F+B Market Ready 2017

MARKET READY

International Buyer’s Guide

CONNECTING NEW ZEALAND FOOD & BEVERAGE TO THE WORLD

IS YOUR BRAND MARKET READY?

Tania Walters Publisher

Sarah Mitchell Editorial Director

That’s the question we asked 80+ New Zealand suppliers and the answer that came back was a resounding yes. In this, our first F&B Market Ready report we feature the brands and products of 80+ producers and suppliers, outlining a little of their brand story.

New Zealand is marked by a substantial duopoly between Foodstuffs and Progressive Enterprises as well as being dotted with a small number of gourmet independents. The market has gone through an exciting year with innovative store openings in terms of layout and ranging.

Price continues to be a key driver for consumers, but the real winner is the popularity of healthy convenience, with this category continuing to grow. Customers have been increasingly driven towards products that are free from, more sustainable, with less sugar and a clear origin. Health conscious foods certainly play a major role with this trend involving both brands and consumers pushing manufacturers to change their recipes and develop healthier lines.

While premiumisation and brand collaborations continue to show up in NPD, the top trends to watch are:

• Balance the Sweet – sugar is under pressure as consumers drive to balance taste and health, a real driver for NPD.

• In Tune Body – consumers are personalising their own nutrition intake, experimenting with free from, superfoods, plant alternatives and specific diets like paleo.

• Clean & Clear – clean label is the new global standard.

Encapsulating moments – targeting specific moments, for example, snacking on

beyond chia and quinoa, consumer interest is fuelled by the natural source of flavour, texture and health benefits.

• Sophistication – consumers are willing to pay for an indulgent product of premium quality. This is especially the case in the growing middle classes in developing markets.

• Connected World – connectivity means that the spread and choice of authentic international cuisines give consumers more knowledge of other foods and flavours.

• Blurring of Borders – innovation continues as manufacturers continue to capitalise on the potential of hybrid innovation and fusion.

• Rise of plant-based – plant milks, meat alternatives and vegan offerings have moved into mainstream as consumers move to take the benefits of plants into their daily diet.

• Kid Power – kids continue to be influencers for what goes in the grocery basket, but now it’s not the unhealthy options such as confectionery, typically they are now driving consumption of healthier options.

Emerging producers are responding to the growing consumer demand for artisanal products, while mainstream producers are also innovating through new ingredients, flavours, product variants, clean label and packaging design.

Innovation is an over-used word but it is the catch-phrase of the moment for consumers who are looking for the next trend, the next food ingredient or superfood.

Our team at SupermarketNews continues to support all suppliers to the New Zealand grocery industry and this F&B Market Ready

the many innovations that we have

CHAIRMAN: Peter Mitchell, peter@reviewmags.com

PUBLISHER: Tania Walters, tania@reviewmags.com

GENERAL MANAGER: Kieran Mitchell, kieran@reviewmags.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Sarah Mitchell, sarah@reviewmags.com

EDITORIAL TEAM: Mark Fullerton, mark@reviewmags.com Georgina McKimm, georgina@reviewmags.com

ADVERTISING SALES: Felicity-Anne Flack, felicity@reviewmags.com Caroline Boe, caroline@reviewmags.com

SENIOR DESIGNER: RaymundSarmiento raymund@reviewmags.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tay James Marriott, tjames@reviewmags.com

F&B MARKET READY is published under license to Review Publishing Co Ltd as a supplementary publication to SupermarketNews magazine. Please direct all enquiries and correspondence to Review Publishing Co Ltd.The opinions and materialpublishedinthiseditionofF&BMarketReadyarenotnecessarilythoseof thepublishersunlessspecificallystated.Allmaterialinthispublicationiscopyright and may only be reproduced with the consent of the publisher. Copyright 2017 F&BMarketReadyisasupplementarypublicationtoSupermarketNewsmagazine.

ISSN No. 1173-3365

PO Box 37140 Parnell, Auckland. Tel +64

The New Zealand Food & Grocery Council works for food & beverage manufacturers. We are always looking for ways to create local and export opportunities for our member companies and the wider food industry.

One way to do this is by helping manufacturers make connections with supermarket buyers. This is why we are delighted to team up with Supermarket News and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise with the production of F&B Market Ready.

The aim is to showcase what’s market ready, innovative and exciting. From the large number of entries, you can tell that the New Zealand food industry is good heart!

KATHERINE RICH Chief Executive, NZ Food & Grocery Council

AN APPETISING MESSAGE FROM NEW ZEALAND TRADE AND ENTERPRISE

Food and beverage is a major export sector for New Zealand, accounting for almost half of the country’s total exports. New Zealand is a world-leading producer of some of the best-tasting dairy, meat, seafood, horticulture, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages the world has to offer. Export growth is occurring in all sub-sectors, particularly in processed food and beverages. Within these sectors, New Zealand has a wide range of rapidly emerging and growing categories, and many of these products are featured in this publication.

A large number of free trade agreements and geographical proximity to markets provides New Zealand’s food and beverage industry significant opportunities to grow trade with Australia, ASEAN, China and Pacific Rim countries.

New Zealand’s closest neighbour, Australia, is one of the most competitive and dynamic markets in the world. Consumers seeking greater diversity, quality and value in their food and beverage choices, drive an industry worth around AUD$100 billion annually. And with Asia now our largest destination region, New Zealand has proved an ability to transition from feeding just Westerners to also feed and meet the tastes of the Asia-Pacific region.

A number of common trends in the AusPac region offer further opportunities for New Zealand food and beverage businesses. Shopping habits are changing; the weekly grocery shop is a thing of the past in many countries. Across the region there is an

increase in local and independent outlets and specialist stores, along with convenient smaller-format stores owned by major retailers in CBD locations.

Household sizes are shrinking, the number of time-poor consumers is growing, and the health and wellness trend is now firmly mainstream. This is driving demand for fresh and healthy food options, ready meals, and convenience products.

Also mainstream is an appreciation of sustainability, integrity and provenance. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for ethically-sourced food. Retailers know they can work with New Zealand businesses to meet cost reduction targets and waste reduction obligations. Foodservice suppliers are collaborating with New Zealand businesses to balance a juxtaposition in food service of health awareness requiring healthier options with lower fat, sugar and salt with the rise in hamburgers and streaky bacon at brunch. These trends sit well with

businesses from New Zealand who can tell a strong story about where their ingredients come from and how their products are made.

Driven by the rise of reality TV cooking shows, bloggers and influencers, and celebrity chefs, consumers have never been more food-savvy and discerning.

These products and their stories represent who we are, what we stand for and what we offer the world. Good things come from this nation of creative idea-makers who know how to deliver new products, whilst always caring for people and place.

On behalf of the AusPac team at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, enjoy this product line up!

Craig Armstrong Director - Customers, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR PACKAGING AWARDS

Sharon Humphreys Executive Director, Packaging Council of New Zealand

Packaging touches everybody, everyday. This puts our industry in a privileged position.

We can quite literally make someone’s day – who can deny the pure joy of receiving a beautifully packaged gift?

And equally we can ruin someone’s day; In today’s world of social media ‘bad packaging’ is no more than a few key strokes away!

What consumers rarely, if ever, appreciate is the complex decision process which ultimately determined the size, shape and material of the packaging.

Not to mention the design judgements to ensure the packaging appeals to our tastes, our beliefs, our lifestyles and our wellbeing;

And as if all those considerations weren’t enough, further thought will have been given to the value-add of the packaging such as

Materials & Packaging

2017 PIDA Winner

convenience formats for preparation, portability, usage, portion control, safety features, closure features, anti-tamper evidence, theft deterrent –the list goes on.

PAC.NZ, together with the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) and the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA), last year joined forces to establish the Packaging & Processing Innovation and Design Awards – THE PIDAs. With a goal to become the industry awards programme which sets the standard for unparalleled recognition amongst industry peers, the prestige of winning a PIDA is to be coveted.

The PIDAs are designed to recognise companies and individuals who are making a significant difference in their field. The PIDAs are the only awards programme across Australia and New Zealand developed to recognise design and innovation across the whole packaging supply chain, including the people who work in these industries. The PIDA awards are also the exclusive entry point into the WorldStar Packaging Awards for the Australasian region.

The 2018 awards will be a very special event.

They are being held alongside the 2018 Worldstar Packaging Awards. The WorldStar Packaging Awards is the flagship event annually

for the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) and is the pre-eminent international award in packaging. The WorldStar Packaging Awards illustrate the continual advancement of the state of packaging design and technology and creates a living standard of international packaging excellence from which others may learn. WorldStars are presented only to those packs which, having already won recognition in a national or regional competition, are compared by an expert panel of judges to similar packs from around the world.

It is expected that people from over 25 different countries will be attending the event next year. For further information on the 2017 winners or the 2018 awards programme visit www.packaging.org. nz or contact pida@aipack.com.au

Timeline:

• Entries open end of October 2017 - Entries close 23rd February 2018

• Awards presentation evening 2nd May 2018 – Location Marriott Hotel, Surfers Paradise

Nestlé Health Science Australia and qDesign Enterprises for Nestlé Health Science

Resource® ThickenUp® Hydration range with Innovative Sipper Lid.

Nestlé Health Science Australia asked the question

‘How can we improve patient

care with our packaging? The answer was designing the ThickenUP Hydration range with the Innovative Sipper Lid and improved shipper design. The design engaged Arthritis Australia, Speech Pathologists and Dieticians to assist on concept design to ensure the packaging meets consumers poor dexterity needs. In addition, the unique and innovative Sipper Lid has taken the pack to new design heights. With a specially designed cap designed to control flow and delivery of fluid; limiting the risk of aspiration, an easy-to-hold ridge to assist with dexterity issues, and a tilted spout to lessen neck bending the Sipper Lid has provided a solution unlike anything available in the market to give patients back their independence.

Materials & Packaging –Transport 2017 PIDA Winner Woolpack Australia for Woolcool

Made from biodegradable and compostable felted sheep’s wool sealed within a recyclable food grade wrap, Woolcool has simply borrowed from nature a way to keep cold products cold and hot products hot while also having the added benefit of a soft cushion to protect and safeguard products from bruising or breaking. Woolcool also protects the integrity of cardboard cartons from major changes in temperature and resultant condensation in the supply chain. Their product (which comes in both box and pouch options) has been scientifically proven to outperform polystyrene as wool fibres are incredibly effective at maintaining humidity levels and removing condensation to maintain stable temperatures. The recyclable food grade wrap which encloses the wool in Woolcool

is micro-perforated allowing the fibres to breathe and create the natural cooling system. Woolcool thermal liners can be customised to suit your individual sizing and branding requirements making your packaging completely bespoke and individual!

DEFYING CONVENTION

with certified organic dried coconut nectar. This makes our protein powders highly nutritious and safe for diabetics as well as Paleo-friendly. CleanPaleo range contains no artificial flavours, no added sugar, and no preservatives.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The CleanPaleo range is made for all of our products using only whole food ingredients and don’t add any preservatives, food colourings or refined sugar.

Q: Who is your consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Starting from a simple range of breakfast blends, the range now includes over 20 products which span across the snacking, protein powder and bread categories. The range currently includes Breakfast Blends (cereals), Protein Powders, Biltong (dried beef) and Bread (gluten free). The brand has struck a chord with informed, discerning health conscious consumers who have influence over the food purchased in the household.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: CleanPaleo Breakfast Blends are made from natural nuts, coconut, and seeds and certified organic fruit [Fruit Fusion Breakfast Blend]. There are four variants; Manuka Crunch, Original

Crunch, Cacao Berry and Fruit Fusion. Our breakfast blends are gluten free, grain free, dairy free and contain no preservatives, no additives, and no added sugar.

CleanPaleo Biltong is made with the finest grass-fed beef that is then air dried with the perfect blend of salt, pepper and coriander to give it a wonderful aroma and balanced flavour. There are three variants; Original Grass-Fed, Smoky Chilli and Chipotle and Garlic.

CleanPaleo Protein Powders are 100 percent natural; they do not contain any artificial or chemically engineered ingredients. There are four flavours; Native Vanilla, Light Chocolate, Mochaccino and Island Mango. All variants available in both 600g and 180g packs. They are made from free-range egg white powder, flavoured with natural ingredients and lightly sweetened

A: The range is targeted at consumers (late 20s and 40s+), educated, and who understand nutrition and the basic principles of Paleo, who are looking for optimum health. CleanPaleo and the Paleo lifestyle provides balanced energy, stable blood sugar, more efficient work outs, can burn off body fat, improve sleep, clear skin, reduce allergies, improve mood. It’s easy to find, and CleanPaleo is easy to use on the run.

Q: What consumer trend doesthe product support?

A: People are trying to achieve balance and optimum health in their lives, but are often unwilling to compromise on taste and convenience. n

For more information please contact Tim Holt on +64 021 873 146 or email tim@riotfoods.com

A SOOTHING NATURAL PRODUCT

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Mary Gray is a family run business in Christchurch since 1949 making handmade confectionery.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: There are three products in the Manuka Honey Drops: Ginger & Echinacea, Original and Lemon. They are products that can be used all year round to help with a dry or tickling throat. The Manuka Honey is very soothing and they are gluten free.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Only Manuka honey is used and Mary Gray does not blend other honeys. The product is also handmade.

Q: Who is your consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: People that do not always want to take

medicated products. In regards to the presentation of packaging and drops, each drop is individually wrapped, so they can easily be carried around.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Using a natural product, with Manuka Honey. n

For more information please contact Rhonda McLeod at rhonda@nzglobalfoods.co.nz or on +64 027 212 4038.

The CleanPaleo brand encompasses a range of premium wholefoods that lead with flavour and defy convention. Launched in 2013, it is a premium brand targeted at consumers seeking to maintain a Paleo, gluten-free, or simply a healthy lifestyle, and is characterised by products that are free from gluten, grains, dairy, preservatives and additives.

At Mary Gray innovation is a continuous process, and a food technologist on the team means a constant supply of new product development. The market loves new products and this level of innovation keeps customers returning.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Grounded Responsible Coffee is about being as sustainable as possible, with no compromise on design, quality, price or convenience. That’s why Grounded Responsible Coffee not only tastes good but is also 100 percent Fairtrade, 100 percent organic, certified Climate Neutral, and involved

RESPONSIBLE COFFEE

in reforestation in multiple countries helping clean up the environment and restore native flora and fauna.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The products are crafted for today’s consumer – fast growing category and segments, stunning design, premium quality, on-trend flavour profiles, sustainability ‘baked in’ to the essence of the brand, certified climate neutral, organic and Fairtrade, and we are involved in reforestation.

The current product range includes Plunger Grind 200g – 2 variants (Kickstarter blend & #time2shine blend); Whole Coffee Beans 200g – 2 variants (Kickstarter blend & #time2shine blend) and Coffee Eco-Capsule 10s – 3 variants (Kickstarter blend, #time2shine blend, Colombian Single Origin), Nespresso compatible.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: It delivers on quality, design, sustainability, price and convenience. Sustainability is ‘baked-in’ to the name, design and product – it is certified Climate Neutral, Organic and Fairtrade.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Grounded is primarily targeting Millenials who want products that reflect their personal values and style, and also those who want to do their bit, without compromising on taste, price or convenience.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Premiumisation, design trends, coffee flavour trends, more sustainable consumption without compromising taste, price or convenience –concern about the environment and climate change, concern about chemicals in food, concern about protecting farmers and workers, provenance, growth of natural products, desire for variety, trust of smaller brands, cutting through the clutter of the category – shop-ability – Grounded is designed to be ‘easy to shop’. n

GUIDANCE AND ASSISTANCE

Without appropriate first aid training, it can be difficult to know where to start. The First Aid Pod is perfect for providing privacy and shelter for a store’s team or customers, medical guidance to first aid responders and visibility to emergency services in a busy environment.

guidance.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: The First Aid Pod was created to solve an ongoing issue its founders Tony, Braedan and Craig had encountered many times while working in retail. Too often they were unable to provide privacy, shelter or contain an area during a medical emergency and had seen other colleagues become flustered while in need of some basic first aid

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The First Aid Pod is the only one of its kind and designed and created by three colleagues working in the retail sector. Inside a First Aid Pod, you will find a CPR mouth piece, an emergency survival blanket and ground pegs to secure your first aid pod in an outdoor setting.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The First Aid Pod is here to guide you with easy to follow, basic life support procedures known as DRSABCD which is clearly printed on the inside of the First Aid Pod, as well as on the carry bag. This gives guidance to those assisting and is easy to follow with or without any first aid knowledge.

It is floorless, so is easily placed over or around the patient to provide privacy from

onlookers and shelter from the surrounding elements as it is water and UV resistant. The design of the First Aid Pod, as well as the bright colour, ensures you will be easily identifiable by other first aiders and emergency services.

Q: Who is your consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The First Aid Pod is perfect for any business to provide privacy for your team or customers, medical guidance to your first aid responders and visibility to emergency services in a busy environment.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Health and Safety is paramount in any business or organisation and the care and welfare for your customers and team members is essential for good business. n

For more information contact Tony Watts +64 021 084 12331 or email sales@firstaidpod.com

Grounded Responsible Coffee is exactly what it sounds like – coffee produced according to the strictest quality and sustainability standards.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Beginning with a farmers’ market stall, Make It Raw has since grown into a small, like-minded team and sells our products throughout New Zealand. Each batch of Make It Raw nourishment is handcrafted. Make It Raw strives for conscious living and health.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand

NUTRITIOUS ALTERNATIVES

Make It Raw was born in 2011 from a passion for wholesome, raw food and a desire to provide options for the health-conscious and those on restricted diets. Julia Warren had noticed a gap in the market for nutritious alternatives to the usual crackers, muesli bars and cereals and set about creating her range.

out in the market?

A: There are currently four flavours of crackers (Rosemary, Sundried Tomato, Kalamata Olive and Buckwheat & Fruit) and three flavours of energy bar (Triple Nut Banana Bar, Cacao Seed Banana Bar, Fig and Honey Seed Banana Bar) and Spiced Apple and Buckwheat Grawnola. The products stand out as they are all gluten, dairy and refined sugar free with no flavourings, preservatives or additives. Make It Raw soaks and sprouts the nuts and seeds to ease digestion of the nutrients and use dehydration to preserve the product. Packaging and labels are natural and unfussy and stand out on the shelves.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The process of sprouting and soaking the nuts and seeds is not something you often seen. Make It Raw does not use preservatives, additives or flavourings and all the ingredients in the products are found in the average pantry. No unpronounceable mystery ingredients!

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does

the product bring them?

A: Anyone with a health focus, people with food intolerances, parents who want fast nutritious snacks for themselves and their children, athletes and active people. The products are all gluten, dairy and refined sugar free, high in protein and good fats as well as highly absorbable nutrients (due to the sprouting and soaking of our nuts and seeds).

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: The products support a range of dietary trends including raw food, paleo, gluten and dairy free, natural and organic as well as low allergen as we only use nuts (no peanuts), seeds, fruit, vegetables and cacao and coconut products. Make It Raw also caters to consumers who are wanting low or unprocessed food and who are avoiding additives, preservatives and flavourings. n

For information please contact Julia Warren on +64 027 646 3092 or julia@makeitraw.co.nz

BOTANICAL INGREDIENTS

An ailing mother and an ancient text led to the creation of Puraty, a range of functional organic beverages. Puraty sources botanical ingredients that are produced according to rigorous sustainability standards, including criteria for measuring ecological, economic, and social sustainability.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Scott Patterson’s mother was diagnosed with possible early signs of osteoporosis. He started looking at the much wider world of natural health therapies, and came across the remarkable work by a person called Pedanius Dioscorides circa 70AD, who wrote one of the world’s longest lasting of all-natural health books. A Strong Bones medicinal tea was formulated and given to my mother. Paterson started to receive requests to buy the medicinal tea from other friends, and an accidental business was born.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Puraty currently has eight functional teas; Digestive Aid, Energiser Boost, Liver Detox, Sleep Well, Slim Down, Green Tea Kombucha,

Green Tea Matcha and Green Tea Turmeric.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Puraty teas are functional and organic.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The 25-to- 60-year-old female, health conscious consumer.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Puraty products are organic and natural and contain no preservatives, no additives and no GMO. n

For more information contact Deanna Chiang on +64 021 116 8018 or dee@plumagencies.co.nz

Q: What is the brand story?

A: The factory site in Oamaru has been manufacturing confectionery since 1949 and was where “Pineapple Chunks” were first created and made. Rainbow Confectionery Ltd took ownership of the Oamaru factory in 2001. Rainbow Confectionery is the largest New Zealand made, non-chocolate confectionery manufacturer, supplying private label and

EVERYDAY CONFECTIONERY

Julius Romison, a Jewish immigrant, began manufacturing confectionery in Dunedin about 1884. It is said that his first confectionery making in Dunedin was done at home in the washhouse and kitchen, where there was a boiler and equipment to shape and wrap sweets.

branded (Rainbow, Awesome Value, Awesome Naturals, Regina) everyday and seasonal confectionery.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Gummi jellies (non-chocolate and choc enrobed), marshmallow products including Easter Eggs and choc fish, tablets and panned mints, and are the only New Zealand manufacturer of scale for Jelly Beans. The Oamaru factory is entirely gluten and nut free.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Awesome Naturals Milk Bottles are made with 50 percent New Zealand milk. Other products, such as Regina Pineapple Chunks, are made with juice concentrate. Rainbow can and do make sweets in a vast array of unconventional shapes, including animals, insects, jandals/gumboots/feet,

iconic emblems, national culinary dishes and just about any shape you can dream up.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Rainbow’s lollies are consumed by young and old and retail prices are generally targeted at ‘mainstream’ buyers. The product range is designed to encapsulate confectionery nostalgia, but equally developed for modern day lifestyle preferences with many variants being made from no artificial flavours or colours and all being gluten free.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Made from no artificial flavours or colours, gluten free, nut free, portion control options. n

For more information please contact Brett Simmons at brett@rainb0w.co.nz or +64 027 553 2340 or visit www.rainbowconfectionery.co.nz

ENJOY DRINKING WINE AGAIN

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Wine makers use sulphites or preservatives to keep wine stable. However many people are intolerant to sulphites and react to them by having headaches, nasal congestion, nausea or rashes. Christina Clifford is a keen consumer of wine and was suffering from headaches and nasal congestion after enjoying just one glass. Her doctor told her she should change her drink, as wine has sulphites, which is what she was reacting to. UBfree Wine Drops were developed by Clifford’s husband, along with a food scientist, so that she and others could enjoy drinking wine again. UBfree Wine Drops reduces those sulphites/preservatives as they have done their job by keeping the wine stable on the shelves, however when a consumer is ready to drink the wine, the sulphites are no longer required. UBfree Wine Drops significantly reduces the sulphites before consumption. Customers simply add five drops of UBfree Wine Drops to their standard glass of wine, swirl for 30 seconds then enjoy their drink with reduced sulphites. No more allergy-like symptoms!

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand

out in the market?

A: The range currently includes; UBfree white wine dropper bottles and UBfree red wine dropper bottles. UBfree has developed these two different products as white wine has more sulphites present than red wine, therefore have created a product suitable for each type of wine. Each dropper bottle can treat up to 26 glasses of wine when using five drops per standard glass of wine.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The product is very unique as UBfree has added a mineral to the drops which helps bodies digest the bound sulphites in wine. This mineral also has numerous health benefits to our bodies.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Consumers are wine drinkers and people who used to drink wine but now don’t due to the negative effects of suffering from allergy like symptoms. The product has helped many people start drinking wine again as they do not suffer like they used to. As bodies age, the ability for it to digest sulphites becomes more difficult which is why people who have enjoyed wine with no ill

effects wonder why they are now suffering. UBfree Wine Drops take away those nasty allergy-like effects and supports people to continue drinking wine as they age.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Those who love to enjoy wine without the side

For more information contact info@ubfree.co.nz or call +64 03 546 9744

UBfree Wine Drops embodies the spirit of New Zealand, a country well-known for its pristine environment, boutique vineyards and award-winning wines. UBfree uses only 100 percent natural organic ingredients and meets Food Safety Regulations for New Zealand and Australia.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: After working for three years in the public sector, Sophie decided to follow her foodie passion and began selling gluten free baked goods and nut butters at local farmers markets around Auckland. As a health food enthusiast, she decided to focus solely on nut butters as there was a clear gap in the market for peanut butter alternatives. Once word got out, she received requests from retailers

NUT BUTTERS

Sophie Williamson started Poppy & Olive in late 2013. Being diagnosed with Ceoliac disease at age five, she’d grown up experimenting with different foods and baking things from scratch given the limited availability of gluten free products on the market.

nationwide to stock her butters and the business grew from there. Riot Foods (CleanPaleo’s parent company) acquired Poppy & Olive at the end of 2016, and took Sophie on to continue running Poppy & Olive. This partnership has seen many exciting changes to the Poppy & Olive brand, including a brand overhaul, launching the new look/ new range in late May 2017.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: There are four variants – Smooth Almond Butter, Chocolate Hazelnut Butter, Crunchy Almond Butter and Cashew Almond Butter. Our nut butter range is gluten free, grain free, dairy free and contain no preservatives, no additives and no added sugar.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The Poppy & Olive range doesn’t add any preservatives, food colourings or refined sugar.

but got deep and took inspiration from the Chinese definition of ‘Kung fu.’ That’s all about mastering a skill through hard work, so they’ve put in the hard yards to deliver top notch, Kiwi Asian fusion food.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Products are targeted at consumers (late 20s and 40s+), educated, and understand nutrition, the healthy millennial, looking for the new, healthy foods to fuel her high energy lifestyle and the sugar free mum – she’s a fan of versatile, natural ingredients that she can use in lots of different ways and are low in sugar.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Products follow the backlash against sugar and the growth in premium, high quality spreads. Unflavoured single or blended nut or seed butter spreads dominate the category, along with the growing range of diverse ethnic flavours (sweet, spicy and savoury). iGeneration and millennials using nut-based spreads in dressings and sauces and are buying into peanut butter alternatives – a key driver. n

For more information please contact Tim Holt on +64 021 873 146 or email tim@riotfoods.com

AUTHENTIC AND DELICIOUS

Q: What is the brand story?

A: It all started long ago when the founders wanted to create an authentic, delicious, Asian fusion food range, right here in Godzone. Their quest began with a search, high and low, for someone to instruct them in ‘The Ways of the Dumpling’. The call was answered, and the founders worked night and day to create the perfect fusion food. Ingredients were carefully chosen as they strived for the perfect taste. The discipline paid off. KUNGFOOD Dumplings, Steam Buns and ready to fill Bao Buns are a clever fusion of favourite Kiwi flavours and ancient techniques.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: KUNGFOOD Frozen Dumplings 288g come in five variants, with 12 dumplings per pack; Lemongrass Chicken, Thai Green Chicken, Garlic Pork & Prawn, Hoisin Pork & Cabbage and Vegetable Medley Dumplings. KUNGFOOD Frozen Steam Buns 400g come in two variants with four buns per pack; BBQ Pork and BBQ Chicken. KUNGFOOD Frozen Bao Buns are soft fluffy split buns that are ready to

fill, with six buns per pack. KUNGFOOD offers more to consumers than its competitors, with more dumplings, more flavour and a restaurant quality product, as well as being proudly New Zealand made.

Q: What is innovative or unique about your product?

A: KUNGFOOD offers more to consumers, bigger dumplings with fusion flavours that deliver. Kungfood also has better packaging – the product is kept safe in a recyclable tray to avoid damage while the competition are largely in free-flow bags. It is a unique craft, East meets West design.

Q: Who is your consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: 20-35-year-old shoppers who are seeking adventure from their food and lifestyles and want them to meet their modern tastes.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Total Asian Food is in significant growth in New Zealand supermarkets (+13.2 percent) and Total Frozen Snacks is growing at 24.8 percent. n

The team at KUNGFOOD are fans of classic Kung Fu movies,

Q: What is the brand story?

A: A pasture to plate concept, Woodburn Venison started in 2001.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Fresh chilled handmade products, traditionally

THE HEALTHY CHOICE

butchered from free range red deer in the Hawkes Bay. Woodburn is the longest producer consistently supplying the New Zealand market, for 17 years.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Handmade products; the majority being made with fresh ingredients. The is to be low in fat and sodium. The products have a wide age range appeal, and are well-suited to those with particular needs such as cholesterol and diabetes issues, and to those families who want a healthy meal choice that they would make themselves if time allowed.

Q: Who is your consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Young children to elderly – the products have wide age range appeal. Venison has a high iron content and several of the vitamin B group, most readily absorbed in the gut for cognitive development in young children supports, and

generally supports well-being and zinc absorption.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: The products appeal to those making healthy food choices. n

Q: What is the brand story?

A: CHIA and AWAKA health beverages are made from all-natural ingredients in Nelson, New Zealand. CHIA is made from 90 percent hydrated chia seeds and natural juices. It is naturally rich in omega 3, calcium, magnesium, iron and complete protein with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and with no added sugar. CHIA is the winner of the Health Category of the New Zealand Food Awards and the New Zealand Functional Beverage of the Year.

AWAKA is made from fair trade coconut water infused with New Zealand fruits and roots. It is a carbonated like lemonade but without the sugar and with the added goodness that comes from the five essential electrolytes in coconut water. Like CHIA, AWAKA is all natural with no added sugar.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The AWAKA Sparkling Coconut Water Range includes Ginger & Turmeric Zing, Tasman Bay Berries, Zesty Lemon and Blackcurrant Boost. The CHIA Range

For more information contact Sally Haslett on +64 06 835 3307 or email sally@woodburnvenison.co.nz

ENERGY AND WELLBEING

In creating CHIA, the makers wanted to share something of nutritional value for sustained energy and wellbeing. CHIA started as an endurance drink for athletes, but the makers soon realised that everyone can do with a nutritional boost.

includes Coconut Water & Mango, Orange & passionfruit, Blueberry, Blackcurrant and Feijoa & Pink Guava.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: There are no other chia seed beverages or sparkling coconut water beverages widely available in New Zealand or Australia that we are aware of. CHIA has more nutrients than any other bottled beverage on the market place in New Zealand or Australia. CHIA and AWAKA have some of the lowest sugar content of any natural beverages in the world.

Q: Who is your consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The target customer is women interested in health and wellbeing. CHIA and AWAKA are extremely beneficial for health because they provide nutrients that can be difficult to get enough of in the modern diet. CHIA is rich in magnesium, calcium, iron and complete protein (containing more than 10 percent RDI of each of these per serve).

AWAKA is rich in essential electrolytes, including magnesium that is important

for the adrenal system which impacts the nervous system and sleeping patterns. The essential electrolytes give AWAKA the ability to provide hydration faster than water.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: CHIA and AWAKA both sit in three of the fastest growing supermarket categories: health category, on-the-go food/beverage category, and the functional beverage category. n

For more information please email info@chia.co.nz or call +64 021 167 0707

From a farmers market stall to a thriving meat business, the last 17 years have seen Woodburn Venison go from strength to strength.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Wāhiki Ice Creams are the creamiest and tastiest coconut ice cream made from real coconut milk using natural and highest quality ingredients. Wāhiki was started by a couple of friends and the name means “time out” in Māori. Wāhiki is currently working on a number of very exciting flavours that would be launched in 2018.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: There are four variants: Coconut Vanilla,

COCONUT CREAMERY

Coconut Chocolate, Coconut Mango and Coconut Matcha in three sizes: (120ml, 480ml and 5 litre commercial tubs). All Wāhiki Ice Creams are also certified Halal by FIANZ (Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand).

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: As per above, and using the highest quality natural ingredients and reducing the sugar content of the product. As an example, to make the Wāhiki Coconut Mango, the company has used real mango pureé and real passionfruit pureé. Wāhiki Coconut Matcha is the only vegan coconut Matcha ice cream in the market.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The consumers are anyone loves to treat

themselves with ice cream, anyone who loves a creamy and high-quality ice cream and as well as all the health conscious, dairy and lactose intolerant, gluten free and coeliac consumers. Based on internal research Wāhiki is also popular with young families as well as any consumer who wants to have a more wholesome ice cream with lowered sugar and calories.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Wāhiki products are vegan, dairy free, gluten free, lower sugar content and using real food with nutritional values. n

SOUTHERNMOST SAFFRON GROWERS

Kiwi Saffron is a family business owned by Steve and Jo Daley, who both have backgrounds in horticulture and were looking for a new challenge. Their game plan was to grow saffron for their own use but once smitten by the magical plant, they expanded their plantings to a commercial size so they could offer the very best saffron both in New Zealand and further afield.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Steve and Jo Daley love living in Fiordland and their saffron thrives in the extreme climate under New Zealand’s intense sun to deliver the highest crocin (colour) and potency measurements in the world. Kiwi Saffron is the southernmost saffron growers in the world. They enjoy the community spirit of saffron harvest each April with family and friends, handpicking and drying the saffron crop. Kiwi Saffron produces 100 percent saffron with passion and pride for the enjoyment and benefit of all.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Kiwi Saffron offers saffron threads and powder in quantities of 0.5g, 1g, 2g and 5g tins as well as selling bulk saffron and a retail carton of 20x 0.1g blister packs in an attractive display outer. The tins have attractive eyecatching labels and are food grade and recyclable.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Saffron has been used to enhance food around the world since ancient times. With Kiwi Saffron a little goes a long way. The saffron is scientifically proven to ISO standards to be world class quality. A good chef will appreciate its purity on seeing the very first thread, knowing its potential to enhance and enrich a dish.

Kiwi Saffron is pure and potent, verified as a world class product. Kiwi Saffron is pharmaceutical grade, ideal for use in both health and culinary purposes.

Q: Who is your consumer and what

benefit does the product bring them?

A: Kiwi Saffron supplies chefs, retailers, restaurants, distributors, and naturopaths. Consumers can be assured of consistency of quality and performance. Saffron has been used in natural medicine for centuries. Consumers can trust in a New Zealand grown product, safe in the knowledge that saffron is grown using natural inputs. Kiwi Saffron’s commitment is to quality and consistency in flavour, aroma and taste, as well as a long shelf life and traceability.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Choosing New Zealand grown products, healthy eating, health foods and natural medicine, creating meals at home rather than dining out, and exploring global cuisine available more widely in New Zealand. n

For information please email info@kiwisaffron.com or call +64 027 856 2867

Wahiki believes everybody deserves a guilt-free timeout, as the products are dairy free, gluten free and vegan. It is also the first and only ice cream currently to be certified by Coeliac Association with Crossed Grain Logo.

The Durello story began more than 58 years ago around the family table in the Brazilian countryside and became reality in a small commercial kitchen in Auckland’s city centre in January 2014.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Marcelo Menoita, Neide Durello’s son, started Durello Traditional Brazilian Foods Ltd in 2014 in a small commercial kitchen in the centre of Auckland. It had always been Marcelo’s dream to set up a food business, specialising in Brazilian food, using his mother’s recipes.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The Durello savoury range contains the Brazilian Cheese Bread Original, Brazilian Cheese Bread Garlic, Brazilian Chicken Delight and Brazilian Fish Delight.

MARCELO’S DREAM

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Durello is the only Brazilian brand that is available in the supermarkets, for wholesale and export. The savouries are unique and made with high standard ingredients. The company discovered that there was a large demand for tasty GF products which was a great opportunity for innovation and they increased the range for the Brazilian Cheese Breads. Innovation is key and all Durello products are a fresh concept to New Zealand, being the only original Brazilian savouries that are currently sold into supermarkets nationwide. In fact, they bring a new Latin flavour to a line of appetizers that has become a benchmark in the retail industry.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Consumers are those who love to try new products, who have a desire for highquality, exotic, great-tasting new products. They can choose different savouries every time and all products are very easy to prepare.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: As people have become more

aware of the importance of good food, it is highly important to maintain the quality of each unit produced. We offer GF options and the Chicken Delights are made with Free Range Chicken. Customers value the quality of the Durello customer service as much as price and quality of the products.n

For more information visit www.durello.co.nz or contact Barbara Scholten at +64 021 0264 3850

SYRUPS & SODAS

to fruit flavour and consumers really can taste the difference.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The unique set of flavours include; Sparkling Rhubarb, Sparkling Elderflower, Sparkling Quince & Lime, Sparkling Feijoa, Sparkling Blackcurrant, Still Sauvignon Blanc & Saffron, Still Elderflower & Green Currant, Still Apple & Pear, Still Ginger Lemon & Honey, Elderflower Cordial, Rhubarb Cordial, Feijoa Cordial, Rosehip Cordial and Quince & Lime Cordial.

popularity around the world and Aroha is well placed in its fundamental credentials of honest and unique fruits flavours, quality label design, and total vertical integration from growing to bottling warehouse and distribution. n

Q: What is the brand story?

A: The Aroha brand story started in 2007 wild harvesting elderflowers to make a syrup and a range of sodas. The products are made with love and crafted by hand. This means Aroha go to great lengths to either harvest from the wild, source fruit from single orchards (similar to the concept of single vineyard) or grow themselves (spray-free). They don’t buy concentrates and flavours in bulk. They believe single strength juices that have been grown and juiced within arm’s length make for the freshest and most true

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Customers are discerning café goers who understand and want a beautiful drink that is not the same as the rest of the apple-based copies of each other that tend to fill those fridges.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Aroha products support the trend towards craft which has been dominating in areas such as beer and coffee. Craft soda is rising in

For more information contact Mark Dillon at mark@arohadrinks.com or call +64 03 341 1183

In the Maori language, “aroha” is a word meaning love for the land and its people. In 2007, Mark Dillon made his first batch of Aroha cordial which he made from wild elderflowers grown on the Canterbury plains, using an old family recipe.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: OOB Organic was established in 2001 by Shannon and Robert Auton. Based in Omaha, New Zealand and home to the oob blueberry orchard, oob organic is committed to honest, premium product made the right way. The owners believe there’s a gap in the competitive market for better quality and organic foods, and that there is

DIVERSITY, INTEGRITY & PASSION

What started as a family owned business soon grew to become a crew of organic-loving employees. The crew at oob organic believe in diversity, integrity, passion and commitment in every aspect of the business. They guarantee that all products are 100 percent organic certified and 100 percent delicious.

something incredibly appealing in returning to more simple and notorious foods.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The range of organic frozen fruits include: blueberries, mixed berries, sliced bananas and raspberries; with the range of smoothie mixes including blueberries, kiwifruit, banana and strawberry and kiwifruit; and ice cream including vanilla, double chocolate, peppermint chip and vanilla with chocolate flakes. oob organics are 100 percent committed to organic from start to finish, beginning with sustainable farming practices, honest ingredients and an organic certification.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: oob organics are premium, organic, healthy and real. They are also better for the planet and better for the consumer. All products are grown and prepared organically without the use of harsh chemicals and pesticides. oob is an innovative company, always seeking opportunities

by observing market and consumer trends and bringing products to market to respond to new needs.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Consumers are millennials, parents with children, foodies, pro-organics, and household shoppers – all interested in the organic movement, invested in environmental causes and want to eat products that are simply better for them. We provide products that are presented in a convenient format for less work and less waste.

Q: What consumer trend does your product support?

A: oob organic recognise that there is a growing demand for more organic products in the market. Consumers are time poor, and their lifestyles are getting busier. oob is providing consumers with healthy products in a convenient format. n

For more information contact Jessica Tran at jessica@oob.co.nz or call +64 09 974 3242

ENJOY SPICE AND FLAVOUR

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Jennifer Viegas started my artisan food business four years ago selling homemade pickles and chutneys at a market stall in Mt. Pleasant, Christchurch. From there the business has grown and the range now includes a spice rub and Goan curry powders which are available in speciality stores and supermarkets. Jen’s Cozinha (meaning kitchen and pronounced kozin-ya), focuses on Goan cuisine because Goa is where my heritage is from. Viegas works in her own commercial registered kitchen.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The range currently includes pickles (Chilli, Aubergine, Mixed Vegetables and Prawn Balchao), chutneys (Lemon and Mango), spice rub (Goan Masala) and Goan Curry powders (Xacuti, Vindalho and Fish). Products stand out as they are traditional family recipes which allow New Zealanders to enjoy a taste of Goa. Each product is made with fresh ingredients

is savoury or sweets, language, architecture and religion. Goan cuisine is so different from other cuisines in India.

and spices. They are gluten, nut and preservative free.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The traditional method of cooking, using family recipes is what makes the products unique and stand out in New Zealand. Each product has a different cooking method with a good balance of spice and flavour.

Q: Who is your consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Currently consumers are the people of New Zealand, those who want to enjoy spice and flavour.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: All products are gluten, nut and preservative free. The priority is to support locals and use as

many local New Zealand ingredients. Spices are imported from India which are of high grade quality and flavour. The prawns used for my Balchao are imported from Australia. n

Goa, a coastal region South west of India, was a territory of Portugal from 1500s to early 1960. Goa has strong Portuguese influences in food whether it

NEW ZEALAND’S LEADING

SUPERMARKETNEWS is the New Zealand industry’s leading resource for information, providing news, trends, solutions and insights from the largest and most experienced editorial team covering the New Zealand retail grocery industry. The magazine is by subscription and is personally addressed to executive decision-makers in the retail grocery food (fmcg) industry.

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Q: What is the brand story?

A: Wild Appetite’s ‘Mate’ is a fun and friendly brand from an iconic Kiwi company. Wild Appetite has won 14 London Great Taste Awards, justification that its products are up there with the best in the world. ‘Mate’, the new brand, is price and value competitive in mainstream grocery and features fun cartoon and emoji branding in an oxygen barrier 315ml plastic squeeze bottle. Wild Appetite is passionate about the foods it creates: intriguing flavours, vibrant taste and culinary craft.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A WIN-WIN RESULT

Wild Appetite currently contract manufactures for numerous wellrespected brands from New Zealand and abroad. Wild Appetite offers contract manufacturing to clients on an open and transparent basis, in order to achieve a cost effective and win-win end result.

A: The current range includes; BBQ Mate Sauces – Smokey Bell Pepper, Smokey BBQ, Asian Stir Fry, Lemon & Herb; Salad Mate Dressings –Caramelised Balsamic, Creamy Caesar, Honey & Mustard; Dessert Mate Sauces – Double Chocolate, Butterscotch & Maple, Four Fruit Sauce; Milk Mate Drink Mixes – Chocolate, Strawberry, Iced Coffee, Chocolate With 1/3rd Less Sugar.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: There is an emoji character on the principal display panel, central to the marketing initiative. The Strawberry Drink Mix contains real strawberry juice as an ingredient – not just flavoured as per other ready to drink SKUs on market. The milk mixes are very easy to mix compared to dried powder products on market, and the child friendly packaging means there is no mess. They are healthy, more natural concentrates for adding to flavour milk, and come in low sugar and dairy free variants. The Low Sugar Iced Coffee variant can be used with any form of milk, including dairy, coconut, soy and almond.

The Asian Stir Fry Sauce is truly tested and a unique fusion of Asian flavours, and the Caramelised Balsamic

is proving to be the number one seller within Salad Mate. The sauces and dressings are versatile and can be used across a range of foods. There are no more than four SKUs per sauce category, and the flavours selected are ‘everyday use’ flavours.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Each category is slightly different, but overall has a broad appeal. The new Milk Mate product range has been developed as a mainstream range that is to be marketed to children (age 2-19), with flavours such as chocolate for busy parents who want their children to drink more milk and make healthier beverage choices. It will also appeal to the health conscious or lactose intolerant consumer, with low sugar and dairy free variants like chocolate and strawberry.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Healthy with low sugar variants, no artificial colours or flavours, preservative free unless an ingredient already has one present (such as mustard). They are premium products at an affordable everyday price. n For

PREMIUM POSITIONED PRODUCTS

For three and a half decades, Orchard Gold has been the leading frozen fruit supplier into New Zealand supermarkets.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Orchard Gold is a 36-year-old, second generation family owned business that is the number one supplier of frozen fruit products into the New Zealand supermarket sector. The company makes premium positioned, ‘clean eat’ frozen fruit SKUs that are simple, natural and good for health.”

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Orchard Gold produces carefully formulated blends of frozen fruits and vegetables for making Smoothies – this all 1kg range includes Devour Your Reds, Naked Wild Blueberries, Blend Your Passions and Crave Your Greens.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The Smoothie Collection range are dedicated low seed smoothie formulations in easy to merchandise ‘box pouches’ – big 1kg pack size, fabulous tasting with no mess, peeling or waste.“Naked Wild

Blueberries” is the first true wild blueberry SKU sold in NZ – these are highly sought after for their perceived medical benefits by Paleo and Clean Eating enthusiasts.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Smoothie lovers – they get a great value, no mess, peeling or waste product that is the base for yummy customised low seed smoothies.

Q: What consumer trend does your product support?

A: Only the biggest trend in snacking and frozen foods – smoothies! n

For more information contact Jason Foord, Director of Ffowcs Williams Ltd, at jason@ffowcs.co.nz or call +64 09 839 2394

Q: What is the brand story?

A: This New Zealand family owned business has been cold pressing extra virgin seed oils and fibres organically for over 25 years in the heart of the South Island. The core product Flax Seed Oil is a rich nutritious sustainable source of Omega 3, making it easy to incorporate essential fatty acids into a healthy daily diet. FWF pride themsleves on ensuring that all of their products deliver on quality and taste, and will never compromise the health properties! The staff and growers are part of something bigger, making people well.

Q: What is the current product range and

NUTRITIOUS AND SUSTAINABLE

variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Regulated as a food in New Zealand – Flax Seed Oil, Flax Fibre, Flax Fibre LSA, Flax Fibre Smoothie Range - Fruity Boost, Balancing Greens, Detoxolin. The Gourmet Range includes Seed Oils (Hemp, Pumpkin and Chia) and Flours (Pumpkin, Chia, Coconut and Golden Flax). All products are cold pressed, extra virgin, raw, organic, gluten free, nut and dairy free, Paleo and Ketogenic diet friendly, no additives or preservatives, rich in Omega 3, minerals and vitamins, source of dietary fibre, and contribute to a balanced diet as they are whole foods.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: They have taken pure, raw, primary produce that is grown in an organically sustainable way and turned it into value add grocery products without adding anything! FWF maintain the quality and taste, the honesty and purity of the nutrients

held within each seed.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The consumers start at six months to the end of life. The body cannot make essential fatty acids a core part of the 90 nutrients the body needs to optimise good health, the products give consumers a concentrated easy to take form of Omeg 3, 6 and 9. The oils and fibres are versatile.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Healthy whole foods, healthy clean eating, Omega 3, fibre and nutrient dense foods. n

HIGHEST QUALITY CHOCOLATE

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Wellington Chocolate Factory (WCF) is New Zealand’s first ‘bean-to-bar’ chocolate factory open to the public. They are dedicated to producing organic, ethically traded, bean to bar chocolate of the highest quality.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: WCF produces Single Origin Chocolate bars in 75g format and speciality bars with locally sourced fresh ingredients in 85g bars. Legendary New Zealand artists add their own dash of inspiration, infusing our wrappers with original designs. Every bar has a story to tell.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The chocolate story starts with meeting the farmers and bringing the best singleorigin beans into our factory from across the globe. Then

WCF roast, crack, winnow, conch and temper,–producing batches of strong, luscious fair trade and organic chocolate.

Q: Who is your consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Consumers care about where food comes from, they support ethical and transparent practices. They are conscious of the environment and are looking for the health benefits they get from consuming real whole organic products.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Fair trade, organic, ethically sourced, ethically made, sustainability and mindfulness. n

For more information please contact general manager Miriam Ramos at miri@wcf.co.nz or call +64 04 385 7555

Functional Whole Foods is a New Zealand owned company specialising in producing high quality functional food products, that are widely believed to protect against disease and sustain health and wellbeing through regular usage.

Open since late 2013 at Eva St in the heart of the city, Wellington Chocolate Factory has been featured in the Dominion Post, Capital Magazine, Mindfood, FishHead, and won many awards.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Tuatara Brewing is the 2016 Champion Brewery of New Zealand. Located just outside of Wellington – otherwise known as the Craft Beer Capital of the Southern Hemisphere – Tuatara has been a leading light in the NZ craft beer scene since it was founded in 2000. Tuatara is known for its intensely-hopped but well-balanced and accessible ales using copious amounts of world famous NZ hops. In the last few years, Tuatara has grown exponentially and exploded onto the international stage winning numerous awards and fans all over the world. Tuatara Brewing has a micro-brewery/pub in Wellington called The Third Eye in honour of the tuatara and its Third Eye.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Tuatara is the best craft beer in NZ (2016 Champion Brewery) and New Zealand is a leader of the global craft beer revolution. The beer’s focus on using NZ hops, which give the beer a unique taste and aroma profiles on the global stage. NZ craft beer is globally recognised as being a leader in the global craft beer revolution for two main reasons: edge of the world brewing creativity and the unique tropical fruit aroma and flavour of NZ hops.

NZ’s geographical isolation and the purity of

LEADING LIGHT IN CRAFT BEER

Tuatara was born 16 years ago, founded by Carl Vasta, an engineer with the tastebuds of a wine critic. Carl returned to New Zealand and proceeded to build his first brewery, before too long, he’d managed to brew a superb range of beers and Tuatara hasn’t stopped growing since.

its environment have played a crucial role in developing and growing hop varieties with distinctive aromatics and flavour profiles. These New World hop varieties, developed in NZ’s unique environmental conditions, have made them wildly popular with overseas brewers and beer drinkers alike.

NZ hops are sought after by brewers all over the world and they are used in a number of global award-winning beers. However, more and more of those global award-winning beers are being brewed in New Zealand by a thriving brewing scene.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Most important is the use of NZ hops to give

distinctive flavour and aroma profiles for Tuatara beer. Tuatara has strong branding, including ‘scaled’ bottles, and an edge-of-the-world brewing creativity, which has been recognised on a global stage. There are many craft breweries in NZ and Australia and globally currently, but not that many who have won New Zealand Champion Brewery and who are globally recognised as brewing some of the best craft beer in the world.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Craft beer lovers, beer lovers generally who are looking for more flavour and a better beer experience, people who don’t like mainstream and generally anyone looking for a premium beer/alcohol product experience. Retailers benefit because they make more gross profit selling craft beer vs mainstream beer.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Global trends towards more premium, more boutique, more flavourful, more adventurous products. Craft beer drinkers expect an adventure in every bottle and Tuatara delivers that adventure. n

For more information contact charles@tuatarabrewing.co.nz or call +64 021 206 1234

TRADITIONAL HOMESTYLE

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Since 1988 Kea Cookies have been baked in New Zealand. The original owners baked gluten free cookies to meet a need for freefrom cookies in their family. Since then we have been constantly working to bring the great taste of our delicious, traditional homestyle recipe to New Zealanders. Kea Cookies are also gluten, wheat, dairy, and egg free and suitable for vegans. The classic range is, like the Kea, a native of New Zealand.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Kea Cookies has a range of 10 flavours: Choc Chip, Double Choc Chip, Macadamia, Hokey Pokey, Gingernut, Vanilla, Almond, Peanut Brownie, Coconut and Lemon Coconut. As well as an Organic Chocolate cookie.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: An extensive range of delicious cookies that are free from gluten,

wheat, dairy and egg, suitable for vegans.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Coeliacs and consumers who are gluten intolerant or who prefer not to have gluten in their diet. Kea Cookies are also suitable for vegans. Kea Cookies met these consumer needs.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Products that are vegan and free from allergens. n

For more information please contact info@keacookies.co.nz or call +64 09 527 0556

The Kea is the native mountain parrot in New Zealand and is known as an irreverent, cheeky bird, which is one of the reasons Kea Cookies chose to have it on their branding.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: China is without doubt the home of tea, it is the oldest grower and produces the best quality. ATTIC was created to fulfil this gap in the market to satisfy consumer demand. ATTIC comes from Kaihua County, which is the mountainous area in western Zhejiang. The brand encapsulates its oriental heritage and translates it into a modern environment.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The range currently consists of Organic Black tea 30s, Organic Green Tea 30s, Organic Jasmine Tea 30s and Organic Eucommia Tea 30s. In general tea supplied to the NZ market is from the sub-continent – this is a hangover from British rule and traditional trade routes. The New Zealand tea industry is roughly 90 percent owned by multinationals who concentrate on sub-continental teas. Furthermore almost all of these teas are blends of ‘fines’ rather than quality

ORIENTAL HERITAGE

leaf tea. Because of this situation Chinese high quality organic tea is sure to stand out.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Organic Chinese pure leaf tea in tea bags. Usually specialty Chinese teas would only come in loose formats. The brand is packing into tea bags as Australasian consumers prefer tea bags. ATTIC is the first brand to bring Eucommia to the Australasian market.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: All current and new tea drinkers. Besides the health benefits of the teas, Attic is able to bring the consumer a superior tea at a good price in a format they are used to.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: There is an increasing demand for organic products such as ATTIC and a consumer trend to trying new products, especially teas. There is also an increasing demand for provenance, including single origin products.n

ICONIC DESSERTS

Famous Desserts

Q: What is the brand story?

A: In 1996 Carol Rutland, Lisa Templeton’s mother, and her husband purchased Denheath House, which was run as a small family country café business for many years. It was clear that Carol had been right about the potential of the ‘Denheath Gourmet Custard Square’. Eventually Lisa and her husband Donald stepped in and took over the business, trademarking Denheath for the first time. Carol’s life-long dream was to have her Denheath Gourmet Custard Square enjoyed all over New Zealand and internationally.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Denheath have a range of custard slices, profiteroles and cheesecakes but are most wellknown for the iconic Denheath Gourmet custard square. By only using the finest ingredients, Denheath have managed to create the Rolls Royce of Gourmet Vanilla Custard slices. With consistent high-quality ingredients, this artisan style gourmet dessert tastes incredible and stands out for being

far superior to its generic counterpart.

Q: What is innovative or unique about your product?

A: Denheath Gourmet Vanilla Custard slices are uniquely different. With melt-inyour-mouth, creamy vanilla custard filled squares that are complemented with golden flaky pastry and Denheath’s signature delicious icing topped with curlywhite shredded coconut. Made from an authentic family recipe with natural ingredients. They are vegetarian and are a luxury dessert that never fail to make the consumer feel good.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: In NZ there are a wide range of consumers. Defrosted single serve portions can be purchased through selected foodstuffs bakeries nationwide, in Moore Wilsons, and soon will be available in frozen packs throughout foodstuffs in the South Island. Denheath supplies cash and carry stores, distributors and many cafés. The brand

also have a unique online e-commerce solution where customers can purchase desserts for nationwide overnight delivery in New Zealand. In Costco stores overseas, its consumers have been businesses, cafes, function centres and household Costco members. Its custard slices have recently become available in retail packs of three and five individually wrapped portions.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Denheath products support the ready-made trend as consumers are now looking for readymade easy solutions and this includes desserts. Denheath Desserts offer instant gratification. Just thaw and serve. They are healthier choices, with good old fashioned natural ingredients in the gourmet custard range and the products are also vegetarian, as more and more people opt for a vegetarian diet. Denheath Gourmet Custard slices are a delicious vegetarian option. n

For more information contact Lisa Templeton at lisa@denheath.co.nz or on +64 03 688 6160

From its therapeutic healing properties to its ability to properly hydrate the drinker, the Tea Plant can improve health in many ways. ATTIC stands for All The Tea In China, and brings unique teas to the Australasian market.

Denheath is a family owned business from New Zealand’s South Island. They hope that one day Denhealth’s Custard Squares will become nationally and internationally famous for their delicious taste and all natural ingredients.

A LOW SUGAR ALTERNATIVE

Sandie and Heather started Banjo Brews kombucha for Heather’s cafe as a low sugar alternative to other drinks on the market. The café was sold just over two years ago and they started brewing up a storm in a little commercial kitchen which was a converted tool shed at Sandie’s place in Seddon.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Banjo Brews started out selling at the local Farmers markets. People loved them and before long we were taking over another shed to do more brewing. In November 2016 the pair went to the Go Green expo in Wellington where they made lots of new contacts and were very excited about the future for Banjo Brews but that night the Kaikoura earthquake struck, and the brewery was pretty much destroyed. Within six months they had redone the brewery and were off again, with the support of some much appreciated stockists.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The product range has seven unique flavours, including Blueberry Elderflower and Peach, Turmeric and Chilli. The product stands out for the following reasons. Firstly it tastes delicious. It is low sugar. It is made in the authentic manner, no weird additives, and no forced carbonation. It is biogro certified organic. It is

made with real fruit and herbs and spices.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Kombucha is fermented tea – it tastes great, a bit like a cider or ginger beer. The bonus is it’s full of healthy acids and probiotics. Banjo Brews kombucha is batch brewed in the same traditional and authentic way it has for two thousand years, no weird sugars, no forced carbonation. Banjo Brews is certified Biogro organic, is Living Wage accredited and are members of Conscious Consumers NZ.

Q: Who is your consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The consumer group is large and diverse. Our kombucha appeals to people who are trying

to make healthy food and drink choices. Banjo Brews kombucha supports this by being a low sugar drink, which is rich in healthy acids and great for gut health.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Cutting back on sugar intake kombucha is a healthy alternative to both juices and high sugar sodas. Kombucha is a great alternative to alcohol as it has an interesting and unique flavour, and it is also great for gut health. n

For

HEALTHY, FUNCTIONAL WATERS

PARKERS Beverage Company is a New Zealand owned fully integrated food and beverage company. It is a market leader in bottled and boxed water while also creating and distributing functional beverages in its state of the art factory.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Travelmate is a New Zealand owned brand. The name is self-explanatory – it is a travel and lifestyle recovery drink containing New Zealand pine bark extract. It is your friend when you travel.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Travelmate comes in a 500ml sipper cap bottle and flavoured with New

Zealand lime.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The innovation is in the pine bark extract, Enzogenol. Enzogenol is 100 percent natural extract from the bark of New Zealand grown Pinus Radiata trees.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The consumer for Travelmate is people from all ages who are active. Enzogenol consists of a mixture of natural antioxidant and antiinflammatory plant compounds known as bioflavoids. Due to these compounds Travelmate supports healthy brain function, healthy attention, concentration and behaviour, healthy blood vessels, circulation and blood pressure,

healthy eye function and heathy oxidative balance. To be consistent with active lifestyles, Travelmate is produced with a sipper/sports cap to easy use on the go or while driving.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Healthy living, functional waters and beverages and single origin. Travelmate is bottled at source with pure New Zealand artesian water, then mixed with New Zealand pine bark and flavoured with New Zealand lime. It is stabilised with New Zealand citrus. n For more information contact Doug Speedy at doug@parkers.kiwi or call +64 021 145 9609

Q: What is the brand story?

A: When did real food become so serious? Can’t real food be tasty, exciting and fun too? The team at Graze certainly think so. They are passionate about making good snacks that are as delicious as they are nutritious. They have learnt a thing or two about fruit and nuts, and have sussed the recipe for delivering an awesome real taste – take produce from the very best growers and seal in the fresh flavours!

GOOD HONEST FOOD

Graze offers dried fruit and nuts in the spirit of good honest food by two Kiwi blokes, Richard and Henry Hall. The very same brothers who’ve stocked cupboards with Cinderella dried fruit for decades.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Graze bulk packs come in 12 variants: Raw Almonds, Roasted Almonds, Tamari Roasted Almonds, Roasted Unsalted Cashews, Roasted Salted Cashews, Roasted Salted Pistachios, Cranberry Nut Medley, Raw Deluxe Nuts, Classic Scroggin, Tropical Nut Medley, Smokey BBQ Almonds and Roasted & Salted Peanuts. There are also five Snack Pack variants.” “Graze products are proven performers and comprise nine of the top 15 skus in Foodstuffs stores in New Zealand. Graze offers unique bulk pack products to the category such as Tamari Roasted Almonds, Smokey BBQ Almonds, Roasted and Salted Pistachios and Tropical Nut Medley. Graze is a fun, branded offering that epitomises snacking. Fruit and nuts are sourced from leading top tier suppliers around the world and only high-quality grades are purchased. Graze is proudly roasted (unflavoured variants) and packed in New Zealand. Graze is fresh packed in small batch runs into high barrier resealable pouches and nitrogen flushed prior to sealing to ensure product freshness.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: 20-35- year-old shoppers who are seeking a healthy snack that also tastes great. The benefits include snacks that are healthy but also deliver on taste, convenience and freshness – resealable bags ensure product freshness and prevent overindulgence. Large bulk packs also offer value.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Nuts are hot and are in significant growth in New Zealand, being in the intersection of the three megatrends of health, convenience and taste. Consumers are looking for snacks that are healthy, but also deliver on taste. Consumers are snacking healthier than ever before, with all consumers at all life stages increasing their nut consumption throughout their day. Convenience continues to be a main driver in this category and resealable bags are seen as an effective means of preventing over-indulgence in snack foods. Consumers have concerns over Bulk Bin freshness, value and hygiene and are turning to packaged options to meet their needs.n

A LABOUR OF LOVE

striking colours. The raw materials are sourced locally, handpicked from suppliers who are able to provide the quality and freshness of fruit demanded and cooked the old-fashioned way in small batches, without adding any artificial colours, concentrates or preservatives. Mary has rapidly grown her business from start up in her home kitchen, to a commercial base in Albany, expanding the total number of products on offer to 8, with more on the horizon. She has also recently introduced the economy and convenience of 1 kg and 2 kg Catering Packs for the food service industry.

Thai Tomato, Feijoa & Ginger Jam. They are all handmade, completely NZ natural and packaged in glass jars to provide long shelf life without preservatives.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: An artisan range of handmade gourmet chutneys, relishes, pickles and jam. Cooked the old-fashioned way in small batches using allnatural fresh ingredients with no added flavours, colours, fillers or preservatives. NoShortcuts can be used as a garnish, topping, side dressing or blended into cooking as a flavour enhancer.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: The cooking and preservation process may be time consuming, but this labour of love achieves great taste, beautiful aroma and naturally

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The NoShortcuts range consists of Beetroot Relish, Gherkin Relish, Mustard Pickle, Sambal Ulek, Tamarillo Chutney, Old Plum Chutney,

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Discerning and health conscious food lovers, who value the benefits of good wholesome food without having to sacrifice flavour.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Vegetarian, vegan, non-gluten, dairy free, all natural. n

For more information please contact mary@noshortcuts.co.nz or call +64 027 285 1111

A passion and love for fine food led owner Mary Brons to develop an artisan range of gourmet chutneys, relishes, pickles and jam, which she branded

NoShortcuts – because there are no shortcuts taken in the way she prepares and cooks them.

Ceres Organics began 35 years ago with a mother wanting to feed her young children organic food. She began an urban organic vegetable co-op out of her garage, this grew to become New Zealand’s first organic store.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: In 2001 Ceres Organics achieved full Bio-Gro Organic certification, and became New Zealand’s first certified organic warehouse and distributor. In 2009 Ceres Organics obtained the first EcoSocial Certification in Australasia, formalising the ethical and socially responsible sourcing philosophy the company has practiced from the start. Staying true to its ethos, Ceres Organics moved into New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star certified warehouse in 2013. Today, Ceres Organics is recognised as one of Australasia’s most well-known brands in organics, standing for trust, quality and innovation. They are passionate about sourcing the healthiest, highest quality organic foods, from suppliers all over the world who it knows and trusts to be socially and environmentally responsible.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE

A: A comprehensive portfolio of Certified Organic products spanning 40 categories and over 400 SKUs.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Ceres Organics product range is 100 percent Certified Organic, and span everyday mainstream categories through to highly innovative health categories.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: “Ceres Organics consumers range from those embarking on a journey towards health and wellness right through to green warriors with strong environmental, ethical and social values. Due to the transparent, clean nature of the products Ceres also captures those looking for allergy friendly and/or plant based options.”

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Consumers are increasingly looking for less processed options, with simple ingredient lists. They seek transparency and honesty from companies and products. Health is meeting convenience as consumers look for easy ways to incorporate more goodfor-you food into their diets. A number of food trends continue to be on the rise including the

rise of the flexitarian (following a vegetarian diet most of the time), raw foodism (heat destroys the goodness in food), Paleo, plant based everything (legumes, ancient grains, seeds, nuts), alternative proteins and alternative flours, ‘Free From’ everything (gluten, nuts, dairy, soy) and functional foods.

Awareness and interest in organics is growing. Thirty-eight percent of organic shoppers indicate they increased the percentage of their household food budget spent on organics over the past year. Fourteen percent of organic households say they spend 40 percent or more of their food budget on organics, and more than two out of three Australian households say they bought at least one organic product in the past year. n

For more information please contact Alex Player at a.player@ceresorganics.com.au or call +64 09 965 3527

EVERYBODY LOVES BURRITOS

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Everybody loves burritos, but they’re fiddly to make at home. You end up with half a can of unused beans in your fridge, it’s expensive, it’s time consuming. So, Bangerritos put all the ingredients of a burrito into a sausage. Whole black beans, diced red onion, Mexican spices, free-farmed meat.

Served in a tortilla with guac, sour cream and hot sauce, they’re a real treat.

Ben is in love with burritos. Years ago, he started a blog where he went out and reviewed them.

He must have reviewed 40 burritos, he opened Mexican restaurants, had a weekly radio segment etc. Then Ben met Matt who was passionate about sausages, who made them as a hobby. They decided to make a burrito sausage and the rest is history!

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Pork. They have a chicken marinated in tequila recipe they can roll out too, and they’d be keen to do a beef and vegetable option as soon as possible.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Everything. Ban has a strong background in marketing and advertising and the name, branding, packaging and product are all completely unique.

Q: Who is your consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Convenience. The customer appreciates the finer things in life. Bangerritos makes no compromises with their sausage – they use fresh coriander year-round, and use New Zealand freefarmed pork.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: The main two would probably be healthy living and Instagram lifestyles. n

For more information please contact ben@bangerritos.com or call +44 7787 279139

Ben was passionate about burritos. Matt was passionate about sausages. When they met, conversation quickly turned to burrito sausages.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Heilala, New Zealand’s premium vanilla grower and producer, was established as an aid project after a cyclone ripped through the Tongan island of Vava’u in 2002. This led to the founding of Heilala Vanilla and the first harvest of vanilla beans in 2005. Since the first harvest, Heilala has built strong supply relationships throughout Tonga and created a range of added value vanilla products for retail, food service and food manufacturing customers.

Q: What is the current product range and

PREMIUM VANILLA

variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The annual harvest of vanilla beans are shipped to the company’s headquarters, in Te Puna, Tauranga. There it’s packaged and processed into a range of 100% pure and natural range of products, including vanilla beans, extract, paste, sugar, syrup and powder.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Tongan vanilla has a very high vanillin content which results in a superior vanilla flavour. Heilala have partnered with Massey University and Plant and Food Research to continually develop products and to understand the science and the flavour of the vanilla which is so unique.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Heilala Vanilla is the world’s only vanilla producer that grows, manufactures and markets the spice itself. Almost all vanilla flavouring that is consumed today is actually artificial. Vanilla is typically a commodity product that goes through

a long line of traders before it reaches the end user so the short, transparent supply chain of Heilala Vanilla means that consumers are getting a product that is of high quality, consistent and safe. Heilala customers care about where their food comes from and that they are using real ingredients. Heilala Vanilla adds something special to their cooking or baking. Whether it’s the star ingredient in a crème brulee or a background balancing flavour, Heilala Vanilla supports, balances, mellows and gives depth to dishes. At various doses and concentrations vanilla can enhance the flavour of chocolate, coffee, nut and fruit flavours.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Heilala Vanilla’s unique plantation-to-pantry provenance addresses the current trends of food traceability and sustainability. n

For more information contact Ruby Grant at ruby@heilalavanilla.com or on +64 027 469 8233

ADDING A NEW DIMENSION

When his wife developed digestive issues in 2011, René Archer was teaching culinary classes on a regular basis at the Wise Cicada Café in Newmarket. Being part of the café and shop family, he was always keen to find new products. When Organic India’s Tulsi teas arrived he started playing with them and various fruit teas to create his kombucha.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Rene’s Archer started making kombucha in 2011 for his own family in an effort to increase their pro-biotic food count. It went hand in hand

with making brine pickles, sauerkraut, water kefir, Caspian Sea yoghurt, milk kefir, sourdough bread, and kvass. The Tulsi tea added a dimension to kombucha that we hadn’t experienced anywhere else.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: There are currently two bottle sizes (glass, plastic optional), 750ml and 330ml, and four flavours: Red Berry, Pomegranate, Lemon & Ginger, Guarana & Açai (only in 330ml). They stand out through their unique tea formulas, utilising Tulsi tea (Holy Basil) and its specific floral character and herbal benefits. Another distinguishing quality is the mild and pleasant flavour achieved by the fermentation process and duration – it yields an only mildly acidic flavour in comparison to most other brands. Rene’s is still a truly artisan manufacturer,

individually batch brewing teh drinks.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: A brewed soft drink utilising a symbiotic probiotic culture. It is unpasteurised and not carbonated, yet creates its own fizz once bottled. It combines the experience of a soft drink with the benefits of a digestive tonic.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Health conscious people, often parents.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: A growing awareness of and demand for probiotic and functional foods and beverages. n

For more information please contact René Archer at rene.archner@gmail.com or call +64 027 555 1622

Heilala Vanilla initially began as an aid project, but quickly grew to become a successful business, and in 2013, the Heilala Vanilla Foundation was established. The Foundation is a registered charitable trust with the NZ Charities Commission and each year selects a project to benefit the people of Vava’u, Tonga.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: I Love Ltd. started out in 2008 at a local farmers market where the pair first baked some pies using their special sour cream pastry. They made 100 pies, which sold out in under an hour. The range of pies has now been extended and I Love Ltd. has also introduced sausage rolls, fruit pies and now some amazing cookies that consumers across the globe are loving!”

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The range currently includes chilled family pies (including Free Range Chicken, Leek & Mustard), chilled box pies (including Free Range Pork, Apple

QUALITY PRODUCTS

& Kumara), medium pies, gluten free pies, party pies sausage rolls, fruit pies and cookies.”

I Love Ltd. makes food like consumers would at home if they had the time. Everything is made from scratch – only butter and no palm oil, all meat is free range and there are no preservatives, or artificial flavours or colours.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: I Love Ltd. likes to be the disrupter brand in a category – if they think a product category has an opportunity to improve, they want to be the ones to do it! I Love Ltd. was the first to create gluten free pies and the new cookies are really innovative as they contain only unrefined sugar and 20 percent of the sugar is replaced with date puree. I Love Ltd. has created a range of premium products using high quality ingredients, and use real ingredients like butter, sour cream and free-range meats in the products, making them even more delicious. I Love Ltd. doesn’t use preservatives, additives, MSG, palm oil or added colours – only the best ingredients.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: I Love Ltd. targets busy New Zealand families – the products are made by mums for mums. Consumers are time poor and are looking for convenient foods that are like how they would make at home if they had the time. They care

about what goes into the food that they feed to their families. The products are made using really good quality ingredients and no nasties.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: The demand for whole food and real food made with real ingredients, convenient solutions for time poor households who are looking for quality and the benefits of knowing you are buying a good quality product made using good ingredients. If a label does more people will pay more for it. n

AWARD WINNING CEREALS

Scotty Baragwanath’s fascination for food began at a young age, when he got his first fry pan. Not many five year olds start cereal companies so after 20 years in the international food business he’s catching up.

expanded in 2018.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

Q: What is your brand story?

A: Blue Frog is a superpremium breakfast company producing the world’s best breakfast products. Blue Frog uses the world’s best whole food ingredients, ingenious flavour combinations and awesome bits. No nasties, no numbers, just fun filling goodness, made with a whole lotta love. It’s ‘cerealsly’ good!

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Blue Frog offers a selection of award winning grain free and gluten free cereals, a kids targeted range and recently launched porridge range, to be

A: Blue Frog is the leader of innovation in the breakfast category – constantly searching out the latest nutrient dense ingredients and flavour combinations to include in the range to maximise both flavour and nutrition, some examples include the use of Green Banana Flour and Heat Stable Probiotic. All categories to drive premiumisation – delivering innovative and high value products exceeding the customers expectations. This is delivered through both ingredients, functionality, taste and also exceptionally beautiful pack design. Blue Frog has a unique approach in working closely and forming collaborationss with key likeminded companies to produce exceptional products, leveraging the best of both companies. These include work with Fix and Fogg Peanut Butter, All Good Banana’s, OOB

Berries and Heilala Vanilla – a selection of New Zealand’s finest food companies. All products are preservative free (no sulphites especially), dairy free, refined sugar free and vegan. Blue Frog also NZ’s most awarded breakfast brand for 20152017.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Anyone following a wellness lifestyle –predominantly 25-55-year-old females with an active lifestyle and approach to clean plant based eating.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Health and wellness, plant based eating. Minimally handling clean plant based foods are the key to producing simply the best tasting and most enjoyable breakfast experiences possible. n For

167 8752

I Love Ltd. is two mums who want to create real food with great quality ingredients that they are happy to give to their own family and friends.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Baby Steps™ is a premium New Zealand goat milk-based range of early stage nutritional products. It is made from goat milk sourced exclusively from NIG’s dedicated NZ farms. Baby Steps is formulated as a premium product with 100 percent goat milk and protein, and includes the addition of DHA and ARA.”

“Baby Steps is a story of a brand’s desire to provide a very high level of nutrition, with main ingredients sourced fresh from its own boutique farm. It is not only about the care for the consumer but for the welfare and care of the animals that provide the milk. Goat milk products are growing rapidly throughout the world, driven by the growing awareness of their high nutritional, digestive, and hypo-allergenic benefits.

BABY STEPS

Baby Steps has been selling on the NZ market since 2012, and is supported by trained nutritionists and 24-hour care line. It is also sold in many other countries including China (top three imported goat brand), Middle East and Africa, South East Asia, North Asia and soon to be Europe and the UK.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The current range sold in New Zealand is Baby Steps goat milk formula, stage 1 (900g can), Baby Steps goat milk follow on formula, stage 2 (900g can), and Baby Steps goat milk toddler, stage 3 (900g can). 400g cans and sachets are also available.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Baby Steps is uniquely formulated with the combination of goats milk, and ingredients that support comfortable and healthy digestion and fats that enable efficient utilisation of energy for growth and development. It has all the benefits of A2 milk proteins, and much more and a lower

price. Goat milk is no longer a niche product and is fast growing into mainstream.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Users are children from 0-3 years. Most babies and children who use goat milk product will have much more comfortable digestion, a settled stomach and digestion and little or no rashes. Often those who suffer from Colic and gas experience considerable relief on Baby Steps.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Move to whole food, healthy and less allergenic foods, niche foods becoming mainstream. Knowing where the food comes from and how it impacts the environment. There is an explosion in middle class throughout Asia who are wanting the best and purest nutrition for them and their families. n

For more information please contact Guy Wills, general manager, at guy.wills@nignutritionals.co.nz or call +64 09 622 9667

HONEST FOOD MADE WELL

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Giannis offers the most extensive range of flat bread products in New Zealand. The company encourages the enjoyment of honest food made well, so we manufactures to the highest standards and deliver quality nutritional products, guaranteed! All products are created from authentic Mediterranean family recipes using only simple ingredients.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Pita bread, wraps, naan, tortilla, panini and pizza bases in both Giannis branded retail format and also have an extensive Foodservice offering.

Q: What is innovative or unique about your product?

A: The Pita Bread is 99 percent sugar free and 99 percent fat free. The wraps are preservative and additive free.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Giannis does not have a specific consumer, with a very wide range of products suitable to everyone.”

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Health and budget conscious trends. n

For more information please contact Simon Rangihaeata on +64 021 854 091

N.I.G. Nutritionals Ltd. is a leading New Zealand based manufacturer and marketer of dairy, nutritional and health products that span infant and early stage through to senior health products. NIGN has an integrated supply chain, sourcing goat milk directly from its contracted farms, within 20 minutes from its state of the art spray dryer, and blending and packing facility just south of Auckland.

Giannis Michaelides set sail from Cyprus in 1966, arriving in Christchurch with only the clothes he stood in and a healthy appetite for leavened bread that his mother had taught him to bake.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Since first opened its doors in the 1930’s Tasti has been single-minded about hunting down the best quality ingredients for our customers, because the best ingredients get the best results. To this day Tasti remains proudly New Zealand owned and operated and just as passionate about great ingredients, making a range of baking, seasonal, ready to eat fruits and nuts and nutritious snacks.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand

IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE

out in the market?

A: Smooshed Wholefood Balls are available in a 69g resalable pouch and come in the following flavours: Berry, Cashew & Cacao, Almond & Cashew, Apricot & Cacao, Peanut Butter & Caramel and Hazelnut & Cacao.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Smooshed Wholefood balls are an easy convenient snack that consumers can feel good about eating a handful of natural ingredients ‘smooshed’ together to make a fun healthy wholefood snack.

Q: Who is theconsumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Singles and couples (25-35) and young families. The products are made with just a handful of real natural ingredients with no refined sugar, minimal processing and are bite size balls that are a convenient on-the-go snack.

Q: What consumer trend does the product

support?

A: Consumers are becoming more discerning and aware of what they’re putting in their bodies. On the other hand, with hundreds of mixed messages they are confused about what’s healthy and good for them. Wholefood or simple natural products are a great way to cut through this confusion by providing a perception of being made with ‘natural’ ingredients or derived from natural ingredients and being free from additives and artificial ingredients. They are also made from less refined ingredients and contain simple ingredients and therefore cleaner labels. The ingredients are as close to their natural form as possible. n

For more information please contact Stewart Reynolds at stewart.reynolds@tasti.co.nz or call +64 09 839 1060

BETTER THAN HOME BAKED

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Andre’s Kitchen was created out of the need for top quality cookies to be brought back to the market. Andre Wike is the face of Andre’s Kitchen and went to market with New Zealand’s favourite cookies in late 2010. Within ten months of trading they won the 2011 New Zealand Food Award Bakery section for the Ginger Cookies and placed as a finalist in 2012 and 2013.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The current range are 250g bags of Anzac

Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies and the flagship 2011 New Zealand Food Award winning Ginger Cookies, which have become an everyday treat for thousands of people. The range really stands out from the competition as the cookies are packaged in a stand-up brown paper bag with a full clear front so the consumer can see what they are getting within those vital seconds a product must sell itself. We also have Red Velvet, Mocha Chocolate, Double Chocolate and Anzac 40g size cookies which are currently being used by New Zealand Natural at their concept ice cream parlour MELT to make ice cream sandwiches, as well as retailing at Farro Fresh.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Andre’s Kitchen uses only the best ingredients, such as New Zealand butter, and use no additives or preservatives. Top-quality packaging gives the products a shelf life of six months. The cookies are extruded but then are hand rolled to get that homemade look and taste which sets Andre’s

Kitchen apart from its competitors.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The main client base doesn’t mind spending that little more on our brand as they know Andre’s Kitchen are just as good, if not better, than a home batch. They would, without hesitation, be happy to share with close friends and family over coffee or tea. Typically, clients are medium to high end earners with two or three kids who know good food when they see it.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: The products aren’t a trend (like Cronuts) but of late the world-wide obsession towards the use of butter (of which Andre’s Kitchen uses plenty and won’t look to cut back on) is a trend that isn’t looking like it will go away any time soon. n

For more information please contact andre@andreskitchen.co.nz or call +64 027 517 0494

When two friends, Victor Watson and Oswald Lawless, started Tasti back in the 1930s, times were tough. The delicious crystallised ginger they made was in strong demand. Other ingredients soon followed, sourced and supplied with the same care for quality.

Andre Wike’s professional career began cooking in some of Auckland’s top cafés, high end catering companies, and many years as a private chef. During this time, he noticed there was a serious lack of quality baked goods available.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: As the top eco brand in New Zealand, ecostore helps create healthier homes around New Zealand and Australia and in several Asian markets. With CarboNZero and Enviromark Diamond certification, theNew Zealand factory is the most highly accredited for sustainability in Australasia. Ecostore has won several national and government awards in New Zealand for sustainable leadership.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Ecostore has a wide range of products in the baby, kids, body care and home cleaning categories. They include body and hand washes, bubble bath, hair care, facial skin care, laundry care, dish care and household surface cleaners. There is also fragrance free (ultra sensitive) products in several categories. Many products are

HEALTHIER HOMES

offered in different fragrance variants including fragrance free, and in a range of sizes from minis and 200ml bottles and bulk (5L) sizes, with refills available for some products.

Plant and mineral-based ingredients were used to make products safer for people, their families and the world, and ecostore follows the precautionary principle, which means if there’s any doubt over the safety of an ingredient, they will find a safer alternative.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: A world class team of scientists and research and development professionals always assesses new ingredients ad formula enhancements. Ecostore’s Carbon Capture Pak demonstrates our commitment to product innovation. Most bottled product uses these packs, which are made from renewable sugarcane plastic. This helps reduce the carbon footprint and the packs are fully recyclable.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Ecostore serve the needs of conscious consumers – people who choose products to help contribute to a healthier environment or

society. Conscious consumers choose to support companies based on their environmental and ethical practices. By taking the lead in these areas, it assures everyone who buys its products that they are making a real difference, and that the products are safer for themselves, their families and the world.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Research has shown that consumers are willing to invest in eco and natural products that are also safer for themselves and their families. With health and wellness information widely available in recent years, millennials in the conscious consumer audience are especially interested in transparency from product manufacturers. Boston Consulting Group research shows that two thirds of grocery market growth is coming from ‘Responsible Consumption’ products. Ecostore is poised to take advantage of this global consumer trend. n

For more information please contact info@ecostore.co.nz or call +64 09 360 8477

CREATIVE AND DELICIOUS

a hot drink tonic or a dry soda. The other soda syrups include Raspberry & Lemon, Cherry & Pomegranate, C elery Tonic, Cola Six, Creaming Soda, Orange & Dandelion, Hibiscus, Lemonade, Ginger Ale, Lime, Sarsaparilla and Coffee. The bottled sodas are Raspberry & Lemon, Cherry & Pomegranate, Salted Cucumber & Mint (sugar-free), Cola Six, Lemonade and Ginger Ale.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: High quality product, handmade, fairtrade, organic and locally sourced ingredients, creative flavours.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Creative and delicious soda handmade by an independent Wellington based company, bringing a new level of quality to the drinks category.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The Lemon Honey Ginger syrup can be

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: People who want to make good drinks at home. They are great for Soda Streams and making restaurant quality sodas and cocktails.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Good quality, handmade, New Zealand independent non-alcoholic drinks. n

For more information please contact tegan@sixbarrelsoda.co or call +64 021 167 3049

In 1993, Malcolm and Melanie Rands started ecostore in a small New Zealand ecovillage. Their mission was to care for their environment by using products that were healthier for their family, community and home.

Six Barrel Soda Co. started in 2012 with the aim to shake up a flat soft drink market with creative flavours and a new level of quality.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: The New Zealand Tamarillo Co-Operative Ltd (Tamco Ltd) was formed to secure a constant supply of high grade fruit and the products marketed under the brand name “For the love of Tams”. Recently both products were launched into the US and will shortly be available in Australia.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The Tamarillo Vinegar Dressing is a red wine vinaigrette infused with tamarillo and slightly sweetened. This infusion technique was not available in New Zealand, so Tamco had to design and construct the necessary equipment. The Tamarillo Relish is a delicious blend of tamarillo, vinegars and spices.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The Tamarillo Relish is unique as Tamco has

DELICIOUS TAMARILLO

developed a technique designed to extract only the sweetest pulp from the tamarillo fruit to leave the more bitter pith with the skin. For the production of the Tamarillo Vinaigrette Dressing they had to design a unique infusion technique.

Q: Who is your consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: After a year of tweaking the recipes they were satisfied that they had met their customers’ expectations. It was when Auckland retailers wanted to stock Tamco products that they realised that they needed to upscale and commercialise their business. The Tamarillo Vinaigrette Dressing is a beautiful ruby red product, tart/sweet in flavour which complements many foods when drizzled over as a dressing. All the products are packaged in

glass with a modern gourmet style label. They are based on red wine and balsamic vinegar, are free of cholesterol, fat and sodium and high in antiaging antioxidants and rich in resveratrol. Both products are gluten free and do not contain added preservatives, colours or fillers that are commonly found in many other food products.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Customer satisfaction with the two products has been proven over the past seven years by the high volume of repeat.

Over the past seven years Tamco sales have increased by 23% per annum on a per market basis. n

For more information contact Robin on +64 027 262 6949 or email robin@tamco.co.nz

HEALTHY AND THRIVING

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Venerdi started back in 2002 after CEO Tim Grainger cattle farmer and grandfather discovered that his cattle were not where they should be in terms of quality and performance. After adapting the nutritional makeup of the soil where they were grazing, the cattle soon peaked. Venerdi took on this knowledge and adopted the attitude that if you nourish yourself with whole foods it will result in a healthy and successful outcome. Venerdi studies, researches and tests the world’s finest and most powerful ingredients. If they pass the test, they are used to make awesome healthy foods.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Venerdi Paleo is the most recent range, directing consumers back to whole foods, focusing on nutrient-dense ingredients. The range of Paleo bread is free from gluten, dairy, soy, preservatives and grains. There are three bread SKU’s; Super Seeded, Almond & Linseed, Banana, and

Blueberry & Walnut as well as burger buns and Moroccan spiced crackers.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: As the paleo products are grain free, we had to be very creative with what ingredients used in order to still give the products a great taste and texture. Venerdi used almond meal, coconut flour, kumara powder and pumpkin flour which, as well as providing great taste and texture, also add amazing health benefits. In the super seeded bread, all seeds are activated prior to baking which makes them more bioavailable to the human body.

Q: Who is theconsumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Anyone who is health conscious and wants a great tasting gluten free bread. The Venerdi Paleo

range appeals to everyone from mothers looking for healthy kids lunch box options, to busy corporates and cross fitters.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Health and nutrition is the epicentre of everything Venerdi does. Each and every product is designed to deliver on taste, texture and most importantly; make you feel great. The paleo movement has been gaining traction and awareness with celebrities such as Pete Evans advocating a paleo lifestyle. Venerdi offers a convenient way to consume nutrient dense gluten free products that many people are changing to. n

For more information contact Aaron McKenzie at aaron@venerdi.co.nz or on +64 021 988 883

It all began when Heather and Robin tasted tamarillo relish on a panini at the Kings Café in Silverdale. That prompted them to plant tamarillo trees on their 10 acre lifestyle block in Whangarei to make tamarillo relish, jams, jellies, sauces, and vinaigrette dressing.

Venerdi’s approach is based on the simple family-proven belief that by using nourishing whole foods and ingredients consumers will receive healthy and thriving outcomes. Venerdi have learnt and felt the benefits of a nutrient rich diet and are now delivering delicious, nourishing foods.

YEARS OF PERFECTION

Q: What is the brand story?

A: The story starts 12 years ago when Nourish began making jerky – developing different styles, textures, sizes and flavours to meet the demands of customers all around the world. As time went on and rhe jerky business continued to grow, bag after bag was consumed by the team to ensure quality, consistency and perfection in every batch. Nourish became the jerky experts and decided to begin working on the perfect jerky for New Zealand taste buds – one that is moderately soft to the bite, full of flavour that is punchy but subtle, and made from New Zealand’s own free-range, grass-fed beef.

So, development began in the Nourish kitchen. The company developed recipes that the team trialled, tasted and improved. They knew they’d secured the ideal recipe that New Zealanders would love when the Nourish team developed a weekly ritual “Jerky Friday” to take bags of jerky back to satisfy the three o’clock cravings and to give them the boost they needed to get through until the weekend.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Therange consists of three flavours of beef jerky – Manuka Smoked, Teriyaki and Sweet & Spicy Chilli. The packaging stands apart from other meat snacks on the market with its fresh, premium and boutique design.”

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The range is naturally preserved, free from added MSG and artificial flavours and made right here in New Zealand.

Q: Who is your consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Males, traditional consumer of jerky, 1860 years old, wanting to be more conscious of health and also males aged 18-35 years old, conscious of health, interested in being active, health and fitness. They are mid socio-economic, pride in taking care of self, interested in jerky as a healthier snack to traditional snack foods (chocolate, chips etc.). The consumers also include the household shopper – snack for children’s lunch boxes, entertaining guests, snack platters. Active consumers aged 18-35 are also a consumer, for occasions when a protein snack is desired.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Nourish’ s experience with jerky manufacturing and close customer relationships means our jerky has been developed in line with three key market trends. One is food awareness: consumers are more conscious about what they eat, where it

comes from and how it is made. They want locally sourced products that are safe to eat. Another trend is taste, which is so important in ensuring a repeat purchase. Nourish flavours have been formulated to be punchy and authentic. As well as taste, the texture is equally important - Nourish has found a moderately soft jerky is more popular than a traditional hard jerky. n

For more information please contact national sales manager Steve Dickie at steve.dickie@anzcofoods.com or call +64 027 839 3946

QUALITY & FLAVOUR

Founded in Christchurch seven years ago, Bennetto Natural Foods Co. makes organic, fairtrade, gluten free, dairy free and handmade drinking chocolate bars and drinking chocolate powders. The team spoke to Lucy Bennetto to learn more about her business.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Bennetto is a natural foods company founded in 2010. From November 2017, it will introduce a new organic and Fairtrade eating chocolate range produced in collaboration with partners in Switzerland. Bennetto loves all things natural so it only use Organic Fairtrade Peruvian cocoa and clean whole ingredients. It ultimately aim for all customers to taste the passion, quality and flavour in everything it produces.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: For export, there is an Organic Fairtrade Chocolate Range in four flavours; Intense Dark 75 percent cocoa, Orange Chilli, Mint and Cocoa Nibs, Toasted Hazelnut.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Ingredients are ethically sourced form known suppliers and cooperatives, Certified Organic, Fairtrade and with clean ingredients.

Q: Who is your consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The consumer appreciates good quality food and is aware of the buying options they have, often reading labels and asking questions.

Q: What consumer trend does your product support?

A: There is a growing trend for organic and vegan products. n

For more information please contact Lucy Bennetto at lucy@bennetto.co.nz or call +64 03 386 3528

Made in the heart of Taranaki, Nourish Beef Jerky has been developed and crafted by a team of experts. Made from New Zealand free-range, grass-fed beef, seasoned with the finest selection of herbs and spices and marinated to lock in the flavour before being naturally preserved, cooked and packed into bags.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: RJ’s was established in 1995 by Roger Halliwell. Roger ran this business with his son Regan for 20 years, before selling the business to Tony Quinn. During this time RJ’s have been manufacturing world-leading licorice products out of their plant in Levin.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: RJ’s produce a wide range of confectionery products specializing in licorice, from the highest seller soft eating black licorice to traditional licorice all-sorts, soft eating raspberry licorice, chocolate covered licorice balls, and choc centered licorice. The quality of RJ’s products is extremely high and the company are very proud of this.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

WORLD-LEADING LICORICE

A: As a business RJ’s is continually innovating and seeking new ways to meet the needs of our consumer - both in NZ and abroad. RJ’s specialise in licorice products and have perfected the art of manufacturing a wide range of unique products. For example, RJ’s were the first manufacturers to put chocolate inside licorice. For some of its export customers, RJ’s now sells product in a stand-up pouch that evokes the tradition of licorice but also takes the brand into the modern world of retailing. RJ’s has been working extremely hard on differentiating the company through on-pack claims which include; free from artificial colours and flavours, nut free, suitable for vegetarians, no high fructose corn syrup, kosher and, most importantly, Project Non-GMO certification.

Q: Who is the consumer and what

product bring them?

A: Interestingly, licorice, whether it be black, red or flavoured, is consumed by a very broad consumer. There is something for everyone in the RJ’s range, even those that say they don’t like licorice.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: In early 2016 the brand started a project to better understand both its consumer as well as the competition in the countries it exports to. It became clear that RJ’s needed to premiumise and modernise the offer to differentiate RJ’s Licorice from its competition. The goal was to maintain its position of having the world’s best tasting licorice but to also incorporate more of brand New Zealand and what it stood for – RJ’s needed to be the global leader in providing customers with a “better for you” confectionery snack.

For more information please contact Jason Clements (Export Sales Manager) at jason@rjlicorice.co.nz or Amy Law (NZ Sales Manager) at amy@rjlicorice.co.nz or call +64 06 366 0270

MAKING REAL CIDER

and exported across the globe.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

Zeffer’s journey began in 2009 when founder Sam decided to make the switch from winemaking to making cider. Sam believes in making real cider from real New Zealand fruit with patience, craft, and quality.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Zeffer Cider Co is proud to be New Zealand’s leading cider brand and largest independent, dedicated cider producer. Zeffer was started in 2009 by cider-lovers Sam and Hannah who scoured New Zealand orchards to find specific apple varieties to make world class cider using the best ingredients. This was sold in small batches at a Farmers’ Market to rave reviews – and a small team dedicated to making the world’s best cider. Today Zeffer produces more than 500,000 litres annually from its new cidery in sunny Hawke’s Bay and its cider is sold throughout New Zealand

A: Zeffer has six premium ciders available in 330ml and 500ml bottles. The highly awarded range includes Crisp Apple, Red apple, Apple Crumble Cider, Hopped Cider, GingerBeer and a low alcohol Two Point Five Cider.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Zeffer creates a range of new age ciders using freshly crushed New Zealand fruit. This year Zeffer was named the World’s Best Cider Maker by winning the Champion Cider Trophy at the International Cider Awards in London. The brands has built a reputation for making some of the most innovative and high-quality ciders in the world.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The consumer is anyone seeking a premium alternative to beer and wine. Zeffer benefits the consumer by offering a premium, trendy alternative beverage option at a competitive price point. It also uses freshly crushed fruit (not from

concentrate) and we doesn’t use cane sugar, meaning the cider has a significantly lower sugar content than many competing cider brands.”

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: It is a premium offering in one of the fastest growing liquor segments in the world. As the cider category matures the premium end of the market is growing rapidly and consumers are seeking out premium cider offerings. Zeffer is a market leader in this space and allows consumers to trade up to a higher quality cider. n

For more information contact Josh Townsend at josh@zeffer.co.nz or on +64 021 2232 800

RJ’s Licorice is a New Zealand business started by the Halliwell family. One bite of the soft, black and delicious treat, and Roger was hooked. Such is the magic of great licorice, that one splendid mouthful became a passion to spread licorice joy to the world.

VITALITY & VITAMINS

Q: What is the brand story?

A: ViBERi Blackcurrants are grown in Pleasant Point in the South Canterbury region at the foot of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Various studies suggest that blackcurrants contain high levels of Vitamin C and antioxidants, found to assist with optimum health. Growing certified organic gives consumers peace of mind and infuses the blackcurrants with a richer taste.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand

out in the market?

A: ViBERi produce the only certified organic blackcurrant products in New Zealand. It produces blackcurrant powder in a range of sizes, freeze-dried blackcurrants, soft-dried blackcurrants, frozen blackcurrants, blackcurrant pureé and blackcurrant juice concentrate. We also has a range of chocolates, including soft dried blackcurrants hand rolled in 58 percent organic Belgian dark chocolate and freeze-dried blackcurrants hand rolled in organic Belgian white chocolate and blushed with ViBERi blackcurrant powder.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: As well as having the only certified organic blackcurrant products available to market, the freezedried blackcurrants and

organic chocolate rolled blackcurrant varieties are the only product of their kind currently in market. The goal is to allow consumers to be able to use blackcurrants every day in any way within their diet, as a snack, a health supplement as well as home cooking and high-end cuisine.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The consumers aim to lead a health-conscious lifestyle. They are conscious of the product being grown in New Zealand, certified organic and see that the blackcurrants are making a difference to their health. ViBERi also sells its organic blackcurrant product as ingredients for further food manufacture. This powder is used in drinks, yoghurts and berries in mueslis and snack bars.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Plant based diet, healthy, organic and natural superfood that is environmentally friendly. n

For more information please contact katie@viberi.co.nz or afsaneh@viberi.co.nz, or call +64 03 614 8998

COMPLETELY NATURAL POPS

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Two and a half years ago Craig Jackson, an advertising film maker with 25 years’ experience, decided it was time to put his money where his mouth was, so he came up with Dr Feelgood Handmade Pops. The story has grown from there, gaining support and ambassadors throughout New Zealand.

Q: What is the current product range and

variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Dr Feelgood has a range of six creamy pops (Chocoholic, Chocolate & Raspberry Topper, White Chocolate and Passionfruit Topper and Banoffee Pie) using Lewis Road organic milk and two ice pops (Cosmic Cola and Pink Lemonade), which are vegan.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The packaging is compostable and uses nontoxic inks. All pops are gluten free, refined sugar free, with no preservatives, E numbers or colourings. The brand’s unique manufacturing methods produce a creamy pop with

a denser and more decadent pop than the competition.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The demographic is a big one, ages 2 to 102, male, female all socio-economic groups and a very strong following in the 18-54-year-old women demographic. Dr Feelgood pops appeal to those who wish to indulge themselves or treat others with products which are better for them.

Q: What consumer trend does your product support?

A: Gluten free, no refined sugars, natural, organic, no E number or colouring. Dr Feelgood is firmly in the ‘better for you’ category. n

For more information please contact jacks@drfeelgood.co.nz or call +64 021 727 460

It has long been known how many health benefits are packed inside a blackcurrant. Combine this with ideal growing conditions, 100 percent organic certification and a passionate team committed to bringing customers pure premium products, and they too will enjoy the vitality and vitamins of ViBERi.

All Dr Feelgood pops are completely natural, use no refined sugar whatsoever, and feature no weird stuff or hard to pronounce ingredients. Feelgood isn’t just a name, it is the aim of everything that they do.

RESTAURANT-QUALITY SOLUTIONS

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Angel Bay produces a range of New Zealand made, quality, homestyle products that give consumers the opportunity to serve restaurant quality food from the comfort of home. Angel Bay is about quality and convenience – the products are part cooked to seal in the flavour and to provide a solution that is convenient to cook, giving the same consistent quality every time that is delicious to eat. Angel Bay prides itself on the quality of its products, and it maintains the highest safety measures in order to achieve the best culinary results. As a range of export quality products, consumers can rest assured that on Angel Bay meal is full of flavour and prepared to the highest standard.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The range comprises a variation of flavours that provide versatility and selection, including

a selection of gourmet burger patties as well as mini sliders and meatballs. Customers love them because they’re part cooked, quick to prepare and overall, because they taste just like they’re homemade.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The products are famous for their gourmet quality and premium taste – Angel Bay has been selling them for over 20 years and the range continues to wow customers who can’t get enough of their succulent goodness.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Busy individuals who need meal solutions that are easy to prepare, delicious to eat and that they can be sure that the whole family will enjoy. The patties are part-cooked and frozen, so a necessity in every household freezer for when quick dinners are required.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: The need for affordable, versatile, delicious dinners that everyone will enjoy. A range that provides for different health requirements including gluten free and lite. n

For more information please contact national sales manager Steve Dickie at steve.dickie@anzcofoods.com or on +64 027 839 3946

HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE

Q: What is your brand story?

A: Family owned and operated, TotallyKiwi (TK) specialises in the production of NZ Grown Flax Seed Oil. The company’s mission is to deliver top quality, all-natural products that are traceable, healthy and made from sustainable sources.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The product is currently available as a pure unflavoured oil, or in four infusions: Chilli & Lime, Garlic, Mixed Herb or Citrus. All TK oils are gluten and GMO free and suitable for vegetarians and vegans. TK offers both an organic and non-organic range. The oils are cold pressed with no artificial flavours, additives, preservatives, chemicals or colours. All TK oils are fully traceable back to the farm and paddock in which the flax seed was originally grown in Canterbury.”

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: All TK oils are fully traceable, by way of a unique traceability code on the label, back to the paddock where the seed is grown. On the website consumers can view pictures of various stages of the growing process of the direct line of oil they are purchasing.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The TK consumer is generally one who understands the benefits of consuming a sustainable Omega 3 source, not just as a nutritional supplement used whenever the body needs, but as a functional healthy everyday food. The benefits in the body obtained from an intake in Omega 3 on a regular basis are noticeable for healthy skin, hair and nails, cardiovascular and joint health.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Gluten Free, Traceable, Natural, Superfoods, Non GMO. n

Angel Bay is made in Dunedin, New Zealand and is part of ANZCO Foods, one of New Zealand’s largest beef and lamb exporters. It sells its products around the world and is committed to providing its customers with superior products that enrich lives and bring satisfaction to the tables where they are served.

Omega 3 is vital for a myriad of functions in the body and can help to suppress inflammation in the body. The combined nutrients of flaxseed oil can help to lower the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, fight immune disorders, promote healthy skin, hair & nails and support joint health.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Heavensent Gourmet was founded in 1992 and specialises in premium, handmade dressings and sauces. It is respected by customers as a quality brand with products that stand out from the mainstream.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and

SMALL GOURMET BATCHES

Heavensent Gourmet Limited was established in 1992 to produce New Zealand’s finest hand-crafted condiments. Heavensent dressings are handmade in small batches using the finest of local and imported ingredients including New Zealand honey and Mediterranean extra virgin olive oil.

A: Heavensent carries almost 100 products covering a range of meal opportunities. They stand out for their beautiful presentation, flavour and ingredients. Heavensent is a “fine wine” among dressings. It also carries another brand “More-or-Less” which is a low calorie, low carb range of dressings and sauces.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The quality product and presentation and the low-carb option.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The consumer is typically a “foodie” and she is normally seeking something different, exotic and glamorous to add to the table. She is also seeking quality ingredients and avoids artificial and overly sweetened.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Natural, handmade quality and in some cases, healthier. n

BETTER THAN BACON?

has not translated into common New Zealand practice. Speck can be served ‘as is’ and can also be cooked just like bacon, but with the advantage of less water and no additional nitrates.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: A dry-cured manuka hot-smoked pork belly Speck (pronounced “Schpeck”) and manuka hot-smoked pork loin “Kassler” which is a perfect paleo snack food as well as fine food for meals and food platters. The product is gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, and nitrate free – treated only with salt and spices and then hot-smoked.

mouth driven consumer enquiry, and growing Farmers’ Market outlet demand for Edelweiss Speck shows that there is an awakening customer market in New Zealand for this product. Edelweiss Express Speck is also attracting a high-repeat customer base amongst European and Asian immigrants to the region – customers more familiar with meat product cured in this fashion, who rate Edelweiss Express Speck as excellent also.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

Q: What is your brand story?

A: Taking over the Stony River B & B in Okato, Taranaki in 2013, Staudinger realised that there was a lack of good quality cured pork product for meals at Stony River. He noted that most New Zealand bacon and other pork products are usually preserved using less healthy meat preservation methods, resulting in product which is often watery, chewy and filled with nitrates, which research is telling us are carcinogenic, especially when overcooked. The difference between bacon and Speck is that Speck can be eaten straight away, as it is hot-smoked (over 100 degrees Celsius).

This European way of eating delicious ‘pure pork’

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The lack of similar product sold in New Zealand was quickly apparent, based on what Staudinger was seeing in the market place. Further internet research and enquiry confirmed that this was certainly unique in Taranaki, but also very rare in New Zealand. This despite long traditions of similar products in Europe and increasing awareness in USA and other markets overseas of the taste and health values of similar products.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Customer response, followed by word-of-

A: The product is ideal for marketing to customers who seek gluten-free, sugar-free and dairy-free snack foods as well as high fat foods and low nitrate preserved meats. n

Heimo Staudinger emigrated to NZ from Austria eight years ago, bringing with him over 30 years’ experience in whole animal cooking and preserving.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: The name ‘Top Notch’ expresses the company’s belief in quality and value. All products are made from the finest quality New Zealand beef, chicken and lamb which is sourced from New Zealand farms where stock is raised in the traditional New Zealand way – grass fed and paddock reared. Top Notch New Zealand meat products are provided to both the tables of New Zealanders and the world.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

GRASS FED, PADDOCK REARED

A: The Pure Decadence range consists of Top Notch Gourmet Burgers – Chicken, Top Notch Gourmet Burgers – Angus, Top Notch Gourmet Meatballs, Top Notch Gourmet Chicken Meatballs.

The Traditional Range consists of meat patties: BB Griller 10’s, BB Griller 6’s, BBQ Meat Patties 20 x 8 trays, BBQ Meat Patties 50 x 4 trays, Corbies 20pc x 12 units; Chicken Patties: BB Grilller Chicken 6’s, BBQ Chicken Patties 48 x 4 trays, BBQ Chicken Patties 20 x 8 trays; Crumbed: Corbies Chicken Burgers, Top Notch Chicken Burgers, Chicken Nuggets, Meatballs, Top Notch Beef Schnitzel and Top Notch Chicken Schnitzel.

Extreme care is taken when creating the core range of quality frozen New Zealand beef, lamb and chicken products to make tasty and convenient meal solutions, which are quick to serve.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The Top Notch Pure Decadence Range is a

truly decadent combination made from quality New Zealand chicken, beef and angus beef. Packaged for convenience it comes quick to cook – less than five minutes from frozen and is free from egg, dairy, nuts and gluten.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The diverse range of products fits across a multitude of shoppers needs from Convenience to Specialty. There is a product to fit each buying segment from the family shopper to the single independent and dual income to the empty nesters.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: The Top Notch Pure Decadence Range supports the trend for allergen friendly, healthier options and the need for speed and convenience in meal solutions for hectic lives. n

REAL. FRUIT. SIMPLE.

Juicies have been a staple in New Zealand schools since 1990. They were originally developed as a lunchbox drink, however schoolchildren had other ideas and started the trend of eating them frozen. Today Tasman Bay Food Group makes a range of Juicies products sold in 12 different countries, from Original Juicies to Juicies Tubes and now Coconut Juicies.

things in life that are best.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: There are currently three variants under the Coconut Juicies brand; Pineapple, Mango and Strawberry. They’re different because they’re a healthy alternative to a frozen treat. The coconut gives them a soft, sorbet-like texture but they are dairy free with no added sugar. 100 percent natural!

comes from the easy to use pop-up tube.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: These can be enjoyed by people of all ages, anyone that wants a healthy way to cool off in the summer! The benefit is that consumers can have their frozen treat without worrying about the calories and added sugar.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

Q: What is the brand story?

A: It’s easy to understand why Coconut Juicies are the healthier frozen treat to enjoy. It’s simple. They take sunny Nelson apples, add simple fruit juices, a dash of delicious, creamy coconut and say no to the rest. No added sugar. No water filler. No fancy packaging. Everyone knows it’s the simple

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The uniqueness comes from the fact that these are all natural. It’s the only product in the world like it with a creamy texture made from fresh pressed apples and no added sugar. A healthier treat in a category full of sugar! The innovation

A: Healthy eating, dairy free, no added sugar, 100 percent natural product. n

For more information please contact Katrina Beneke, sales manager, at katrina@tasmanbay.co.nz or call +64 03 543 5340

Franklin Foods is a proud New Zealand family owned and operated business; it has been bringing Top Notch NZ meat products to the tables of New Zealanders for over 25 years.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: As a mother and grand-mother Juanita Clearwater had been baking for her family for four decades, however as a busy businesswoman she found she had less and less time to spend in the kitchen. So, she started looking at ways to speed up her baking process, which meant sometimes she would forgo icing the cakes, slices, cupcakes or muffins. She then began looking for a quick alternative product at the supermarkets. She was

TASTE IS PARAMOUNT

looking for a quick and easy natural chocolate icing that could be spread on her baking, but then would set firm and dry and didn’t mess up the lunch boxes, cake tins or her floor. After sourcing the very best natural products from New Zealand, experimenting with the volumes, consistency and taste she developed the perfect setting icing - every time.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The range currently includes baking mixes, and with absolutely no additives. They include mousse mixes (chocolate and white chocolate), cake mixes (chocolate cake and white chocolate cake), icing mixes (Raspberry, Banana, Chocolate Vanilla, Chocolate Strawberry, Mix Chocolate Peppermint, and Chocolate Orange).

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Delicious tasting honest baking mix products with absolutely no additives, made in New Zealand with recipes from a real Granny. They are quick and easy, convenient to make with a long shelf life. All products are humidity tested to 40°. All icing and mousse variants are gluten-free, the cake mix has the flour in a separate bag to enable gluten-free use and the chocolate cake, mousse and icings can also be dairy free. Icing is made up back

in the pottle for easy use and storage and can be also easily made into truffles with the addition of half a packet of crushed biscuits.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: They are bringing back baking to young and old bakers. The mixes are quick and easy for all ages with a dairy intolerant use option and potential gluten free use.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Consumers are adopting a back-to-basics mind-set, focusing on simple ingredients and fewer processed foods. Helping consumers eat more healthfully may also drive healthier bottom lines for manufacturers and retailers. Two-thirds of global respondents (68 percent) strongly or somewhat agree they’re willing to pay more for foods and drinks that don’t contain undesirable ingredients. An analysis of U.S. retail sales data supports this notion: While total fmcg sales volume has been flat over the past four years, sales of products with health and wellness claims are outpacing total category growth by a significant margin in many categories. n

For more information please contact juanita@grannydelicious.com or call +64 027 776 6556

AS KIWI AS CAN BE

What could be more New Zealand than the ‘kiwi’ - the people, the bird and the kiwifruit.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Kiwi Bites capture a bite of New Zealand fruit – it could be the kiwifruit, feijoa, tamarillo or persimmon. At the moment it is gold kiwifruit – export-ready quality and high-volume production.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The current Kiwi Bites range includes one dried kiwifruit (10g) and five dried kiwifruit (50g). Trials continue on other fruits local to the Bay of Islands. Kiwi Bites’ golden colour (100 percent natural) and artisan look stand out in keeping with all components being natural and compostable.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The contain no added sugar, colour or preservatives. The bites spend 15 hours drying to

retain enzymes and all nutrients and the skin is retained as an excellent source of dietary fibre.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Kiwi Bites’ consumer group includes all ages - the primary buyer based on research is women. Kiwi Bites offer the benefit of an easy, ready-toeat, nutritious and delicious snack food. Kiwi Bites are an on-the- move sustaining, compact and convenient snack for school lunches, the office, travelling and all outdoor activities.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Demand for 100 percent pure and natural foods, produced with care for the environment, and responsible, recyclable packaging. n

For more information please contact sales@kiwibites.co.nz or call +64 027 334 0975

Having baked for her family now for 40 years, Juanita Clearwater finds essential that ingredients are kept simple and that taste is paramount.

GUILT-FREE INDULGENCE

Q: What is the brand story?

A: At Justine’s, the aim is to treat the world to baked goods that are beneficial for everyone. Whether consumers have dietary restrictions or are just health-conscious and hungry, then Justine’s has a cookie or brownie for them. The products are ultra-low carb, high in protein, calcium and fibre, and wheat, gluten, and sugar free.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: There are four variants of Justine’s protein cookies; Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Fudge, Peanut Butter and Raspberry White Chocolate. Justine’s also has one variant of high protein brownie – the double chocolate dream brownie. Besides being ultra-low carb, high in protein, calcium and fibre, the cookies are gluten free as well. The products have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that the end result is healthy and safe for consumption. Justine’s takes pride in manufacturing a product that is high in protein, delicious, has a 4-5 Star Health rating, and is Coeliac Australia and New

Zealand approved. All products are created in a certified HAACP facility, a qualification that ensures a healthy product centered around a systematic preventive approach to food safety from biological, chemical, and physical hazards.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: CEO Justine Muollo is a unique cookie and her passion and motivation in producing innovative products has led her to win the prize of Best Global Grocery Product at the Sial D’Or, in Paris 2002. She obtained this through her creation of the Biscotti Spoon. Her drive in this field spills over into Justine’s Cookies, being intolerant to dairy and gluten herself, she saw a gap in the market for a diabetes-friendly cookie that can be enjoyed by those with dietary restrictions.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: People who have dietary restrictions love Justine’s cookies. Coeliacs, diabetics all enjoy them. Anyone who is looking for a healthier alternative, whilst not compromising on indulgence prefers these cookies.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Gluten free, low sugar, high protein and even keto. n

For more information please contact support@justinescookies.com or call +64 04 801 7318

DRY AND REFRESHING

was made from. They experimented for seven years before releasing their first cider (the 2015 Vintage) on the market.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Only one cider. The current release is the 2016 vintage. The packaging makes it stand out in the market place and of course the taste as it is a dry cider which is a rare thing in the current market.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

the product bring them?

A: Anyone looking for a dry and refreshing beverage. Sophisticated drinkers – wine drinkers, or those wanting to pair wine with food –Abel cider pairs amazingly with oysters and other fresh seafood, and pork, charcuterie, cheese etc. It’s lower in alcohol than wine, and is also gluten free.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Mark and Sophie McGill developed an interest in cider when they lived in Melbourne but they struggled to find anything on the market that they actually enjoyed drinking so they decided to start making their own. Both from winemaking backgrounds and used this experience to make a cider from fresh apples and pears that was to their tastes – dry and refreshing but also that tasted like the fruit it

A: It is made once per year (like wine) from freshly harvested and hand sorted apples and pears. The McGill’s ferment the natural sugars (glucose and fructose) completely to get a dry cider and then they bottle ferment (like champagne) to create the bubbles. This produces a very fine beverage much like champagne, but instead of being from grapes it is from apples and pears.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does

A: The increase in cider consumption across all segments over the last decade, as well as gluten free and low sugar. n

For more information please contact Mark and Sophie McGill at info@abelcider.com or call +64 027 446 8671

Justine’s Limited is a wholesale health food manufacturing company that prides itself on creating protein-rich products, with a strong emphasis on guiltfree indulgence. The company was established in 2005, and since then has seen a boom in its product range with over 1500 stockists, worldwide.

Abel Cider is a dry, bottle fermented, boutique cider from the NelsonTasman region at the top of the South Island of New Zealand.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: The story begins in the unspoilt environment of the Solomon Islands in 2006 when C-Corp Ltd established its cocoa business on the island of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. By 2014, C-Corp had become a totally integrated cocoa producer, processor and exporter working directly with a network of cacao growers who sustainably produce premium quality, naturally organic cocoa beans. In March 2013 C-Corp N.Z Ltd built a custom-made chocolate factory in Mount Maunganui through which we oversee the entire supply chain of production –from grading and selecting the cacao beans in the Solomon Islands to roasting and crafting the artisan Solomons Gold chocolate bars and cacao nibs in a bespoke M.P.I certified factory.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The current product range is six 55g Solomons Gold 70 percent cacao, dairy, nut, gluten, soy and cane sugar free bars – Smooth Dark (winner of a silver medal at the London Academy of Chocolate 2017), Dark Mint, Dark Berry (winner of Bronze medal New Zealand Chocolate awards 2017), Dark caramel, Dark Nib (75 percent cacao) and Dark Orange (winner of Bronze medal New Zealand chocolate awards 2017). Solomon’s Gold also produces three sizes of cacao nibs and chocolate kibble (chips) – all gluten, nut, dairy, and soy free with an organic coconut sap and organic cane sugar. The factory is Kosher certified and free of nuts, dairy, soy and gluten – it’s what they don’t put in our chocolate that makes it special.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The chocolate is single origin and made from two ingredients – cacao and coconut sap sugar. The kibble can be made from organic cane sugar if requested.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The consumer is anyone who loves the real thing – the chocolate was tested by Massey University and the 100 percent cacao was found to have nine times more antioxidants than spinach. Solomon’s Gold chocolate is made from 70 percent of this cacao. This means that anyone who is gluten or dairy or nut intolerant can eat our chocolate.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: The chocolate is cane sugar free – we use coconut sap sugar which has a low GI. These days people want to know what they are eating and consumers can actually read the ingredients list on the back of the chocolate bars! The consumer trend is basically leaning towards making people aware that there is a healthy, tasty, chocolate that is actually good for you and ticks all the boxes. n

For more information please contact hello@solomonsgold.co.nz or call +64 07 574 3022

SUPPORT HEALTH & WELL BEING

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The product range includes cacao products such as butter and powder, blends like an Acai bowl premix, fruit and vege powders, coconut products such as flour, coconut cider vinegar and coconut sugar, as well as seed and grain mixes and powders.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: The trend towards healthfulness through the daily incorporation of organic and nutritious food into the diet. n

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Matakana SuperFoods was founded eight years ago by Dr Kevin Glucina (a world leader in superfood nutrition), and now has more than 70 lines of superfood products. As New Zealand’s original superfood company, Matakana SuperFoods was first to market with some of today’s favourite everyday products including, chia seeds, maqui, goji and acai berries, coconut sugar and fermented sauces, as well its iconic Supergreens and Supershake blends.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Matakana Superfoods strives to source and create products with truly unique nutritional profiles which can be easily utilised every day.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Consumers are health conscious men and women who are looking for ways to improve wellbeing through their diet.

For more information please contact Victoria on +64 021 0228 6717 or email tech@matakanasuperfoods.com

Tracing its history back to the Amazon, the Amelonado cacao flourishes in the perfect conditions of the exotic Solomon Islands. With its nutrient rich soil and tropical climate, the cacao growers also produce the versatile Trinitario variety, producing cacao with the lively flavour and distinctive aroma unlike anything else.

Matakana SuperFoods is a New Zealand-based, world leader in the research and marketing of new foods from New Zealand and around the globe – foods which contain unique qualities and super-nutrients that support health and wellbeing.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: With a background in sales marketing and an affinity for the natural heath food space, this business was a great fit. Something to Crow About prides itself in creating nutritious and delicious health foods. The products are handcrafted in small batches and packed on site. With healthy formulations, there’s 4.5 to 5 health stars across range. Simple, natural

HEALTHY FORMULATIONS

ingredients are used to create our range with many organic, preservative free and New Zealand grown ingredients.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The range is loaded with nourishing ingredients for a premium breakfast experience, featuring quality ingredients, gluten free and paleo blends, new probiotic mueslis, some organic ingredients, and at least 4 health stars. The muesli range includes Macadamia Otago Honey & Nuts, Almond Coconut & Orange Paleo Breakfast Cereal and Almond Maple & Cacao, among many others.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Innovation remains a key to growth. The new Probiotic Muesli Range, a New Zealand first, is an example of that. Gut health is a key trend. This led to a collaboration with US based company Ganeden Biotech, who supply cutting edge, allergen free, shelf stable probiotics. This range includes two preservative free cereals; a

MIXERS OF EQUAL STATURE

Q: What is the brand story?

A: The pursuit of perfection began by handsourcing ingredients from around the world. From working with seven equally unique varieties of high-altitude, Peruvian cinchona to discovering the finest fair-trade ginger from India, keeping it real with organic lemons and limes to creating a unique bitters with organic cinnamon, clove, cardamom and burnt organic peel. Over hundreds of after-hours and secret recipes, Waugh developed the knack for producing true ‘craft’ mixers, from a clandestine bar in his Brooklyn basement.

Bootleggers is a true celebration of produce, provenance and peopleabove the rest in quality, taste and usability with the best in premium spirits. Once the recipes were perfected he began smuggling the creations into

local bars and parties, the “real” research and development.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The Gin Drinker’s Collection by Bootleggers is the ultimate collection of tonic waters, is carefully crafted to enhance even the most sophisticated gins. Bootleggers encourages all gin drinkers to step outside the norm of traditional tonics and let the chosen gin be mixed with the chosen tonic water.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Bootleggers has a unique range of premium and bespoke tonic waters specially formulated to accompany premium gins.

Q: Who is theconsumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: 25–45-year-old,

traditional muesli blend and a paleo blend. The most recent product launch features new roasted seed toppers in easy open packs and on trend flavours, Mexican and Tamari.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The focus on convenience foods that support health and wellness is here to stay. It’s not just about allergies, it’s about nutrition and the functional health benefits of the food. The main consumers are women aged 25 – 65 years who are focussed on health and wellness.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Functional health foods, convenience health foods, low sugar or refined sugar free, and selected products are gluten free, grain free, promote gut health, and are vegan and preservative free. n

gin drinkers, discerning consumers looking for experience, enjoyment and a product that represents them as an individual. Bootleggers’ products give consumers the ability to mix and mingle, to try and experiment to push the boundaries of traditional consumerism and share this experience.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Gin, gin and more gin, the global increasing demand for gin. The hundreds of craft distilleries around the world setting up shop to make gin. For hundreds of years gin and tonic has been consumed the world over and now with all the new gins consumers and bartenders alike are looking for new and interesting tonic to mix with. n

For more information please contact info@bootleggers.nz or call +64 021 507 230

Something to Crow About started out as a small artisan business, selling roasted seed blends at the Dunedin Markets. In 2014, current owners Mike and Christine Millar purchased the fledgling Dunedin business.

In 2011, James Waugh, local bartender of Wellington’s iconic Matterhorn, believed premium spirits deserved premium mixers.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Many toothpastes contained unnecessary chemicals and unable to find an effective, alternative that ticked all the boxes Grin worked with a New Zealand laboratory to produce a toothpaste that is 100 per cent natural and effective.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The original formulation toothpaste, Cool Mint, delivers a thorough, fresh clean. Key active ingredients, Manuka Oil, Propolis and Sea Salt offer natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to keep bacteria in check, while natural spearmint, peppermint and fennel extracts

PLENTY TO SMILE ABOUT

leave the mouth minty fresh. The Whitening toothpaste delivers a flash-those-pearly-whites clean. The three active ingredients, Baking Soda, Propolis and Organic Sea Salt work to restore the natural whiteness of teeth by gently removing stains whilst keeping bacteria in check. Grin 100 Percent Natural Kids toothpaste, in Strawberry and Orange, is a gentle effective gel specially formulated to give the kindest treatment to a child’s teeth. The Grin toothbrush handle is made from sustainable bamboo that is 100 percent biodegradable while the bristles have been infused with Binchotan charcoal. Charcoal binds to tannins, helping to restore the natural whiteness of teeth.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Grin is the first New Zealand owned company to provide a 100 percent natural alternative to commercial toothpastes using locally sourced ingredients. Developing a toothpaste that was both natural and effective was really important. For this reason, Grin carried out lab testing. The results

obtained from this study showed that Grin Cool Mint toothpaste has a strong ability to suppress the growth of aerobic bacteria when incubated at 37°C over a 48-hour period.

Q: Who is your consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Consumers have a strong interest in health and wellbeing and are passionate about natural alternatives, cruelty-free products and sustainable practices. The products offer an effective oral care solution that is free from harsh chemicals and animal cruelty. Grin also runs a recycling program to recycle Grin toothpaste tubes and toothbrush bristles where possible.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: The demand for effective, natural, cruelty-free products. n

2988

KIWI FOOD SUCCESS STORY

out in the market?

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Things took a pivotal turn in 2006 when the first Farro Fresh store was about to open in Auckland. The owners were looking for a top-end cereal so they approached pure delish. And that’s when the first muesli was born, still one of their most popular products today. Over the next ten years the range went from one cereal to several, plus snack bars, cookies, slabs and festive products. They also moved with market trends like Paleo, no refined sugar and gluten free and were the first to bring a grain free style cereal to the market.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand

A: pure delish offers ten super premium breakfast cereals, four bites/biscuits, four snack bars and four slabs. pure delish created the super-premium breakfast category and have spent years educating the consumer around the ‘value’ of their products. Consumers today are savvy around what foods they choose and are increasingly choosing quality products that have provenance, are ethical and offer them something different.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the products?

A: pure delish products are made completely by hand from only the best quality ingredients. Raspberry & Maple Nut Nograin-ola cereal is currently the number 1 selling ‘muesli’ in New Zealand by dollar value. The product range is diverse and innovative. At pure delish they start from scratch when developing a new recipe as this means no two products are the same.

Q: Who is your consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Our consumers care deeply about the foods

they eat, they read food ingredient and nutritional labels closely and most live an active, healthfocused lifestyle. They have a good level of disposable income and only want to purchase from companies that align with their beliefs. At pure delish the customer base has grown as more and more people from lower socio-economic groups become educated around what they eat. They are often willing to forgo a dinner out or daily coffee in order to purchase better quality products for them and their families.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: New trends in consumer behaviour and why they buy is constantly changing, especially in the health and well-being sector. It is important to know what is ‘on trend’ and how long it may last. Tomorrow will be something else, so as a business it is so important to be able to adapt quickly. n

For more information contact info@puredelish.co.nz or call +64 09 574 5701

Grin came about in 2013 following the growing demand for natural, chemical-free products. There were plenty of New Zealand made natural skin and beauty products in the market but not much choice in terms of toothpaste.

Being a keen baker, Karen Staples decided to make some extra cash. This seemed like the easiest way to generate income, six factories, 22 products, 30 staff and a thriving business later, pure delish is a Kiwi food success story.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Smoups was born when the creator decided to transition their family to a predominantly raw food diet. Having made this transition, they noted the lack of tasty snacks. They started with a home-made dehydrator (think cardboard box, tin-foil and bulb!) and made their first batch of

TASTY VEGAN SNACKS

dairy-free, gluten-free, raw cheese – macadamia and cashew cultured nut cheese. It took 32 hours but tasted amazing. This success led to the purchase of a dehydrator and the development of the now infamous and very popular Coconut Bacon. They now also have the very popular Pulled Pork-less.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The Coconut Bacon and Pulled Pork-less stand out because they are raw vegan organic and shelf ready. The Bacon is ready to eat from the bag and the pork is dried – just add water. They are great for camping, travelling or just a quick dinner.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The products are unique because Smoups use handpicked fresh coconuts from Samoa. The

company has them sent to New Zealand within 24 hours of being picked off the tree. Smoups uses coconuts, before they mature and fall to the ground. The company only employs women and mothers to help them back into work, and hand scoop the coconuts here in New Zealand.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The customer is vegan, vegetarian or looking to transition from a meat based diet, and Smoups products can help them make the move.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Raw, vegan and concscious consumers. n

For

A QUALITY KIWI PIE

leader.

Q: What is the current product range and what makes them stand out in the market?

A: Alongside their authentic story, and product consistency, standing out also comes from within the pie. Eddie loves the freshness and quality of New Zealand and its produce, therefore he has only dealt with the best New Zealand meat suppliers and honoured the relationship through the hard times, no matter what.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Eddie and Erika Grooten purchased a small beach side shop selling ice creams and pies to summer beach goers. Eddie quickly realised that there was a high demand for a quality New Zealand pie. Over the coming years of tough times, through the different stages of growth, and the untimely downturn in the economy it was his ambition, drive and focus on keeping the high standard that got the business where it is today. As the next generation of Grootens become involved they are bringing a new wave of energy and passion that will drive Dad’s Pies to become a highly recognised food manufacturer and a market

The range includes 110g Juniors, the staple Sausage Roll range, 900g Family pies and their most popular 200g pies. With over 20 flavours on the market and 200 recipes on the books, they stand out through flavour innovation and pure quality.

Q: What is innovative and unique about the product?

A: Their effective execution in quality comes from having a full-time chef, product developer and butcher on site, constantly improving the high standards. Having a high standard of processes enables them to turn over new products efficiently and provide the market with trending new flavours. Dad’s Pies contain no added preservatives and have a shelf life of up to

18 months, when frozen.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does your product bring them?

A: From the on-the-go tradie, to the hard-working soccer mum wanting to provide wholesome options for the family, Dad’s Pies brings convenience and quality to the table. Providing no artificial flavours, no MSG, fresh New Zealand grown vegetables, grass fed New Zealand beef and lamb and fully trimmed New Zealand chicken, allows Dad’s Pies to offer a product that everyone can trust and enjoy more of.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: With quality, natural ingredients, vegetarian, convenience and health being constant trending topics, Dad’s Pies have always been ahead of trends and making sure their recipes and processes are constantly improved. n For more information please contact Tom Grooten at tom@dadspies.co.nz or on +64 022 429 2809

The driving force behind Smoups was when the creator’s 10-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Coeliac disease and lactose intolerance. The whole family had bad eating habits, so it prompted a family change, and developed into a business.

It was 1981 and everyone was wearing Stubbies when Dad’s Pies began in a pint-sized pie shop at Red Beach. The task at hand was feeding peckish beach goers on pies and ice creams.

Q: What is your brand story?

A: Hawkes Bay Independent Brewery opened a small brewery in Onekawa in 1995 and in 2007 the brewery moved to Meanee, Napier, to

STRONG AND PUNCHY

co-habit with an existing cider making operation. They also added a purpose-built tasting room alongside, in amongst the orchard trees, with a sunny café and 18 brewery/cidery products on tap. Hawkes Bay Brewing Company, as it is now known, is still independently owned and dedicated to producing natural, high quality craft beers, ciders, ginger beers and sangria in a semirural apple and pear orchard.”

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Although HBBC produces a range of 13 bottled products and 10 tap products, the spotlight is on the four products which were awarded third place in the Artisan section of the 2017 New Zealand Food Awards: Red Sangria (6 percent ABV), Ginger Fusion (4 percent ABV, ginger beer with a mandarin infusion), Old Fashioned Ginger Beer (non-alc) and Spiced Ginger Beer (non-alc, with a little heat generated by ginger, lemon, cinnamon and hint of chilli.)

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The flavours are strong and punchy.

HBBC has settled on what it would call retroproducts – a launch of long-standing flavour styles but with a premium uplift and in a unique bottle.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Those who prefer HBBC ginger beers and sangria are looking for something different, that has real flavour, looks good in the bottle and is a step up from the average fare. In this non-beer, non-cider range, we have two non-alcoholic ginger beers which both have a deep resounding finish, an alcoholic ginger beer which is popular wherever it is sold and the newer Red Sangria (made using only the best Hawkes Bay wine), which looks and tastes great served with a handful of ice, some sliced summer fruits and lemon.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Those looking for something other than beer, cider and wine, this range is a perfect alternative. Classy and delicious. n

For more information please contact sales@hbbc.co.nz or call +64 06 844 9259

SERIOUSLY GOOD NOSH

Q: What is the brand story?

A: ROAR’s range of organic, raw, artisan food is now sold in more than 75 organic stores, health food shops and gourmet supermarkets throughout New Zealand, with 60 products and counting ranging from Activated Almonds to Coconut Cream. The fact that its products are gluten free, vegan, certified organic and free of any unnatural additives or preservatives makes them great for people with niche dietary requirements. But the focus is on more than just raw or ‘free-from’ food.

ROAR sources and sells only premium ingredients which are packed full of flavour and the best tasting version of that product it can find. ROAR’s commitment to using organic, healthy, raw, vegan, gluten free and nutrient dense ingredients all adds up to some seriously good nosh.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: ROAR’s range of products is BioGro Certified Organic and includes activated nuts and seeds, ancient superfoods, cacao powder and nibs and coconut products such as coconut milk, cream, oil and butter. The nuts and seeds are soaked and sprouted (activated) to enhance nutrition and flavour before being dehydrated until they are as light and crunchy as a roasted nut. The activated nuts are dehydrated at low temperatures to maintain all of their nutrients and enzyme activity. This also helps keep the healthy poly-unsaturated oils within the nut intact

and healthy – unlike a roasted nut.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: ROAR Food supplies the largest range of activated nuts and seeds in New Zealand.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: ROAR’s consumer base is mainly comprised of conscious consumers, people with niche dietary requirements and women aged 20-50 who are interested in healthy, organic wholefoods for the benefit of optimal health.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: ROAR products meet demand for the evergrowing organic, vegan, conscious consumer, health and lifestyle and gluten free eating movements. n

For more information please contact hello@roarfood.co.nz or call +64 027 765 5441

The mission of the Hawkes Bay Brewing Company is to capture the purity and essence of Hawkes Bay and lovingly distil it into every glass of their natural craft beer and cider.

ROAR Food was founded in 2013 by Gabriel Power, a food aficionado with a degree in science and over 16 years’ experience working in organics in both New Zealand and Australia.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Customers want the best for their own body and their families, but they don’t really want to give up on all the delicious foods that make life fun. Hunter Gatherer have four amazing flavours of baking mixes that are extremely versatile, easy to use and taste delicious. Consumers will be able to whip some family favourites like carrot cake, brownies, pancakes and even ginger crunch, saving time, mess and guilt. The mixes have been extensively tested on a variety of children and husbands before going to market.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand

GUILT-FREE FAMILY FAVOURITES

out in the market?

A: Hunter Gatherer offers the only selection of gluten, grain and dairy free, and vegan baking and pancake mixes in New Zealand. Almond flour being the main ingredient, with no additives, the products are paleo and vegan and delicious. Hunter Gatherer offers three baking mixes (chocolate, vanilla and ginger), one nut free baking mix (chocolate, made with sunflower seed instead of almond), one pancake and crêpe mix and a ginger crunch slice mix.”

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Made without gluten, grain and dairy, they taste like ‘normal cakes’ and each pack can be made into a cake, muffins, cookies or a slice, as well as an extensive library of more involved recipes such as carrot cake or Christmas cake on the website. The versatility of the product is vast, allowing the customer freedom to decide later at home what they want to bake, and the retailer more shelf space. They also boast lower sugar content and they are additive free.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Predominantly women between 25-55. The women in this group with children are focused on nourishing their families but also saving themselves time, enjoying the ease of use of the product and knowing that the end result will always work out perfectly. Saving time, no ability required, lower sugar content and great taste are big factors for customers. Women with no children purchase for similar reasons but more due to the nutritious angle – lower carbs and sugars are more important than the time and ability factor.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Paleo, low carb, nutrient dense, allergy friendly, nutritious, preservative free, home baking, and, of course, heathy kids. n

For more information please contact info@huntergatherergourmet.co.nz or call +64 027 428 1922

QUALITY ARTISAN BREADS

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Today Loaf still handcrafts thousands of loaves of bread every day for New Zealand’s foodservice industry but also provides cakes, slices, mini bites, bliss bites and more to fine food and supermarket retailers both in New Zealand and overseas.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Loaf has a number of different ranges, the most popular being the range of mini bites. Loaf took its classic range of handcrafted slices and re-formatted them into bite size packs. The company continues to innovate the range and has recently launched a three piece pack with classic rocky road as well as two new creations - Apricot & Blueberry bites and Caramel, Popcorn Pretzel bites released to BP.

Q: What is innovative or unique about your product?

Handcrafted by Loaf was founded by Sean Armstrong in 2004. Sean was a renowned chef with experience in London and Auckland and after starting his own restaurant he found there was room for a new bakery, one whose mantras were product quality and great customer service. So, he founded Loaf and set about creating high quality artisan breads and cakes.

A: The mini bites are handcrafted from high quality premium ingredients that provide homemade goodness without any of the hassle. Unlike multi-national confectionery companies whose products are mass produced, full of preservatives and found in every corner dairy.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Loaf’s new three pack mini bites are for people on the run who want a treat without the guilt. Loaf provides a handcrafted mini bite with maxi flavour that provides the perfect little pick-me-up.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Consumers are looking for products that are higher quality and more artisan. Consumers are seeking comfort from modernised updates of ageold formulations, flavours and formats. n

For more information please call +64 09 527 4354

Hunter Gatherer makes ‘free from’ baking mixes which are gluten, grain and dairy free, appealing to the time-poor but health conscious consumer.

KEEN ON BIG FLAVOUR

Q: What is the brand story?

A: The range of gourmet seasonings was developed by former fine dining chef Dan Pearson, and his wife Jo, designer and illustrator. What started as a hobby in handmade DIY packaging and sold at local farmers markets, has transformed into a successful business with over 100 stockists around New Zealand, manufacturing capabilities and a small boutique retail outlet in Dunedin, New Zealand. The venison seasoning was recently a finalist in the ‘Gourmet’ category in the New Zealand Food Awards.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Currently there are six seasonings for meat, and three for fish. They are packaged in kraft paper, foil-lined sachets with a clean, vintage-inspired design. We also sell these in ‘Variety Pack’ boxes, ideal for the gift market. The products stand out because of their unique and eye-catching design and the quality and versatility of the recipes.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The seasonings were formulated using flavour combinations that are not wholly unfamiliar to customers, but with just enough tweaking to pique interest. They are designed to be versatile and simple to use, enhancing the most simple recipe and inspiring new creations. An eye for design is at the forefront and has given Wild Fennel Co. the edge over its competitors and reinvigorated the seasonings, herbs and spices section in stores.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The products were specifically designed and developed for the sophisticated, high-added-value segment of the market. However, they are also very affordable and are often used by customers within

a very short time frame (typically two to three family-sized meals), which means higher frequency of use than the competition, whose products often sit in pantries for months at a time. Combine this with a lengthy shelf life and Wild Fennel Co. has a product that is a no-brainer for customers enthusiastic about cooking.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: The products appeal to consumers with an eye for good design, for products with no ‘nasties’ (no MSG, additives, preservatives, anti-clumping agents, etc). They have also found an appreciative audience within the Pitmaster BBQ enthusiasts crowd, who are extremely keen on big flavour. n

SUSTAINABLE AND DELICIOUS

Fire, for example, is all organically grown by Kaitaia Fire, and the raw Beechwood honey in the Honey comes from J.Friend in North Canterbury.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Roman and Andrea decided to make the world’s best peanut butter. Their vision has seen Fix & Fogg grow from strength to strength – from small beginnings making peanut butter in the Haitaitai bowling club kitchens and selling it at farmers markets, to their Eva Street window, and now the current production kitchen in Luke’s Lane and nationwide supermarket ranging.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The current range of peanut butter includes Super Crunchy, Smooth, Dark Chocolate, Smoke and Fire, and Honey. Only the finest quality ingredients are used, and they are soureced locally whereever possible. The chilli in the Smoke and

A: Every jar of Fix & Fogg peanut butter is made from start to finish in the factory in Wellington. From designing the labels to the carefully blended peanut butter, Roman and Andrea are completely hands-on throughout the entire process. The award-winning peanut butters are so popular because people can taste the difference in a product that’s handmade by humans who care about quality. Fix & Fogg is constantly pushing the boundaries of what peanut butter can be and trying new things – an example of this is the Smoke and Fire peanut butter.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The peanut butter is popular with everyone from children to grandparents. Peanut butter is a naturally nutritious food packed full of goodness. Too often however, companies take shortcuts and

fill it with preservatives, additives, emulsifiers, foreign oils, sugar, and lots of salt. Fix & Fogg peanut butter is simple and healthy: golden roasted hi-oleic peanuts and a sparing amount of organic Marlborough sea salt. Hi-oleic peanuts are a special type of peanut known for their great flavour and high levels (39 percent) of monounsaturated fats –that’s the good stuff, like the type found in olive oil – which has been linked to reducing cardiovascular disease and lowering cholesterol.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Consumers are increasingly health conscious and Fix & Fogg peanut butters support this trend. The Dark Chocolate, for example, provides a healthier alternative to other mass-produced chocolate spreads, and is popular with children and adults alike. n For more information please contact info@fixandfogg.co.nz or call +64 021 190 5695

Wild Fennel Co. gourmet seasonings are made in New Zealand and inspired by traditional flavour pairings from around the world. Formulated for meat and fish, yet also vegan-friendly, the seasonings will enhance customers’ favourite recipes and inspire new creations.

Fix & Fogg was started by Roman and his wife Andrea when they were expecting their first child. Previously both lawyers, they made the choice to leave behind the corporate life and dedicate their time and energy to creating something meaningful, sustainable, and delicious.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Pete’s methods are traditional, which means that the entire range uses New Zealand grown fruit without any additives, artificial preservatives, colours or flavours. They are also freshly squeezed fruit drinks, not from concentrate, with up to 50 percent less sugar than other drinks. The company buys its fruit from growers all over the country, and squeeze most of it themselves using a machine imported from Italy. From an initial production of 1100 litres, which equates to 3500 bottles, Pete’s Natural has grown to the stage where they are now selling that amount every day. As a result, they set up their own facility two years ago, where they now control the entire process – including bottling. This decision has paid off, as it has allowed production expansion and offers more product for the New Zealand market as well as looking to the export market, as the brand

THE TRADITIONAL WAY

has a strong offering overseas.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The product range includes Lemonade, Currant Crush, Orange Berry, Lime-O-Nade, Ginger Beer, Lemon Chilli, Feijoa Lemonade and Kola. Some unique selling points are that they are allnatural beverages with no additives, chemicals, preservatives or artificial colours or flavours. They are made from freshly squeezed fruit, hence the cloudiness and sediment, and only New Zealand grown fruit is used. The drinks contain 30 to 50 percent less sugar than other leading brands. They are naturally brewed with hops in quirky bottles.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: The lemonades are traditionally brewed, old fashioned lemonade, which is lightly fermented. They contain hops and, in some flavours,

lavender for the health benefits. Pete’s Natural is the only company in New Zealand using freshly squeezed, New Zealand grown fruit for lemonades instead of concentrates from overseas. The poducts contain only about half of the sugar of other drinks – a trend Pete’s Natural started about eight years ago.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The customers are mainly cafes, bakeries, delis, specialty stores. It is not a mass-produced product and is a healthy offering for their customers. The unique and quirky bottles are just a bonus!

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Health conscious products, a short ingredient list (all in plain language, no difficult words, E’s etc.), as well as fermented foods and foods low in sugar. n

For more information please contact Marleen on +64 021 0785 758 or email peteslemonade@xtra.co.nz

LEADING THE WAY

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Florentines Patisserie leads the way in the supply of seriously delicious frozen cakes and desserts. It uses only the finest premium New Zealand ingredients creating great tasting products naturally. It supplies to both retail and foodservice customers across New Zealand and internationally.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The product range is extensive, and includes Lemon Meringue Tart, Raspberry Cheesecake, Praline Chocolate Tart, a range of pre-portioned cheesecakes – both baked and gluten free – as well as large tarts, pies, tubs and single portions, and savoury items. The Florentines products are

measurably superior in flavour profile than those of its competitors and when thawed, its products are as good, if not better, than most fresh products.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Florentines has a long history of creating natural baked products. Ingredient labels are very clean. New Zealand butter, eggs, fruits, cream and cream cheese are the main ingredients.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Florentines is a multi-faceted industrial bakery producing fine dining food solutions in the dessert

space through to cost effective slab cakes for cost conscious purchasers.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: “Consumers are increasingly looking for natural clean labels in the dessert and treat space as well as gluten-free. Florentines is proud to manufacture a wide range of gluten free products for an increasingly discerning market alongside the premium and standard ranges. As well as general foodservice and retail, Florentines also supplies significant volumes into healthcare and aged care clientele. These products are formulated specifically for these target markets. n

For more information please contact sales@florentines.co.nz or call +64 07 574 0101

Pete’s Natural Lemonade is a New Zealand beverage company passionate about creating the best natural drinks around. Created in Nelson and run by husband and wife duo Pete and Marleen, the company produces artisan lemonades made the traditional way.

Florentines Patisserie is a leading food manufacturing company of premium frozen cakes and desserts for the food-service and retail sectors. Florentines has both local and export distribution networks currently established and capability to expand supply to new markets.

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Picot started making his own peanut butter when he got frustrated by not being able to find any at the supermarket without added sugar. People responded well to his peanut butter, so he started selling it at the Nelson Market in 2007. Since then the company has gone from strength to strength, and is now New Zealand’s best-selling peanut butter.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: Pic’s sells peanut butter with or without a small amount of salt, either crunchy or smooth and in a variety of sizes. Last year the company also launched smooth peanut butter in a Slug, which has proven popular for eating on the go. Pic’s now sells almond butter, cashew butter and peanut oil which are all great for cooking. All products are gluten-free and have a five-star Health Star rating.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Pic’s peanut butter is roasted and ground with only Hi-Oleic peanuts and a little salt. Hi-Oleic runner peanuts are naturally bred peanuts that

NOTHING BUT NUTS

Owner Bruce ‘Pic’ Picot bought a jar of peanut butter in 2007, took it home, made some toast and took a big bite. Disgusted with the amount of sugar, he bought a few kilos of peanuts and made his own. Today, his creation Pic’s Peanut Butter is the country’s best-selling peanut butter.

contain a fatty acid profile similar to olive oil, well known for its numerous health benefits. Pic’s Peanut Butter also oxidises less readily than peanut butter made with conventionally grown peanuts making its shelf life and stability eleven times greater than regular peanut butter, meaning that the product tastes the same at the bottom of the jar as at the top.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The consumer is one who is looking for a lifestyle change, and a shift away from nut butters high in added sugar and salt, without wanting to compromise on taste. The high Oleic acid content of Pic’s Peanut Butter serves to offer an array of heart health benefits via its positive effect on cholesterol and triglycerides, and Pic’s Peanut Butter also combines the health benefits of these healthy fats along with being a

wonderful source of both protein and fibre.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Pic’s Peanut Butter support the move away from high-sugar spreads as well as the enduring popularity of nut-based spreads. n

THE ART OF MEAT

Gathered Game brings the best of both worlds together, wild New Zealand game and the art of preserving and dry aging organic meat. With the head office based in Te Anau, wild deer gathered from Fiordland and processed in Lumsden, Gathered Game is proud to be a Southland based business.

out in the market?

A: Gathered Game salamis are handcrafted fermented sausage cured with herbs and spices –all aged for up to 12 weeks to create a delicious old-fashioned style salami with New Zealand’s remarkable wild game. All products are gluten and dairy free. While almost all of New Zealand’s venison smallgoods are cooked or hot smoked to produce larger quantities, Gathered Game Salamis are not heat treated.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

what are centuries-old techniques in Europe, but relatively new in New Zealand. Gathered Game salamis appeal to people looking for leaner meat while retaining a full bodied flavour, and consumers looking for an alternative to heat treated, mass produced products.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Chris Thorn founded Gathered Game in 2015 as the fusion of his two favourite things – hunting, and curing the meat he procured. After years of perfecting recipes and techniques it was time to take his passion public and Gathered Game launched a unique range of Wild Venison Salami.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand

A: Gathered Game strives to produce an authentic, traditionally aged product inspired by the European style cured meats coupled with New Zealand’s remarkable wild game by blending original craft with a wild, organic, nutrient-rich food source.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: The consumer is anyone looking to enjoy

A: The consumer trend towards provenance is important for Gathered Game. Each salami comes with a number, and consumers can enter that number on the Gathered Game website and learn where in Fiordland the deer was shot, and by whom. Handcrafted artisanal products are also becoming increasingly popular. All products are gluten and dairy free, as well as organic. n

For more information please call +64 021 024 16855 or email info@gatheredgame.co.nz

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Kiwigarden came about from the struggle the owners had to find quality freeze-dried snacks for their children. Wanting an on the go snack that was natural, nutritious and healthy, they decided to fill the gap in the market with the Kiwigarden range. The snack range uses farm fresh ingredients without all the nasties like additives, preservatives and loads of sugar.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

A: The current range of gluten free snacks includes crunchy apple slices, sweet corn kernels

and yoghurt drops with delicious flavours such as strawberry, mixed berry, banana & honey, raspberry coconut, gold kiwi, passionfruit and natural Greek style yoghurt.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product? There’s nothing quite like Kiwigarden on the supermarket shelves. The snacks are freeze dried which removes only water while locking in virtually all the nutrients, volatiles and enzymes contained in the raw product. The snacks are suitable for children from 10months+ and are an excellent snack for young children to help introduce new flavours and textures.

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

A: Consumers with young children looking for a

healthy nutritious snack. The yoghurt drops were created with younger children in mind, they are perfect for small children to hold and easily dissolve. The Kiwigarden range caters for consumers wanting a healthy nutritious on the go snack for their children.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: Healthy convenience remains a strong consumer trend, freeze-dried food retains 98% of its raw nutrition but weighs only 20% of its original weight, making it a favourite for lunchboxes and on-the-go snacks. n

For more information call +64 06 879 6095 or email info@kiwigarden.co.nz

A PASSION FOR BEES

Mana Kai Honey is a 100 percent New Zealand owned, 100 percent Maori owned and operated business, located in Awanui, just north of Kaitaia, in the Far North of New Zealand.

Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?

Q: Who is the consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?

Q: What is the brand story?

A: Emerging from a mutual passion for bees and beekeeping, Mana Kai Honey was formed in 2013 by Bobby Leef and Sera Grubb. Mana Kai Honey specialises in beekeeping, crop pollination, honey extraction, processing and retailing. This coming season, Mana Kai Honey will consist of a 2,000 strong beehive operation, along with a honey contract extraction factory which services over 15,000 beehives.

A: Mana Kai harvests high quality Manuka honey from some of New Zealand’s most pristine remote areas. Currently Mana Kai Honey produces a portfolio of high quality Manuka UMF and Multiflora honeys in a range of packaging sizes, with the range covering 5+ UMF, 10+ UMF, 15+ UMF and 20+UMF Manuka Honey. Mana Kai also packages Native Flora and Manuka Blend in 1kg, 5kg and 25kg packaging for the food service industry.

Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?

A: Mana Kai is a Māori beekeeping business which is vertically integrated from the flower to the honey jar. The health benefits of Manuka honey are well documented, and include healing sore throats, digestive illnesses, Staph infections and gingivitis.

A: The consumer is anyone who wants to enjoy the health benefits of Manuka honey. Manuka Honey contains a high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), one of the active compounds that can help healing. Mana Kai Honey is a licensed member of the UMF Association, an internationally recognised organisation which sets standards to assure natural, unadulterated, genuine Manuka honey.

Q: What consumer trend does the product support?

A: The trend towards sustainably produced food and supporting locally produced products, as well as the ongoing popularity of honey as a versatile product. n

For more information please call +64 09 408 7981 or email info@manakai.co.nz

Kiwigarden’s range of freeze-dried snacks came into the market at the right time, when consumers were looking for nutritious healthy snacks for their children. Developed to retain all the goodness from premium quality ingredients, the Kiwigarden range is gluten free, with no additives or preservatives.

NEW ZEALAND’S LEADING

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS MAGAZINE

RESTAURANT & CAFÉ is the New Zealand industry’s leading resource for information, providing news, trends, solutions and insights from the largest and most experienced editorial team covering the New Zealand foodservice industry. The magazine is by subscription and is personally addressed to executive decisionmakers in the hospitality industry.

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