SupermarketNews Magazine | December 2024

BEYOND THE AISLES - YOUR TRUSTED INDUSTRY VOICE SINCE 1923 (see page 10)

the ultimate travel companion

What’s a road trip without snacks?

From childhood memories of holiday getaways (and those infamous Mellow Puffsdelicious going down, not so much on the rebound!) to the latest in-flight snack offerings, one thing remains constant: snacks are an essential part of any journey.

Whether it’s a functional pick-me-up or a moment of indulgence, snacking continues to drive impulse sales. Even the best intentions to eat healthily can weaken halfway through a trip, as we inevitably reach for our favourite sweet or salty treat. One fascinating trend shaping

the snacking category is the influence of the digital world. More than ever, consumers are snacking while scrolling, streaming, or gaming, with digital platforms becoming key sources of inspiration for snack choices. Social media trends and clever online campaigns have helped some brands extend their reach, creating new occasions for snacking.

However, this digital shift comes with its own challenges. Brands must navigate regulations while maintaining a strong, authentic connection with their customers. Those that invest in creative, consumercentric online strategies are seeing results.

So, wherever your journey takes you this holiday season, don’t forget your favourite snack. And remember - your customers are just like you, looking for the perfect treat to enjoy on their travels. Make sure they find it on your shelves! n

Caitlan Mitchell | Editor

and Grocery Council is

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

SUNTORY BOSS COFFEE X ANDY COOKS

Suntory Oceania has partnered with chef and social media sensation Andy Hearnden.

SUMMERFRUIT SEASON BEGINS

Summer has officially arrived with New Zealand-grown summerfruit in the shops.

FOODSTUFFS SURVEY REVEALS CHRISTMAS INSIGHTS

While spending time with family has always been important to Kiwis, more have been hoping to spend time with friends or at the beach this year.

EXCLUSIVE SUMMER APRICOTS

New Zealand summer has inspired the commercial brand names for a series of exclusive apricots distributed by NZ Summerfresh Ltd. to local and international markets.

COAL-FREE MANUFACTURING

One year after releasing its climate roadmap, Fonterra is on track to meet its climate targets and become coal-free in its North Island manufacturing.

WOOLIES HOLIDAY FEASTING PREDICTIONS

As the weather has warmed up, New Zealanders have begun preparing their festive menus.

government invests in nz blackcurrants

Associate Minister for Agriculture Nicola Grigg said the government has backed a project to squeeze more value out of New Zealand blackcurrants.

Woolworths New Zealand has reached a significant milestone in its ongoing transformation journey.

New research has revealed how New Zealand consumers feel about using facial recognition (FR) in retail settings.

fr trial shows reduced harm

According to independent evaluators of Foodstuffs North Island's (FSNI) trial, facial recognition technology has reduced serious harm in supermarkets by an estimated 16 percent.

LO CAL

FESTIVE TREATS

Woolworths

Get into the festive spirit with Woolworths' holiday-themed DIY kits, perfect for creating sweet memories and delicious Christmas treats.

ABE'S CAFÉ STYLE

ABE'S Bagel

ABE’S Bagel has launched its newest sub-brand, ABE’S Café Style. This has brought café-quality bagels into consumers’ homes.

The company has decided to launch exciting flavours like Artisanal Sourdough and SunRipened Capsicum to give its consumers a “good, better, best” strategy for the bagel category.

Each bagel has been meticulously baked to deliver exceptional quality and a premium bite every time. They have suggested that lashings of butter are best on these bagels.

ABE’S Café Style will be available in Coles Australia as well as all New Zealand supermarkets.

Whether decorating cookies or building a gingerbread house, these fun and easy-to-use festive kits have been designed for everyone. They offer a hands-on holiday activity that will bring the whole family together.

Kick off the festive fun this Christmas with Woolworths’ Chocolate Cookie Decorating Kit. Packed with everything you need to decorate your own holiday cookies, this kit is perfect for everyone—from nana to the little one.

HOMMUS TO GO

Obela

Obela Fresh Dips & Spreads have released their new Obela Hi Protein Hommus To Go range. It is available in two variants: classic and jalapeno. Packed with 13g of protein per serving, Obela's High Protein Hommus To Go is the perfect portable and tasty snack. It can be scooped up with a stack of savoury wholegrain rice crackers.

DELICIOUS 100% PLANTBASED M!LK CHOCOLATE CARAMELS AND CHEWS

Wonderland Chocolate

Wonderland Chocolate specialises in making delicious dairy-free, vegan-friendly and gluten-conscious treats that are raising the bar for plant-based indulgence. Its range includes premium chocolate blocks in flavours like Hazelnut & Plum, Coconut & Vanilla, and Salted and Plain Caramels and Pineapple Chews.

This dedication to quality is evident in Wonderland’s choice of ingredients: fine transparent-trade cacao from the Dominican Republic, organic raw sugar, locally sourced freeze-dried fruits, and vanilla.

The eye-catching packaging amplifies the playful and inclusive spirit at the core of the brand, resonating with consumers who value ethical and joyful treats.

For more information, visit the stockists and wholesale page at wonderlandchocolate.co.nz

RESPONSIBLE SOLUTION FOR CORPORATE OCCASIONS

AF Drinks

Office party season has arrived, and AF Drinks has introduced the perfect drink to celebrate.

AF Drinks has introduced its NEW 750ml bottle of AF Sparkling Rosé, a delicious and responsible solution to corporate hosting.

Made with Afterglow, a 100 percent natural botanical extract that mimics the pleasant warmth of alcohol without alcohol, this crisp and light Sparkling Rosé with zero alcohol is perfect for a boozy brunch or long lunch, followed by a drive home in the cool night air.

It is presented in a premium gift box, making it the perfect gift option for any festive occasion.

Serve in a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass. For extra special occasions, dress with dried flowers or fresh strawberries.

ALL NATURAL MARTINI MIXER

The Good Cocktail Co.

Born and made in New Zealand, Red Shoots has introduced a new addition to The Good Cocktail Co. lineup this November.

The newly introduced Zesty Passionfruit + Aromatic Vanilla Martini mixer is an allnatural, vegan, gluten-free, and alcohol-free blend perfect for anyone seeking premium, no-fuss, great-tasting drinks at home— enjoyed with or without alcohol.

state of snacking

Inflation has slowed, promotions have peaked, and global snack sales have continued to grow. Euromonitor International’s snack research has identified five key trends shaping the snacking category.

Intentional Indulgences

Though the desire to indulge in snacks has remained strong, the food affordability crisis has led to dissatisfied cravings. Consumers have become more selective in buying, and only holidays, special occasions, and gathering consumption have fueled growth. Costlier foods coupled with more conscious consumers also sustain value scrutinisation.

Additionally, due to the channel-conscious shopper shift trend, improving physical and e-impulse sales, channel strategy refinements have been another important consideration. Manufacturers should continue to explore opportunities in shared impulse, expanding occasions, and channel shift behaviours to retain snacks’ performance.

Consumers want to stay in the snacks category and have found ways to do so by purchasing smaller, more affordable impulse products that consider budget and health, buying private labels, and finding new occasions.

Functional Natural

Euromonitor’s Voice of the Consumer: Health and Nutrition Survey, conducted in February 2024, found that 15 percent of global consumers believed that clean labelling was an essential feature in foods; however, attributes like organic, all-natural, and free of preservatives were even more critical and tied into consumers’ perception of “natural.”

Snacks integrating whole fruit, vegetable, grain, and seed ingredients have grown. Manufacturers in sweet and savoury domains have established plant-based lines to position brands closer to nature and health.

Legislation has also pushed the trend (e.g., the US string of state artificial colourant bans like red no 3 and 40). These bans

impact popular products like flavoured tortilla chips, puffed snacks, boiled sweets, gummies, and chews, where they’re commonly found. Similar bans have already been established in the EU and Japan. Ingredient innovation for natural snack colours is also set to expand.

Promoting plant-forward and natural ingredient formulations alongside wholesome claims will support consumers’ hunt for wellness, satiety, and earth stewardship while allowing the industry to comply with forthcoming demands.

Travelling Tastes

A sustained movement of people worldwide and increasingly diverse, younger generational cohorts with amplified desires for experience has grown multicultural flares in snacks. Heat levels in food, for example, have been rising for a while, catalysed by Latin cuisines and transformed by Asian and African tastes.

Another example of cultures’ influence on snacking has been the affinity for polarising textures pronounced in Asia, which has given rise to new, contrasting combinations worldwide, like chewy and crunchy or liquid and solid.

In the year ahead, brands will incorporate more local twists into global classics, amplify positioning within cultural communities, and travel into new, unexplored markets.

Going Viral

The digital world’s influence has maintained a stronghold over consumers and their snacking habits. Consumers frequently snack while engaged in digital activities, and digital platforms have become a more significant source of inspiration and information for product purchases.

Manufacturers have seen online sales growth in markets such as Brazil and the US with solid digital advertising and promotions. Viral social media trends and creatively placed online ads have been expected to enhance brands’ reach and unlock new occasions and ways to enjoy snacks. However, brands must be sure to navigate increasing regulations to ensure compliance.

The rising use of social media and tech for food inspiration and purchase has led to valuable insights and directions for manufacturer and brand strategies. Those players working to develop online campaigns and a solid digital presence with a concern for the consumers will benefit from growing sales.

Eco Cost Concerns

The industry has collaboratively addressed the costs of producing environmentally, socially, and governmentally (ESG) friendly snacks. Growing concern over climate change, community welfare, and food safety has resulted in higher demand for responsibly produced snacks.

Consumers have become more interested in companies that produce sustainably, support local communities, and are charitable. They have continued to grapple with the extra spend for some green claims. In contrast, costs in the value chain have continued to rise due to multiple factors.

As the situation with the planet progresses, the snacks industry must more collaboratively address the costs of producing environmentally, socially, and governance (ESG)- friendly snacks.

For more information on snacking and trends, see Euromonitor International’s report, World Market for Snacks. n

roadtripsnacks

POP'N GOOD

Pop n Good popcorn is the perfect little snack for everyone.

Air-popped and whole grain, it's easy to skip the chip with Pop n Good popcorn.

Available in a number of flavours, including the new Thai Sweet Chilli popcorn.

Contact Wilson Consumer Products for more information.

LITTLE

BELLIES

Little Bellies is a baby, toddler and kids food brand, providing parents with organic and age and stage-appropriate options for on-the-go snacking. They set themselves the benchmark to make the best possible snacks they can, supporting every stage of natural progression for ages 4+ months, 6+ months, 7+ months, 10+ months, 12+ months and pre-schooler ages.

Little Bellies has been designed to encourage children to play and learn about new foods and promote the development of their motor skills at every feeding stage. With various shapes, exciting textures and new tastes ranging by age and stage, it ensures they are suitable and safe for growing little bellies.

Little Bellies organic Pick-Up Sticks

MOLLY WOPPY

Molly Woppy's beloved Gingerbread Kids cookies, a top-selling delight, are a treat that brings smiles to both the young and the young at heart.

Crafted by hand in NZ using only the best, premium ingredients, these cookies allow parents to offer their children a treat free from artificial colours or flavours with peace of mind.

Additionally, their fun and playful shape is sure to keep the kids entertained, making those long car journeys seem much shorter.

Order now info@mollywoppy.co.nz or phone 09 828 6095.

in Strawberry and Banana flavours are suitable for babies from 7+ months and are ideal for first-stage snacking. These soft, melt-in-the-mouth sticks of puffed organic corn with strawberry or banana are perfect for little hands to hold and mini mouths to devour. They have no added sugar or salt and are baked, not fried.

With a handy resealable pack, they’re great for little ones on the go and are available at major retailers and grocery stores.

For more information about Little Bellies and to join the community for latest news on parenting tips, food play hacks, promotions and giveaways, you can find them at www.littlebellies.com

FERRERO ROCHER AND KINDER BUENO

If you're gearing up for a road trip, don't forget to pack a sweet treat to enjoy on the go!

Three new frozen desserts have recently arrived at Foodstuffs North Island, making the perfect companion for your travels: Ferrero Rocher and coconut Raffaello frozen desserts, plus the Kinder Bueno frozen cone.

The Ferrero Rocher Classic dessert brings a rich, multi-textured experience with its signature hazelnut and cocoa flavours—perfect for snacking between scenic stops.

Coconut fans will love the Raffaello

frozen stick, with a crispy white coating, coconut shavings, and crunchy almond pieces.

And for a little extra indulgence, the Kinder Bueno frozen cone features creamy hazelnut filling, a hazelnut disk, and crispy cocoa in a crunchy wafer cone.

Jenna McCormick, Senior Trade Marketing Specialist for DKSH Services New Zealand Limited, shared that these treats were crafted after years of recipe development.

This launch followed the success of Nutella biscuits, which brought in $2.9M for the category.

PROPER CRISPS

Potato Chips; a quintessential summer snack that features in almost every kiwi adventure. Whether it’s a trip to the bach, a night outdoors under canvas or a beach mission; a bag of chips is usually consumed somewhere along the way.

Proper Crisps, known for their highquality crisps, has just launched a 70g bag to ensure kiwis have the option to upgrade their summer snack selection. Available in petrol and convenience outlets, the Proper Crisps 70g range includes three flavours, Marlborough Sea Salt, Cider Vinegar and their newest flavour Chilli Crisp.

The mid-size bag has seen growth ahead of small bags in petrol and

convenience this year, with few midsize options catering to the snack connoisseurs that are looking for a better bite on the go. Priced at a sharp $3.50RRP, this cute bag of crisps is small enough to consume in one sitting yet big enough to satisfy crisp cravings.

The potato whisperers at Proper Crisps are excited to launch something specifically for the convenience market. Offering customers the chance to extend their premium potato selection and encourage a trade-up for consumers chip choice. All three flavours in this range collected Golds at the 2024 NZ Artisan Awards; making them an excellent addition to shelves and an

enticing option for a more affluent consumer.

The newest flavour to the Proper Crisps range, Chilli Crisp, was the #1 chilli / hot spicy flavoured premium chip launched to market in the latest quarter* and is one to watch out for. Unique to the NZ market, this crisp delivers a spicy kick and doesn’t shy away from mouth-tingling heat. To add these award-winning flavours to your shelves; contact your Griffins Representative today.

*Circana MarketEdge NZ Grocery Total Snackfoods (excl Nuts) data quarter to 03/11/2024. Excluding LTOs.

roadtripsnacks

HEARTLAND CHIPS

As summer rolls around and Kiwis hit the open road, there’s one essential companion that always makes the trip: Heartland Chips.

Whether you’re cruising down State Highway 1, chasing the sun to the bach, or setting up for a day at the local swimming hole, Heartland Chips have become, unofficially, the official chip of the Kiwi summer.

What makes Heartland Chips so uniquely Kiwi? For one, they’re the only 100 percent owned and operated potato chip company in New Zealand. Grown from Canterbury soil and crafted with care, every bag reflects our country’s love for homegrown excellence. It’s not just a snack—it’s a slice of Aotearoa.

Think about those iconic summer moments: stopping at a roadside fruit stall for fresh strawberries, digging your toes into hot sand at Mount Maunganui, or jumping off the local

wharf with your mates. Heartland Chips fit right into those quintessential Kiwi experiences. Tear open a bag of Southern Salt or Sour Cream & Chives, pass it around, and watch as the laughter and stories flow.

And what’s summer without a backyard barbecue?

Heartland Chips are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, sitting proudly on the table next to the tomato sauce, BBQ sausages, and freshly buttered bread. They’re the snack that brings people together, from the family cricket match on the lawn to late-night chats under

the stars.

So, this summer, make sure you’ve got Heartland Chips by your side. They’re more than just a tasty treat— they’re part of what makes a Kiwi summer so special.

Heartland Chips: From our Farm To you, and the perfect road trip companion.

MEET MUNCHH!

Who says snacking can’t be both delicious and fun? Say hello to MUNCHH!, the nut brand bringing you perfectly roasted nuts with incredible flavour, quality, and crunch. With a great lineup of flavours, there’s a MUNCHH! product for everyone, from classic Roasted & Salted Deluxe Nuts, crowd-favourite Cranberry Nut through to the super savoury and crunchy Backyard BBQ Mix.

Designed with convenience in mind, MUNCHH!’s resealable packs are perfect for road trips, offering a variety

of great flavours to keep energy and spirits high during long Kiwi summer adventures.

At MUNCHH!, we’re committed to balancing quality, nutrition, and taste. We source the finest dried fruits and nuts from around the world and collaborate with New Zealand’s most skilled batch roasters to deliver

exceptional flavour and texture.

Our passion for quality doesn’t stop at craftsmanship, it’s about creating snacks that excite and delight consumers, one bite at a time.

What’s not to love? Find MUNCHH! in the packaged nut aisle at Countdown and Fresh Choice stores nationwide.

PRINGLES

TASTI MADE SIMPLE

Simply good, nutritious fruit and nut bars with nothing to hide - just simple plant-based ingredients that are coldpressed together.

Choose from the original Forrest Fruits and Lamington or the lower sugar Cranberry and Tropical Mango for a delicious anytime snack.

Discover the incredible flavour of Pringles stacked potato chips. Our chips are uniquely shaped and perfectly seasoned!

Experience the irresistible crunch and delicious flavour in every bite! Great for sharing, it's the ideal savoury snack for a road trip. Once you pop, the fun don't stop!

ASIA PACIFIC: RETAIL'S NEW CENTRE OF GRAVITY

The vast size of the Asia Pacific region only partially explains its importance to global retail.

Thanks to a rising middle class, rapid urbanisation and a striking increase in internet connectivity in recent years, Asia Pacific consumers are becoming more affluent, powering the economy of the region even as much of the rest of the world struggles with inflation and economic malaise.

Demographic and economic shifts have also helped shape the Asia Pacific into the world’s laboratory of retail innovation, particularly in terms of e-commerce and mobile e-commerce (m-commerce).

Already, the most groundbreaking concepts revolutionising global retail are appearing in Asian markets before spreading to the traditional retail bastions of the West. Due to these factors, Asia Pacific’s share of worldwide retail sales is increasing at a breathtaking place.

In 2023, the region led the world in terms

of retail sales growth, the sixth time out of the last 10 years it has done so. With this trend expected to continue, prioritising the Asia Pacific region is more important than ever for retailers and brands looking to plant the seeds of their future growth.

Asia Pacific is expected to remain the hotbed of e-commerce and m-commerce innovation for the foreseeable future, as the internet becomes more deeply integrated into the purchasing habits of the region’s populace. In fact, by 2028, e-commerce is projected to account for one out of three dollars spent in the region’s retail sector – a staggering share of total sales that would have been almost unimaginable a decade ago. Thanks to China’s massive size and level of economic development, there is no question that it will remain the indispensable retail market in Asia Pacific for decades to come.

Going forward, however, it is the young, dynamic, emerging economies of India and Southeast Asia that will likely offer the most significant opportunities for retailers and brands looking for greater exposure to high-growth markets – especially as East Asia increasingly struggles with population decline.

The shift will certainly be gradual, but –by 2028 – South Asia and Southeast Asia are expected to account for a combined share of 25 percent of Asia Pacific’s total retail sales – a stunning development in a retail sector which, up until now, has been ruled by the giant East Asian economies. n

download the full report here

east asia: the world's retail powerhouse

East Asia is the powerhouse of Asia Pacific’s retail sector, accounting for 75 percent of the region's retail sales. This region, which encompasses China, Japan and South Korea, has long been the motor of retail growth within the wider Asia Pacific region.

Despite their differences, the three leading retail markets of East Asia do share one major similarity: all of them are experiencing population decline. With China, Japan and South Korea all recording birth rates well below replacement levels, the populations of all three nations are rapidly ageing, as well.

These shifts are creating challenges for retailers in East Asia, even as consumers there grow richer, more urbanised and more connected. In this new era, modern grocery formats with a distinctly urban profile are thriving at traditional grocers’ expense.

Indeed, some convenience stores are proactively taking steps to cater to the unique needs of single-person households, a growing demographic.

In Japan, some are also embracing

unmanned retail in response to staffing issues exacerbated by a shrinking population. Of course, the biggest winners in East Asia are the large e-commerce marketplace operators, many of which are seeing sales soar as more spending rapidly shifts online.

Dive into the dynamics that make China, Japan, and South Korea the driving forces in retail innovation. From China’s massive, digitally connected market to South Korea’s pioneering approach to mobile commerce to Japan’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, this region is shaping the future of global retail. n

READ FURTHER HERE

sustainable supermarket solutions

From excessive packaging to managing food waste, it has become essential for supermarkets and grocery stores to adopt efficient strategies for managing waste and separating recyclables within their departments.

Easi Recycling provides supermarkets across the country with a solution that helps them to manage waste more effectively.

Longopac waste bags are three times stronger than traditional ones and use 70 percent less plastic. This is a hidden cost for businesses. One supermarket can save over 100,000 litres worth of plastic liner from going into the landfill every year by adopting the Longopac system.

The revolutionary Longopac is the most hygienic waste bin and is a key highlight of Easi Recycling. The bins eliminate direct contact with waste, reducing contamination risks and unpleasant odours.

Our Longopac bin and bagging system features vibrant coloured bag liners and decals, making it easy for staff to recycle. We provide supermarkets with a variety of custom-designed cabinets and bins.

Food Waste—Production food scraps from the butchery, deli, bakery, or fish departments can be separated easily. An ideal solution in this area is the maxi bin or stand mini, which uses a green-coloured bag for food scraps.

Dry Mixed Recyclables – such as different plastics and paper, can be correctly separated using a yellow bag and taken to the recycling bin outside.

Clear Warehouse Plastic – can be bagged and ideally baled to help maximise revenue and minimise volume.

General Waste—Once all the above has been correctly sorted, general waste to landfill should be kept to a minimum and put into red, black or transparent bags using the Easi Recycling bagging system.

Easi Recycling has made it easier than ever to separate waste, helping supermarkets keep their operations sustainable and environmentally friendly. Its smart design means supermarkets reduce their plastic bin liner use by up to 70 percent , reduce the risk of theft, and save valuable airspace in the outside skip bin.

Contact the team for more information on streamlining waste management within your store. n

NEXT-GEN COMPOSTABLE PULP-FIBRE PACKAGING

W-Cycle, Ltd., an innovator in sustainable food packaging, and Melhoramentos, a publicly traded Brazilian company, announced a strategic partnership.

The agreement, valued at a minimum of USD 3.45 million and set for an initial term of three years, will involve W-Cycle supplying Melhoramentos Latin America with its proprietary food-grade packaging formula and consulting services.

These resources will help Melhoramentos produce its new advanced biodegradable packaging. The company has aimed to produce compostable packaging from renewable materials that naturally decompose within 100 days.

"There has long been a global demand for more sustainable packaging solutions," said Rafael Gibini, CEO of Melhoramentos.

"Our collaboration with W-Cycle opens the door to a new and inspiring use for our cellulose-based natural resources. Together, we're ushering in a new era that could eventually phase out single-use plastic packaging and pave the way for a more sustainable future."

Melhoramentos will also incorporate its own high-performance cellulose fibres sourced from its extensive renewable forestry operations, which cover more than 80 million square meters.

Responding to growing demand within the food industry for sustainable alternatives, Melhoramentos has taken strides to offer grease-resistant, moistureproof, and extreme-temperature-resistant packaging as an efficient, eco-friendly replacement for single-use plastics.

“Partnering with such a renowned industry leader is a pivotal moment in our journey,” said Isaac Rome, CEO of W-Cycle.

“It will open up many opportunities for both companies to deliver impactful, high-end, affordable packaging solutions by blending expertise and creativity.”

The clean-tech start-up W-cycle made a breakthrough in greener food packaging with its patented food-grade SupraPulp material.

SupraPulp comprised a line of formulas that cleverly combines sugarcane waste (bagasse) or other sidestreams, such as eucalyptus wood fibres and banana leaves, with additives to produce moulded fibre packaging.

This material has been transformed into a new generation of highly functional food trays that contain frozen and heated foods. The moulded-fibre containers are impervious to oil and water and need no plastic lamination for barriers.

SupraPulp trays can withstand frozen food and juice runoff without leakage through the container. They are designed to withstand temperatures ranging from -40° freezing to 220°C heat, and they are compostable.

“Our ecological packaging formulations help food packaging manufacturers break away from plastic PET materials, allowing them to create robust containers suitable for freezer-to-oven/microwave convenience,” added Rome.

“The added game-changer of using SupraPulp trays is that they can be tossed away guilt-free: The material will decompose, reintegrating back into the earth from which it originated within roughly 100 days.”

Plastic can take hundreds of years to decompose. According to the United Nations Environment Program, approximately 400 million tons of plastic waste is generated annually. Only a tiny fraction is recycled. The vast majority ends up in landfills or gets dumped into the ocean, causing havoc to marine life and the human body.

W-cycle’s SupraPulp containers are already helping catering companies, ready-meal producers, in-flight caterers, institutions, food takeaway services, and multinational food companies sever ties to plastic containers.

As part of the partnership, W-cycle will tailor pulp formulations for Melhoramentos and provide R&D support in moulded fibre production. This includes testing different formulations and their compatibility with various fibres, including those produced by Melhoramentos through its forest

cultivation operations.

“As pioneers in ecological food packaging, W-cycle brings extensive expertise in moulded fibre properties, complementary materials, and their performance under different conditions, along with a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and equipment needs,” added Gibini.

“This will be instrumental in helping us design food packaging options that are highperforming, cost-effective, and can work in harmony with the environment.” n

WAITOA LAUNCHES LARGEST EVER AD CAMPAIGN

AND NEW PRODUCTS IN TIME FOR SUMMER BBQ SEASON

New Zealand’s pioneer free range chicken brand is continuing to ‘innovate at scale’ with its latest – and largest ever – ad campaign set to reach more than 1.5 million Kiwis in the first month alone.

The Waitoa campaign targets Kiwi families and talks to the feelings of warmth, whanau moments and the cosy-ness you get from eating Waitoa Chicken with people you care about.

Ben Ward, Head of Marketing, Waitoa Free Range says “The campaign celebrates bringing people together with great conversation over great food in a creative and engaging way - tapping into the appeal of a family get-together. It is a nod to the comforting nature Waitoa is known for; being local, free range, net carbon zero and SPCA certified.”

“It really knits these themes together seamlessly,” Ward says mischievously, paying homage to the woollen transformation ‘heroed’ in the campaign.

“We wanted to create an eye-catching and engaging campaign that focusses on family meal times and the enjoyment, warmth and connections those moments generate. It’s the aroma of a freshly cooked Waitoa chicken that everyone turns up for right!”

Motion Sickness - the ad agency behind the new campaign - Creative Director, Sam Stuchbury says “We had a lot of fun working with the Waitoa team on this one.

It’s distinctive and unexpected. In a category that can often be awash with advertising, we knew the brand needed something fresh to stand out. It’s about turning your family cosy in the most memorable way possible. We’re excited to see where this platform might go.”

Coinciding with the new campaign, Waitoa has also launched new BBQ products just in time for summer.

The new products landing on supermarkets shelves across the country are:

• The Chicken Rub Butterfly Chicken

• The Chicken Rub Drumsticks

• Hot Honey Chicken Nibbles

• All are in collaboration with premium rub brand The Four Saucemen.

Campaign highlights:

• Launched in November 2024

• Featured across TV (including personalised ads on TVNZ+), Cinema, Out of Home/Billboards, In Store and Social across Meta & TikTok.

Waitoa Free Range Chicken is stocked in all good supermarkets, local butchers and foodservice outlets. n

DYING ART OF NETWORKING

With over two decades of international marketing experience, Francis Coulter has held global roles in leading organisations.

As a product of Kellogg’s School of Marketing, Coulter spent the first eight years of his career working with brands at agencies such as Leo Burnett and J Walter Thompson. This fueled his passion for longterm brand development and creativity.

He was part of the SSL International team that sold and integrated Durex and Scholl into RB after the acquisition and led the brand at Boots Pharmaceuticals before moving to New Zealand.

In New Zealand, Coulter has held senior marketing roles at Kraft Heinz Wattie’s, Kellogg’s, and The Good Food Group and has been driving business transformation and growth by harnessing the power of brands as CMO at Goodman Fielder.

Coulter has kept updated on the latest FMCG trends by reading marketing and leadership books. He admitted to being a LinkedIn learning addict as well as a news addict, having every news application on his phone.

"It’s only when you get the whole picture that you can fully understand what’s going on. At Goodman Fielder, we stay competitive by constantly trying new ways to market our brands and encouraging our partners to be creative and contribute new ideas,” said Coulter.

“Our key strategy is simply to stay aware of what is happening in the wider world. Some global tools and databases, such as Mintel, give us a window into global categories and innovation.”

He added that Goodman Fielder and its global partners regularly shared and updated each other on various categories. The company’s international workforce also included employees who observed and

picked up exciting ideas while travelling for work and pleasure.

“My best relationships with retailers, customers, clients and distributors have always been built upon strong personal relationships and getting to know someone beyond the corporate badge they may wear.”

According to Coulter, knowing people socially, taking any opportunity to network and getting to know the person has become a dying art but hugely important. He said that once you knew the other party and had mutual respect and trust, it was easier to have an open, honest, and fair conversation about products and brands, whether their own or competitors'.

Another aspect that ensured categories and products were managed well for mutual benefit was a shared understanding and interpretation of the data. Aligning category data and KPIs allowed for debate, negotiations, and decision-making at the same level of the information playing field.

Discussing the future of Goodman Fielder, Coulter mentioned a few things that stood out to him. He believed food inspiration would continue to be one of the most shared and created types of content on social media and remain an excellent growth opportunity for food companies.

“The trick will be to respond quickly enough and capitalise on the trends.”

The rise of platforms such as TikTok has created trends instantly and provided them to reach a global audience quickly. He cited an example of trends involving cottage cheese, feta, and even cucumbers that have recently gone viral globally, having an immediate and direct impact on sales for those agile enough to respond.

Another aspect that would change the

future focus of brand growth would be the rise and improved understanding of the role of retail media, an ecosystem that can drive the long and short of brand building at the point of purchase.

“Retail media is not just another channel. It is the closest place to potentially get your message across to the consumer and disrupt them. Retail media, however, will not replace more traditional channels; it complements them.” n

Francis Coulter CMO Goodman Fielder

minutes with

classic christmas meals with woolies

Having worked incredibly hard to create a high-quality range of Woolworths Own products, Woolworths wanted to ensure Kiwi customers knew about them.

The Christmas special range includes hundreds of Woolworths-owned products, from its 2024 awardwinning ham and the Biscoff Trifle to staples such as butter, crackers, and cream.

“A pop-up Christmas restaurant was the perfect way to show New Zealanders how to make their own Christmas special and affordable using Woolworths' Own food range,” said Woolworths NZ spokesperson.

“It’s our first Christmas as Woolworths New Zealand, so we wanted to do something special.”

Woolworths has committed to supporting the future of New Zealand and loved the idea of supporting a rising culinary star.

“We reached out to Emily (Morgan) after she won the North Island regionals of the Nestle Golden Chef's award this year, and she has been fantastic to work with.”

Morgan curated the menu using Woolworths Own range, highlighting fresh, local ingredients to inspire a Christmas

feast at home. She used inspiration from a traditional Christmas meal, which was how she celebrated at home.

“Trudi Nelson was the perfect fit to host and bring her food expertise and humour into the event.”

Woolworths has also worked with The Salvation Army for over a decade, so it was a no-brainer for all ticket sales to go to their Christmas Appeal and its ongoing support. All leftover food was donated to Sunday Blessings.

The mission was to dispel the myth that buying Woolworths Own meant sacrificing quality.

“So much love and care goes into developing the Woolworths range, and we’re incredibly proud of the products we offer customers.”

As Christmas classics with a twist and more convenient options continue to gain popularity, Woolworths' Own food range has something for every occasion. n

storespotlightlocal

farro on the go

With an extensive customer base working in the heart of Auckland city, the team at Farro wanted to find a way to let customers shop for their favourite items on the go.

Heading into the warmer months, the business was keen to offer another fresh lunch option with its in-house deli.

The Commercial Bay area has been a popular destination for the cruise ship crowd. Hence, the Farro team was excited to showcase some of New Zealand’s best artisan suppliers to visitors throughout the summer at this newly opened store.

It has also tended to be busy at this time of year, with schools winding down and Christmas looming, which would help make the Farro Kitchen range a big hit with time-poor folks looking for a quick dinner solution on their way home.

“This is a trial concept for us, so we’ll be interested to see how the space works and if the scope is enough to provide a suitably broad range,” said Garth Sutherland, coCEO of Farro.

“We’re hopeful that the Commercial Bay community will get behind us as a Kiwi-owned grocery store that passionately believes in supporting local artisans.”

Sutherland added that the team had been looking for a spot in the city for a while and always knew that would mean looking at a smaller space format.

“We’re big fans of the Commercial Bay complex, and with such a bustling mix of

professionals, shoppers, and tourists, it’s ideally located to service the needs of a wide range of customers.”

The fitout was incredibly quick. The precinct team de-fitted the space and prepped it in less than two weeks. The team installed fridges, shelving, signage, and stock in about ten working days.

“It was a hugely concentrated effort from our team, and we’re exceptionally proud of what was achieved quickly. We’re a small, tight-knit team where everyone wears many hats and isn’t afraid to muck in.”

As food enthusiasts, the team was motivated by its shared love of great ingredients and delicious new products. With just 50sqm, the range at the Commercial Bay store has been tightened significantly. Despite this, they have something delicious for everyone, including plant-based offerings to cater to various diets and lifestyles.

From the most popular products and essential ingredients for those last-minute meal ideas, there have also been a few new additions to the grab-and-go range in development that will appeal to the Commercial Bay shopper, as well as prepared fruit for lunches and snacks. An exciting innovation has been the launch of new cold-pressed juices, a range Farro has

been curating for over a year.

Sustainability has been another significant factor in Farro’s range and operations. The business was the first to ditch plastic bags long before the legislation changed, and it was a given that those values would be upheld in this store, too.

Larger Farro stores have serve-over counters where meat, seafood, and deli purchases are wrapped to order. That structure had to be rethought for this space to ensure customers could shop as quickly and seamlessly as possible, so everything was made ready to grab and go.

“Packaging plays a huge part, so we’ve worked hard to source entirely compostable packaging for our sandwiches and salads.”

From day one, Farro has prioritised supporting locals. The business aims to provide a stepping stone for small producers and help local artisans enter the grocery space in a supportive environment.

They have been committed to supporting local schools within the community and have contributed to fundraisers as often as possible. They also have a long-standing relationship with Fair Food, Auckland’s original food rescue charity, redistributing surplus food to needy communities.

Farro is now open at Little Queen Street in Commercial Bay, Auckland. n

FRUIT WORLD EPSOM

As produce specialists, Fruit World has been thrilled to witness continued innovation across several categories.

The growth in demand for jumbo blueberries, for example, has been a relatively rapid shift for the industry, to the point where regular varieties struggled for air time while these were around.

“It’s a produce line with a lot of consumer appeal, which has served to grow the category well,” said Steve Higgs, general manager of the Fruit World Group.

“Fruit World is very adaptable to innovations. Given our nimbleness, Fruit World has always been a great place for growers and markets to try new concepts without having a multitude of corporate hurdles to work through.”

Higgs added that Fruit World had the flexibility to explore new opportunities in

any of its 18 stores or with other partners.

As a group, it sought to expand to suitable locations with the right partners and formats.

“It's not about opening as many stores as possible; it’s about upholding the brand values and maintaining the best quality produce with the best value.”

Fruit World has been linked with the Tai Ping chain and other produce groups, which has helped find new locations in the right demographic area. The group has also been developing new concepts and ideas to bring to market.

It recently aligned all Supa Fruit Martbranded stores with the Fruit World brand, refined the online shopping platform, and considered expansion opportunities outside Auckland.

Usually, Fruit World stores take two to three months to complete the fit-out; however, Higgs has seen some ready within just a month.

Some factors needed to align with store location, and a great deal of planning and analysis went on during the selection process, such as store size, traffic flows, customer demographics, rent, costs, and more.

“We can convert an existing store to a Fruit World format in weeks with little or no closure options. Our team of fitout specialists can cater to many different requirements for new builds or conversions. Franchises are NZ-owned and operated. We cover almost every area of Auckland.”

Supporting local growers and markets has

enabled the group to pick the best produce while building a long-term sustainable industry. The group does not have expensive distribution centres, so products that do not match the standards are not shelved at stores.

Higgs touched on a few points of difference that made Fruit World stand apart from others in the industry, such as an extensive range of hand-selected produce and a quick and easy shopping experience.

Since freshness and quality have been crucial to Fruit World, its four buyers, each with 25 years of buying/retailing experience, arrived at the produce markets early and worked the phones throughout the day.

“If the produce isn't up to grade, we don’t have to push it through our chain of stores.

supporting local growers and markets has enabled the group to pick the best produce while building a long-term sustainable industry.

We will always look to include the largest-size produce in our store offerings. Not all fruits and vegetables are created equally.”

He added that Fruit World, with a core focus on produce offerings, was a place where customers could find a variety of sizes and formats, along with other essentials, in no time since everything was accessible, especially with helpful staff on hand.

For Higgs, one major highlight since joining Fruit World four years ago has been the people. He said it was rewarding to help make a difference in a challenging industry.

“These are good people, moms and dads working long hours to do their best. Our team, including the buyers and head office team, has a refreshing family approach. Everybody is just trying to do their best. We are very thankful for the support we receive from customers and work daily to bring them the best.” n

newopeningslocal

TWO NEW MINI WOOLIES IN AUCKLAND

Woolworths’ Mini Woolies programme has doubled its presence in New Zealand by opening two new Mini Woolies stores.

The new stores opened at Wairau Valley Special School and Sir Keith Park Special School in Auckland.

Education Minister and East Coast Bays MP Hon Erica Stanford attended the Wairau Valley launch, along with local MPs Cameron Brewer (National, Upper Harbour) and Laura Trask (ACT, List) attended the Sir Keith Park opening.

SNELLS BEACH GETS A NEW FOUR SQUARE SUPERMARKET

Foodstuffs North Island, has opened a new Four Square store in Snells Beach on Mahurangi East Road, representing a multi-million dollar investment in the community and creating 20 new roles for locals.

The new supermarket opened today and is a larger format store designed to the latest Four Square brand standards with an ultra-modern interior and over 900 sq m of retail space, making it one of the largest Four Squares in New Zealand. It has more than 8,200 products on offer, including fresh food like hot chicken and chips, scoop ice cream and barista-made coffee.

NW NELSON NEW OWNERS

New owners thrilled to join New World Nelson.

Mike and Kirsten Deuchrass were thrilled to call Nelson their new home and have been embracing their new life as the new owner-operators of New World Nelson.

The pair, who have moved from New World Gore, look forward to bringing their communityfocused approach to their new venture.

"We're incredibly grateful for the relationships we built in Gore and are excited to forge new ones here in Nelson," said Mike Deuchrass.

HUNTLY'S NEW FOUR SQUARE

Charlie, aka Mr. Four Square, has returned to Huntly.

With the opening of the brand-new Four Square Huntly, led by local owner-operator Priyanka Patel and her husband, Kurvesh, Charlie will again be a familiar face in the community, thanks to the Patels’ commitment and hard work.

The contemporary store officially opened today, marking the culmination of two years of hard work for the couple.

FRESH CHOICE & CONVENIENCE IN LAKE HAWEA

FreshChoice has opened its newest store in Lake Hāwea.

Located on Bodkin Street, the new supermarket will serve the community of over 2000 residents and provide a seamless and convenient shopping experience for locals and visitors alike.

With the next closest supermarket 16km away, FreshChoice Lake Hāwea has filled an essential gap in the community's grocery shopping options.

NEW WORLD HAVELOCK NORTH OPENS

Foodstuffs North Island has opened its new New World Havelock North supermarket, providing a modern and ‘greener’ shopping experience for the thriving Hawke’s Bay town.

The new store on Havelock Road in the centre of Havelock North Village has become the first Foodstuffs North Island supermarket to be given a 4-star Green Star rating due to its sustainable design elements, such as laminated timber beams, efficient heating, advanced energy monitoring, and increased natural light.

GREENHOUSE TOMATOES: AN ECO-FRIENDLY FUTURE

Tomatoes are a staple grocery item in most Kiwi households and local growers are going to greater lengths than ever to produce a sustainable crop.

With climate change impacting outdoor crops, local greenhouse crops are becoming increasingly important for New Zealand’s domestic supply.

The industry is now dominated by medium and large growing operations, and greenhouse production is centred around Auckland, the central North Island, Nelson and Christchurch.

These advanced greenhouses collectively span hundreds of hectares and offer some impressive environmental benefits.

Greenhouse-grown tomatoes require as little as six litres of water to produce one kilogramme of fruit, saving approximately

This means New Zealand consumers can enjoy their tomatoes knowing they are produced with a low environmental footprint, and that the local industry is committed to growing high quality and sustainable produce.

200 litres compared to traditional outdoor crops. To achieve this, greenhouses collect and use their own rainwater for irrigation before treating and recycling it back into their operation.

Most growers use hydroponic or semihydroponic planting systems and bring in hive boxes of bumble bees for natural pollination. Use of biological pest control and beneficial insects is common, reducing the need for chemical pesticides to be used.

Greenhouses are often heated for frost protection, to boost yield, reduce disease issues and maintain consistent quality. But the tomato industry is committed to decarbonising heating in greenhouses by 2037. Growers are embracing reusable energy sources and technology such as thermal screens and double skin insulation to significantly reduce carbon emissions and energy demands.

This means New Zealand consumers can enjoy their tomatoes knowing they are produced with a low environmental footprint, and that the local industry is committed to growing high quality and sustainable produce.

The range of specialty and pre-packed tomatoes grown in New Zealand has increased dramatically in the last 10-15 years thanks to the growing popularity of vine ripened, on the vine, plum and cherry varieties. Meanwhile, standard round loose tomatoes are still popular.

Packaging is designed to allow customers to easily view the product while also displaying branding and labelling information. Convenience-focused produce, such as snacking varieties and prepackaged items, is increasingly popular in New

Zealand’s retail stores and tomatoes are no exception.

Tomatoes are not just eco-friendly, they are also packed with health benefits. They are a good source of vitamin C (providing 73% of your recommended daily intake) and contain potassium, making them a valuable addition to your 5+ A Day.

For men, in particular, tomatoes offer an extra advantage. They are the richest natural source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to prostate health. Lycopene is also responsible for giving tomatoes their signature red hue.

Tomatoes should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve freshness. Under optimal conditions, tomatoes can last up to 10 days and retain their full flavour.

Turnover frequency varies by store, but with proper storage, tomatoes should remain fresh for extended periods, ensuring quality produce is ready for consumers to purchase. n

pineapple and jalapeno, anyone?

If you’re reaching for a quality mixer drink this summer, why not support a premium New Zealand-made brand, namely Alchemy & Tonic.

by Monique Balvert-O'Connor

Do so, and you’ll be joining an impressive number of people doing just that. This brand, with its magical name and creative branding, is the fastest-growing mixer brand in New Zealand and Australia.

Born during Covid times and owned by Natural Sugars, Alchemy & Tonic is enjoying a growth of 55 percent, said the company’s Group CEO Hamish Gordon.

That’s partly attributable to the Alchemy & Tonic team’s continued commitment to bringing out new flavours and pushing boundaries.

While rhubarb and smashed mandarin tonic is a hot favourite, Gordon said customers are also embracing the tonics that include New Zealand-specific ingredients, like Kawakawa and Horopito.

“Our brand is all about indulgent taste using New Zealand manufactured and botanical extracts. The magic is in the mixer, is what we say – Alchemy & Tonic can bring any old gin to life,” said Gordon.

Pineapple and Jalapeno, anyone?

Consumers who are already spellbound will be thrilled to know an edgy new summery offering is about to hit the shelves. Launching into New World and Pak n Save stores now, and Woolworths in January, is Pineapple and Jalapeno.

Just perfect with tequila, it offers a spicy margarita vibe. However, trends show many people are buying Alchemy & Tonic products as an alcohol alternative, too.

The timing is inarguably right for a new flavour; after all, it’s drinking season, with more than 50 percent of Alchemy products traditionally sold over the December to February period.

Trying to find Alchemy & Tonic on the shelf? Look for black cats, a sword eater, a fire-breather; the branding is all magicthemed.

It has traditionally been sold in cans, but another new development is the introduction of this premium, hugely popular tonic in “beautiful little bottles” –especially popular in the bar scene.

As for where all the magic is created? That would be at Pure Bottling in Tauranga, behind a factory door with a production line diagram featuring ingredients described as “water and secret stuff”.

Pure Bottling is a world-class beverage contract manufacturer that produces many of New Zealand’s leading beverage brands, but to learn more about that, you may need to find your way behind that factory door.

Group Head of Beverages, Andrew Friedlieb, said Alchemy & Tonic is an example of “really cool stuff” coming out of New Zealand.

“Pure Bottling has a love for iconic Kiwi drinks. There are so many good things coming out of New Zealand and we want to continue to support that,” said Friedlib.

“Hundred percent Kiwi-owned and manufactured beverages are pretty rare these days, so it is important that all consumers and customers continue to support these great New Zealand brands.” n

ALWAYS-ON FMCG INSIGHTS

The rising cost of living has led Kiwi households to seek more budget-friendly options, even for their holiday meals.

Data from Appetise Insights has shown a significant shift from turkey to chicken as the preferred centrepiece protein. This year, chicken has become the go-to affordable choice, reflecting a broader desire for costconscious festive meal options.

Alongside the switch from turkey to chicken, Kiwis have simplified side dishes and chosen accessible, versatile ingredients. The popularity of "budget-friendly" tags on Appetise Insights suggested that many consumers have chosen dishes that allow them to stretch their holiday budgets without compromising taste or variety.

Supermarkets and food suppliers have begun actively responding by emphasising budget-friendly and convenient meal solutions. Many consumers have prioritised “easy” and “kid-friendly” options, and retailers have adjusted by promoting products catering to these needs.

“Convenience meals that incorporate affordable, versatile ingredients like chicken are in high demand, as they balance practicality and festive appeal,” said Toby Hilliam, co-founder of Appetise Insights.

Another observation made by Appetise Insights was the rise of Asian cuisine in New Zealand. Asian dishes often incorporate fresh, simple ingredients and provide vibrant flavours, appealing to both healthconscious and adventurous eaters.

“Asian cuisine has become the most popular category on our platform, driven by curiosity and practicality. This interest may also reflect broader culinary trends as Kiwis continue to explore new global cuisines.”

Looking to Christmas 2024, Hilliam and Appetise Insights have anticipated sweet and spicy flavours, aka “swicy”, like hot honey and gochujang, to rise in popularity, along with unique ingredients like yuzu and blonde chocolate.

Nostalgia trends have also risen, and classic dishes have been modernised with novel ingredients, blending comfort and innovation.

“Our data shows that Kiwi households start planning their Christmas meals as early as Halloween, with a peak in meal searches just before Christmas. This underlines the

importance of timely, targeted marketing for food brands.”

Hilliam added that as Kiwi tastes become more dynamic, brands must stay adaptable and align with consumer preferences by leveraging real-time insights. Technology, including platforms like Appetise Insights, can play a crucial role in shaping food trends by providing real-time data on consumer preferences.

Unlike traditional usage and attitude market research, these always-on insights allow food brands to respond quickly to changing consumer sentiments and can also allow marketers to design timely and relevant products and marketing campaigns.

“This responsiveness is absolutely key to success in today’s fast-paced FMCG market.” n

Appetise Insight’s 2024 Christmas food trend report shows...

ARE YOU IN A HIGH PERFORMING TEAM?

Several years ago, I joined Mars and at the time it was anything but a high performing team; 40% of staff were turning over and leaving the business, our customers hated us, and morale was low. But and it is a big ‘BUT’, I had a great leader who shared their vision of success with me, and it was one I could buy into.

Gerry Lynch Managing Director

The Real Leadership Company

Moving forward three years and we won the best place to work in New Zealand, had turnover of less than 10%, were winning with customers and I had moved into the CEO role. I learnt a lot in that time about what worked in a team and what didn’t, but my biggest learning was how to build and maintain a high performing team over many years.

So, what is a high performing team? How do you know you are in one? There are several characteristics that show up in a high performing team and ones that show up in an average team:

Average Team

• Leader does the heavy lifting/directing

• Either no conflict or personal conflict

• Lots of functional sharing in meetings

• Lack of clarity about meeting purpose

• No clear standards of behaviour or goals

• Low/no accountability

• Sometimes deliver the results

• Excuses, blame, talking outside the meetings

High Performing Team

• Leader is a facilitator ensuring everyone leans in

• Constructive conflict where people feel safe challenging the leader and listen to each other

• Strong collaboration on 2-3 business critical areas

• Clarity on the different meetings and processes

• Clarity on standards, roles and goals

• High accountability/hold each other accountable

• Consistently deliver the results and understand why

• Vulnerability, open and honest, deliver commitments, deal with issues head on

The leader must take the lead in a high performing team, they must be vulnerable and show they don’t know everything, inviting others to support them. The leader must create the conditions for high psychological safety, so everyone feels safe to speak up and challenge each other. The leader needs to make the time for the team to get to know each other personally, that is not a nice to have, that is how trust is built. The leader does have to clarify the boundaries, be very good at providing and checking clarity of expectations and then get out of peoples’ way and trust them. Which team are you in and which would you like to be in?

If you need help, I coach leaders and teams to unlock their potential and build their leadership – Give me a call.

Gerry@realleadershipnz.co.nz 021-895044. n

in the spirit of the season

Last month we launched the second season of our "Shared Horizons" video series, an NZFGC initiative looking at Aotearoa New Zealand’s FMCG industry proudly presented in partnership with ASN Media.

Raewyn Bleakley Chief Executive, New Zealand Food & Grocery Council

After what we all know have been some very tough and tumultuous times we seized the opportunity to share positive news stories. These videos profile NZFGC members and leading organisations, telling and celebrating their success stories across our food, beverage, and grocery sector and across four key themes: Sustainability, Future of Aotearoa Manufacturing, Reformulation and Innovation, and Engaging Communities.

In the spirit of the season and giving back to our communities, I wanted to shine a

spotlight on two remarkable and enduring Kiwi companies who feature in this second season, to inspire others to share what they are doing to create great outcomes for our people, products, community and environment.

Baking for breakfast and a better future

For over 60 years, George Weston Foods has been producing bread for generations of Kiwi households. But as the team themselves say in the Shared Horizons series, George Weston Foods isn’t just about baking bread; it’s about baking a better future. Three years ago, the company made headlines with one initiative - the introduction of cardboard bread tags. This change marked a significant step and set a benchmark for what was next – ‘doing the right thing’. Their gluten-free bakery is reducing emissions and becoming more energy efficient, recently converting from gas to electric, all part of a broader strategy to minimise the environmental impact of its products, from production to consumption. This continues in their role as a signatory to Kai Commitment to reduce manufacturing food waste across industry.

George Weston Foods also invests in its people and communities through their KidsCan partnership, delivering thousands

of Tip Top Supersoft High Fibre and Tip Top Oatilicious toast loaves every week to schools across New Zealand, delivering over 1 million loaves to schools across the country through KidsCan. Their ‘caring everyday’ programme provides employees with two paid volunteer days and payroll giving to help support KidsCan and initiatives.

Sanitarium has also been a longstanding supporter of both the nationwide KickStart breakfast club programme and the New Zealand Food Network. A recent report from Ākina Foundation shows that the KickStart breakfast programme has served over 68 million breakfasts since 2009, with over 4,000 community volunteers who support the breakfast clubs all around New Zealand. These breakfast clubs are not only fuelling bodies and minds, but also enable those additional effects that reverberate into the school and wider community.

Over thirty years of Kiwi Kids giving it a TRY

The iconic Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon has inspired generations of Kiwi kids to get active. If you’re in Hastings, Christchurch, Dunedin, Nelson, Wellington, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, or Central East Auckland - it all kicks off after the summer break, from midFebruary onwards. Almost half a million Kiwi kids have completed the TRYathlon since it began and it is the largest under 16 triathlon in the world.

These businesses doing good are just two examples – we know there are many, many more. As we head into 2025, I’d encourage you to celebrate those giving back and challenge each other to find new ways of giving back too. We will continue to support NZFGC members to build on this incredible work, from reducing food waste to supporting communities, and growing talent. Here’s to 2025! n

2024 NZFGC ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Wellington, Te Whanganui a Tara, hosted this year’s NZFGC Annual Conference, with over 200 delegates coming together in the capital city at Takina, Te Papa, and Parliament.

This gathering was NZFGC’s biggest annual FMCG event, bringing together New Zealand’s food, beverage and grocery industry, featuring inspiring sessions on sustainability and leadership, along with keynotes from industry leaders and government officials.

Welcome reception at Parliament and Shared Horizons season two launch: From the heart of Parliament, welcomed by Minister of Finance Nicola Willis, NZFGC launched the second season of the industry video series Shared Horizons 2.0 with ASN Media. The series showcased the latest innovations, inspirations, and leadership in New Zealand's FMCG industry.

Day 1 of conference

Day 1 was jam-packed, covering everything from leadership to the latest trends in regulation to digital innovation. Rugby legend Tama Umaga delivered the keynote address, speaking about his experience of leadership and how his family shaped who he is today.

Gala Dinner at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, supported by Cardinal.

The 2024 Annual Conference Gala Dinner at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa was a great chance to network, connect, and catch up after a full conference day. Delegates were wowed by an opening performance from the incredible Kristen Te Rito and ended the night with Wellington's The Hustle.

Day 2 of Conference

Day 2 of the 2024 Annual Conference kicked off with a panel discussion on the ESG challenges and opportunities for FMCG businesses. This was followed by conversations with Woolworths New Zealand, Foodstuffs North Island Limited, and Foodstuffs South Island. Next were insights on food waste and the untapped value for businesses, followed by Kiwi consumers' changing attitudes towards health. n

CHRISTMAS FOOD AND DRINK INSIGHTS 2024

As the festive season draws near, consumer trends and innovations in Christmas food and drink have shifted, influenced by global dynamics and evolving preferences.

COLES TO REPAY UNPAID ENTITLEMENTS

The Minns Labor Government has encouraged businesses to self-report worker entitlements.

WORLD BUTCHERS' CHALLENGE EXPANDS

The World Butchers' Challenge, a former Trans-Tasman event, has expanded into Asia, making it the largest butchery event in the world.

UNDER 16 SOCIAL MEDIA BAN PROPOSAL

The Australian Government has proposed laws to introduce a minimum age for access to social media.

DEVELOPING INDO-NZ RELATIONSHIPS

New Zealand’s support for India during its global security crisis could be key to securing a Free Trade Agreement.

FESTIVE FOODS HIT BY SHRINKFLATION

CHOICE has revealed products from Woolworths, Aldi, and Lindt that are set to be popular this Christmas. Their sizes have decreased while their prices have increased or stayed the same.

PEPSICO ACQUIRES REMAINING INTEREST

TECH PORTFOLIOS

KOELNMESSE COMBINES FOOD

Koelnmesse has reorganised its Food and Food Technology divisions, merging them into a single business unit.

PepsiCo has announced its agreement to acquire the remaining 50 percent interest in Sabra Dipping Company, and PepsiCo-Strauss Fresh Dips & Spreads

GLO BAL

YOGHURT RANGE EXPANDED

Arla

Arla has launched three new branded yoghurt products.

Arla Foods, the UK's largest dairy cooperative, launched new products across its Arla branded range, signalling its ambition to invest in and grow its yoghurt portfolio.

Its new products include Arla LactoFREE natural yoghurt (400g), Arla Skyr Whipped (128g) – in three flavours, and Arla Protein yoghurt – in a larger pot (450g)

Arla LactoFREE natural yoghurt (400g) offers a dairy taste but with no lactose. It is high in protein and contains added vitamin D.

EVERYTHING BAGEL MAC AND CHEESE

Kraft

Nearly half of Americans customise their mac and cheese by adding extra seasonings and ingredients, affectionately known as “mac hacks.”

KRAFT Mac and Cheese announced the ultimate mac hack, blending a cult-favourite seasoning and the brand’s signature cheese sauce in a crave-worthy fusion.

The KRAFT Mac and Cheese, Everything Bagel flavour, was a submission from KRAFT’s recent “Fan Flavorites” programme.

FOOD WASTE BEERS FROM ALDI'S

The Hop Foundry

Working with innovative brewers, the new beers help to save on the supermarket’s food waste.

Aldi has continued taking bold steps towards a sustainable future by launching its new The Hop Foundry beers, which are crafted from food waste.

Exclusively available at Aldi, The Hop Foundry brand was founded in 2023 with an independent brewery partner.

The supermarket has partnered with another roster of innovative brewers to showcase some of the nation’s most excellent sustainable sips that make a difference.

WINTER SPICED CRANBERRY

Sprite has brought back its beloved seasonal staple this year with a creative holiday campaign that will be a slam dunk. Limited-edition Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry and Sprite

Zero Sugar Winter Spiced Cranberry infuse Sprite’s signature crisp, lemon-lime taste with a blend of warm spice and tart cranberry flavours for a bold, refreshingly unique and festive twist with every sip.

SAUCE SHOP COLLABORATION

Aldi

Aldi has extended its partnership with condiment connoisseurs Sauce Shop to launch a daring new Christmas sauce.

This one-of-a-kind sauce has combined Brussels sprout, kimchi, green jalapeños and festive spices for a tangy, fiery kick that has promised to take festive meals to new heights.

The launch will be good news to shoppers in East England. Aldi said the region was the UK’s sprout capital, accounting for 11 percent of Brussels sprout sales in 2023.

2024 CHRISTMAS SANDWICHES

Asda has announced its range of Christmas Sandwiches for 2024 with returning favourites and two new festive flavour mash-ups.

The new, standout product for 2024 is the Let It Spice Festive Curry Wrap. This delicious grill-marked tortilla with succulent chicken breast, winter-spiced slaw, cranberry chutney, and sweet and mildly spiced curry sauce offers customers a taste of Christmas with a warming, spicy twist.

7-SELECT REPLENISH

CARAMEL APPLE

7-Eleven

7-Eleven, Inc., announced a packaging redesign for its popular 7-Select Replenish line of hydration beverages, focusing on reducing plastic waste and improving transportation efficiency.

With the roll-out of the new bottle design at 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores nationwide, 7-Eleven has continued prioritising sustainability while maintaining the quality and taste customers know and love.

TACO COMPANY

DEBUTS QUESABIRRIA

7-Eleven

7-Eleven, Inc.’s Laredo Taco Company restaurant has turned up the flavour with a bold, craveable new addition to the menu for a limited time: Quesabirria.

Crafted with tender shredded beef and melty cheese, this culinary creation is served in a taco or bowl and paired with a rich consommé dipping sauce.

Packed with the robust flavours of beef and spices, the warm consommé dipping sauce complements the crispy, cheesy tortilla for the ultimate dipping experience.

storespotlightglobal

accessibility key to nqr success

Australian-owned, with 28 stores across Victoria and South Australia, NQR has been in operation since 1987 before it was purchased by Tradeorigins Pty Ltd in May 2018.

The chain has continued to provide customers with big brands at a low price due to the business’ passion for saving money without sacrificing quality.

“We’ve been experiencing great growth across the board. Our customers are always surprised when they see how cheap our big brands are compared to competitors,” said Kristian Splatt, marketing manager of NQR.

“At the same time, we are always expanding our range, as seen in the variety in our weekly specials and catalogues. We’ve had customers waiting for our delivery trucks; they were so excited.”

Splatt added that a business focus would be to make the NQR business and its savings more accessible to more people. Most new NQR stores look for local shopping centres that are easily accessible to the communities. The sites must be large enough to accommodate the vast range of products.

“This means opening more stores so you never travel far to shop for your favourite Big Brands at the most affordable prices.”

Splatt said that NQR stores were full of highlights, with customers raving about the

product range's variety, quality and size.

“We love to offer weekly specials, making each shopping trip unique and exciting. Whether finding new items or taking advantage of great deals, there’s always something new and exciting for NQR shoppers to enjoy.”

NQR stores have long offered a range of plant-based products across their grocery, freezer, and dairy categories, and customer response has been great. While the range is already substantial, they have wanted to expand it further to meet shoppers' changing needs and wants.

The business was also proud to partner with several local producers and suppliers, ensuring its customers could access locally sourced products.

In terms of sustainability, NQR’s business model has naturally reduced waste. By purchasing stock from suppliers that would otherwise discard excellent products for reasons unrelated to quality, the business has supported sustainability by reducing waste and providing customers with great value.

NQR prides itself on providing personalised service. The stores do not have self-serve checkouts, allowing staff to engage with customers, making every interaction feel friendly and personal. Splatt also mentioned that store culture was built on teamwork, a strong customer focus, and a commitment to delivering fantastic value. The team has always readily assisted customers, creating a welcoming atmosphere that sets them apart.

“NQR is always expanding. If there’s not an NQR near you, stay tuned—that might change.”n

newopeningsglobal

M&S FOOD AT BELFAST GRAND CENTRAL

M&S Food has announced opening its first-ever store in Northern Ireland, located within a significant travel hub at the new Belfast Grand Central Station.

The new Belfast Grand Central Station store officially opened its doors on the 20th of November, 2024.

SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations, will operate the new M&S Food.

M&S has a longstanding partnership with SSP Group in the UK, offering busy commuters, travellers, and tourists the quality, value, and convenience for which M&S has been renowned.

NEW WHOLE FOODS MARKET IN HYANNIS

Whole Foods Market has opened a new store in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

Whole Foods Market, Hyannis, is a 42,560-squarefoot store located at 790 Iyannough Road. The store is a relocation of the existing Hyannis store (990 Iyannough Rd), which has served the community for over a decade. This new, larger location has drawn inspiration from Cape Cod’s coastal elements, incorporating wind and water themes into its design. Soft neutrals and deep earth tones accent the space.

NEW FOODLE OPENING AT THE GLEN

Foodle, one of Australia’s largest and most innovative Asian grocery chains, has announced its second location.

This new store will open at The Glen Shopping Centre in Victoria's eastern suburbs. Foodle is set to bring its 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.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET PHOENIX RELOCATION

Whole Foods Market opened a new 50,358-squarefoot store located in the Paradise Valley Mall.

The store is a relocation of the existing Paradise Valley store, which has served the community for 22 years. This spacious, light-filled store has showcased decor inspired by Arizona’s unique charm, with nods to its desert scenery.

The new location’s product assortment features more than 330 local items from Arizona, all of which meet Whole Foods Market’s high-quality ingredient standards.

NEW WHOLE FOODS MARKET AT HUNTINGTON STATION

Whole Foods Market has opened its new 43,916-square-foot store at Huntington Station, New York.

The store’s design has emphasised simplicity, incorporating elements reminiscent of the Bay Area’s fluidity and the neighbourhood’s commuter heritage. The new location’s product assortment features more than 2,000 local items from the Northeast, all of which meet Whole Foods Market’s high-quality standards.

M&S GROWS & RENEWS CONVENIENCE STORES

M&S recently celebrated the reopening of its Liverpool Street Station Mezzanine store, the first-ever M&S convenience store at a mainline railway station, which has been renewed in partnership with SSP. With its franchise partners across the UK, the retailer will open at least ten new convenience stores and renew up to 50 this year to contribute further growth to its £1bn convenience business.

ExxonMobil to Expand Advanced Recycling Capacity

ExxonMobil has planned to invest more than USD 200 million to expand its advanced recycling operations at its sites in Baytown and Beaumont, Texas.

The new operations, expected to start in 2026, can help increase advanced recycling rates and divert plastic from landfills. The company has planned to build additional units to reach a global recycling capacity of a billion pounds annually by 2027.

“We are solutions providers, and this multi-million-dollar investment will enhance our ability to convert hard-torecycle plastics into raw materials that produce valuable new products,” said Karen McKee, president of ExxonMobil Product Solutions.

“At our Baytown site, we’ve proven advanced recycling works at scale, which gives us confidence in our ambition to provide the capacity to process more than one billion pounds of plastic annually worldwide. We’re proud of this proprietary technology and the role it can play in

helping establish a circular economy for plastics and reducing plastic waste.”

The investment will add 350 million pounds per year of advanced recycling capacity at Baytown and Beaumont, bringing ExxonMobil’s total capacity to 500 million annually.

The company has continued to develop additional advanced recycling projects at manufacturing sites in North America, Europe, and Asia to reach one billion pounds per year of recycling capacity globally by 2027.

ExxonMobil has advanced recycling customers in more than 15 countries across multiple sectors, including food-safe packaging and pet food, and demand has been increasing.

Advanced recycling complements traditional mechanical recycling by transforming plastic waste into raw materials that can be used to make many valuable products, from fuels to lubricants to high-performance chemicals and plastics. It can address a broader range of plastic

waste that won't be mechanically recycled and may otherwise be buried or burned.

Advanced recycling has been a vital element of a circular economy. Circularity includes the entire life cycle of plastics, from designing products to be more easily recycled to improving waste management systems.

“The world’s plastic waste challenge will be solved with innovation, collaboration, and supportive government policy to improve waste management and circularity.

ExxonMobil is doing its part by developing scalable technology, investing in recycling infrastructure and helping our customers meet their circularity goals.”

The company’s first Baytown facility opened in 2022 and represents one of the largest advanced recycling facilities in North America, having processed more than 70 million pounds of plastic waste as of October 2024.

ExxonMobil helped form the joint venture Cyclyx in 2021 to improve the collection and sortation of plastic waste. n

EVgo Expands Across Meijer Grovers

EVgo Inc. has announced an expansion to its longstanding partnership with Meijer, a Midwest grocery retailer.

As part of this expanded relationship, EVgo has planned to deploy up to 480 new public fast-charging stalls at Meijer properties across Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.

EVgo has opened 24 public fast-charging stalls at six Meijer stores in Michigan and Ohio. As part of the expanded partnership, the Company has expected to open up to 30 new stations at Meijer stores by the end of 2026 and 30 more stations by the end of 2027.

“Fast charging should be an effortless part of drivers’ daily routines, and nothing is more routine than a trip to the grocery store,” said EVgo President Dennis Kish.

“EV adoption is growing in the Midwest, and by adding hundreds of new fast

charging stalls with the region’s leading supercenter, EVgo’s partnership with Meijer shows our companies’ shared commitment to delivering an elevated charging experience for EV drivers living or travelling throughout the Midwest.”

Meijer has offered EV charging options at more than 35 percent of its store locations—and this expanded partnership with EVgo will play a vital role in providing greater access to public charging for Meijer customers.

In addition to EV charging, Meijer has been committed to reducing its carbon footprint across its core business functions with various initiatives focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The retailer has also received numerous awards from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) GreenChill partnership.

In September 2024, Meijer announced it surpassed its goal of reducing carbon

emissions by 50 percent one year ahead of schedule.

“Access to electric vehicle charging is an essential pillar of our broader sustainability goals, and we’re proud to partner with EVgo as part of our ongoing environmental stewardship efforts,” said Erik Petrovskis, Director of Environmental Compliance and Sustainability at Meijer.

“As we continue to connect more customers with these charging resources, we can make notable progress toward minimising our shared emissions and ensuring a more sustainable future for all.”

This expanded partnership is part of EVgo’s broader work to provide a customer-centric nationwide charging network, which is expected to be supported in part by the recent conditional commitment EVgo received for a loan guarantee of up to USD 1.05 billion from the Department of Energy Loan Programs Office if the financing is finalised. n

2500th Bodega Aurrera Store Opens in Mexico

Walmart de México y Centroamérica celebrated the opening of the 2,500th store of its Bodega Aurrera brand, located on Boulevard de la Luz in the municipality of Mexicali, in Baja California.

The new store has joined the 31 units operating in the state. It has a sales floor of more than 1,940 square meters and has generated more than 50 permanent direct jobs, of which 57 percent are women, and five percent include those with disabilities.

The self-service chain has been present in more than 580 cities in all states of Mexico. It has three formats: Bodega Aurrera, Mi Bodega Aurrera, and Bodega Aurrera Express, which vary according to the size of the store and its location.

The brand's history began in 1958 when the Arango brothers opened Bodega Aurrera Bolívar in Mexico City.

Since its founding, it has been a benchmark in the country's self-service industry, maintaining the trust of millions of families in Mexico over these 66 years thanks to its low-price offering in its various categories.

“We are proud to celebrate the opening of our 2,500th store in Mexico, a reflection of the work of all our associates, as well as our commitment to supporting the country’s economic growth,” said Tomas Durandeau, Senior Vice President of Bodega Aurrera.

“This milestone reiterates our closeness to our customers in all the communities where we operate, helping families save money and live better.”

In addition to the growth of physical stores, these formats have promoted an omnichannel shopping experience through technological innovations such as selfcheckout, in-store pickup service, and home delivery.

They also provide access to an interconnected ecosystem of solutions such as Bait, the company's internet and mobile phone service; Cashi, the mobile application that provides access to financial services; Health Membership, with access to pharmacy discounts and medical care services via telephone; Remittance Service, with which customers can collect and buy in one place; and Bodega Aurrera Benefits, in which by registering their purchases, customers will have access to various benefits.

Bodega Aurrera has been helping families meet their needs in new and innovative ways, writing the next chapter in the company’s rich history. n

50 Years of Meijer Canton

Meijer’s Canton store has celebrated five decades of serving the community.

When the Canton, Michigan store opened its doors on the 19th of November 1974, it was the first Meijer store in the Detroit market and the largest store in company history at 250,000 square feet.

The new store was called Meijer Thrifty Acres and was a “hypermarket,” a popular European format. Special features of this new format included an outer concourse with specialty stores, tall vertical wire shelving, and a complete range of home appliances and furnishings.

Introducing the hypermarket to the United States generated extensive discussion and speculation in local news and retail industry publications.

Fifty years later, the Canton store celebrated its golden anniversary with an in-store celebration for customers and a donation to the Plymouth-Canton Optimist Club.

Retail Administrative Assistant Lynn Wadsworth has been with the store for as long as it has existed. She started as an hourly team member in high school and was offered a full-time position following graduation. She was glad to accept, seeing excellent opportunities to move up in the company and make a career with a familyowned company.

Wadsworth started her first administrative position in 1986 at the Canton store. She found the store team to have a familyfriendly atmosphere and also met her husband through the job. Together, they raised three children while both keeping their careers with Meijer.

As she reflected on her 47-year career with the company, Wadsworth reminisced about how much has changed over the years.

While there have been many innovations, what stood out the most was that everything from applying for a job and onboarding to restocking and even shopping for some customers has now become computerised. n

Everyday Rewards Welcome g.a.s.

Everyday Rewards has welcomed g.a.s. as the second fuel partner for the growing loyalty programme.

Everyday Rewards New Zealand has added a second fuel partner, expanding the programme's commitment to providing members with more choice, convenience, and rewards.

Director of Everyday Rewards New Zealand Mark Burger said adding g.a.s. to the loyalty programme was important, as it would give more value and opportunities to earn for the 1.8 million Everyday Rewards members across the country.

"We're thrilled to welcome g.a.s. to the growing Everyday Rewards family, and we know this will be welcome news for our

regional members, who have told us they want more opportunities to earn points,” said Burger.

g.a.s. has over 120 petrol stations across New Zealand and a focus on regional and rural areas. The new partnership will be live from the 27th of November, just in time for warmer months and the classic Kiwi summer road trip.

General Manager of g.a.s., Nahid Ali, added that they were excited to be able to bring Everyday Rewards to the regional areas so that more Kiwis could enjoy the benefits and participate in the fast-growing loyalty programme.

“From Ninety Mile Beach to Bluff, g.a.s.will provide everyday Kiwis with the ability to enjoy savings on fuel purchases,

earn reward points and redeem their rewards at over 120 petrol service Stations across the country,” said Ali.

Everyday Rewards members who scan their card or link it in the app will always get a six cents per litre discount while earning one point for every litre of fuel purchased and every dollar spent in-store.

To celebrate the partnership, members can enjoy a 15 cents per litre discount until the 4th of December and receive 1000 bonus points the first time they scan at g.a.s. with a spend of $50 or more on fuel.

Members can expect regular fuel discounts and points offers from g.a.s. landing in both the g.a.s. and Everyday Rewards apps.

Members of the account should update or download the g.a.s. app and simply add their Everyday Rewards member number to their profile. When using pay-in-car functionality, discounts and points will be automatically added. n

Amazon Orders at Asda Stores

Amazon and Asda announced that Amazon customers can now take advantage of parcel pickup and label-free, box-free returns at more than 700 Asda stores.

Just in time for the festive season, eligible Amazon orders can be picked up in most Asda stores across the UK, with more locations to be added throughout the coming months.

“Meeting the ever-evolving needs of our customers is a top priority for us at Asda. This collaboration with Amazon just in time for Christmas marks another landmark moment, not just for our larger stores but our ever-expanding Asda Express convenience estate,” said Chris Hall, Vice President of logistics at Asda.

“By bringing essential services like

Amazon parcel pickup and return drop-offs closer to where our customers live and work, we can provide greater convenience to more communities we serve across the UK.”

The new pickup and return options will make shopping at eligible Asda stores even more convenient for customers, who can now do their weekly shopping and parcel collection or returns in one trip.

The partnership has also reduced the need for additional shipping boxes, with customers able to simply return the item in the original manufacturer’s packaging.

“We work hard to offer customers low prices on a wide selection of products, with fast, convenient delivery options and easy returns,” said John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager of Amazon.

“This collaboration with Asda makes it

even easier for customers to pick up ordered items when shopping or make hassle-free returns at more than 700 locations around the country.”

During checkout, customers can select the parcel pickup location most convenient to them, now including more than 700 Asda locations. Once the parcel arrives, customers will receive an e-mail notification with the information needed to retrieve it when they’re onsite.

Suppose a return is needed for an order. In that case, Amazon customers can drop off returns at eligible Asda stores after generating a QR code.

Customers then bring eligible items to the drop-off location in their original manufacturer’s packaging, and they are packed and shipped at no extra cost. n

fusion of serbian and kiwi ingredients

Salash - Family-Inspired Artisan Meats brought the flavours of Serbia to New Zealand in 2009. The journey began with a passion for preserving the unique heritage and artisan craft of dry-cured meats.

For generations, the Mirkov family has been dedicated to traditional meat curing in Serbia, passing down recipes and techniques that reflected the homeland's deep-rooted flavours and customs.

Moving to New Zealand allowed them to continue this legacy and introduce a broader audience to the taste of Serbia that the family had grown up with—a unique blend of tradition, patience, and natural flavours.

“Our approach is very traditional and meticulous. We rely on natural drying and curing techniques, allowing time and air to do the work—just as my family did,” said

Gradimir Mirkov, director of Salash.

“It’s an art of balance, finding the right levels of salt and spices, paired with the careful selection of quality meat. By avoiding additives and preservatives, our process preserves the authentic flavours while respecting both the craft and the consumer.”

Sourcing has been essential to ensuring authenticity. Salash has prioritised local, highquality meats from trusted New Zealand farmers who share the company’s values.

While the company’s usage of spices has reflected Serbian and European flavours, local ingredients have helped maintain freshness and quality.

This fusion has created a uniquely authentic product that has resonated deeply with Serbian traditions as well as the New Zealand palate.

Mirkov was grateful for the positive response from Kiwi consumers. He said products like the Salash smoked chorizo Bachka, Dry Salamis, and Dry Meats like Speck and Pancetta had become popular favourites.

“I believe customers appreciate the authenticity and craft that go into each product—knowing they’re tasting something natural, made with care, and deeply rooted in tradition.”

He has also observed a growing consumer interest in sustainable, high-quality, and traditionally crafted foods.

“Consumers increasingly want to know the story behind what they eat and where it comes from.”

Regarding product packaging, the Auckland-based studio Onfire crafted the

design. Mirkov said that they were fortunate that part of the Onfire team already knew about Salash and enjoyed its products, which helped them appreciate the quality and tradition that the company has stood for.

The Onfire team undertook extensive research on the Salash product range and delved into its family values, enabling them to capture the story authentically. The packaging showcased the meats' artisanal quality and reflected the company’s deeprooted family traditions and commitment to craftsmanship.

In 2025, Mirkov foresees more demand for transparency, heritage-focused products, and sustainable sourcing, all values that Salash has honoured since its founding.

The company has also committed to expanding its product line and sharing its story with a broader audience while continuing to deepen local relationships and share its Serbian-inspired flavours with more New Zealanders. n

artisanawards

NON-ALC OHOLIC

ANTHEA

ANTHEA BOTANIC DRINKS LTD

F RESH

CHILLED/ DEL I

Aoraki Salmon

MT COOK ALPINE SALMON LTD

• (GOLD) BBQ & Horopito Hot Smoked Salmon 180g

Ariana Food ARIANA

FOOD

(GOLD) French Nargili Macroons

NON-ALC OHOLIC

Benjer

BENJER DRINKS CO LTD

• (GOLD) Apple Juice 275ml

• (GOLD) Apple & Feijoa Juice 275ml

• (GOLD) Apple & Boysenberry Juice 275ml

• (GOLD) Nectarine Juice 275ml

• (GOLD) Apricot Juice 275ml

• (GOLD) Apple & Raspberry Juice 275ml

FROZEN

Bear Gelato

BEAR GELATO LTD

• (GOLD) Black Sesame 475ml

Chia Sisters

CHIA LTD

Choice Fruit Products

FLORA'S KITCHEN LTD T/A CHOICE FRUIT PRODUCTS LTD

• (GOLD) Prebiotic Feijoa Smoothie

300ml NON-ALC OHOLIC

•

AMBIENT

The Crafty Weka Bar

THE CRAFTY WEKA BAR

• (GOLD) Chocolicious

• (GOLD) Berrylicious

• (GOLD) Bite Selection

CHILLED/ DEL I

Cocoa Cloud

LITTLE AS LTD

• (GOLD) Signature Cloud Chocolate Cake - 6"

• (GOLD) Tiramisu Box - 14cm x 14cm Box

• (GOLD) Can Cake Black Forest Cake 110g

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FROZEN

The Dough Council ROUNDPIZZA

• (GOLD) Cheezy Margherita Deep Dish Pizza

• (GOLD) Pepperoni Deep Dish Pizza

AMBIENT

Dirty International DIRTY INTERNATIONAL LTD

• (GOLD) Olive Brine

Epic Coffee EPIC COFFEE LTD

• (GOLD) Voyage Roast (Decaf)

Envy Thai VIRCON LTD

• (GOLD) Xtreme Chilli Oil

• (GOLD) Pad Thai Sauce (Plant Based)

• (GOLD) Thai Traditional Dipping Sauce SAUCES

CHILLED/ DEL I

Fernglen Farm FERNGLEN FARM LTD

• (GOLD) Sheep Milk Spreadable Labneh Natural 160g

AMBIENT

AMBIENT

Fix & Fogg

FIX & FOGG

• (GOLD) Easy Squeeze Smooth Peanut Butter Pouch 275g

• (GOLD) Easy Squeeze Crunchy Peanut Butter Pouch 275g

FROZEN

Gian's Sorbetes

CUISINANG CAPAMPANGAN LTD

• (GOLD) Dairy Free Coconut Pandan 475ml

Flight Coffee FLIGHT COFFEE LTD

• (GOLD) Caramel Frappe 240ml

• (GOLD) Vanilla Frappe 240ml

• (GOLD) Iced Mocha 240ml

• (GOLD) Iced Latte 240ml

• (GOLD) Oat Milk Matcha Latte 240ml

Good Buzz

GOODBUZZ BEVERAGE CO LTD

• (GOLD) Kombucha Mandarin Yuzu 328ml

The Good Oil

PURE OIL NEW ZEALAND LTD

• (GOLD) Extra Virgin Rapeseed Oil 1L

• (GOLD) Extra Virgin High Oleic Sunflower Oil 1L

AMBIENT

NON-ALC OHOLIC

NON-ALC OHOLIC

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AMBIENT

Harraways

HARRAWAYS & SONS LTD

• (GOLD) Fibre Rich Creamy Original Original 7 Big Serve Oat Sachets

AMBIENT

Honey Honey HONEY HONEY LTD

• (GOLD) Organic Mānuka Honey – 220 MGO

• (GOLD) Organic Mānuka Honey – 100 MGO

• (GOLD) Organic Native Multifloral Bush Honey

GENERAL

Honeywrap HONEYWRAP

• (GOLD) Save The Kiwi Wrap - Large 33 x 35cm

• (GOLD) Save The Kiwi Wrap - Three Pack: Small 17 x 20cm

• (GOLD) Save The Kiwi Wrap - Three Pack: Medium 24 x 31cm

• (GOLD) Save The Kiwi Wrap - Three Pack: Large 33 x 35cm

FROZEN

Island Gelato Co ISLAND GELATO PRODUCTION LTD

• (GOLD) Pic's Peanut Butter Caramel 465ml

• (GOLD) Mango, Lime & Passionfruit Sorbet 475ml

• (GOLD) Woodland Berries Sorbet 475ml

FROZEN

Jess's Underground Kitchen

JESS'S UNDERGROUND KITCHEN

• (GOLD) Beef Bourguignon Pot Pie

FROZEN

Juicies

TASMAN BAY FOOD CO

• (GOLD) Watermelon 10 x 100ml Retail Pack

FROZEN

Koe Cheese Bread

KOE CHEESE BREAD

• (GOLD) Frozen Cheese Bread 375g, 1kg

AMBIENT

Kitchen Window

JAM CAMERONS LTD

• (GOLD) Orange Marmalade 250ml

FROZEN

Lewis Road Creamery

LEWIS ROAD CREAMERY

• (GOLD) Crushed Cookies & Cream Ice Cream 470ml

Little Spoon Sourdough Crumpets

LITTLE SPOON SOURDOUGH CRUMPETS

• (GOLD) Classic White - 6 pack

• (GOLD) Aged Cheddar & Parmesan - 6 pack

F RESH

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CHILLED/

DEL I

Matangi Angus Beef

MATANGI PRIME MEAT LTD

• (GOLD) 30-44 Day Dry Aged Tomahawk Steak

• (GOLD) Eye Fillet Steak

• (GOLD) Matangi Sirloin Steak Cutlet (Bone On)

AMBIENT

Mother Made MOTHER MADE LTD

• (GOLD) AM Blend Mini 100g

• (GOLD) PM Blend Mini 100g

• (GOLD) Relax - 60 Capsules

• (GOLD) Focus - 60 Capsules

AMBIENT

NaturKidz

UBD FOOD LTD

• (GOLD) Apple Sticks

• (GOLD) Apple & Feijoa Sticks

• (GOLD) Apple Sticks & Blueberry

• (GOLD) Gold Kiwi Slices

AMBIENT

Nutrient Rescue

NUTRIENT RESCUE NZ LTD

• (GOLD) Double Shot Pouch 300g

• (GOLD) Double Shot Daily Sachets 30 x 10g

SAUCES

Parsley Mayo

CLEVEDON CUISINE

• (GOLD) Parsley Mayonnaise 300ml

AMBIENT

Opito Bay Salt

OPITO BAY SALT COMPANY

• (GOLD) NZ Kina (Sea Urchin) Sea Salt 40g

• (GOLD) 100% Natural Sea Salt 160g

• (GOLD) Black Garlic Sea Salt 160g

• (GOLD) Rare Dry Gin Sea Salt 160g

ALCOHO LIC

Papaiti Gin

THE WHANGANUI DISTILLING COMPANY LTD T/A PAPAITI GIN

• (GOLD) Whanganui Dry 700ml

• (GOLD) Potager 700ml

• (GOLD) Mountains to Sea 700ml

SAUCES

Pepler's

SAVOUR THE TASTE (2021) LTD

• (GOLD) Black Raspberry Vinaigrette 250ml

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AMBIENT

Pepper & Me

PEPPER & ME

• (GOLD) Sesh Oil 265ml

Petite Eats

PETITE EATS

• (GOLD) Garden Greens 20g

• (GOLD) Beet & Berry Fusion 20g

• (GOLD) Mango Tango 20g

• (GOLD) Veggie Medley 20g

AMBIENT

Proper Crisps

PROPER SNACK FOODS LTD

• (GOLD) Kumara Chips 100g

• (GOLD) Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt 140g

• (GOLD) Marlborough Sea Salt 150g

• (GOLD) Chilli Crisp 150g

GROVE STUDIOS LTD

• (GOLD) Chilli Crisp 175g

AMBIENT

SAUCES

Rose's Chilli Crisp

AMBIENT

Rum and Que

RUM AND QUE

• (GOLD) Shandy Seasoning 200g

• (GOLD) Homegrown Seasoning 150g

CHILLED/ DEL I Salash SALASH LTD

• (GOLD) Extra Aged Bachka Salami Medium

• (GOLD) Speck 80g

• (GOLD) Extra Aged Winter Salami Mild 210g

AMBIENT

Snackachangi

GRIFFIN'S SNACKS

• (GOLD) Spicy Sriracha 140g

• (GOLD) North Himalayan 'Texas Style' Glazed Ribs 140g

• (GOLD) Killer Prawn Cocktail 140g

• (GOLD) Salted Giant Cashews 325g

• (GOLD) Vinegar & Salt Giant Cashews 325g

• (GOLD) BBQ Giant Cashews 325g

artisanawards

AMBIENT

Tarahina Honey

GO WILD APIARY

• (GOLD) Freeze Dried Honey Dust

• (GOLD) Freeze Dried Honey

CHILLED/ DEL I

Tempeh Deli

CUBE KITCHEN CATERING T/A

TEMPEH DELI

• (GOLD) Lupine Tempeh Barbeque

AMBIENT

Taste of the Alps

TASTE OF THE ALPS

• (GOLD) The Vineyard, Pinot Noir Quince Jelly 200g

• (GOLD) The Orchard, Black Doris Plum Jam 270g

• (GOLD) The Farmers Wife, Lemon Curd 270g

• (GOLD) The Prospector, Orange & Central Otago Marmalade 290g

AMBIENT

TranzAlpine Honey

TRANZALPINE ORGANICS T/A

TRANZALPINE HONEY

CHILLED/ DEL I

Who Ate All The Pies?

OLD FASHIONED PIE CO LTD

• (GOLD) Salmon Potato & Parsley Family Pie

• (GOLD) Organic Mānuka Honey Drops MGO550+ with Propolis

Wild Chef

SOUTH PACIFIC GOURMET FOODS LTD

• (GOLD) Hash Sticks 330g

• (GOLD) Polenta Fries 330g

AMBIENT

Wonderland Chocolate

WONDERLAND CHOCOLATE LTD

• (GOLD) Salted Caramels

• (GOLD) Caramels

• (GOLD) Pineapple Chews

AMBIENT

Woodland's Organic Honey

WOODLAND HONEY 2008 LTD

• (GOLD) Organic Raw Mānuka Honey

MGO100+ 250g, 500g

• (GOLD) Organic Raw Mānuka Honey

MGO250+ 250g, 500g

• (GOLD) Organic Raw Mānuka Honey

MGO450+ 250g, 500g

• (GOLD) Organic Raw Mānuka Honey

MGO550+ 250g, 500g

• (GOLD) Organic Raw Mānuka Honey

MGO350+ 250g

• (GOLD) Organic Pōhutukawa Honey

500g

FROZEN