.junogin.com.

CATERING TO DIVERSE TASTES

Kaiserdom, established in 1718, is Bamberg's largest brewery in Germany.

Under the ownership of the Wörner family for over a century, Kaiserdom offers a unique beer experience in distinctive 1-litre steel cans. Their exceptional Pilsner, Unfiltered Lager, Wheat Beer, Dark Lager, and three alcohol-free options cater to diverse tastes.

For more information or to become a stockist, visit www.qll.co.nz.

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NON-ALCOHOLIC

Mindful Drinking Here To Stay

Gen Z has caused a shake-up in the alcoholic and non-alcoholic universes, ushering in a new era of mindful drinking, sober curiosity and ‘dry’ venues and events, according to a Euromonitor International expert.

S

piros Malandrakis, Head of Alcoholic Drinks at leading market research firm Euromonitor International, said that Gen Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, has displayed a noticeable trend of reduced alcohol consumption compared to previous generations.

“All major non-alcoholic segments were among the top performers in Euromonitor International’s latest alcoholic drinks system update,” said Malandrakis.

Malandrakis said that from non-

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alcoholic beer, already present and embedded in drinking culture for decades yet still witnessing an enviable six percent total volume growth for 2022, to the emerging non-alcoholic wine segment posting nine percent total volume growth and from the double-digit momentum of the relative newcomer non-alcoholic ready to drink (RTDs) to non-alcoholic spirits spearheading innovation and a pivot to functionality with a ten percent total volume growth, this is all proving to be much more than just a fad.

Gen Z prioritise physical and mental wellbeing, often engaging in regular exercise and prioritising nutritious diets. They place significant value on authenticity and experiences. They are eager to engage in meaningful interactions, explore their passions and positively impact society.

Malandrakis said that Gen Z often opts to socialise in environments that foster creativity, such as art exhibits, poetry slams or music festivals, outdoor activities, volunteer work, or clubs and organisations catering to their diverse interests.

Younger people embody the ‘less but better’ mantra regarding alcohol

consumption.

Malandrakis continued that mindful drinking, sober curiosity, moderation initiatives, dry venues and events, lowto-no focused retailers, and a cornucopia of launches and innovation blurring the definitional lines between the alcoholic and non-alcoholic universes. There is little doubt that the once niche trend is now established, evolving, and still holds substantial untapped future potential.

“For younger cohorts who would historically be at the forefront of highenergy occasions and high-volume alcohol consumption, the theme of moderation is also a key part of the ubiquitous ‘less but better’ premium mantra.

Next-gen euphorics, alcohol proxies and virgin extensions have come of age.

New formulations are targeting numerous consumption occasions.

Functionality cues are increasingly replacing simplistic de-alcoholising approaches, botanical alchemy, and molecular experimentation with new ingredients, making the low-to-no landscape one of the most innovative and exciting in the alcohol ecosystem.

“And it is here to stay.”

All The Fizz, None Of The Fuss

According to the UN, climate change is pushing the world into a new era of “global boiling” after July was the hottest month on record.

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or one UK wine brand, which is on a mission to decarbonise the wine industry, this has sparked the launch of a new Italian sparkling wine in a can, which produces 45 percent less CO2 than the exact sparkling wine in a single-use glass bottle.

Having recently launched in both Ocado and WHSmith, ‘Sekko’ is the latest wine from the Italian craft wine brand When in Rome, a crisp and fresh sparkling white made from the Glera grape.

The new canned wine will challenge the traditional mindset of how sparkling wine is packaged, favouring a lower carbon, lightweight alternative to the carbon-intensive, heavy glass bottles complete with bulky corks and cages.

Rob Malin, When in Rome founder, said Sekko in a can is a way for When in Rome to strip back all unnecessary packing associated with sparkling

wines and reduce its carbon footprint significantly.

“It’s got all the fizz but none of the fuss of a single-use glass bottle, the same premium product, but in a more convenient format, perfect for picnics, festivals, train rides or for those who simply don’t want to open and finish an entire bottle of wine,” said Malin.

When in Rome has been recognised for its canned wine, receiving a silver award for its canned Pecorino at the International Canned Wine Competition earlier this year.

Thirty-nine percent of the wine industry’s carbon footprint globally is produced by single-use glass bottles.

Malin stated that with more innovative, lower-carbon packaging alternatives available, this can be changed.

“We’re making great quality wine more easily accessible, and we’re so proud of this latest addition to the When in Rome offering.”

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ZERO ALCOHOL

Wine, beer, cider and spirits

MAKING MIXING COCKTAILS EASY

Brunswick Aces makes mixing cocktails easy with their revolutionary new bottle, with 15, 30, 45, and 60ml measures built into the bottle’s lid. Brunswick Aces distils alcoholic and non-alcoholic gin with the same botanical profiles, making it easy to share the same drink with or without alcohol.

The non-alcoholic gin (sapiir) is an entirely distilled product with no sugar, is halal, vegan and very low in calories.

The alcoholic gin uses the same botanical profile and is dialled back to 40 percent from 80 percent using the sapiir, so it is also an entirely distilled product.

Both products come in three flavours, including Diamonds, a citrus flavour with finger lime and lemon myrtle; Spades, a savoury blend in a London dry style; and Hearts, with warm Christmas-like spices including cinnamon, orange, cacao nibs and wattle seed—the perfect gifting bottle.

For more information or to become a stockist, contact Brunswick Aces at hello@brunswickaces.com.

SPEIGHT’S SUMMIT ALCOHOL-FREE

Introducing Speight’s newest mate, the Speight’s Summit Alcohol-Free* Lager, 100 percent crisp and refreshing. This is the perfect way to socialise with mates after a hard day’s work or celebrate a well-done job.

Speight’s Summit alcohol-free balances crisp refreshment with great taste so customers can enjoy a full-flavoured beer without the alcohol. This brew is an excellent match for fresh seafood and spicy dishes. *Contains no more than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume.

For more information or to become a stockist, please visit my.lionco.com.

MAKING THE TASTEBUDS SING

Non-alcoholic drinks have come a long way, baby. And who cares why you’re choosing them? There are many great reasons, and VOK Mocktails is here for the best one: flavour. VOK Mocktails take the cocktail flavours you love, fizzing them up and wrapping them in convenient, eye-catching cans.VOK is a cocktail institution. Having been in the cocktails business since 1950, VOK Mocktails know just what makes Australian tastebuds sing. VOK Mocktails mean you can enjoy the party fun and flavours anywhere, any time, for any reason. Originally born on the London club scene in the early Noughties, VOK’s Passion Martini is a bold, sexy, playful blend of vanilla and passionfruit.

Its Pina Colada captures the authentic beach-side energy of coconut and pineapple in a refreshing sparkling drink. Skip the spirit and keep the vibe with Mocktails by VOK.

For more information or to become a stockist, email chris.bhimy@bickfordsgroup.com.

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ZERO ALCOHOL

Wine, beer, cider and spirits

THE IDEAL BASE FOR ALCOHOL-FREE COCKTAILS

Seedlip is on a mission to change how the world drinks with the highest quality non-alcoholic options. As the world’s pioneering non-alcoholic spirits with distilled botanicals, it’s no surprise that the unique flavours of Seedlip spirits are inspired by nature to create delicious non-alcoholic drinks. Seedlip has crafted three unique botanical blends to make an ideal base for alcohol-free cocktails, including citrus Seedlip Grove 42, herbal Seedlip Garden 108, and aromatic Seedlip Spice 94.

For more information or to become a stockist, contact Rebecca Caughey at rebecca@cookandnelson.com or 021886024, or visit www.cookandnelson.com.

BIOACTIVE ADAPTOGENS TO SATISFY THE HEALTH CONSCIOUS CONSUMER

Elta Ego is the new award-winning alcohol-free brand crafting cocktails that are low-sugar, all-natural, and have a unique trio of bioactive adaptogens that help lift your mood and take the edge off your day. Elta Ego satisfies the needs of the growing number of health-conscious consumers who are spending less on alcohol but can’t find a satisfying enough alcohol alternative to purchase.

Stores that stock Elta Ego find they help increase consumer spending by providing them with a premium alcohol-free cocktail that they value because of the mood-lifting adaptogens, healthy and premium flavours, beautiful branding and sustainable packaging. The delicious flavours cover various consumer preferences, with a Raspberry and Yuzu Gin and Tonic, Mojito, Negroni, Passionfruit Margarita, and more in-demand flavours coming soon. Elta Ego is stocked in over 60 stores across New Zealand, with brand awareness growing fast.

Get in touch now to order samples. Elta Ego would love you to try them and discuss how they can help grow sales in your store.

For more information or to become a stockist, please contact Paul Duncan at paul@drinkeltaego.com or +64 27 728 5433, or visit drinkeltaego.com.

PERONI NASTRO AZZURRO 0.0%.

Introducing Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%. A stylish new, non-alcoholic beer that tastes as good as full-strength namesake, Peroni Nastro Azzurro. The new Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% is crafted with Peroni›s superior Italian ingredients including the signature nostrano dell›isola maize, grown exclusively for the brewery in the north of Italy, to create the same refreshing Italian taste of Peroni Nastro Azzurro, now at 0.0% alcohol. The beer is fully fermented to develop the aroma and refreshing taste profile of Peroni Nastro Azzurro, and then alcohol is gently removed to deliver the same taste experience, with a crisp and delicate balance of bitterness and subtle citrus aromatic flavour. Available in both 12 pack and 6 pack 330mL bottles.

FINERY COCKTAILS

Leading the moderation movement with New Zealand’s cleanest No Alcohol premium ready to drink options. Finery blends are subtle and delicious boasting no added sugar or preservatives making them naturally a better choice for all consumers of spritz options. Recently reviewed by New Zealand’s own Master Sommelier, Cameron Douglas boasting favourable comments of light, fresh, fragrant and well made. As a small owner operated brand, Finery continues to shine with both International and local taste medals and can be found in a large selection of grocery outlets nationwide.

To find out how to best purchase for your location email jane@finepeople.co.nz or phone +64 21 752 356 www.finerycocktails.co.nz

For more information contact your Asahi Beverages NZ representative or for new customer enquiries call 0800 420 001.

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CRAFT

Wine, beer, cider and spirits

Email edit@reviewmags.com

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