At last, there seems to be light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel. We have narrowly avoided a technical recession but talk to most business owners and they feel that they have been in a recession for quite some time. Technicalities aside, it has certainly felt that way.
New Zealand’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell 0.2 percent in the June 2024 quarter, following a 0.1 percent increase in the March 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ.
Tania Walters | Publisher
"Activity in retail trade and wholesale trade has been in steady decline since 2022," said Stats NZ national accounts industry and production senior manager Ruvani Ratnayake. However, business confidence is brightening, though there are some sectors where the headwinds are still battering recovery.
With a generally cautiously optimistic outlook it feels like businesses are feeling that they have turned a corner. Consumer confidence has picked up, and most surveys show that the pessimistic outlook is being outweighed by those who are optimistic.
The "survive to ’25" refrain that greeted the beginning of 2024 and was adjusted as the year rolled on to get through to ’26 as consumers have dug deep to hold on to their cash.
While borrowing costs are expected to ease, any cuts
in rates are expected to take time to filter down. Cash flow remains the most concerning factor for businesses with lower consumer demand and a tight fix on pricing leaving suppliers as the squeezed middle. For suppliers it is always a challenge to get through category reviews, added to this the difficulty in being successful on shelf and the stresses are showing. Holding on till ’25 has been the mantra. Let’s hope we don’t have to hold out to ’26. As many have already resigned their mortgages at much higher rates, so any rate cuts will not benefit them until at least next year. Throw in some job insecurity and any increase in basket size may well still be a long way away. n
Food and Grocery Council is an industry association for grocery suppliers providing members networking, events, industry information and strong advocacy. Contact us for information on the benefits of membership: raewyn.bleakley@fgc.org.nz
new plant at fonterra edendale
Fonterra has invested $150 million to build a new UHT cream plant at its Edendale site in Southland.
everblue lands deal with natural us retailer
New Zealand-made everblue Naturals to launch nationwide at Sprouts Farmers Market USA.
national diversity award recognition
Foodstuffs North Island has been recognised with a prestigious National Diversity Award.
latest national food price inflation figure
Low food price inflation rate in August underscores Foodstuffs co-ops' ongoing efforts to give New Zealanders a fair deal at the checkout.
foodstuffs' recycling scheme
Foodstuffs has partnered with a new recycling scheme announced by The Packaging Forum, with in-store stations soon to be installed.
two dudes aerial supermarket delivery
Two Dudes men's skincare has delivered a supermarket order by aeroplane.
SENSITIVE SUNSCREEN FOR A SENSITIVE PLANET
We live in the outdoors of New Zealand with its epic environments and harsh sun. John - our founder created ZOOP because his daughter is allergic to regular sunscreens. Since then ZOOP has gone on to become the fastest growing sunscreen brand in NZ with its plant-based, sensitive skin formulas that are planet friendly.
The ZOOP LOOP and its philosophy of Protecting the Skin, Protecting Each Other and Protecting The Planet is at the heart of all that ZOOP does.
MADE & TESTED IN THE WILDS OF NEW ZEALAND
SENSITIVE SKIN FORMULA PLANT BASED REEF SAFE TUBES MADE FROM SUGAR REFILLABLE AND REUSABLE
tesco x foodstuffs online service
Transcend Retail Solutions and Tesco will help Foodstuffs transform its online business by launching a new grocery picking service for the North Island stores.
the good oil pink ribbon campaign
The Good Oil has partnered with Breast Cancer Foundation (BCFNZ) through its Pink Ribbon Campaign.
krispy kreme celebrates national
tradie day
Krispy Kreme is showing its appreciation for the hardworking tradies who form the backbone of New Zealand.
buzzing into spring at woolworths
Woolworths buzzes into spring by creating world's first supermarket for bees.
taking stock column
We are at that time of year when the NZFGC is gearing up for our annual conference, taking place 11 to 13 November at the impressive Takina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Raewyn Bleakley Chief Executive, New Zealand Food & Grocery Council
Those of you who have attended conference previously know it’s an excellent opportunity to come together to network and gain valuable industry insights. ‘Shared Horizons’ remains our conference theme, and to kick off the conference we will be launching the second season of our industry docuseries of the same name, showcasing the innovative stories from our diverse and dynamic sector. We’re excited to launch the series this year with an evening event at the heart of our country’s most famous democratic institution, the Beehive.
This year’s conference comes at what is a critical juncture for food, beverage, and grocery businesses. It’s apt that Conference 2024 takes place in the capital where the politicians and public sector officials responsible for the regulatory and legislative impacts themselves dwell. It’s a good time to take stock of what’s been an onslaught of significant regulatory activity: new legislation with a new commissioner, a Grocery Code with a grace period, GSAs issued, an early review of the Grocery Code, the Commerce Commission’s first Annual Grocery Report, and, just announced, an inquiry into the Wholesale Regime.
While the recent Grocery Report conclusions are disappointing, we knew the reform would take time to affect what is an incredibly complex market. When the
There's no doubt that the role of NZFGC during this time is as important as ever.
Code was launched last year, this introduced regulation of trading between suppliers and the three Regulated Grocery Retailers. The broader industry largely welcomed the reforms agreeing it was time for Aotearoa New Zealand to catch up with other parts of the world where such reforms were in place. The industry expected and arguably deserved clarity and confidence by way of fit for purpose rules of engagement and a referee to hold us all to account to deliver the best to consumers.
Unfortunately, what has unfolded over the last year has been confusing, time consuming and costly. We’ve seen two iterations of the standard Grocery Supply Agreements issued by RGRs, and suppliers still ask frequently what is the status of the current versions in market? Should we sign them? What happens if we don’t sign them? What happens if we sign a version that is replaced once the Code Review is complete? How do we safely raise questions to get clarity on what the current Code permits and what’s no longer acceptable? These are all questions we’ve put to the Commissioner and his team in the various webinars and meetings we’ve had in the past months. There’s no doubt that the role of NZFGC during this time is as important as ever. We need to continue to work assiduously to gain the supplier protections intended by the grocery reforms. This is advocacy and it takes many forms – from keeping members and the wider supplier network up to date,
providing training, guidance and support, listening carefully to the variety of experiences and views and reflecting these as an accurate list of concerns to be discussed with officials and politicians, acting as a conduit with real time and real world supplier experiences or what policy boffins quite rightly call ‘evidence based submissions’.
We want to be constructively working together for better industry outcomes, fair and transparent trading relationships for the benefit of consumers and crucially enabling an industry where our members have confidence to invest and innovate.
That’s not quite where we’re at right now, so we will be strongly advocating for this and for better outcomes in the Code review that’s underway. In the meantime, it’s important we continue to make progress on the other areas - sustainability, supply chain, Health Star Rating, and compliant labelling to name a few.
The work continues. NZFGC is here for the long haul to make sure we serve suppliers well and we’re looking forward to November and coming together at conference to keep making progress on all these topics and opportunities. n
RECKITT SHOWCASES SUSTAINABILITY DATA CAPABILITIES
In the spirit of collaboration and demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to improving the impact of the manufacturing industry, Reckitt shared details of its bespoke sustainability tracking system with attendees at the Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC) Sustainability Summit this month. Attendees included industry peers and stakeholders from across the country.
Marc Reitsma General Manager Reckitt New Zealand
Members of the AFGC invited Laurie Ferland-Caouette, Head of Sustainability and Purpose for Reckitt ANZ, to present Reckitt's sustainability tracking system, highlighting its data management capabilities and potential to drive change. The presentation aimed to foster a collective opportunity for the industry to enhance its impact and improve measurement practices.
Reckitt ANZ has been on a journey of integrating sustainability into its operations, from training and upskilling their teams to developing data capabilities that enable the organisation and its partners to help drive change towards a more sustainable future. This work was recently highlighted by the industry with Reckitt nominated as a finalist for the 2024 Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) awards in the Education category.
Reckitt’s sustainability mission is to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world and it has three pillars of activity for its global sustainability ambitions:
1. HEALTHIER PLANET
The organisation aims to be carbon neutral by 2040 as well as water positive (returning more water than is consumed) in water-stressed sites. It aspires to deliver a 65% reduction on greenhouse gas emission in their operational assets and use 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
2. PURPOSE-LED BRANDS
By 2030 Reckitt aims to deliver 50% net revenue from more sustainable products, reduce its carbon footprint by 50%, reduce its chemical footprint by 65% and use 50% less virgin plastic in its packaging.
3. FAIRER SOCIETY
Reckitt is working towards a 50% gender balanced management at all levels by 2030 and ensuring its teams represent the diverse places where it works and the people it serves.
Ferland-Caouette says, “by investing in our own data capabilities, Reckitt is helping to ensure that our teams are aware of our objectives and empowered with data to identify opportunities that can contribute to accelerating our sustainability
Reckitt Sustainability Report 2023
and Purpose
Reckitt ANZ
performance. The system provides a level of transparency and accountability we’ve not been able to achieve to this degree and it will be so valuable in helping us to meet our responsibilities to our customers and to the planet.”
Marc Reitsma, General Manager of Reckitt New Zealand says “this is a powerful data-gathering and tracking tool and will be a significant support to our business in delivering on our strategic sustainability goals. The saying “you can’t manage what you can’t measure” is applicable here. We are constantly innovating to provide longterm value and aim to positively impact our people, products and planet and data is key to driving a material change.”
To enable Reckitt to assess how sustainable its products are, it uses a 'Sustainable Innovation Calculator' which assigns a score of 'Less Sustainable', 'As Sustainable' or 'More Sustainable' to
By investing in our own data capabilities, Reckitt is helping to ensure that our teams are aware of our objectives and empowered with data to identify opportunities that can contribute to accelerating our sustainability performance.
each launch, helping the business bring more sustainable solutions (vs previous products) to market. One of its most recent new products, Harpic adhesive toilet blocks, triumphantly made the grade. The innovative self-sticking toilet cleaner is applied directly to the inside of the toilet bowl, removing the need for the plastic cage, delivering both an improved experience and using 99.9% less plastic vs Harpic cage (excluding packaging).
As part of Reckitt’s ambition to reduce virgin plastic, it has been increasing the use of recycled content in its products. A recent example is the transition of Vanish tubs to 45% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic. Additionally, in June, Finish Rinse Aid bottles were transitioned to 75% PCR.
Currently in New Zealand, laws related to greenwashing are addressed in the Fair Trading Act. In Australia, there are also consumer laws that address greenwashing.
Plus, the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) Environmental Claims Code includes a number of rules advertisers must follow and a requirement for evidence to back up their environment, social and governance (ESG) claims, mirroring the EU’s Green Claims Directive which states that businesses must not mislead consumers with vague environmental claims.
Reitsma says: “At Reckitt, we have had many learnings along this journey so far, as we discover new ways to do better and ensure we are communicating our goals and actions in a transparent way to our customers. Openly sharing knowledge and know-how in this space, such as our sustainability tracking tool, is the right thing to do. Hopefully it goes some way in supporting our industry to take greater responsibility and help make informed decisions that take into account our impact on the environment.” n
Could Thoughtfully Designed Staff Spaces design
be the key to boosting team morale and retention?
Imagine being partway through a shift at a bustling supermarket, taking a break, and finding a moment of restoration in a busy, actionpacked day.
Walking into a welcoming and intentionally designed staff cafeteria, colleagues are chatting over coffee, some are enjoying a quick meal, and others are simply taking a moment to relax. Investing in thoughtfully designed staff spaces can transform the workplace and boost staff morale.
Creating an inviting space goes beyond aesthetics; it taps into the psychology of human behavior and well-being. Research has shown that well-designed environments can significantly influence mood, behavior,
and even cognitive function. When employees feel comfortable and valued in their workspace, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive. Historically, non-customer facing spacing tended to be neglected or forgotten about in favour of front of house, but investing in back of house staff spaces is a tangible way to value staff and embed brand and culture. These staff spaces are designed to provide employees with a place to relax, recharge, and socialize. Picture a functional cafeteria with practical seating arrangements, a quiet corner for a brief respite. These
SkyCity staff facilities space - creating a moment of peace throughout a busy work day
offer a range of
from
staff room should serve as the beating heart of any busy workplace
environments foster a sense of community and belonging, reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being. When employees have a high quality space to unwind and connect with their colleagues, they return to their work with renewed energy and focus.
The staff space can also serve as a hub for social interaction and collaboration. Imagine a bright, open area with a mix of seating options, where employees can take breaks, interact with colleagues, and build relationships. This sense of community leads to improved teamwork and communication,
ultimately boosting morale and productivity. The space becomes a place where ideas are exchanged, friendships are formed, and the company culture is strengthened.
The magic of inviting spaces lies in the science of environmental psychology. Elements such as natural light, comfortable seating, and aesthetically pleasing decor can have a profound impact on mood and cognitive function. Providing spaces that cater to different needs—whether it's a quiet area for focused work or a vibrant space for social interaction—enhances overall job satisfaction and well-being.
Companies that invest in quality design and furniture often achieve higher revenue growth and profitability over time. These statistics highlight the tangible benefits of creating inviting staff spaces.
The staff room should serve as the beating heart of a workplace, nurturing connection, creativity, and productivity among employees. It’s an opportunity for internal networking and intergenerational or interdepartmental sharing, building connections that make us stronger.
Investing in thoughtfully designed staff spaces is not just about creating a pleasant work environment; it's about fostering a culture of well-being and connection. By understanding the science behind inviting spaces and their impact on staff morale, supermarket owners and managers can create environments that support their employees' physical and mental health, leading to a more engaged and productive workforce.
Are you ready to invest in your staff spaces and boost team morale?
Talk to Harrows today about staff cafeteria furniture. Harrows is an NZ owned manufacturing designer of commercial furniture for social spaces - beautiful, tailored furniture for social interaction. n 0800 142 233 | harrows.co.nz
The
Staff cafeteria spaces can
seating types -
comfortable lounge chairs, café chairs through to bar leaners and stools to accommodate differ
storespotlightlocal
Meadows richmond On The Spot
The newly opened On the Spot, located at The Meadows in Richmond, is owned and operated by Craig and Karen Bishop-Everett.
During the three-month fitout, the owner-operators worked closely with Foodstuffs South Island's in-house teams and existing brand specifications guidelines.
Initially hesitant about going into a store they had been told was in a new subdivision, however, scouting out the area, the Bishop-Everett’s found The Meadows exceptionally well-considered in design and layout and with a great vibe.
This On the Spot store is one of three in a block of premises, the other two being a boutique pub and a cafe. Both are well patronised and run by people whom the
owner-operators have respected for their achievements in their respective businesses. They believed the three businesses could be a hub for the local community to come to and enjoy.
Together with Craig and Karen BishopEverett, the On the Spot Meadows Richmond team includes three parttime staff and four after-school/weekend students, making it a total team of nine part-time, all with the ability and willingness to work extra hours if required.
On the Spot Meadows is a convenience store with much more. Its black and neon pink decor is up-to-date. The store has
We can walk down the store and buy a cone of ice cream, too, just like we used to when we were kids.
superbly fresh local produce and meat, coffee and hot food to go, easy dinner options, wine and beer, along with a full range of groceries. The store is also about to introduce a delivery option and an ATM.
The owner-operators are happy to serve the local community and have a screen above the counter dedicated to promoting community events and projects.
After only a week of opening, On the Spot Meadows' Facebook had over 400 followers. The locals have been incredibly welcoming and appreciative of the store opening in their area, coming into the store to say so in person.
The recurring comments have been that the store looked beautiful, and customers were delighted it had everything they wanted. It has also been a game-changer for the local retirement village residents as they do not have to take a busy main road to a supermarket.
"We can walk down to the store and buy a cone of ice cream, too, just like we used to when we were kids." n
20minutes with
Oceania, APAC region
Born in Christchurch and moved to Sydney, like most Kiwis, Sam Phillips enjoyed all sports and has continued playing some golf during his spare time.
His journey in logistics started at the New Zealand Couriers depot next to Lancaster Park, where he worked as a freight consolidator after school. He progressed to a courier driver and then joined a freight forwarder as a truck driver, delivering pallets around the city and completing airport and customs runs.
After that, he moved into an import sea freight operator position in the office, where his forwarding career grew. Today, Phillips is the Vice President of Freight Forwarding for DP World Oceania, APAC.
“As I’ve progressed through different roles and functions, I’ve enjoyed winning new clients, generating revenue and capturing volume. More recently, I have enjoyed creating products, developing teams, and strategically developing the business in the region,” said Phillips.
“All my employers have afforded me new and exciting opportunities, which have only increased since joining DP World four
years ago. I’ve been lucky and had excellent managers who contributed positively to my career development.”
When he worked in the construction industry, he was the project logistics manager working on behalf of a beneficial cargo owner. To coordinate products from international factories to Australia and New Zealand. A beneficial cargo owner (BCO) is the individual or entity that has a financial interest in the cargo being transported and ultimately benefits from its delivery, such as a manufacturer or retailer.
This involved strict time frames, months, and sometimes years of planning for detailed execution and delivery involving many service providers and, in some cases, government departments.
“In terms of achievements, I’m proud of any time I have been able to assist someone in solving a problem or issue, be it a customer or colleague.”
He added that major highlights of his career would undoubtedly centre around client projects, automated warehouses, prototype vehicle logistics for testing, construction/infrastructure projects, and the deployment of supply chains for global customers in Asia Pacific.
Oceania has become a complex market with established players in each segment of a fragmented supply chain and Phillips was immensely proud of the global coverage
that New Zealand logistics businesses have achieved.
DP World’s role in the Oceania market has been to develop and integrate the supply chain, providing a more efficient end-to-end solution for all users by removing manual tasks, reducing double handling, and improving visibility.
BCOs and vendors in Oceania have enjoyed technology solutions, and DP World has brought plenty of advances, which will be further enhanced for local requirements. Partnerships with the government, BCOs, and vendors would also be crucial to its success in Oceania.
Phillips said that logistics businesses in Oceania were already ahead in using automation and systems in freight forwarding compared to other regions, such as Europe and America, but they would catch up.
“I’ll be heavily invested in developing our services, products, and success in these markets. We will rely on our proven approach to infrastructure, investing in the
right assets and, most importantly, people and know-how.”
DP World has an excellent foundation in Australia with its container terminals, container parks, and logistics businesses. These have provided a springboard into the New Zealand and Pacific Islands markets. The company recently opened freight forwarding offices in Auckland and Christchurch, complementing its existing operations across Australia.
Philips admitted that replicating the same business and setup in each market would not always be possible.
“I’m a firm believer that logistics is ‘horses for courses’ and successful businesses and operators have to understand, in detail, the requirements of that market and customise their approach and strategy accordingly.
Australia and New Zealand share many similarities; a common theme is our innovative approaches to keep trade flows.”
He has observed more vendor consolidation and expansion of BCOs across
I'm a firm believer that logistics is 'horses for courses' and successful businesses and operators have to understand, in detail, the requirements of that market and customise their approach and strategy accordingly.
the market in Oceania. There has been more openness to considering multimodal solutions, including rail solutions and reducing carbon generation.
DP World has recognised and responded to carbon reduction through efficient transportation planning and usage. An example was its rail connection to and from its inland container depot in Yennora, New South Wales, and its plans to increase rail services throughout Oceania. DP World also has a firm safety culture and standards, which it aims to deploy in every market.
More sustainability efforts have covered all parts of the operations, from container terminal/park equipment to road transport and office initiatives. Some examples include the use of smart sensors and recycling and reusing programmes.
At the same time, there were also many examples of competing interests in infrastructure projects by local and central governments that would require support from the private sector to resolve for the benefit of the BCO.
“We are also seeing BCOs wanting to own/control their data, which brings opportunities for multi-level integration and customised solutions.” n
Rebecca Flynn
nw
ashburton
Throughout her 20-plus years in the baking industry, Rebecca Flynn has found immense fulfilment in a career that she had never envisioned while in school.
An apprenticeship opportunity that presented itself during her previous job led her into the world of baking, a realm where she has since discovered her comfort zone.
As the bakery manager at Ashburton New World, Flynn has been driven by the desire to motivate her fellow team members to not only thrive in the baking industry but also take pride in the products offered.
“I find joy in the entire baking process, from the initial stages of creation to the final product, a passion that fuels my dedication to the craft,” said Flynn.
Her approach to baking has blended traditional values and contemporary baking techniques. She has also been committed to a diligent work ethic and strict time management while fostering an environment of camaraderie and enjoyment among team members.
Recently, Flynn has observed the enduring popularity of gluten-free and dairy-free products. The decorated drip cakes at New World Ashburton have also garnered significant attention due to their
affordability and the recent addition of house-made doughnuts.
“We will introduce unique special doughnut offerings on a rotating basis alongside our existing flavours.”
Outside of work, Flynn usually unwinds at the Methven hot pools to relax after a demanding workweek. One of her big aspirations has been to impart the value of hard work to future apprentices and team members.
For those interested in pursuing baking, Flynn said that while it required considerable effort, the gratification derived from seeing others relish the final product was truly rewarding.
“Baking proficiency is not a prerequisite, as the willingness to learn is the key to acquiring this skill.”
She also highlighted the importance of communication, hard work and teamwork, as each individual involved in the production process is significant,
“My team is essential to me. They are a great bunch of people, and I am honoured to work alongside them. You can’t achieve greatness without your team.” n
newzealandmade
KOMBUCHA BROS
Revered by Aztec Mythology for centuries, Dragon Fruit, locally known as Pitahaya, was ‘The Bringer of Life’. Get ready to experience an irresistible flavour explosion with Kombucha Bros Dragon Fruit, Pineapple, Coconut & Lime kombucha! This refreshing twist on traditional fermented tea will transport you to a tropical paradise with its vibrant and exotic blend of fruits. The zesty zing of dragon fruit, the tangy sweetness of pineapple, the creamy richness of coconut and the refreshing notes of the Mexican key lime combine to create a tropical deliciousness that will revitalise taste buds. The probiotic and prebiotic dragon fruit kombucha base is packed with phytonutrients like lutein, beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C and 17 percent of your daily recommended intake of magnesium. Get ready to savour every sip of this refreshing and nourishing kombucha!
To celebrate the launch, exclusive deals are available through to November 25. Reach out today by emailing sales@kombuchabros.co.nz or visit www.kombuchabros.co.nz to find out more.
DELMAINE FINE FOODS
Delmaine fresh pasta, pasta sauce and pesto products are made fresh locally every week. Looking forward to another exciting Pasta Month in October this year, Delmaine pasta products have all been revamped to deliver more taste and give the consumer more options. Its delicious range of fresh filled pasta products are all being packed into larger shapes with thinner pasta and more filling to deliver more taste in every bite. With two different shapes in multiple colours and a wide range of filling flavours, the team at Delmaine have filled pasta for every taste.
At the same time, its fresh flat pasta noodles have been relaunched in smaller packs to be more user friendly for singles and couples as well as having the thinner pasta treatment to elevate the eating experience. Pair the fresh pastas with their extensive range of fresh pasta sauces and pesto, for a complete, convenient and great tasting meal.
For more information please visit www.delmaine.co.nz or contact your local Delmaine representative.
MAMAKU BLUE
Mamaku Blue offers a pure, natural taste of New Zealand’s finest fruit with its award-winning juices. The 100% Gooseberry Juice captures the sharp, tangy flavour of green gooseberries, making it a refreshing option and can be enjoyed cold, warm, or with a dash of honey. For those who love the rich, antioxidant-packed taste of blueberries, the 100% Blueberry Juice delivers the pure essence of the fruit, with nothing added. Both juices are grown and made on the family-run Mamaku Blue orchard, located on the lush Mamaku Plateau. Proudly recognised with Bronze at the 2024 Outstanding Food Producer Awards, these premium juices reflect the orchard’s commitment to quality and sustainability. With no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial ingredients, Mamaku Blue’s juices offer a true taste of nature in every bottle. Experience the wholesome flavour of their expertly crafted fruit juices today. For more information visit www.mamakublue.co.nz.
KAPITI PURE FOODS
Rosedale Fruit Loaf became a part of the Kāpiti Pure Foods family when the manufacturing was relocated from Delmaine in Auckland to their factory in Kāpiti adding to the leading bakery products created by the artisan bakery.
Kāpiti Pure Foods is a leading manufacturer of quality organic and gluten-free bakery products. From the very beginning quality was at the heart of this bakery and the brand. Purebread has recently launched a unique Vegan Gluten free Young Buck and sunflower/flaxseed speciality bread and organic sourdough available in all Woolworths stores across Aotearoa.
Kāpiti Pure Foods continues to be committed to supplying quality and sustainable food, producing a range of over 30 nutritious organic and gluten-free foods under the brand names Purebread, Rosedale Fruit Loaf, Gluten Free Goodies Co. and Puregood. For more information visit www.purebread.co.nz/.
EDEN ORCHARDS
Bringing you the best of nature with their 100% Pure Cherry Juice, Eden Orchards crafts each bottle using over two kilograms of cherries! Each sip bursts with the rich, succulent flavour of New Zealand’s finest cherries, grown in Central Otago. Beyond its delicious taste, this juice is packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients, offering impressive health benefits. Whether customers are looking for a natural sleep aid, relief from inflammation, arthritis, or gout, or a post-workout recovery drink, Eden Orchards’ Pure Cherry Juice delivers.
This family-owned and operated business has been growing premium cherries for over 30 years, staying true to their belief that nature creates the best flavours. With no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial ingredients, its juice is pure and wholesome. Enjoy it chilled, drizzled over yoghurt, or a small serving before bed to aid restful sleep. A daily serving of 30-100ml is all it takes to unlock the powerful benefits of Eden Orchards Cherry Juice. For more information visit www.edenorchards.co.nz.
FARRAH'S
Farrah’s is loved by Kiwis for its range and variety of wraps and tortillas. From Garden Spinach to Wholemeal to Smoky Chipotle, or even Low Carb and Keto, there really is something for everyone. Farrah’s proudly makes all of its wraps and tortillas at their world-class facility in Upper Hutt Wellington, using only the finest ingredients and baked the traditional way - over an open flame. Baked by the Farrah’s Promise, they guarantee that their wraps and tortillas won’t crack or split when rolled! Find them on Instagram and Facebook today @farrahsnz or facebook.com/FarrahsNZ.
newzealandmade
ESSITY NZ
Handee paper towels and Purex and Sorbent toilet paper are proudly made in Kawerau, Bay of Plenty. Essity’s Kawerau mill is the only paper manufacturer and converter of paper towels and toilet tissue in New Zealand.
With over 200 staff from the surrounding areas, the site is home to the only tissue machine in the world to use geothermal steam throughout the paper making process. Geothermal steam is a renewable energy source and using it helps Essity reduce greenhouse gases that lead to climate change.The Kawerau mill has been on a program of continuous improvement to reduce its emissions, and with this year’s $20m investment in further transitioning to geothermal steam, the total carbon footprint for Essity’s Kawerau site will be about 66 percent lower in 2025 than it was in 2009. The emissions reduction delivered by this investment in a world-leading shift to renewable energy is equivalent to removing over 2,200 cars from New Zealand’s roads.
For further information please call the Essity Consumer Helpline 0800 108 901 New Zealand.
VENERDI
As a Kiwi, family owned business with 22 years of gluten free baking under their belt, Venerdi is committed to producing high quality products that provide the ultimate eating experience. From incredible taste and texture, through to how you feel well after you finish the very last mouthful, Venerdi are pushing the boundaries of gluten free baking.
The popular Venerdi Gluten Freedom range uses sourdough fermentation methods married with innovative flavours. With a diverse range of products ranging from breads and buns, to bagels and english muffins, there’s something for everyone.
The Venerdi Pure Foodie range celebrates food the way it used to be, with natural, wholefood ingredients that blend pure goodness with purely delicious flavour. Combining the best of nature and innovative techniques to bring out the best flavour and goodness to be enjoyed.
With both of their Gluten Freedom and Pure Foodie ranges available NZ wide, Venerdi has something to fit all needs and gives specialty dietary consumers the freedom to enjoy food occasions. For more information visit www.venerdi.co.nz or contact info@venerdi.co.nz.
newzealandmade
MK SPICE
MK Spice has crafted a premium range of spices and seasonings, offering a fresh take on flavour with the expertly blended, New-Zealand made products. Using only the finest ingredients, MK Spice brings bold, vibrant flavours into everyday meals, elevating both traditional and modern dishes.
From the versatile All Purpose Seasoning, perfect for meats and vegetables, to the signature BBQ Blend and fiery Chili Spice, the range is designed to cater to a variety of taste buds. Each spice is made without fillers, preservatives, or artificial additives, ensuring a fresh and natural taste in every dish.
As more consumers seek authentic, quality ingredients, MK Spice delivers on both flavour and trust. Proudly gluten-free and vegan-friendly, the spice range adds the perfect finishing touch to any meal. For more information visit www.mkspice.nz
RUM AND QUE
Rum and Que is a proudly New Zealand-owned, family-run business dedicated to producing handcrafted rubs, seasonings, and sauces of the highest quality, all made in Aotearoa. Drawing inspiration from their roots in competitive BBQ, kitchen creativity, and backyard experimentation, the team continually develops innovative and exciting products. By keeping all manufacturing and packing processes in New Zealand, Rum and Que not only supports local but also ensures the authenticity and quality of their creations. This local production model also gives the team the flexibility to quickly bring new ideas to life.
Through their exceptional products and service, Rum and Que has built a loyal following both in New Zealand and around the world. They proudly showcase unique native New Zealand herbs, sharing the flavours of Aotearoa with the world. For more information visit www.rumandque.com.
ANATHOTH FARM
Anathoth Farm has been a trusted expert in making jams, pickles and chutney for over 30 years. Drawing on this expertise in crafting delicious products from fruit and vegetables, they have created a range of New Zealand-made pizza sauces.
The pizza sauces are made using 100 percent NZ tomatoes and have a chunky, homemade-style texture. The range includes three distinct varieties to cater to different taste preferences: a family-friendly Tomato & Herb, a vibrant Tomato & Capsicum, and a bold Tomato & Chilli for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
As consumers seek convenient meal solutions that deliver both flavour and quality, along with a preference for NZ-made products, the Anathoth Farm Pizza Sauce range meets these demands. All flavours are gluten-free, veganfriendly, and contain no preservatives or added flavours.
For further information, contact your Twin Agencies representative or visit www.anathothfarm.co.nz.
MOANA NEW ZEALAND
Discover our high-protein ready-to-eat meals! With five tasty flavours to choose from, these meals are ready in just 3 minutes and require no refrigeration. Each pouch is packed with meat, sauce, vegetables, and carbohydrates, making it the perfect solution for a quick, nutritious lunch or dinner. Ideal for busy students, professionals, or anyone needing a fast, healthy meal on the move. For more information please contact Nicola Frampton nicola.frampton@moana.co.nz or 027 880 4211.
PEPLERS
Trusted in New Zealand for its premium vinaigrettes, Peplers is now taking things to the next level with new bold, innovative flavours. Its Orange & Date dressing is a delightful blend of zesty citrus and rich, caramellike sweetness. Oranges provide a vibrant, tangy brightness, while the dates give an earthy depth, perfectly complemented by a subtle hint of chilli heat. This carefully balanced dressing adds a gourmet touch to any dish, making it an ideal pairing for salads with carrots, kumara, pumpkin, halloumi, or even roast chicken and potatoes. Whether drizzled over fresh greens or used as a marinade, Peplers’ Orange & Date Dressing brings a sophisticated flavour profile that enhances every bite. Explore this exciting new addition and experience the artistry of Peplers’ carefully crafted, all-natural ingredients. For more information visit www.peplers.co.nz.
ARABELLO
The team at AraBello believes in creating small moments of joy. Its handcrafted chocolates are made right here in New Zealand using carefully sourced ingredients and eco-friendly, sustainable packaging. Each piece is hand-cut and hand-packaged, showcasing their dedication to quality and detail. Its two award-winning flavours, Original Peanut Marble and Raspberry Marble, combine swirls of white and dark chocolate with crushed peanuts or dried raspberries for a truly indulgent experience. Available in 26g squares and 52g bars, AraBello chocolates are perfect for a luxurious snack or as a special treat. Custom labels are also available for events. Discover the magical moment of AraBello, every bite is a taste of sustainable luxury! For more information visit www.arabello.co.nz.
LO CAL
SLIGHT TWIST
Beach Booch
New Zealand beverage company Beach Booch has launched a new premium craft-brewed cocktail range.
Beach Booch uses only natural ingredients and craft fermentation methods to meet today's consumers' flavour and ‘go-low’ expectations.
The Slight Twist range features four classic cocktailinspired flavours created by applying modern mixology skills and unique natural botanicals to ancient craft brewing methods.
DORITOS BREWS NEW FLAVOUR
Dorritos
Do corn chips and coffee belong together?
Brewing up a bold new way to beat the afternoon slump, Doritos has released the limited first batch of Doritos Coffee, a pick-me-up for New Zealanders.
With Kiwis around the country frustrated by their favourite coffee shops being closed at 3 p.m. every day, the new chip flavour will not only satisfy those afternoon snack cravings but indulge that need for a delicious cup of coffee, too.
FRUITY MIXES
Hi-Chew
Hi-Chew has introduced two new fruity mixes. The Hi-Chew Plusfruit Mix has real fruit pieces that bring a vibrant taste sensation, with combinations of orange, tangerine, red apple, and strawberry.
The new Hi-Chew Superfruit Mix is filled with the tropical, citrusy flavours of Dragon Fruit, Acai, and Passion Fruit. It is a colourful mix of fruity pink, rich purple, and gold, each promising a sweet, exotic, chewy sensation and delicious, tangy flavour.
HOSPICE PACKS RETURN
Dilmah
Beverage company Dilmah, known for its Ceylon tea, has announced the release of its biannual Hospice on-pack.
Returning to the market this September, Dilmah has had a 26-year relationship with Hospice NZ and has donated over $100,000 to the organisation.
Hospice is a holistic wrap-around service of care. It is not just a building, and it is not just doctors and nurses.
BEETLE JUICE RANGE
Fanta x Warner Bros.
Fanta and Warner Bros. Pictures have announced a global partnership before releasing the highly anticipated movie Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in cinemas this September.
Manifesting the spirit of the mischievous demon, Fanta and Warner Bros. Pictures came together to give consumers a taste of the Afterlife.
CHILLI CRISP
Proper Crisps
Hitting shelves this September is a new flavour from Proper Crisps, the Chilli Crisp.
Fierce and fearless, this crisp features twice the amount of chilli. The Sichuan peppers and chilli flakes are ground in-house with an added sprinkle of chilli powder.
TAYLORS NEW PROMISED LAND WINES
Taylors Wines
Highly acclaimed, family-owned Australian wine producer Taylors has launched two new SKUs.
As part of its Promised Land range in the New Zealand market, Taylors has introduced the Taylors Promised Land Rosé 2022 and Taylors Promised Land Chardonnay 2022.
Taylors Promised Land Rosé 2022 is a light-bodied, dry-style rosé, while Taylors Promised Land Chardonnay 2022 is an un-oaked chardonnay with excellent acidity.
New Zealand consumers will now have eight Taylors Promised Land SKUs to choose from. Other portfolio products include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Merlot, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz Cabernet, and Shiraz.
Every bottle of Taylors’ wines bears a seahorse emblem, a nod to the discovery of fossilised seahorses on their vineyard, a remnant of an ancient inland sea.
The seahorse also highlights the brand’s partnership with Project Seahorse, a marine conservation project focused on saving seahorses.
Project Seahorse has identified that saving seahorses required more than just studying the species in isolation. Setting up protected areas, reining in harmful fishing practices, and regulating wildlife trade can also support thousands of other marine species.
For every bottle of Taylors Promised Land purchased, consumers can help support Taylors ‘promise to the seas’ and their campaign to ‘Unscrew the Ocean’ to protect marine habitats worldwide.
Justin Taylor, a third-generation family member, Company Director, and Global Key Accounts Manager, was thrilled to introduce Taylor Promised Land Chardonnay and Rosé to the New Zealand market.
He said that besides providing
consumers fabulous wine at a great price, the Promised Land range helps support sustainability efforts.
“Great wine for a fantastic cause – a win on all fronts.”
Taylors has been handcrafting standout wines in Australia since the late 1950s. The Promised Land Chardonnay 2022 and Promised Land Rosé are available nationwide from liquor stores and supermarkets across New Zealand.
LO CAL
PICKLE-FLAVOURED KETCHUP
Heinz
The much-loved Heinz Ketchup now has a punch of pickle flavour, adding a bold, tangy twist to all your favourite foods. This tomato ketchup with pickle seasoning features notes of brined cucumber juice, vinegar and dill for a bright, fresh flavour.
The bright pop of vinegar and the freshness of blended cucumber juice complement ketchup’s sweet flavour, making it a versatile option.
OAT MILK LATHER
Glow Lab
ZERO SUGAR ULTRA STRAWBERRY DREAMS
Monster Energy
Monster Ultra Strawberry Dreams is the latest addition to Monster’s zero-sugar energy range. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has announced the latest addition to its popular zero-sugar Monster Ultra range: Monster Ultra Strawberry Dreams. Monster Ultra Strawberry Dreams boasts a strawberry flavour with perfectly balanced sweetness and tartness. It gives consumers a delicious, refreshing energy boost with no calories or sugar. The strawberry-inspired creamy pink can design will help deliver maximum impact on the shelf, driving sales.
ULTRA POWER DISHWASHER
TABLETS
Ecostore
Ecostore has launched its Ultra Power ALL-IN-1 Dishwasher Tablets, which contain 20 percent more enzymes to cut through grease and dried-on food. These tablets cut through grease and tackle stains, leaving a subtle, naturally derived, fresh lemon fragrance. Protease enzyme technology, a built-in rinse aid, and a faster-dissolving formula combine in a handy, no-mess tablet for a sparkling, streak-free finish everytime.
Glow Lab has introduced its Soothing Oat Milk Body Wash, a blend of Colloidal Oatmeal, Manuka Honey, and Prebiotics to soothe and calm the skin.
Betaine and Pro-Vitamin B5 hydrate and help maintain the skin's moisture barrier, while Shea Butter and Vitamin E nourish and condition the skin, helping to lock in moisture.
Infused with a warm and woody tonka bean and vanilla fragrance and slight notes of bay leaf and tobacco, it's the perfect gender-neutral scent to ensure that only one body wash is needed on the shower shelf.
ASAHI SUPER DRY NAMA JOKKI
Asahi
Beverages
NZ
In a New Zealand first and for a limited time, Asahi Beverages NZ is bringing the Asahi Super Dry self-foaming draught beer can to Kiwis.
Nama Jokki, which translates to ‘fresh beer mug’, is iconic Asahi Super Dry premium beer sealed in an innovative can that releases a silky foam when opened at the right temperature.
Popular in Japan, this is the first time Nama Jokki will be sold outside Asia. Asahi Beverages NZ is proud to be able to offer the sought after draught beer experience, straight from a can.
TOTALLY VEGAN OATLY BARISTA
Oatly
Oatly is the world’s original and largest oat drink company. Now, in their new exclusive partnership with locally owned business Acorn Group, they are igniting their plans to accelerate growth of the plant-based category in New Zealand.
Starting with the category-defining Oatly Barista 1L, a fully foamable oat milk for total control over latte art foam. Not overly sweet or excessively heavy and doesn’t separate in coffee or tea, Oatly’s Barista also tastes just as amazing if you drink it straight or put it to work in your favourite food recipes.
For over 30 years, Oatly have exclusively focused on developing expertise around oats: a global power crop with inherent properties suited for sustainability and human health. Oatly designs products that require zero compromise on taste or performance and contain nutritional benefits from the goodness of oat fibres. Their oat milk ranges are dairy, soy and nut-free, which in general, are better for the
RIDGIES X CULLEY'S Ridgies
Ridgies has launched two new limited edition flavours. With deep ridges and bold flavours, these have been inspired by Culley's hot sauces.
Made in New Zealand and cooked in sunflower oil, the Ridgies x Culley's flavours include the Ridgies Culley's Habanero Picklenaise and the Ridgies Culley's Cheeky Chipotle.
climate compared to cow’s milk.
Headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, the Oatly brand is available in more than 20 countries globally. Closer to home, Kiwi’s can look forward to an expanded Oatly range of products, in new variants and formats.
Acorn Group specialises in marketing and distributing international brands. The Acorn Group team are passionate about Making Better Happen, by providing better choices for consumers, better solutions for customers and better opportunities for brands.
Since 2007 Acorn Group have been winning in the New Zealand market by establishing brands, driving their performance, and delivering sustainable growth.
Acorn Group’s portfolio of brands include Goodness Me, Exotic Food, Flying Goose Sriracha and Natvia. To find out more about the Oatly opportunity and Acorn Group’s expertise, visit acorngroup.co.nz or contact elliot@acorngroup.co.nz.
spring produce full of variety for customers
Consumers who are shrugging off the winter blues and re-setting their eating habits this spring are likely to focus heavily on their fresh fruit and vegetable intake.
“Spring is typically the time where people look to refresh and revitalise their diets and lifestyle so retailers can expect a corresponding boost in fresh produce sales,” says Jerry Prendergast, United Fresh President.
New season potatoes, asparagus, avocado, mushrooms, strawberries and citrus fruit will all be in hot demand and prominent in-store displays will help drive sales.
New potatoes are available in spring. The skins of new potatoes are usually thinner and appear flakier.
Potatoes remain New Zealand’s most popular vegetable, with 97 per cent of people eating them. Over half the population cook fresh potatoes at least four times a week, and 20 per cent of people eat them daily. They are a low calorie, high fibre food and a good source of vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin C, phosphorus, niacin and pantothenic acid.
New Zealand’s main asparagus crop will be in store October/November, and supplies will taper off again in January. The green variety remains the most popular here, although purple asparagus is becoming increasingly available.
Fresh asparagus will sound ‘squeaky’ when rubbed – if it doesn’t make this sound, it’s not fresh. Consumers should be advised to store in the refrigerator and keep the cut ends covered in moist paper towels to
prevent them from drying out.
Clear skies, plentiful sunshine, stable temperatures, evenly distributed rainfall and minimal frosts look set to deliver an excellent avocado crop this season.
“We are very happy with how our crop is looking this year in New Zealand and we are hopeful and confident for a good harvest and higher volumes,” says Anna St George, avocado grower and Vice Chair of the New Zealand Avocado Growers Association (NZAGA).
Steady consumer demand makes avocados an excellent high-profile retail display option. Avocados ripen at room temperature and should then be stored in the refrigerator. Stack and display avocados carefully as they bruise easily.
Commercial Mushroom Growers Federation (CMGF) President Dave Hyland says efforts are continuing to drive growth and expand the mushroom category in New Zealand. “The Federation is working on PR and category growth initiatives which will focus on the health benefits of the superfood. We will be working alongside other significant entities in the food industry such as NZ Beef and Lamb in the coming months.”
Local consumers still prefer White Button mushrooms which account for 70% of domestic sales, followed by Portobello (22%), Swiss Browns (7%) and exotic varieties such as Oyster, Shiitake and Enoki (1%).
In the fruit department, strawberries will begin making an appearance in September with volumes building throughout October and peaking mid-November to midDecember. Growers will be praying for warm and dry weather to produce a good harvest.
Strawberries don’t ripen or sweeten any further once they’re picked, so it’s important to get them to consumers as quickly as possible. Purchase small quantities regularly to ensure fresh stock is turning over.
Other citrus fruit such as Afourer mandarins, grapefruit and tangelos are a great source of vitamin C and remain in good supply. New Zealand tangelos are primarily grown in Gisborne and are available from now until December. They are sweet and juicy, have very few pips and are easy to peel. n
new zealand's community-owned chargers
We.EV is bringing innovative solutions to the market that optimise charging processes to align with periods of ample supply and low demand, typically occurring during off-peak hours.
We.EV is bringing innovative solutions to market which optimise charging processes to align with periods of ample supply and low demand, typically occurring during off-peak hours.
This not only minimises strain on the electricity network, reducing the likelihood of blackouts or overload, but also maximises the utilisation of New Zealand’s abundance of clean renewable energy resources.
A recent collaboration between We.EV and the University of Waikato exemplifies the successful implementation of sustainable EV charging solutions through innovative technology and strategic partnerships.
With sustainability one of its core pillars, the university wanted to transition its fleet to electric by offering nearly 80 EVs to its employees. Given the sheer size of the region it spans, it was imperative that its fleet was well supported by smart charging infrastructure.
We.EV, which is New Zealand’s only community-owned charge point supplier and installer, proposed the installation of 64 Teltonika Teltocharge EV chargers equipped with dynamic load control capability.
We.EV future-proofed the design to easily add more chargers with a dedicated EV charging switchboard and other infrastructure to support more EVs in the coming years. Some chargers were strategically positioned in publicly accessible locations, which meant not only students and staff could charge their vehicles, but also members of the public. Now, at the
university’s discretion, it can offer public charging at any tariff rate through the We.EV platform.
Whether you’re transitioning a small fleet or managing heavy electric vehicles, We.EV provides end-to-end services from analysis to installation and maintenance for all commercial customers. Their smart chargers are paired with a custom smart software platform, offering a range of benefits:
• Real-time monitoring keeps you connected with every charging session.
• Online payments mean it’s easy to pay for public, staff, or visitor charging.
• Universal compatibility ensures chargers work with any vehicle.
• CSR and Sustainability reporting provides detailed insights into energy consumption, sessions, costs, and revenue.
• Energy management allows efficient sharing of electrical capacity across multiple groups.
• Flexible tariffs enable tailored billing based on time, energy, sessions, or a combination of these factors.
• User-friendly access lets you start charging sessions through the dedicated mobile app.
• Company car management makes it simple for employees to charge work EVs at home with easy reporting. n
we-ev.co.nz
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vale, komatsu, & cummins collaborate
Vale, Komatsu, and Cummins announced an agreement to develop the Dual Fuel Program (DF) to retrofit the 830E and 930E diesel trucks with ethanoldiesel dual fuel capable engines.
This innovative program will support Vale's 2030 carbon reduction roadmap and demonstrate the three companies' commitment to advancing sustainability in the mining industry.
"There is no single solution to reduce carbon emissions from haul trucks, so we are investing on different fronts, such as development with ethanol, studies to increase biofuel in the mix, and tests with electric trucks," said Ludmila Nascimento, Energy and Decarbonization Director at Vale.
"In the case of ethanol, we can reduce our direct emissions and contribute to strengthening this low-emission industry in Brazil."
The Dual Fuel Program has recognised the necessity of reducing carbon emissions in mining operations. Converting existing diesel engines in haul trucks to run on a mix of ethanol and diesel will extend the trucks’ lifespan and considerably reduce carbon emissions.
The retrofitted trucks will be capable of using a fuel mix of up to 70 percent ethanol and reducing direct CO2 emissions by up to 70 percent.
The collaboration between Vale, Komatsu, and Cummins has showcased the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainability goals. By combining industry expertise and resources, the three companies have aimed to accelerate the development and implementation of the DF retrofit solution.
This partnership addressed the near-term environmental challenges and laid the groundwork for future initiatives to enhance sustainability and efficiency across the industry.
"We are constantly developing and testing solutions to achieve our carbon reduction targets by 2030. This partnership will go a long way in reaching our collective goals," said Benjamin Stear, EDT Product Manager at Komatsu.
"We look forward to partnering with
our customers through the DF change management process while maintaining productive operations to reach our emission reduction goals."
The DF program is anticipated to include developing, testing, and implementing ethanol-diesel engines manufactured by Cummins over the next two years.
Luke Mosier, Mining Product Planning & Strategy Manager at Cummins, highlighted that Komatsu and Vale were two organisations that shared Cummins' commitment to innovation and accelerating carbon footprint reductions.
“It will be fantastic to contribute our internal combustion engine expertise to this project, which will further advance futureready technology."
The mutual commitment to environmental stewardship and technological advancement underscores the importance of the DF partnership in delivering long-term sustainable value for customers. n
UBER X WAYVE AI-POWERED SELF-DRIVING VEHICLES
Wayve, a leader in Embodied self-driving AI, announced a new strategic partnership with Uber. Uber has also agreed to invest in Wayve as an extension of the company’s previously announced Series C fundraising round.
With the additional funding and support from Uber, Wayve has intended to accelerate its work with global OEMs to enhance consumer vehicles with Level 2+ advanced driver assistance and Level 3 automated driving capabilities. It will also work towards developing globally scalable Level 4 autonomous vehicles for future deployment on Uber.
Wayve has focused on mapless endto-end AI technology, unlike traditional AV approaches, which allow automated vehicles to operate without geofenced limits. The partnership has envisioned future Wayve-powered self-driving vehicles being available on the Uber network in multiple markets worldwide.
“Wayve is building a 'general purpose' driving Al that can power all levels of driving automation in any vehicle, anywhere in the world,” said Alex Kendall, Cofounder and CEO of Wayve.
“I’m excited to be teaming up with Uber, the largest mobility network in the world, to massively ramp up our AI’s fleet learning, ensuring our AV technology is safe and ready for global deployment across Uber’s network. We’re excited to work with Automotive OEMs to bring autonomous driving technologies to consumers sooner.”
Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber's CEO, also added that the two companies share a vision of improving mobility.
“Wayve’s advanced Embodied AI approach holds a ton of promise as we work
towards a world where modern vehicles are shared, electric and autonomous. We’re thrilled to bring Wayve on as a partner to work alongside automakers as we continue to build out Uber as the best network for self-driving vehicles.”
Founded in 2017, Wayve has been the leading developer of embodied AI technology for automated driving. Its advanced AI software and foundation models for autonomy have enabled vehicles to perceive, understand, and navigate any environment, enhancing the usability and safety of autonomous driving systems.
Backed by top investors like SoftBank Group, NVIDIA, and Eclipse Ventures, Wayve’s mission has been to reimagine mobility with embodied intelligence. n
electricvehicles
ALL-NEW
MG4 CLAIMS AWARDS
The newest, fully electric model from MG Motor, the MG4, has been on a winning streak claiming multiple Car of the Year awards all around the country since its recent launch in New Zealand.
It has claimed the AA DRIVEN Car of the Year title, Autocar Magazine’s ‘Best Value’ award, EV’s & Beyond ‘Small EV of the Year’ then was recognised by the NZ Motoring Writers Guild as their overall Car of the Year.
“We are beyond thrilled that New Zealand Motoring Writers Guild members have deemed the MG4 worthy of Car of the Year success,” said Harrie Yan, MG Motor NZ Chief Operating Officer.
“We are deeply honoured to receive these awards for the MG4. It is a groundbreaking new model for MG and is indicative of the future direction of attainable, electrified motoring. It has proven itself on the world stage as an international multi award-
winning model and it is now receiving similar accolades here in New Zealand.”
News of the awards was followed by the announcement of a price reduction for EV and PHEV models in the MG range, including the fastest-accelerating and most powerful production MG in New Zealand to date, the MG4 XPOWER.
The new model is capable of the 0-100km/h dash in 3.8 seconds, boasts dual-motor power of 320kW and 600Nm of torque - and is now available from $64,990 plus on-road costs.
“Words don’t do the acceleration of this new car justice; there’s only one way to savour the pure dynamics of this vehicle, and that’s by getting behind the wheel to
experience the performance capabilities of this new, fully electric vehicle - it’s a truly remarkable piece of automotive wizardry,” said Mr Yan.
And the good news just keeps on coming, as all new MG vehicles, whether they are petrol, hybrid or electric, now come with an industry-leading 10-year/ 250,000km warranty.
Mr Yan said brand confidence is a top consideration for new-car buyers and highlighted that a longer warranty period can assist with making a purchasing decision.
“If you’re looking for value and peace of mind from a new car purchase, the length and quality of the factory warranty should be as important as the horsepower. We
think that our new 10-year warranty for EV, PHEV, Hybrid and petrol range of vehicles is the best in the market and also reinforces trust in our cars.
“I would strongly encourage anyone looking to buy a new car to visit their nearest MG dealer and find out which of our many models suits their lifestyle best.”
To support the uptake of zero-emission motoring in New Zealand, MG is running a special promotion throughout September.
Every new MG ZS EV or MG4 sold during the month will come with a free 7kW home charger, usually valued at $1,299. (Please see your nearest MG dealer for terms and conditions).
“MG wants to make EV motoring easy
for everyone, and the offer of a free MG home charger will provide many people with reassurance to make the step to driving a new MG electric vehicle,” said Mr Yan.
“A home charger offers the ultimate in absolute convenience when it comes to repowering your EV.”
And just around the EV-corner is the impending launch of the MG Cyberster, a two-door sports car which will deliver the ultimate in exhilarating, top-down and emissions-free motoring.
Featuring a fully electric all-wheel drive powertrain, a striking set of signature scissor doors and a 0-100km/h run of just 3.2-seconds, the MG Cyberster is the car to take MG into the next 100 years. n
supercharging our supermarkets
Supermarkets in New Zealand can play a vital role in supporting the electrification of our country’s transport fleet. This will be good for retail business and great for customers.
Firstly, electric vehicles are not a fad. They are the future of transport. It’s true that light passenger EV sales have slowed dramatically this year in New Zealand—down 70 percent in August 2024 compared to the previous year. However, when we look ahead a decade, this will turn out to be a blip in a trend towards electrification.
The Government’s removal of the Clean Car Discount and the introduction of RUCs on EVs hit the market hard, especially against the backdrop of a triple-dip recession.
However, the domestic plug-in EV market share has managed to creep back up to 9.3 percent of new passenger cars in 2024, and customer consideration of an EV for their next vehicle is around 50 percent.
One reason to be confident about the future of EVs is that they’re cheaper to run. Charging an EV at home costs around $4$5 per 100 km, depending on the electricity rate, and fuelling a car with petrol costs four or five times that.
Collectively powering vehicles with electricity will save New Zealand around eight to nine billion per year on imported fossil fuels.
The upfront price of EVs remains a barrier today, but prices are coming down. We’re already seeing some new EVs retail in the $30k to $40k price range.
Chinese manufacturers, like BYD,
are now at the forefront of this electric revolution. In China, new energy vehicles have about 40 percent market share. (Norway is the world leader with 90 percent market share.)
Worldwide, sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles rose by 20 percent in August year on year.
Markets like New Zealand should benefit from cheaper Chinese EVs, especially if the US and EU persist with tariffs to protect their domestic industries. So, EVs are only going to get cheaper here over the next couple of years.
The other barrier in the mind of some drivers is ‘range anxiety’. Most EV drivers charge at home most of the time. However, we need a comprehensive public charging network to give current and future EV drivers confidence in this technology.
The Government has set a target of 10,000 chargers by 2030. According to EECA, there are currently around 1248 operational charge points in New Zealand. So, we need to ramp up installation from about 21 per month over the past 18 months to about 140 per month for the next five years.
The good news is much work is underway to enable and accelerate the investment in public charging stations by the government, regulators, and electricity network businesses. This work needs to happen quickly.
Supermarkets and other retailers can play a critical role in providing New Zealanders confidence to go EV by providing charging facilities in their car parks. Studies show that customers charging their cars will likely stay longer in the store.
I know the provision of charging by supermarkets is beginning to occur. However, the opportunity is considerable, with around four million passenger cars ready to become EV over the next two decades.
Transport logistics is the other major opportunity for supermarkets when it comes to electric vehicles. Heavy vehicles comprise about five percent of New Zealand's total vehicle fleet but contribute approximately 25 percent of road transport emissions.
While the opportunity to reduce
emissions is enormous, the economics of transition can be challenging. One initiative already in place is the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund EECA, which provides incentives of up to 25 percent of the purchase price of new zero-emissions heavy vehicles.
Smaller delivery vehicles also provide the opportunity for electrification, and we’ve already seen Foodstuffs and Woolworths begin to deploy these vehicles for their online businesses.
This is critical leadership and a demonstration of how electrification can make good business sense.
Drive Electric is starting work on what additional policy settings need to look like further to support the transition in delivery and heavy vehicles. Our submission to the government on the second Emissions Reduction Plan contained many ideas, including extending the RUC exemption on heavy vehicles, reviewing the Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Rules, and considering payload exemptions for electric trucks.
We also need to ensure that the charging infrastructure providers are considering the needs of logistics operators, particularly those driving vans and other delivery vehicles.
Adopting new technologies is never linear, and we may be in a comparatively slow patch right now with EV uptake in New Zealand. However, ultimately, the superior technology will win. (That’s electric) It will be consumers who make the choicebecause EVs offer a cheaper, quieter, and cleaner alternative to the status quo.
Supermarkets can position themselves to take advantage of this technology in so many ways, as the benefits to your customers and the bottom line, will only continue to grow. n
Kirsten Corson Chair Drive Electric
MAHLE BIONIC FAN FOR EVS
At the IAA Transportation 2024, MAHLE showcased the world’s first bionic high-performance fan, making commercial vehicles significantly quieter. The fan was developed for particularly demanding fuel cell and battery electric vehicles.
electricvehicles
With the help of AI, we analysed the characteristic features of bats, swordfish, and many other inspirations from nature. We finally ended up with the owl, the silent hunter, as the main template for our new fan.
When optimising its ventilation blades using AI, the MAHLE engineers took inspiration from the wings of an owl, one of the quietest birds in the world. The bionic fan blades can reduce a truck's fan noise by up to 4 dB(A)—equal to more than halving the sound output.
This significant reduction has solved another challenge for e-mobility: loud fan noise, which can disturb both at full load and when charging the vehicle at night, whether in residential areas or during resting times at service stations. The fan is also significantly more efficient than conventional designs.
“We learn from nature: It inspires us in many areas. We have already seen success with our bionic battery cooling plate. This technology helped us significantly while optimising our fan,” said Dr. Uli Christian Blessing, Head of Development Thermal Management at MAHLE.
“With the help of AI, we analysed the characteristic features of bats, swordfish, and many other
inspirations from nature. We finally ended up with the owl, the silent hunter, as the main template for our new fan.”
The fan blades were modelled based on owl wings and feathers, minimising noise turbulence and making the fan quieter and more efficient.
Reduced noise levels during vehicle fast charging increase comfort for drivers and area residents alike. MAHLE offers the fan in a broad power range from 300 watts to 35 kW for small electric passenger cars to large, particularly temperature-sensitive fuel cell trucks.
Various passenger car and commercial vehicle manufacturers have already begun trialling the prototypes.
“With this new product, MAHLE continues to pave the way for the electrification of mobility – and contributes to making it more attractive for customers.”
MAHLE also developed the fan cover and carrier using bionic principles to save even more weight. As a result, both components are more than ten percent lighter and have increased structural integrity.
Electrification and thermal management, i.e., heating and cooling, are closely interwoven, and efficient electrification is only possible with efficient thermal management. MAHLE is one of the few global suppliers active in both fields, where it leverages its excellent expertise to develop technical solutions for all drives.
Later this year, MAHLE will also showcase its new evaporative cooling system for fuel cell vehicles. This system generates up to 50 kW higher cooling capacity in the same amount of space, allowing for decreased fan usage and thereby reducing hydrogen consumption by up to 1.5 percent. For hydrogen engines, MAHLE has developed a Power Cell Unit (H2-PCU) to ensure this climate-neutral drive's robust and problem-free operation. n
electricvehicles
canadian govt addresses ev sector issues
Canada’s auto manufacturing industry has directly supported over 125,000 goodpaying Canadian jobs, many of which are unionised. The country’s electric vehicle (EV) supply chain potential has been ranked first globally. Its steel and aluminium sectors have also supported over 130,000 jobs.
However, Canadian auto workers and the auto sector have faced unfair competition from Chinese producers, who benefit from unfair, non-market policies and practices.
China’s intentional, state-directed policy of overcapacity and lack of rigorous labour and environmental standards threatened workers and businesses in the EV industry, undermining Canada’s long-term economic prosperity.
Recent consultations with stakeholders confirmed that exceptional measures were required to address this extraordinary threat.
Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced measures to level the playing field for
Canadian workers and allow Canada’s EV industry and steel and aluminium producers to compete in domestic, North American, and global markets.
“For Canada to compete in the future economy, it must provide good jobs, advance clean innovations and be protected from unfair market actions. We have made historic investments to attract and create the well-paying jobs of the future across the EV supply chain, including in steel and aluminium,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
“The auto supply chain in Canada supports nearly 550,000 direct and indirect jobs, and automotive is one of the country’s
The auto supply chain in Canada supports nearly 550,000 direct and indirect jobs, and automotive is one of the country's largest export industries. That is why our government is committed to supporting a competitive and fair industry and protecting Canadian jobs.
largest export industries. That is why our government is committed to supporting a competitive and fair industry and protecting Canadian jobs. This is about securing the fair, prosperous future Canadians deserve.”
The Government of Canada will implement a 100 percent surtax on all Chinese-made EVs, effective October. This includes electric and certain hybrid passenger automobiles, trucks, buses, and delivery vans. The surtax will apply in addition to the Most-Favoured Nation import tariff of 6.1 percent, which currently applies to EVs produced in China and imported into Canada.
The federal government also intends to
apply a 25 per cent surtax on imports of steel and aluminium products from China to protect Canada’s workers from China’s unfair trade policies and to prevent trade diversion resulting from recent actions taken by Canadian trading partners.
An initial list of goods subject to the surtaxes was released for public comment, and the final list will be announced in October.
The Government of Canada will launch a second 30-day consultation concerning other sectors critical to Canada’s future prosperity, including batteries and battery parts, semiconductors, solar products, and critical minerals.
It also announced its intention to limit
eligibility for the Incentives for ZeroEmission Vehicles (iZEV), the Incentives for Medium and Heavy Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles (iMHZEV), and the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) to products made in countries that have negotiated free trade agreements with Canada. These measures will be reviewed within one year of their entry into force.
“Our government is committed to meeting our zero-emission vehicle sales targets and building a green economy that works for every generation. However, the path to net-zero emissions won’t be achieved without Canadian workers,” said Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport. n
electricvehicles
EVALUATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW TECH
JAC New Zealand has offered Kiwi businesses a reliable and eco-friendly option for their commercial fleets with 100 percent Electric Light Duty trucks. With a range of trucks from 6 to 9T, it has an impressive fully loaded EV range of over 200km from its 107kwh battery, perfect for urban driving.
“While having flown under the radar in New Zealand until recently, JAC Motors has a rich history spanning 60 years, dating back to 1964 when it was founded as Jianghuai Automobile Co. in China,” said Kathryn Hayward, Senior Marketing Manager of NZ Automotive Limited.
“Today, JAC is a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer. It proudly holds the title of one of China’s top commercial vehicle exporters and has a global presence in over 100 countries.”
Over the years, the company has forged strong partnerships with industry giants like the Volkswagen Group, Cummins, and Huawei, driving innovation and growth. It has established itself as a trusted name in the industry with a loyal customer base worldwide, including Carrefour, DHL, KraftHeinz, Heineken, PepsiCo, and more.
JAC’s 100 percent Electric Trucks are best suited as urban trucks. With a 200km+ fully loaded urban range, they are ideal for lastmile delivery, online grocery order delivery,
urban contractors, and more.
“City driving is where they are most at home as the stop-start and lower driving speeds allow the JAC EV Truck to achieve the best range through regenerative braking.”
Explaining regenerative breaking, Hayward said that the electric vehicle harnessed energy previously lost through braking and decelerating and stored this energy in the battery to give users more charge and range.
She added that switching to EVs and decarbonising the fleet was a transitional process. It was necessary to check what routes would suit an EV while supporting some longer driving with other fuel types, such as the JAC Cummins Diesel truck.
JAC electric trucks offer several advantages for businesses in the FMCG and supermarket industry. These include reduced running and servicing costs, the ability to run chiller units on electric power, eliminating the need for idling diesel engines, convenient charging options, and reduced noise, making them ideal for traffic and delivery situations.
With its innovation available
Kathryn Hayward Senior Marketing Manager
NZ Automotive Limited
internationally, the team has also found it incredibly important to test and ensure that every product fits the local New Zealand market before launching. It has worked closely with the factory, spending months testing and refining products before launching them in the country.
“We’ll continue to evaluate opportunities to bring in new technologies to meet Kiwis' needs.”
The brand also invested heavily in R&D. In 2023, JAC Group invested approximately USD 310 million in R&D, representing a 21.92 percent increase compared to the previous year. This high level of R&D
investment has only continued into 2024, and the brand has continued to improve current technologies and launch new ones.
Hayward said that, as part of an automotive company that has supported Kiwis for over 100 years, the JAC team has been proud to continue this legacy.
“For us, it’s all about having viable products in the market that give businesses the tools to do what they need; what that looks like could change rapidly with different technologies and business needs. As a nimble team, we’re keen to put some of those “covid buzzwords” such as ‘pivot’ and ‘adapt’ into play when needed.” n
the hire industry and why train column
The Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ) is collectively the largest owner of MEWPs and forklift fleets. Rough estimates have the hire fleet accounting for 80 percent of the country's total forklifts and closer to 90 percent for MEWPs.
HIANZ focuses on helping develop a safe and thriving community using plant and equipment by supporting hire businesses in their success. The association focuses its attention on three core strategies.
Advocate - Ensure hire is strongly represented and considered when developing or reviewing regulations and legislation.
Educate - Providing tools and support to ensure the duty of care is prioritised in achieving industry safety best practices, growing and developing our people to be the best in providing solutions for those wanting to use plant and equipment.
Empower - Promote the economic and environmental benefits of hiring, assisting in making hiring the first choice.
The Silvercard Competent Operator Program is a training program for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) and forklifts. It is owned by HIANZ and delivered by accredited independent
trainers/assessors across the country.
HIANZ manages this program to help the hire industry manage the risks of owning MEWPs and forklifts. The hire company is assured that a person hiring their equipment can use it if they hold a Silvercard.
This meets the hire company's duty of care under the HSWA and reduces the risk of the machine being damaged or misused while under the competent operator's stewardship.
If you own your forklift or a MEWP, the above applies to you and, in some cases, may assist you with compliance requirements and insurance support.
As a business owner, you, too, have a duty under the HSWA to ensure all workers are trained in their tasks. The Silvercard Program assists in understanding the quality of training a worker receives.
Silvercards are delivered to some of the highest standards in the vocational education sector. It's owned by the hire industry, making it the most closely connected program to the market, with access to the best and safest knowledge base.
This ensures that learners receive the highest quality training possible.
As a business, you can rest assured that a Silvercard Competent Operator has received the best training and assessment according to NZQA requirements, fully meeting the standards of regulations and legislation.
A key point for businesses is that the Silvercard Program creates a safe, competent, and productive worker. This is what a business really needs: safety in the workplace, competent machinery operations on site, and all done at a productive rate. The three biggest risks to a business covered are safety, quality, and profitability.
That covers the hire Industry, the most extensive MEWPs and business fleet owners.
BUT WHY TRAIN AS A PERSON/WORKER?
You, the worker, need training for the exact same reason above: to ensure you are safe and don't get injured at work, to ensure you get home at the end of the workday tired but in one piece, and to ensure you are the best worker in the business, consistently delivering work that meets or exceeds the company's standards.
I'm not saying you will get a pay rise for participating in the Silvercard program, but it does contribute to those decisions. An employer will always consider a safe, competent, and productive worker to be more valuable than one who isn't.
Training isn’t everything, nor is it the end of a worker’s responsibilities when it comes to safe, competent, and productive work with a MEWP or Forklift. Continued understanding of the hazards in the workplace, communicating with your teammates, and following everything you were taught at your training are just as important.
Understanding hazards means identifying what actions or tasks could harm you or others and then figuring out how to prevent them.
An example is using “Man-up/WAV/ EWP” in the aisle to retrieve a box from the top of the racking; as work is carried out at
Continued understanding of the hazards in the workplace, communicating with your teammates, and following everything you were taught at your training are just as important.
height, there’s a risk of hitting a pedestrian while moving the machine or knocking a box off the top.
These risks can be easily mitigated by closing the aisle for the short time the task is performed and having another staff member act as a spotter/guide when moving the machine to the aisle. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it gives you an idea of how to control these hazards.
Communicating is just talking –explaining what you will do so others understand. Don’t make your workmates or others guess what you are doing; tell them.
In summary, training increases everything we desire from work. Whether you are the industry association, a MEWP owner, a business, or a worker, we all want a safe, competent, and productive worker and workplace.
Silvercard Competent Operator training program delivers this. See silvercard.co.nz for a course and trainer near you.
For more information on the hire industry and how we can assist you, go to hianz.net.nz. Finally, to know the benefits of hiring over owning, visit your local HIANZ member Hire Centre. They can show you 11 great ways to add value to your business. n
equipment&logistics
LPG-POWERED BEVERAGE INDUSTRY FORKLIFTS
HELI-AFRICA Beverage Industry Li-ion Battery
Specialised Forklift Launch & Delivery Ceremony was held in HELI's headquarters showroom in August. The ceremony theme was "LIFT THE SPARK, REFRESH THE FUTURE," and the leaders of HELI and Heli Kenya distributor TAURUS witnessed this moment together.
At the ceremony, the HELI leaders and other relevant persons in charge of the programme delivered speeches with the Heli Kenya distributor. As the countdown ended, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air.
The new product was slowly unveiled, and Yang Anguo, Chairman of Anhui Forklift Group, handed over the "golden key" to Heli Kenya Distributor, who announced the official delivery of the order.
Outside the venue, 39 ordered forklifts were neatly arranged to be shipped to the African continent. HELI has been cultivating the Middle East and Africa markets for over twenty years, establishing more than 40 distributors in the region.
Since HELI Middle East FZCO was established in 2022, the company has served the market more rapidly and efficiently.
This new specialised model was derived from HELI's mature and well-performing G2 series of lithium-ion forklifts. The
products in this order were specially developed for the factory of Kenya's largest beverage company.
Unique configurations, such as a raised cockpit, safety protection alert system, single and double pallet forks, and turning speed limit, support the products' effective enhancement of driving vision and ensure the safety of efficient operation. LPG-powered beverage industry forklifts will soon be available to meet consumer demand.
The release of the specialised forklift for the beverage industry and the delivery of orders demonstrated HELI's ability to adapt to the market demand for innovation and development.
At the same time, it also demonstrated efficient synergy in the process of product development and validation, providing firm support to HELI's partners.
In the future, HELI will continue to strive to become the world's top logistics handling solution expert and provide more professional services to customers in more industries. n
WONTONNE GROUP EXPANDS
As a leading material handling manufacturer in China, WONTONNE Group specialises in researching, developing, and manufacturing forklift attachments and forklifts.
The company provides highefficiency material handling solutions for industrial production and commercial logistics scenarios. It boasts a comprehensive product line in forklift attachments and forklifts, catering to the needs of various industries and handling scenarios. It also develops customised products for clients with specific handling requirements.
Since its inception, WONTONNE Group has positioned itself as a trusted provider of material handling solutions. With over 20 years of industry experience, backed by substantial investments, lean manufacturing practices, supply chain integration, and a dedicated design team, the group delivered high-quality and customised solutions for forklift attachments, forklifts, and spare parts.
With a focus on long-term growth, WONTONNE Group has significantly invested in building a new research and development centre and a modern manufacturing industrial park spanning 30,000 square meters, with an annual planned capacity of 20,000 units. These infrastructure investments will be pivotal in its long-term and strategic development.
The modern and intelligent production
facilities and equipment have undergone comprehensive equipment commissioning and trial production phases. Soon, they will be ready to provide faster and better material handling products and services to the global market.
WONTONNE Group has been deeply
committed to providing its partners with optimal solutions and establishing longterm, mutually beneficial cooperation mechanisms. Its comprehensive solutions cover all material handling needs, whether standardised products or customised requirements. n
equipment&logistics
hubtex EVOLVES FROM CONVENTIONAL FORKLIFTS
The FluX 45 is HUBTEX's new electric multidirectional counterbalance forklift truck with a load capacity of up to 4.5 t. The Fulda-based company replaced its predecessor with an even more compact 2-in-1 forklift with greater load capacity.
Customers find the new FluX 45 multidirectional forklift particularly effective when they move palletised loads but regularly have to move long loads laterally. The forklift has been primarily used in building centres or manufacturing companies in the plant and mechanical engineering industries.
Conventional forklifts were traditionally used in these industries as they could optimally transport palletised loads. They were very popular with forklift drivers due to their all-around visibility and handling characteristics. However, conventional forklifts sometimes need help with transporting long loads.
Conventional forklifts require wide aisles. There was also an increased risk of accidents because the surface of the long
goods in contact with the lift truck is often too small, or the long goods have to be lifted over obstacles.
"Users must then decide whether to invest in a specialised side loader. This often makes little economic sense given the short operating times, said Michael Röbig, authorised representative and head of product management at HUBTEX.
“With the FluX 45, users benefit from a truck that can be used flexibly as both a forklift and side loader, eliminating the need to invest in two vehicles. At the same time, the robustness and longevity of our forklifts significantly reduce the total cost of ownership.”
Like all models in the FluX series, the new FluX 45 boasts compact dimensions and a high load capacity. Compared to its
predecessor model, the truck's length has been reduced by 14 percent, making it even more maneuverable.
Another attractive feature is the lift mast with a tilt function. This allows the FluX 45 to be used as a forklift for loading and unloading trucks, for example, or as a side loader for transporting long loads through narrow hall doors.
At the same time, it has ensured high safety on uneven surfaces, mainly when used outdoors. HUBTEX also incorporated higher ground clearance and larger tyres during development to optimally equip the new FluX 45 for outdoor use.
The new FluX 45's cabin ergonomics have also been optimised to ensure maximum driving comfort, whether with an enclosed exterior or an open interior. n
lithium batteries for crown forklifts
BSL New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (Brand: BSLBATT), a high-tech company that designs and manufactures intelligent lithium-ion batteries for industrial forklifts used in the warehousing and distribution industries, has partnered with PF, a major European cold storage customer, to launch the largest fleet of lithium-battery-powered Crown forklift in the cold storage industry, with a deployed capacity of approximately 6.6 megawatt-hours (MWh).
Lithium-battery systems eliminate time-consuming and expensive maintenance and provide longer life at extreme temperatures, especially in cold environments. As the company converts all existing and future material handling equipment to lithium batteries, the fleet will run better, longer, and consume less power.
As one of the world's largest public cold storage companies, PF has 30 facilities in Italy, France, and Spain. Many upcoming facilities are under construction.
The company's warehouses are below -30 degrees Celsius and face unique challenges that lead-acid batteries cannot solve. Specifically, lead-acid battery systems lose power and operating efficiency over a shorter cycle life, increasing operating costs and performance degradation by up to 60 percent.
"PF customers have seen immediate benefits from switching from lead-acid batteries to lithium-ion systems,” said Tracy
Shen, Sales Manager of the Power Division at BSL Battery - Industrial.
“Lithium-ion systems eliminate timeconsuming and expensive maintenance and maintain a longer service life at extreme temperatures, especially in cold environments. As the company strives to convert all existing and future material handling equipment to lithium-ion batteries, the fleet will operate better, longer, and consume less power."
“This heightened reality has been challenging for cold storage facility operators who can’t meet demand. Doing more with less is imperative; lithium-ion batteries are a proven way to optimise equipment utilisation.”
BSLBATT Lithium-Ion batteries perform well in cold storage operations since they were designed and tested to withstand the most demanding environments. They have added features to prioritise safety and performance in the cold.
The batteries have an individual heater on each module to provide continuous heating at temperatures up to -40°C. At the same time, the board thermal insulation prevents battery energy loss during charging/ discharging and maintains a constant temperature.
Each battery pack has been treated with silicone desiccant to prevent condensation from affecting the battery. BSLBATT batteries also achieve an IP67 rating due to their fully enclosed design, which protects them from condensation, ice, and other liquids.
The battery can be charged faster, reducing downtime for heavy-use cold storage businesses. It can also be charged within blast freezers and refrigerated warehouses.
It also has a UL certification, which showcases its commitment to providing safe products and ensuring performance in the most challenging conditions. n
empowering confidence and safety through machinery training
Between 2013 and 2020, WorkSafe recorded 11 fatalities involving a forklift and an average of 127 injuries, resulting in more than a week away from work each year.
Trysen Myers Manager
ASWEFA Hamilton Training Centre
Across industries, from logistics and warehousing to construction and manufacturing, machinery plays a vital role in keeping businesses efficient and productive. But beyond the convenience and power of machines like forklifts, elevating work platforms (EWPs), and Wheels, Tracks, or Rollers (WTR), there lies a responsibility that no business can afford to overlook—ensuring the safety of the people who operate them.
At ASWEFA (A Safe Working Environment for All), we have spent over two decades focused on this exact mission: making sure people not only walk away with the skills to operate machinery but that they go home safe, confident, and proud of what they’ve achieved.
My journey in training began with a love for connecting with people and a lifelong exposure to machinery. It was a natural fit for me to move into a role where I could combine these passions. Every day, I see firsthand how proper training makes a
difference—not just in terms of compliance and fiscally in the cost damages have on a company, but in the way, it empowers individuals to feel confident and capable in their workplace.
At ASWEFA, we’ve developed a training culture that strongly emphasises personal achievement. Completing a course and gaining certification successfully is a moment of pride, and it’s important to acknowledge that.
Whether participants are new to machinery or returning for a refresher course, I want every trainee to leave with a smile on their face and a real sense of accomplishment. It’s about more than just passing a course; it’s about changing someone’s outlook and giving them the tools to succeed safely in their role.
The machinery and safety standards world is constantly evolving, and staying on top of these changes is critical. I prioritise staying current with industry trends by talking directly to the people we train,
conducting research online, and exploring new machinery and training techniques. However, how we approach the learning environment is just as important as the technical side of things.
We live in a time where creating a safe, supportive space for learning is crucial. People need to feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and improving without fear of judgment. I spend much time listening to audiobooks and lectures on new teaching strategies and approaches to help people feel more at ease during training. My goal is always to bring out the best in everyone, ensuring they leave with a certification and confidence in their skills.
SAFETY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
One piece of advice I always share with businesses is that while new technology and safety features are fantastic, they’re only part of the equation. You can have the best machinery in the world, equipped
with sensors, cameras, and warning devices, but if your safety culture isn’t the number one priority, you won’t reach your full safety potential.
Safety is a shared responsibility that needs to be embedded into the very fabric of the workplace. Everyone, from management to operators, plays a role in ensuring that the number one goal is for every person to go home in the same condition they came to work in, or even better. Everything beyond that is a bonus.
At ASWEFA, we believe in creating a culture where safety isn’t just a checkbox to tick off but a mindset ingrained in everything we do. No more “she’ll be right” attitudes. Let’s work together to make every workplace A Safe Working Environment For All (ASWEFA).
Interested in learning more about machinery training and how we can help your team stay safe and confident? Visit us online at aswefa.co.nz or email us at sales@aswefa.co.nz. n
equipment&logistics
FORK FORCE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
This year has marked a significant milestone for Fork Force, celebrating 25 years of dedicated service in the materials handling industry.
Beginning in 1999 as Fork Source, co-founders Steve Cunliffe and Adrian Martin envisioned building a new business model, a forklift industry disruptor as a wholesale sub-hire business.
After some early success, the opportunity arose to acquire their first business, which specialised in the import of used forklifts from Japan—kickstarting their transition into becoming used forklift dealers.
By 2007, Fork Force began expanding into new equipment sales with the launch of its Italian-made Pramac electric walkie stacker range, and by 2010, it was selling forklifts nationally around Australia.
Its growing success resulted in more customers requesting high-quality, greatvalue forklifts designed for Australian conditions and meeting Australian standards. This led to the launch of the ENFORCER brand in 2010.
The Enforcer brand has grown into a comprehensive product range, a “one-stop
shop” for all forklift needs, including the market-leading 5-year parts and labour warranty on most new Enforcer equipment.
Fork Force’s operations have grown markedly over the years. From humble beginnings in Brisbane, it took 13 years to expand to Toowoomba in 2011 before promptly opening in Melbourne in 2014; the acquisition of Hystandard in 2018 saw Fork Force begin its operations in Sydney.
The Lencrow acquisition followed soon after in 2019, giving Fork Force additional operational reach into the Adelaide and Newcastle markets. This continued growth has culminated with the greenfield expansion into Perth in 2024.
Meanwhile, in 2017, Nishio Rent All in Japan, one of the largest equipment rental companies in the world, were impressed by Fork Force’s fast-growing business, and decided to invest alongside its Australian directors.
Fifteen years after the first Enforcer was sold, Fork Force now sells over
2,000 Enforcer forklifts yearly and has a 4,000-strong hire fleet. Several milestones, including acquisitions and significant business growth, have marked its growth over the last 25 years.
However, the path to success has not always been smooth, but the company has been dedicated to delivering cost-effective materials handling solutions, high-quality parts, comprehensive customer service, and robust warranty guarantees.
At the heart of Fork Force’s philosophy has been its focus on providing superior value to customers.
Many providers have a singular focus, whether as a used forklift dealer or forklift hire fleet. But Fork Force has been one of the very few operations that can meet every forklift need and do it well.
Fork Force's future will be committed to further developing its product range, enhancing current services, and exploring new markets to meet the ever-changing needs of consumers. n
AUSTRAK PARTNERS WITH TMHA
Australian rail infrastructure manufacturer Austrak has turned to Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) for reliability, safety, and service to help maximise the efficiency of its operations at its Wagga Wagga factory.
Austrak has been a leader in manufacturing heavy-duty pre-stressed concrete sleepers in railway infrastructure. It has three factories in Wagga Wagga, Geelong, and Rockhampton, producing up to a million sleepers annually.
It also recently took delivery of two new heavy-duty 4FD120 forklifts. These forklifts have a load capacity of up to 12,000kg, making them perfect for hauling large concrete sleepers around the Wagga Wagga warehouse.
The entire Wagga Wagga forklift fleet, totalling five units, has been consolidated to Toyota products, with two leased 2.5-tonne forklifts and one 8-tonne unit.
The company added the two new 4FD120 units to its fleet as it has been manufacturing rail sleepers for the Inland Rail project, a 1,600km freight line stretching from Melbourne to Brisbane that has required vast amounts of sleeper movement and storage.
Austrak Wagga Wagga factory manager Jim Stevenson said the company wanted to consolidate its fleet into a single brand, and his experience with the reliability and performance of Toyota products gave TMHA the edge over its competitors.
“We’ve had a few Toyotas, and through that relationship, the decision was taken to purchase a couple of brand-new units but also to transfer all our forklift fleet to
Toyota,” said Stevenson.
“Previously, we’ve had a mix of suppliers in terms of brands and service, and the specification of those machines has been quite mixed and, in some cases, unsatisfactory. We’ve bought two bigger brand-new units, but we also have three other forklifts on site, and we’ve changed everything over to Toyota.”
Stevenson added that there were multiple reasons why Austrak chose TMHA as its sole supplier for the Wagga Wagga factory. The decision was based on the machine's quality, features, after-purchase service, and customer support.
He has had extensive experience with TMHA products, using them in previous jobs before his factory manager role with Austrak and part of the reason for standardising Austrak’s fleet to Toyota forklifts was based on his history with the brand, experiencing firsthand the exceptional reliability and top-class service provided by TMHA’s technicians and sales managers.
“At the last site I was on, we had something like 15 or 20 units, and they were all Toyota. We had a strong relationship; I previously had really good service in that role. I tried different forklifts at different times, but in the end, Toyota is the best and most reliable unit. The service support is really good. From an all-around perspective, I think Toyota seems to be at
the pointy end, in my experience.”
The addition of the new forklifts has provided Austrak operators and supervisors with valuable benefits not found on older machines, including PIN-code start-up and Toyota’s exclusive telematics “I_Site” fleet management system. This system provides supervisors with valuable information, including fleet utilisation, downtime, OH&S incidents, and breakdown information, to ensure the fleet runs smoothly. The ergonomics of the new forklifts make jobs easier and safer for operators.
“One of the significant comments we’ve had from a safety perspective is that forward visibility is hugely improved over what we’ve had before. From my perspective, we load trucks, we move stuff around with people doing other bits and pieces – any time you improve visibility for the driver, that’s a good thing.”
Stevenson has put Austrak’s other factory managers in Victoria and Queensland in contact with Toyota, as the other factories have also been looking to standardise their fleets.
“Geelong and Rockhampton are also looking at their fleets, and I’ve recommended Toyota to both those factory managers and have spoken to my contact, so the relevant Toyota salespeople in those states have been contacted already, and the conversations are underway.” n
equipment&logistics
DIRECT DISPATCH FOR LOGISTICAL EFFICIENCY
Unilever’s new ‘direct dispatch’ model of shipping products from its factories to retail customers has helped improve the efficiency of its logistics operations.
Direct dispatch has allowed Unilever to increase efficiencies in its end-to-end supply chain. It has cut travel time and distance, lowered its carbon footprint, reduced touchpoints, and ensured excellent service to retail customers.
Over the next few years, Unilever has planned to increase its capabilities significantly with projects underway in Europe, North Asia, Indonesia and South East Asia.
Typically, products move from where they have been made to where they are sold via distribution centres (DCs). Trucks pick up pallets of products from one of Unilever’s factories and drop them off at a DC, where
they’re unloaded, organised and stored.
Then, when an order is received, it is picked up, loaded onto another truck, and shipped to the retailer.
For example, in most instances, a customer will order a mix of Unilever products from different factories, such as cleaning and laundry, nutrition, beauty, and personal care products. The DC will hold all these in a vast warehouse, then pick, pack and ship them out as one delivery.
However, there have been certain circumstances where these processes can be made more efficient through ‘direct dispatch’, distributing directly from the factory to the customer.
Unilever has been increasingly
Unilever has been increasingly implementing this model across its logistics network because it is quicker. When the customer places an order, it gets delivered straight to them, avoiding the need to load, unload, and store the products in a separate DC.
implementing this model across its logistics network because it is quicker. When the customer places an order, it gets delivered straight to them, avoiding the need to load, unload, and store the products in a separate DC.
It has invariably reduced the distance the trucks travel as one trip is made to the customer site rather than to the DC and then to the customer. This saves fuel and, in turn, the associated greenhouse gas emissions, as well as reducing touchpoints to eventually be more cost-efficient.
Direct dispatch has increased efficiencies
in Unilever’s end-to-end supply chain and helped deliver on the cost savings and sustainability aspects of its Growth Action Plan.
“It reduces travel time and distance, lowering our carbon footprint while at the same ensuring excellent service to our customers. It is a win-win for us and our retailers,” said Michael O’Connor, Home Care Global Supply Chain Strategy & Long-Term Planning Manager.
The viability of direct dispatch relies on sending total shipments of just one or two product lines from a single factory, so it suits Unilever’s largest customers. It also suits its home care products, which tend to be bulkier. For example, a retail partner may order enough boxes or bottles of laundry detergent in one go to fill an entire truck.
The model has already been in place to varying degrees across the globe, with the highest number of factories using it in Latin America and South Asia.
In 2018, just eight percent of Unilever deliveries were sent via direct dispatch, but this number doubled to 16 percent, and the company has aimed to hit over 25 percent by 2026.
“This is about finding what works best for each customer and tailoring the solution accordingly, whether it’s direct dispatch or a traditional model,” said O’Connor.
“We’re constantly evaluating more sites and routes worldwide and, where it makes sense, implementing at speed. Each one we add to the list is another step in our logistics operation becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable.”
DHL LOGISTICS TREND RADAR 7.0
DHL unveiled its 7th edition of the DHL Logistics Trend Radar as the logistics landscape has evolved rapidly.
Since its inception in 2012, the report has provided an in-depth analysis of logistics trends, their impact, progression, and associated challenges and opportunities. For each of the 40 trends, 17 social and business and 23 technological, the radar outlined the predicted time to adoption and their impact on logistics.
While trend clusters like robotics, the Internet of Things, and digital backbone have continued to affect logistics significantly, it has been evident that the emerging field of AI has been making an increasingly substantial contribution and that sustainability has remained a top priority.
“The DHL Logistics Trend Radar is an invaluable strategic resource for our customers and logistics community,” said Katja Busch, CCO and Head of DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation.
“It consolidates key logistics trends, with AI and sustainability taking the lead in this edition, driving the evolution of businesses, consumers, and technologies over the next decade. This empowers our customers and
us to stay competitive in a demanding landscape.”
The relevance of AI for the logistics industry has expanded significantly, with five prominent trends: Generative AI, AI Ethics, Audio AI, Computer Vision, and Advanced Analytics.
These trends collectively aimed to transform logistics processes by leveraging sophisticated data analysis and generation, enhancing human-computer interaction through voice and sound analysis, automating visual data interpretation, and autonomously generating new content based on learned patterns.
Considerations of the ethical implications of the AI technology leap are also being outlined.
The sustainability trend cluster also spotlighted two trends: Renewable Energy Infrastructure and Sustainable Fuels. These trends have become essential for reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and enabling sustainable operations along the supply chain.
“The speed of transformation in logistics is still accelerating. Alongside the exciting opportunities of AI unlocking unprecedented levels of efficiency and innovation, the focus on sustainable, resilient supply chains will remain at the forefront of our customers’ strategic priorities,” said Klaus Dohrmann, Vice
President and Head of Innovation and Trend Research at DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation.
“With the DHL Logistics Trend Radar 7.0, we remain committed to providing a tool for the global logistics community and beyond, where leaders can leverage these insights to adapt proactively and foster sustainable growth.”
The DHL Logistics Trend Radar 7.0 also examined social trends and their implications for supply chains. These include Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), alongside the growing significance of employee experience and workplace health and safety.
This was founded on an integrated customer-centric innovation approach, harnessing critical insights from global engagements at DHL Innovation Centers. Each year, the four Centers in Germany, Singapore, the USA, and the United Arab Emirates attract more than 13,000 visitors.
Complementing these insights, Trend Radar also integrated classic research methodologies and the expertise of key opinion leaders from influential think tanks, consultancy firms, and academia worldwide.
The “DHL Warehouse of Innovation” platform has also facilitated collaboration with start-ups, researchers, and investors to co-create future-oriented innovations alongside DHL. n
INDIA'S FIRST LITHIUM-ION POWERED FORKLIFT
Amid India's rapid infrastructure development and the pressing need for green energy solutions, Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group, has announced its latest innovation.
The conglomerate's material handling business announced the launch of lithium-ion batterypowered forklifts featuring an indigenously developed battery management system (BMS). This will be the first offering of this kind by an Indian manufacturer.
The solution has addressed a critical need in the Indian material handling sector by providing a self-reliant and secure Li-ion battery system. Li-ion technology offers more than four times longer battery life than traditional lead-acid batteries.
Li-ion batteries have provided 5,000 charge cycles versus 1,200 for lead-acid, reducing long-term investment. They enable opportunity charging, zero emissions during charging, and reduced maintenance needs. These batteries charge from 20 percent to 80 percent in only 2.5 hours, compared to six hours for lead-acid batteries. They consume 30 percent less energy and offer up to 15 percent more run time to 2—and 3-tonne forklifts. The modular design also allows for scalability.
Godrej & Boyce has planned to extend this technology to other material handling equipment. Industries set to benefit include
automotive, FMCG, consumer durables, retail, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and other significant manufacturing sectors.
“India’s logistics sector is at a pivotal juncture, experiencing robust growth driven by infrastructure advancements across sectors such as automotive, FMCG, consumer durables, retail including e-commerce, and pharmaceuticals, fueled by rising consumer demand. At Godrej & Boyce, we are committed to ‘Make in India’ strategies, which are vital in driving this growth,” said Anil Verma, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
“Our focus on integrating cutting-edge, technology-enabled solutions remains a key priority, addressing the complex challenges of modern supply chains. These innovations enhance operational efficiency and ensure the sector’s continued evolution. This commitment to nation-building and innovation will shape the future of India’s logistics, securing a more resilient and adaptive industry.”
Anil Lingayat, Executive Vice President & Business Head of the material Handling Business of Godrej & Boyce, part of the
Godrej Enterprises Group, said this launch underscored the commitment to 'Make in India' and building self-reliant capabilities in critical technologies for the material handling industry.
“By leveraging our engineering expertise, we have created a solution that enhances safety and optimises performance. This is the start of a transformative journey that will revolutionise material handling and inspire industries nationwide to reimagine what's possible when we commit to selfreliance.
Developed in partnership with Log9 Materials, the new battery systems integrate lithium-ion cells with 30 percent localised production and a proprietary Battery Management System (BMS) fully designed and made in India. The business has set a target of 100 percent cell localisation by next year.
Traditionally, the Indian market has heavily relied on imported batteries and BMS systems, primarily sourced from China. Localising this technology has showcased the business' commitment to the "Make in India" vision and a resilient domestic supply chain. n
revitalising resilience the theme of upcoming nz beverage council conference
The need for adaptability, optimisation and innovation will be the focus of the upcoming New Zealand Beverage Council’s (NZBC) Conference.
The theme of the 17 October conference will be Revitalising Resilience: Building a healthy beverage industry during economic uncertainty. An impressive lineup of speakers will address this topic to ensure the conference delivers informative sessions to the attendees.
Recognised as one of the most important events in the non-alcoholic beverage sector’s calendar, the conference will bring together a wide range of delegates from across the sector.
Co-chair of the council, Grant Jeffrey, says it offers the opportunity for members to learn from each other and to develop new contacts and to discuss common issues, opportunities and the direction of the industry.
“As we look to the future, it is essential to build on our experience. It is our collective responsibility to face up to these challenges and create new opportunities through innovation and adaptability. All this while pursuing a culture of resilience and passion to
take the industry forward into the future”.
The NZBC (established in 1993) is the industry association for New Zealand's non-alcoholic beverage sector. The members are the brand owners, manufacturers, bottlers and suppliers of New Zealand’s juice, carbonated drinks, flavoured-dairy and bottled water brands. Members range from large multinational brands, local New Zealand producers, to those companies that provide a wide range of goods and services to those companies. The council’s members represent over 75 percent of non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages sold in retail across New Zealand.
“We are committed to providing our members with a strong and united voice so as to create an environment in which our members thrive, provide consumers with choice, and which will ultimately result in a stronger New Zealand Beverage Industry. The conference is an important opportunity for our members to come
together and help realise this”. says Grant.
The NZBC thanks Sensient New Zealand, the platinum sponsors, and the many other sponsors of the conference. The conference will be held at the Tote on Ascot, Ellerslie Racecourse on 17 October, with ‘Welcome Drinks’ the night before at Novotel Ellerslie. Both members and non-members are welcome and can simply register at www.nzbeveragecouncil.org.nz/events. n
lidl announces new georgia store
Lidl US announced that it would open its newest Georgia store. Opening on the 25th of September, in Cumming, Georgia.
amazon fresh introduces amazon shaver
Amazon has announced exclusive discounts for Prime members shopping in-store and online at Amazon Fresh.
soaring sales for tesco swedes
Retro veg side dish Swede has ditched its 1970s image thanks to a TikTok hack.
Sainsbury's has announced it will partner with SAP to revolutionise its commercial systems.
gabriel millan joins mars petcare
Mars has named Gabriel Millan, its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), for its leading pet health, services, and nutrition business.
agritechnz fruit logistica webinar
AgritechNZ has unlocked new global opportunities with Fruit Logistica.
getgo acquired by couche-tard
Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., has announced it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire GetGo Café +Markets from supermarket retailer Giant Eagle, Inc.
biomed scientist is aldi's beer taster
Aldi has hired an NHS biomedical scientist as its official beer taster.
GLO BAL
SPAGHETTI CARBONARA
Heinz
Heinz has introduced its newest product, the Heinz Spaghetti Carbonara. This has combined spaghetti pasta and pancetta in a cheese sauce.
The rich, creamy sauce and texture of freshly made pasta are delicious meals for kids and grown-ups alike. The tinned Heinz Spaghetti Carbonara tastes excellent and contains no artificial colours.
POCKET COFFEE ESPRESSO TO GO
Pocket Coffee
Indulge in the rich and distinctive flavour of POCKET COFFEE anytime, anywhere, with the return of the seasonal summer edition of the Pocket Coffee Espresso To Go. Savour the delightful combination of coffee and chocolate in a convenient, ready-to-drink format. Each pack contains three servings, ensuring you always have your favourite pick-me-up to enjoy on the move.
KITKAT CEREAL
Nestlé
KitKat has launched cereal in Australia.
Cereal Partners Worldwide has announced the launch of KitKat Cereal, a delicious new breakfast option that brings the iconic brand to consumers’ breakfast bowls.
Created in partnership with the KitKat team, the delicious new breakfast product contains whole grain and offers a chocolatey taste and wafer-like texture.
FRUIT & FIRE SNACK CRISPS
Kii Naturals
NuStef Baking's Kii Naturals has launched new Fruit & Fire Snack Crisps. Crafted with precision and passion, these double-baked crisps have an irresistible crunch. Combining natural fruit with hot peppers, nuts, and seeds, these are available in resealable bags, perfect for on-the-go enjoyment, whether hiking in the mountains, camping under the stars or simply relaxing at home.
From Cherry Chipotle to Chili Lime Coconut and Hot Honey Apricot to Mango Habanero, Fruit & Fire Snack Crisps offer unique combinations formulated across three different heat levels.
FIRST-EVER HOT POCKETS CONDIMENTS
Hot Pockets
Hot Pockets has introduced a limited-edition pocket-sized BBQ Sauce to celebrate the return of its iconic BBQ Recipe Beef variety.
Inspired by the sauce featured in Hot Pockets BBQ Recipe Beef, this brand's first-ever condiment is packed with flavour, creating a tangy, sweet, and smoky taste profile.
With 95 percent of consumers using a condiment in the last six months, condiment lovers can enjoy the brand's sauce everywhere they go, from picnics to grill outs and tailgates.
GLOBAL FLAVOURS IN USA
Lay's
America's favourite potato chip brand has planned to transport fans to various locations through Lay’s flavour. Lay's has invited foodies on a culinary voyage by releasing its new Global Flavours lineup, featuring three potato chip flavours inspired by abroad.
Lay's Wavy Tzatziki, Lay's Masala and Lay's Honey Butter flavours, inspired by Greece, India and Korea, will hit store shelves in the U.S. this month for a limited time. This will help fans experience the tastes of these countries without stepping on a plane.
PINBALLS HALLOWEEN MAOAM
Celebrate this Halloween with MAOAM Pinballs' Halloween Edition. With three terrifyingly tasty flavours, Eerie Orange, Spine-Tingling Apple, and Bewitching Blackcurrant, people can be sure to treat their taste buds with these tingly chews.
SPARKLING CHERRY COLA
CELSIUS
CELSIUS launched a limited edition Sparkling Cherry Cola flavour. This flavour has a classic burst of ripe, succulent cherries blended with the iconic cola effervescence.
Feel the rush of energy as the tangy sweetness of cherries meets the familiar, bubbly embrace of cola, creating an irresistible harmony that tantalises the taste buds. The boldness of cola and the refreshing burst of cherry combine to leave you revitalised and craving more.
GLO BAL
IRISH CREAM MILK
Lindt LINDOR
Savour a holiday classic with the new and limitededition LINDOR Irish Cream Milk chocolate truffles. These festive truffles contain a smooth and irresistible alcoholinfused milk chocolate experience.
KRATOM ENERGY SHOT
Jubi
Elevate your energy and strength with Jubi's Cherry-flavoured Kratom Energy Shot, formulated with 50mg of the highest-quality Kratom for a superior experience. This formulation has been the first of kratom products designed by Jubi.
The two-ounce dynamo blend enhances vigour and resilience. Jubi's Kratom Energy Shot is fast-acting, made with natural ingredients, and crafted in convenient on-the-go packaging that is easy to carry in a bag or pocket.
CARAMEL APPLE LATTE
Tim Hortons
To sweeten up the autumn season, Tim Hortons’ has launched its new Caramel Apple Lattes. This Caramel Apple Syrup's rich buttery goodness is pure magic, infusing every sip with the essence of fall. These drinks blend natural apple, caramel, and cinnamon flavours, creating a taste like a hug in a cup.
STICKY TOFFEE LEAF
Soreen
Soreen’s new Sticky Toffee Loaf is squidgy, sticky, rich, and delicious—guaranteed to pick you up after a long day at work.
The new HFSS-compliant Sticky Toffee Loaf has fewer calories per serving than a traditional sticky toffee pudding and aligns with Soreen’s mission of promoting feel-good nutrition by providing a non-HFSS option for sweet-toothed consumers seeking guiltfree indulgence.
AERO MELTS MILK ORANGE POUCH
Nestlé
The Aero Orange Melts are smooth and bubbly, made with orange and milk chocolate. They are bite-sized and perfect for sharing. Feel them melt on your tongue as every bubble is released, and revel in the pleasure of smooth chocolate.
Aero has been famous worldwide for its unique, bubbly texture for decades. It was first launched in 1935 as a chocolate bar in peppermint flavour, followed by the milk chocolate variation in the 1970s.
WALKERS BBQ SAUCE FLAVOUR POTATO CRISPS
Walkers
Walkers has introduced new BBQ sauce-flavoured crisps. These are made with sustainably sourced British potatoes and 100 percent quality ingredients.
In 1948, Henry Walker saw potential. With a bite of positivity, he turned his humble spuds into irresistible Walkers Crisps. Since then, Walkers crisps have provided moments of delicious crunchiness and smiles to everyone in Britain every day.
FUJI APPLE
Spindrift
Crisp and sweet, the Spindrift Fuji Apple is everything people love about biting into an apple in every sip. Each can has been made with a real squeezed apple juice blend from orchards in the US, never from concentrate. It is sweet, refreshing, and endlessly enjoyable.
Spindrift gives back one per cent of every online purchase to the environment through 1% for the Planet.
YAKULT PLUS PEACH
Yakult
Yakult will be spilling a peachy secret this September; Yakult Plus will have a new juicy peach flavour, and the Yakult Plus packs will also change from green to orange, so the new peach flavour will be easy to spot.
Yakult Plus is a delicious, fermented milk drink with 20 billion Yakult’s unique bacteria, L. casei Shirota. These small but friendly bacteria have been scientifically proven to reach the gut alive and increase the bacteria in the gut. Yakult Plus is also rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps lower fatigue.
GLO BAL
NITRO COSMIC PEACH
Monster Energy
Monster Nitro Cosmic Peach has been infused with nitrous oxide, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Its bold, delicious taste of peach is balanced with undertones of sweet and crisp pear.
SNICKERS PECAN
Snickers
A new nut has just joined the squad and is here to change the game. Snickers has launched the new Snickers Pecan.
Delivering that same irresistible Snickers satisfaction, the allnew Snickers now provide the comforting and rich taste of pecan.
CHATIME X ALLEN'S PARTEA MIX
Chatime
Allen's has collaborated with Chatime for a partea mix.
Inspired by Allen’s Party Mix, Allen’s and Chatime have come together to launch the ultimate bubble tea range bursting with flavour.
This limited-edition range of bubble tea flavours includes milky Banana, punchy Pineapple and fruity Red Frogs.
DRIPS - NEW BEVERAGES
Pepsi
PepsiCo has levelled up on flavour, giving consumers more ways to enjoy.
PepsiCo Away From Home's new mixology offering, DRIPS by Pepsi, has launched eight exclusive, crafted beverages, including PEPSI Forever S'mores, TROPICANA Cotton Candy Lemonade, ROCKSTAR Pineapple Upside DOWN Cake and more.
love letter to asia Melbourne's
Foodle, one of Australia’s largest and most innovative Asian grocery chains, announced its second location at The Glen Shopping Centre in Victoria's eastern suburbs.
It has brought a unique retail experience to a new audience, promising an unparalleled immersion into Asian cuisine and culture with an offering beyond traditional competitors.
“Foodle is a fully integrated retail experience where you can explore and own everything quintessential to an Asian dining experience, either at the venue or to take home and recreate the experience,” said Foodle founder David Loh.
The new 1,800-square-metre store is strategically located on the ground floor of
The Glen shopping centre, within the centre's Fresh Food Precinct and took almost nine months to build.
“We worked extensively with Landini Associates, a globally recognised firm with significant experience across the international supermarket industry. The build itself was completed by Trust Projects here in Victoria.”
Loh said that the existing store at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne’s
west and the opportunity at The Glen allowed him to cater to Melbourne’s east.
This, in conjunction with the demographic data, showed that the area hosted over 20 percent of consumers with an Asian-born background, allowing him to know that the brand would succeed here.
This comprehensive mega-market features restaurants, bakeries, and live food offerings that span three distinct areas.
As Australians increasingly seek alternatives to major supermarkets, the market share of independent supermarkets has risen from 13 percent to 18 percent in recent years, reflecting a growing preference for unique and diverse shopping options.
The supermarket has also been working with several local and international suppliers and producers to ensure the best variety and quality in-store every day of the year, such as strawberries from Wandin, Victoria’s Australian Strawberry Distributors.
Loh said delivering the Foodle brand to Australians and showcasing different
suppliers, brands, and cultures in one place has been an enriching experience for him.
“Seeing the brand now open its second store is phenomenal.”
He added that integrating several firstto-market opportunities, like the in-house Korean Bakery at the Glen location, posed challenges due to a lack of preexisting framework. At the same time, the opportunities to create something unique and memorable for customers set the Foodle brand apart.
Foodle has been about celebrating different cultures, and that has been seen even in its multicultural team. It has emphasised team players, strong customer service, and a dedication to quality in produce and people.
“At Foodle, we are proud to showcase a variety of different cultures that aren’t traditionally seen en masse at traditional supermarkets. “
According to Loh, the concept of cooked food and restaurant offerings within the supermarket has been the most growthinnovation-focused category within the Foodle brand.
“We have capitalised on this by providing four kitchens at Foodle The Glen.”
Foodle at The Glen has enhanced the shopping experience for all visitors, including a Japanese street food teppanyaki stall, a fresh sushi bar, a noodle-making
storespotlightglobal
machine where customers can witness and interact with the intricate process of noodle making, and a Korean doughnut bakery offering freshly prepared, live on-site treats.
“Foodle is a love letter to Asian culture. Everyone can purchase items that are usually hard to find from all parts of Asia, with commodities and ingredients regularly featured in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Indonesian, Filipino cuisines, and more.”
The new mega-market has been dedicated to everything Japanese and Korean, from crockery and groceries to beauty and baby products. It also features one of Australia's most extensive direct-to-consumer Japanese Wagyu offerings.
“Housing all these items in one location allows Foodle to become the megasupermarket of Asian cuisine.”
Foodle also offers a unique membershipbased loyalty program for members to receive specific discounts based on shopping habits.
Customers can select their items in this live seafood market and have them prepared live by in-house chefs. There is even an Asian roast offering.
Loh’s vision for Foodle is to introduce Asian food and culture to Australian consumers, demystify Asian cuisine, and make it accessible to all. He hoped to extend this accessibility to other Australians by growing the Foodle footprint across
multiple locations nationwide.
Foodle offers a large selection of vegetarian and vegan food, emphasising protecting taste and quality in plant-based alternatives.
“The good news is that Asian culture has heralded plant-based alternatives for decades and is quite a bit further ahead of its Western counterparts; we are dedicated to expanding this category as demand rises.” n
Schweitzer Project: Project management, shopfitting, production, installations, counters and show refrigerators, lighting and ceilings.
All fresh food counters, refrigerated display cases and the waterloop refrigeration system come from Schweitzer's in-house production.
The EDEKA Future Market in Nauen opened its doors to Local customers are under the management of the managing director and EDEKA retailer Christian Dorfmann.
With the realisation of the Store of the Future as the most sustainable and innovative store in the entire region, the regional company EDEKA MindenHannover and Schweitzer have achieved another milestone in the corporate histories of both companies.
Sustainable measures are being implemented in all areas of the 2,500 m² sales area. For example, natural insulating materials and low-CO2 concrete were used during construction, a photovoltaic system with battery storage was installed on the roof, and solar carports were installed in the car park. Rainwater is used for the sanitary facilities and the waste heat from the Waterloop refrigeration system is used to heat the store.
The focus of the overall concept is on sustainability through reduction.
Everything superfluous has been omitted from the architecture and the entire shop construction. The building is a timber construction, which is rare in the food industry. As a partner for shopfitting, store design, and refrigeration, Schweitzer and Interstore contributed their expertise to develop and implement innovative solutions to meet sustainability requirements.
'The all-encompassing basic claim of the Store of the Future is to be as sustainable as possible: from the architecture to the shop fitting and store design as well as the actual management," said Christian Dorfmann, Managing Director of the EDEKA Future Market in Nauen.
"For me, sustainability in this case means, among other things, reducing or doing without what is unnecessary. This approach can be found throughout the market."
The experts at Interstore, with the support of the subsidiary agency Jos de Vries in Amsterdam, implemented this requirement in the store concept and developed the leitmotif 'Future is...'., running like a red thread through the entire shop space.
The store concept aims to support the pleasant atmosphere created by the wooden architecture in the shopfitting, furnishings and graphics. While steel and
solid wood were used in the shopfitting, the use of neutral colours (white, natural wood) and the reduction of the essential materials contributed to the lightness of the ambience - Emphasising the focus on the main protagonist of the entire presentation: the products.
As a result, the number of panelling, decorations and decorative elements has been reduced to a minimum. All the decorations are made from recycled materials or were sourced at flea markets and second-hand shops. Even all nonmerchandise items, such as couches and lounge elements in the gastronomy area, are second-hand. For example, floating 3D elements made from recycled PE materials help with customer orientation in the store. These and all printed graphics can be fully recycled at the end of their servicelife.
In all departments of the store of the future, the focus in product selection is on regional products that have travelled as few kilometres as possible. Applying to the extensive fruit and vegetable department and, where possible, all ingredients used in the catering departments - sushi, fresh food and salad bar.
One of the highlights of the retail space is 'Dorfmann's meeting point' and the lounge bar above it, appropriately named 'Überschaubar' ('Overseeable'). Both invite shoppers to linger and offer an impressive view of the entire market. The gallery will also host tastings and other events in future.
'Dorfmanns Hofladen' is a special point of contact on the site. In this point of sale inspired by farmers' markets, various regional producers can present and sell their products at varying intervals.
The WWF partnership with EDEKA Minden-Hannover accompanies the shopper through the entire store with a design adapted to the store concept in the form of messages and tips on climate protection on screens, walls and pillars. The
in-store communication serves to provide information and knowledge.
The cheese island is another highlight of the shop design. The construction, which also houses the bakery, is connected to a waterloop system, meaning this department can be dismantled, extended or relocated quickly and easily, just like a prefabricated house.
Schweitzer produces all wall-mounted refrigeration units, freezer islands, and self-service and serve-over counters in the fresh food areas. These units are modular and self-contained, meaning each can be quickly dismantled and rearranged, making conversions easy in the coming years.
"At the EDEKA Future Market in Nauen, in addition to the store design and shopfitting, we have also implemented the latest generation of our Waterloop system, including plug-in refrigeration units and counters from our production," said Bernhard Schweitzer, CEO & Owner Schweitzer.
"As a world first in a single project, we are combining an exciting, inspiring shopping experience with the latest sustainable refrigeration technology in the areas of system construction (Waterloop), refrigeration units (all with 500 g R290) and flexible counter systems (ready to plug in with connection to the Waterloop). Our flexible systems also make it easy and straightforward to change departments to meet changing customer needs."
The use of the Waterloop system in the EDEKA
The Waterloop is a fully integrated refrigeration system in which plug-in refrigeration units are connected in a closed water circuit. The resulting waste heat is transported out of the store via a pipework system. The waste heat from the compressors is transferred to the water circuit via a heat exchanger and used to heat the store. An additional air-to-water heat pump covers the peak load on particularly cold days. The passive house standard and the exclusive use of panel heating enable low flow temperatures for the heating and, therefore, the direct utilisation of waste heat from all refrigeration units and points in the concrete core activation.
This system makes it much easier to relocate refrigeration units in the building in the future than with units connected to a central refrigeration system. Eliminating the central refrigeration system also saves space for a refrigeration machine room.
This combination of state-of-the-art waterloop technology from Schweitzer with heat recovery via concrete core activation is the most energy-efficient solution to CO2 on the market. There is currently no CO2 solution that can offer the same added value. (floor heating, 500 g, inverter technology). Thanks to the waterloop connection, all refrigerated cabinets have twice the service life of conventional, plug-in refrigerated cabinets. n
Future Market in Nauen
Valor Oil, owned by the Emmick Family, has announced that they will bring HOP Shops, home of the famous disco bathrooms, to Indiana.
The Rockport Truck Plaza in Indiana, previously leased, became entirely under Valor’s management this September. This has marked an exciting milestone for the company, which already operates two HOP Shops Truck Plazas in Owensboro, ten HOP Shops convenience stores in Northern Kentucky, and two HOP Shops truck plazas in Ohio.
Valor Oil has ambitious plans for the Rockport property, including a gas station, convenience store, and a Wendy’s restaurant. In the coming months, the HOP Shops Truck Plaza will undergo renovation, complete with the world-famous HOP
Valor Oil Brings HOP Shops To Indiana bp's Archaea Energy x GFL Environmental New Plant in Wisconsin
Shops disco bathrooms, a signature feature in six other stores that have delighted customers with a fun experience.
“We are excited to officially begin operations in Indiana and look forward to serving the Rockport community,” said Damon Bail, VP of Retail Operations of Valor LLC.
“Our focus will be on enhancing the customer experience by bringing our World Famous Disco Bathrooms and expanding our food offerings with Chester’s Chicken. This is the next step in our growth, and we’re excited to welcome the community to experience what HOP Shops has to offer.”
Valor LLC operates a growing network of HOP Shops, convenience stores and truck plazas across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. HOP Shops was recently voted. n
Archaea Energy, a bp and GFL Environmental subsidiary, announced that their joint venture-owned renewable natural gas (RNG) plant in Wisconsin came online last month.
The plant, owned by a joint venture of the two companies known as Saturn Renewables LLC, has been operated by Archaea and was adjacent to the Hickory Meadows landfill, owned and operated by a subsidiary of GFL Environmental.
“This plant highlights our commitment to investing in communities, decreasing emissions, and bringing lower-carbon energy to our customers,” said Starlee Sykes, CEO of Archaea Energy.
Archaea Energy, a bp-owned company, is the largest RNG producer in the U.S. It has an industry-leading platform and expertise in developing, constructing, and operating RNG facilities to capture waste emissions and convert them into low-carbon fuel.
Using the proprietary Archaea Modular
Design (AMD), the Green Meadows plant has captured biogas produced from the decomposition of organic waste in the landfill and converts it to renewable natural gas.
This plant can process up to 4,800 standard cubic feet of landfill gas per minute (scfm) into RNG, which can be used as a substitute for diesel fuel in vehicles, for power generation, as a heating source and in many industrial applications.
“GFL is excited to see our second RNG facility come online as part of our investment in growth opportunities that support our sustainability commitments,” said Patrick Dovigi, CEO of GFL Environmental.
GFL, headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario, is North America's fourth-largest diversified environmental services company. It provides a comprehensive line of solid waste management, liquid waste management, and soil remediation services through its platform of facilities throughout Canada and in more than half of the U.S. states. n
Zespri Strives for Low Shipping Emissions
Zespri and shipping partner ANL/ CMA CGM drive towards lowemissions international shipping.
Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey hosted an event to support the launch of a feasibility study into setting up a low-emissions shipping corridor via the Panama Canal between Tauranga and Zeebrugge in Belgium.
Zespri and one of its key shipping partners, ANL/CMA CGM, commissioned the study.
Zespri Executive Officer Sustainability Rachel Depree said that shipping was critical in New Zealand’s export-driven economy, carrying 99 percent of the country’s trade by volume and around 80 percent by value.
“Low-emissions shipping is a critical part of carbon reduction for exporters and underpins our collective ability to achieve the government’s goal of doubling export value over the next ten years,” said Depree.
“We are already facing rising costs as carbon is priced into the economy, and
our markets and customers are starting to demand targets and plans to lower emissions over time.”
She added that shipping emissions were one of the critical challenges to decarbonising the kiwifruit industry and meeting Zespri’s climate commitments. While kiwifruit is a low-carbon product, shipping emissions comprised a more significant portion of its carbon footprint (43 percent).
Like many exporters, Zespri cannot directly reduce shipping emissions, so working with shipping and distribution partners helped improve efficiency and find opportunities to pilot low-emissions fuel solutions to be carbon-positive by 2035.
This included continuing to advocate for new port infrastructure and supporting the introduction of more low-emissions shipping vessels, fuels and technology.
“The problem is significant and the answer complex, but we know success here will require coordinated action across government and supply chains.”
ANL & CMA CGM Oceania Managing
Director Shane Walden also outlined the CMA CGM Group's efforts to decarbonise transport and logistics.
“The CMA CGM Group is a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions and places the preservation of the environment at the heart of its strategy, with a commitment to reach Net Zero Carbon by 2050 across all its activities,” said Walden.
“In shipping, CMA CGM is focused on reducing energy consumption and using sustainable low-carbon energies where possible to accelerate the energy transition of the sector, including that of key customers such as Zespri. ”
He said that New Zealand was an important country for the CMA CGM Group due to its geographic advantage, which, with support, could allow New Zealand to play a role as a maritime energy hub for the South Pacific.
“We embarked upon this project with Zespri and EY as it is imperative that we jointly address climate challenges in the sector to support New Zealand’s maritime trade.” n
CONVENIENCE&oil
Couche-Tard & 7&i Proposal Comments
Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., a global leader in convenience and mobility, issued a statement in response to a letter sent by the Board of Directors of Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. ("7&i") regarding Couche-Tard's proposal.
Couche-Tard has a deep respect for the 7&i businesses operating in Japan and worldwide and has continued to believe that by working together, the two companies can successfully reach and complete a mutually agreeable transaction.
“Our complementary businesses, shared values and excellent strategic fit would allow us to achieve significantly more together than we could individually.”
This includes further expanding the 7-Eleven brand internationally, enhancing relationships with franchisees around the globe and attracting and retaining worldclass talent. They can drive growth, learn from each other's operating expertise, benefit from shared best practices, deliver customer excellence and achieve sustainability goals.
The 7&i letter was written by Stephen Dacus, Chair, Special Committee Chairman of the Board, on behalf of the board of directors of Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd (“7&i”).
Dacus said that the Special Committee, assisted by financial and legal advisors, conducted a careful and comprehensive review of Couche-Tard’s proposal throughout multiple meetings.
The 7&i Board unanimously concluded, based on the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, that the proposal was not in the best interest of 7&i shareholders and other stakeholders.
“We are open to engaging in sincere discussions should you put forth a proposal that fully recognises our standalone intrinsic value and addresses our concerns regarding the certainty of closing in the current regulatory environment. However, we do not believe, for several critical reasons, that the proposal you have put forward provides a basis for us to engage in substantive discussions regarding a potential transaction.”
First, the Special Committee believed that the proposal was opportunistically timed and grossly undervalued its standalone path and the additional actionable avenues it see to realise and unlock shareholder value in the near- to medium-term.
Second, the 7&i Board believed that even if Couche-Tard were able to improve the value
element of the proposal very significantly, it did not adequately acknowledge the multiple and significant challenges such a transaction would face from U.S. competition law enforcement agencies in the current regulatory environment and provided no certainty to closing.
“Beyond your simple assertion that you do not believe that a combination would unfairly impact the competitive landscape and that you would “consider” potential divestitures, you have provided no indication at all of your views as to the level of divestitures that would be required or how they would be affected,” said Dacus.
“Your proposal also does not indicate, for example, the timeline you believe would be required to clear regulatory hurdles or whether you would be prepared to take all necessary action to obtain regulatory clearance, including by litigating with the government.”
Third, while it acknowledged the crucial role that 7&i plays in everyday life in Japan across food retail, banking and other services, this area would require further discussion.
“As we discussed, although we would have preferred to keep both your proposal and our response private and confidential, given that the fact of your proposal is already in the public domain, in the interest of transparency with our shareholders and other stakeholders, we are making this letter public.”
Given the mutual benefits of a combination, Couche-Tard was disappointed in 7&i's refusal to engage in friendly discussions and requested that advisors engage in discussions with advisors to 7&i, which was rejected.
It also offered to enter into an NDA to enable both sides to share information to find more value, and this request was also rejected. In addition to enabling CoucheTard to find more value, engagement will enable it to refine our regulatory proposal to sufficiently address deal certainty, as referenced in 7&i's response letter.
Couche-Tard has a successful history and track record of acquisitions and working with U.S. and other regulators in full compliance with applicable processes and requirements. The U.S. convenience store market is highly fragmented, with over 150,000 stores nationally.
Both Couche-Tard's and 7&i's stores operate in the U.S., competing with a wide array of brick-and-mortar and online food and merchandise providers. Additionally, 7&i and Couche-Tard primarily operate in
complementary markets across the U.S.
The company also has a solid record of creating value for shareholders and other stakeholders. Couche-Tard has been an extraordinary steward of capital, having solid operating performance and successfully integrating many acquisitions.
At the same time, it also recognises the critical role of 7&i in everyday life in Japan. It has intended to continue to operate the business in a manner consistent with providing this service for local communities. When entering new markets, CoucheTard has taken a humble approach and would respect how 7&i operates in Japan.
“We also acknowledge that 7&i plays an important role in Japan's emergency response and is part of the community lifeline and social infrastructure. We are committed to 7&i continuing to serve in this capacity.”
Couche-Tard also has deep experience supporting communities during crises; similar to 7&i, it stays open, provides essentials, and is vital to emergency responses in communities.
“Based on substantial work and preparation, we are confident that we have sufficient capacity to finance the transaction in cash and that financing would not be a condition to closing a transaction.”
Couche-Tard has a solid balance sheet and investment-grade solid credit ratings. It has secured a letter from the financial advisor stating that it was highly confident that it can arrange the financing for the proposed transaction, subject to customary conditions.
“Our acquisition history reflects a high level of discipline and execution excellence on behalf of our stakeholders, and we plan to take the same approach in this situation.”
It remained highly focused on consummating a transaction with 7&i that was in the best interests of all constituencies and was prepared to enter into collaborative and friendly discussions on finding more excellent value for shareholders, providing regulatory certainty and ensuring that the combined entity continued to be the leader and provider of premier offerings. n
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