SupermarketNews Magazine | February 2020

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February 2020 • Vol. 13 No. 2

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ATTENTION GROCERY SUPPLIERS

BACK TO SCHOOL SALES SURGE

The Food and Grocery Council is an industry association for grocery suppliers providing members networking, events, industry information and strong advocacy.

Sarah Mitchell Editorial Director

sarah@reviewmags.com

The back-to-school madness is in full force for parents who are busily stocking up on lunchbox staples, after school snacks and on-the-go breakfast options.

Nielsen has previously reported that the sales for the week show strong performance with some categories showing a sizeable lift. With consumers continuing to seek out ‘better-for-you’ products, this has helped to drive sales of nutrient rich bread options, convenient on-the-go snacks, free-from and the low and no categories.

Following the holiday season, manufacturers have been racing to get new products on shelf that will quickly become a lunchbox favourite.

Parents are seeking out products that are convenient go-to’s in a bid to create healthier lunches for their kids. Not only this, product purchasing can be determined by a combination of selection, convenience and low prices.

According to previous reports from Nielson, cookie and cracker categories continue to see significant growth, particularly snack packs and individual serving sizes.

Retailers increasingly view this season

diarynotes

Contact us for information on the benefits of membership: katherine.rich@fgc.org.nz • Networking • Industry Updates • Conference and Events • Education and Training • Advocacy and Law Reform as a prime opportunity to promote food items, often with a focus on nutrition.

Globally, stores make the most of merchandising opportunities, giving shoppers a visual reference and example of what they can include in lunchboxes for the upcoming term.

At one store in the USA, the aisle end display includes recipes and ideas for items to include in a healthy lunch, along with accessories such as food carriers and lunchboxes. It also proudly displays a sign-up area where customers can ‘pledge to pack a healthier lunchbox’. For each pledge, Produce for Kids, an initiative backed by local growers and suppliers, donates $1 to Feeding America.

This cross-merchandising can be a way that all the aisles can come together to inspire lunchbox selection. Consider also the rise in zero-waste packaging

policies that is being implemented in schools, kindergartens and playcentres, so be sure to include resealable, reusable, and plastic-free food carriers and containers. Help parents navigate through the store and aid their quest for kid-friendly options.

Path to purchase is also of interest to grocers during this time. So many consumers are facing time-poor days and weekends and are turning to delivery and click and collection options.

Connecting with consumers online is a key factor in ensuring retailers can traction the most out of the back-toschool season. Website takeovers, direct mail outs and social media promotions target the digitally savvy parents, particularly with the added bonus of promotional offers.

Enjoy the issue.

March 29-31:

Parizza, France

April 15-17:

Anufood, Shenzhen, China

April 15-17:

SIAL Canada

July 13-16:

FHA HoReCa

departments

04 News 14 What's New 18 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 24 Lunchbox Feature 30 Global What's New

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SupermarketNews is published under license. Please direct all enquiries and correspondence to SupermarketNews. The opinions and material published in this edition of SupermarketNews are not necessarily those of the publishers unless specifically stated.

All material in this publication is copyright and may only be reproduced with the consent of the publisher. Copyright 2020

CHAIRMAN PUBLISHER GENERAL MANAGER EDITORIAL DIRECTOR EDITOR ADVERTISING SALES

SENIOR DESIGNER GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ISSN No.

PETER MITCHELL Tania Walters, tania@reviewmags.com Kieran Mitchell, kieran@reviewmags.com Sarah Mitchell, sarah@reviewmags.com Caitlan Mitchell, caitlan@reviewmags.com Felicity-Anne Flack, felicity@reviewmags.com Harsha Thanthriwatte, harsha@reviewmags.com Raymund Sarmiento, raymund@reviewmags.com Debby Wei, debby@reviewmags.com

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food& grocery COUNCIL NEW ZEALAND

food& grocery COUNCIL NEW ZEALAND

www.fgc.org.nz

The NEW ZEALAND BEVERAGE COUNCIL is an industry association whose members cover all aspects of the non-alcoholic beverage market both in New Zealand and the export markets.

The Council members are spread throughout New Zealand and come together annually for a conference that covers industry issues and is addressed by international speakers. The organisation monitors product quality, sets standards for the industry and runs national competitions and awards.

THE NEW ZEALAND BEVERAGE COUNCIL (NZBC) P.O. Box 47, AUCKLAND 1140, New Zealand.

Email: info@nzbc.nz Phone: +64 9 309 6100 DDI: +64 9 302 9932

IS YOUR BRAND BUILT FOR SUSTAINABILITY? To stand the test of time, brands need to move with the times.

That’s why we’ve spent 10 years helping ecostore in their quest to find new ways to care for our planet — like designing New Zealand’s first package made from 100% Ocean Waste Plastic.

Times change, principles endure. To keep your brand future-ready, email heath@specialgroup.com

Brand Strategy— Identity Design— Packaging specialgroup.com /design 09 846 2402 February 2020

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news WORLD FIRST FOR WINE Family-owned Kiwi winery Giesen has launched the world’s first alcohol-removed Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The landmark innovation will allow consumers around the world to enjoy a glass of New Zealand’s popular and distinctive grape varietal on any occasion while moderating their alcohol intake.

Over the last two decades, a ‘sober-curious’ trend has swept the globe as more people swap full-strength wine, beer and spirits for low or noalcohol counterparts. This trend will continue to

rise according to the European Zero Alcohol Drinks 2019 Report which predicted global sales to grow 10 percent year on year for the next five years. To produce a no-alcohol wine, the Giesen winemakers use an innovative spinning cone technology popular in perfume making - which separates the fragrance and alcohol from the wine. Once the alcohol is removed, the distinctive distilled aroma unique to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is added back into the wine. n

PRODUCE WITHOUT PLASTIC

NEW CEO FOR HARRAWAYS After 20 years as Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand’s only oat mill, Dunedin based Harraway & Sons Limited, Stuart Hammer has announced his retirement. The Company’s Chairman, Trevor Scott, said that over this period, under Stuart’s sound management and guidance, Harraways has experienced substantial growth together with manufacturing efficiencies that have resulted in the Company becoming a market leader within its product range. The Board wishes Stuart a long and happy retirement.

Scott is also pleased to advise that Henry Hawkins has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Hawkins brings a wealth of local and international experience, and knowledge of the food manufacturing sector to the Company.

Harraways is fortunate to have him in this role as it embarks on its continuing journey of growth, supplying quality products to both the local and export markets. n

Customers in three Countdown stores will see a new produce shopping experience with plastic being removed from fruit and vegetables as part of a ten-week plastic reduction test by the supermarket.

In addition to the sixty-eight products that have been ‘unwrapped’ from their usual plastic wrap or pack, plastic produce bags have also been removed as part of the test, which launched at Countdown supermarkets in Orewa, Ponsonby and Manukau in Auckland. Customers will see more loose produce as well as specially-designed paper bags and cardboard packaging.

Countdown is encouraging customers to use reusable bags for produce, and in the bulk food section plastic bags have been replaced with paper bags. “Our teams serve three million New Zealanders every week in our stores. While it might sound easy to change packaging, there is a complicated system behind the scenes to ensure that we can provide great quality, fresh food for every single one of those

customers every day. ‘Unwrapped’ will change the way our customers shop for ten weeks, but it could have a long-lasting impact on how all New Zealanders shop in the future and help guide our next steps,” said Countdown’s general manager corporate affairs, safety and sustainability, Kiri Hannifin. n

100 STORE MILESTONE

TASTIER BERRIES

Consumers across the world may soon be experiencing tastier, fuller-sized blueberries year-round, thanks to two new partnerships in blueberries that will bring premium quality berries with superior genetics, in secured volumes, to customers across the world.

T&G Global and science organisation Plant & Food Research have announced they are entering into a new agreement to breed and commercialise exciting new varieties of blueberries to be sold globally.

The breeding programme will produce new varieties of blueberry that will provide improved yield and

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The opening of New World Pukekohe marks the amazing milestone of 100 New World’s in the North Island. This next generation store, which will serve as the cornerstone for future New Worlds, redefines the customer experience for supermarket shoppers.

“New World has been constantly evolving since its birth in the sixties,” said Chris Quin, CEO of Foodstuffs North Island. “Our 100th New World in the North Island marks the start of the next generation of New World stores; New World Pukekohe blends the latest innovations with strong cues to the uniqueness of the local community, something we plan to repeat in future New Worlds.” New World has long been an iconic brand that’s synonymous with customer experience.

“New World evolved out of a Four Square

resistance to disease while also delivering consumers larger, tastier berries over a longer period, with an extended harvest season.

The first new commercial varieties could be launched globally in the next 12 months under T&G Global’s Orchard Rd brand.

“Blueberries are a key strategic play for us in building

promotion as ‘A New World of Shopping’,” said Quin. “The first official New World was New World Milford on Auckland’s North Shore in 1964 and ever since the doors opened, the brand has consistently pioneered to bring customers the best experience and value New Zealand has to offer.”

With a grand total of 143 New World’s nationwide, there’s been some significant changes to store design and visual identity over the last half century. As the car got more popular the car parks got bigger and spaces wider, refrigeration and air conditioning became store staples, computerised stock control and checkouts saw the end of the trusty label gun, as fashions changed so did the uniforms; and more recently, self-checkout and on-line ordering through I-Shop has broadened customer options and choices for New World customers. n

our global portfolio, and we’re delighted to build another global category to emulate the success of our premium apple brands. We know there is strong consumer demand for blueberries and teaming up with Plant & Food means we get access to a pipeline of world-class varieties,” said Gareth Edgecombe, CEO of T&G Global. n

SNAP FROZEN...

FROM THE EARTH OR THE SEA

birdseye.co.nz

February 2020

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techbytes HEALTHY PICKS APP LAUNCHES When it comes to the weekly grocery shop, consumers are wanting to know that they are making the best possible choices for their health and their family and it can sometimes be a daunting task. To make consumers’ shop less complicated, and more health focussed, ALDI Australia has launched a Healthy Picks app.

Developed in partnership with The George Institute for Global Health, the app allows users to scan the barcode of any ALDI product while they shop. Once an item has been scanned, it will display the nutrition information of the product and guide the user to understand the amount of energy, saturated fat, sugar and sodium.

Clare Farrand, Public Health Nutritionist at The George Institute said that while it is known that fresh is best, choosing healthier packaged products isn’t always as easy.

“We have developed the Healthy Picks app for ALDI to support their shoppers to make

more informed choices. The app displays nutrition information for every packaged food and drink product as either a Health Star Rating or Traffic Light Label, to give simple, easy to understand information about the healthiness of each product. From there shoppers can decide if they want to buy it, or switch to an alternative,” she said.

If consumers want an alternative option in their trolley, the app will recommend a product in the same or similar category which could be considered a healthier option based on its Health Star Rating.

If they are looking to cut down on either sugar, salt or fat – or a combination of these – the Traffic Light Label will help give you options with less or more of what they want. This allows users to make an informed decision about what to buy.

For shoppers seeking vegetarian alternatives, the app uses a green side bar to indicate which products are suitable. n

ICE CREAM DRONES Terra Drone Europe and Unilever have joined forces to explore drone delivery of ice creams in New York. In a programme undertaken at Unilever’s recent annual investor event, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cups were delivered to a pre-determined destination by drone.

The demo was conducted as part of Unilever’s ice cream delivery service, ‘Ice Cream Now’.

During the demonstration, a multi-copter drone was fitted with a delivery box designed to carry three Ben & Jerry’s mini cups. The company launched the ‘Ice Cream Now’ ice

cream delivery service back in 2017 and it has now grown into a huge business worldwide. With regulations around future drone flights expected to become more flexible, the consumer goods company is preparing for a drone logistics service that will deliver products to more customers faster.

“We want to solve serious problems in the logistics field, such as carbon dioxide emissions, with drones. As deregulation progresses, worldwide, drone delivery services will also increase.” Terra Drone and Unilever will continue to cooperate in the field of logistics services,” said Yuki Ueno, Director of Terra Drone Europe. n

brilliant, which customers seem to love.

The whole idea of the test is to collect feedback and gather views and from what we’re seeing so far, it is all very positive. If

you’d have said to me five years ago that we would have 3D holograms in stores I would have laughed at you – but they are fantastic.” n

STORES GO 3D An Asda store in the UK is bringing together a number of tests that will give customers a glimpse into what the future could hold in store for retail. From 3D holograms to electronic shelf labels, the technologies that are being tested are designed to make customers and employees lives easier and create an even better shopping experience.

The store is already testing over twenty different technologies since phase one of the project was launched late last year with more to come throughout 2020.

Michael Rose, who is part of the project team based in store said the concept at the Asda store is about testing and learning from the latest technology available to retailers, with both customers and for colleagues being asked to share

their thoughts, and encouragingly the feedback received so far has been very positive. “We’re testing new tools which will make our colleagues’ lives easier and our customers’ shopping experience better. Having multiple projects running at the same time will mean we will see the benefits of how different tech works together,” said Rose.

“We were excited to be one of the first retailers in the UK to test out the 3D holograms in our store, which are projected in the air to showcase products and provide customer information.

They are currently in place in our bakery department, seasonal aisles and on Scan & Go points and are proving very popular with customers. They are very eye catching and the clarity on them is

CASHIERLESS STORE PILOT 7-Eleven is pushing the technological envelope once again, testing a cashierless store at its corporate headquarters, in Texas. During the pilot, the 700-squarefoot non-traditional store is available to 7-Eleven employees.

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“Retail technology is evolving at a rapid pace and customer expectations are driving the evolution,” said 7Eleven President and CEO Joe DePinto. “Our team is dedicated to continuing 7Eleven’s legacy of innovation with industry-leading digital solutions. Most recently that has included our award winning 7-Rewards loyalty platform, 7Now on-demand delivery, mobile checkout, and now our new cashierless store.” A proprietary mixture of algorithms and predictive technology enables the store system to separate individual customers and their purchases from others in the store. The concept store offers an assortment of the most popular products sold in 7Eleven stores, including beverages, snacks, food, groceries, over-the-counter drugs and non-food items. The product mix will continue to be refined.

The ultimate goal is to give consumers a faster, easier transaction and a seamless shopping experience. Introducing the technology and concept to employees first has proven to be a very productive way to test and learn before launching to a wider audience. They are honest and candid with their feedback, which enables the business to learn and quickly make adjustments to improve the experience. n

WAYMARS TRADING

Waymars is dedicated to exporting New Zealand food products to the Pacific Islands and in particular Fiji with its specialist service giving consumers outside of New Zealand access to a wide range of new products.

Formed in 2006, Waymars, both Wayne and Margaret have extensive experience and have been involved in the grocery industry for many years.

The duo saw an opportunity to export some of the brands they currently sold in the local New Zealand market.

Despite Fiji having a population of close to a million and it being one of the largest in the Pacific region, there are a significant number of challenges and road blocks that businesses have to overcome when doing business there.

“Firstly working through the very strict compliance regulations regarding the import of food products into Fiji,” said Wayne. “Secondly, overcoming the 32 percent import duty on top of the cost of international freight, retailer margins and 15 percent VAT can often be a deterrent. Lastly, managing the five to six major supermarket groups in Fiji accounting for over 60 supermarkets.”

There are many opportunities for businesses to trade with Fiji with supermarket groups and foodservice distributors always looking for new and exciting products to introduce to their customers.

“Over the last five-six years, the major supermarket groups have upgraded their retail stores to a standard comparable to New Zealand.”

Fijian consumers are demanding a better choice of products, brands and service. The political environment in Fiji has stabilised over the last few years giving consumers confidence to spend money.

“Alongside this, the tourism industry

in Fiji continues to show good growth with increases of up to 20 percent per year over the last two to three years.”

While the standard supermarket categories of biscuits, snacks, baking and beverages continue to be regular purchases by Fijian consumers, Waymars have noticed a trend towards healthier, ‘better-for-you’ products like gluten-free and vegetarian products.

The business is in a position to be able to help to assist New Zealand manufacturers and suppliers work through the compliance issues through its strong working relationship with Fiji Biosecurity, Fiji Customs and the

Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Consolidation of shipping containers for ambient and frozen products are carried out in Auckland with a ll shipping documentation handled

by Waymars. Airfreight chilled cargo is also handled out of Auckland with documentation handled by the company.

For more information about trading in Fiji or the opportunities for your business and products contact Wayne Hill on 021 101 4438, email wayne@ waymars.co.nz or visit www.waymars. co.nz. n

Want to expand your business into FIJI ?

With 14 years experience Waymars Trading can assist with selling in and managing your food or beverage business in Fiji.

Let us help to increase your profits.

Call Wayne Hill on 021 101 4438 or wayne@waymars.co.nz February 2020

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internationalaisle SWEET TREATS UNITE

LOVE FOR LOAVES The UK’s appetite for bread is on the rise with Waitrose & Partners seeing a resurgence in sales of bread. Searches for sourdough have increased by 65 percent in January, compared to last year on Waitrose.com, and sales of bread have risen over 30 percent over the last three years, reflecting a renewed love for loaves.

Speciality loaves, such as those made with linseed, mixed grains and seeds are filling shoppers’ baskets too, with sales up 22 percent over the last three months. However, it’s not just sourdough and speciality bread seeing a spike in

sales and searches. Online shoppers are seeking out an assortment of other bread, with searches for white loaves on Waitrose.com up 20 percent and unsliced loaf searches soaring by 450% versus the previous year. Even the classic sliced loaf is proving popular once again, with a 14 percent increase in customer searches. Bread had lost favour with shoppers a few years ago, with the advent of new diets and low-carb manuals reigning the book charts. But now bread is moving back to the mainstream, with sourdough leading the way. n

Australians will have even more of a reason to get excited about hot cross buns this Easter with Coles launching a new flavour inspired by one of the nation’s favourite cakes – the lamington.

The mash-up of the iconic Aussie treat and the humble hot cross bun follows customer research which revealed 54 percent of customers surveyed said they’d love to eat a lamington-flavoured bun. Using the unique flavour profile of the Australian lamington, the limitededition Coles Lamington Hot Cross Buns are made with chocolate, studded with milk chocolate chips, toasted shaved coconut chunks and bursts of soft raspberry jellies. Since launching hot cross buns on Boxing Day, more than 11 million hot cross buns have been sold at Coles stores nationally, suggesting that Australians just can’t get the Easter treat early enough. n

BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD Overripe bananas that would otherwise end up as waste, are now being repurposed by Woolworths bakers and used to make banana

bread loaves in-store. The banana bread diverts unsold overripe bananas from potential landfill, while also raising vital funds for Australians impacted by food insecurity.

Fifty cents from every loaf sold will be donated to food rescue charity partner, OzHarvest.

“Reducing food waste and keeping surplus food away from landfill is a top priority for all of us at Woolworths,” said Woolworths Head of Bakery, Andy Thomas.

Thomas and the team looked at how they could do their part in the bakery department and with the overripe bananas that are unable to be sold.

“With the launch of this banana bread, we’re not only diverting bananas from heading to landfill but also supporting Australians in need with 50c from every sale going to our food rescue charity partner, OzHarvest. We think this launch is the best thing since sliced bread.” n

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KAUFLAND EXITS AUSTRALIA

ON THE GO FORMAT Sainsbury’s has unveiled its new city convenience store format, delivering big innovation in small spaces for local shoppers. The London store is the retailer’s first On the Go store, combining freshly made and prepared in-store food and drink with convenient ways to shop with Sainsbury’s and Argos. Nine more On the Go stores are set to open in the coming months.

Using data and analytics Sainsbury’s has designed the store to meet the needs of busy city workers and ranges have been expertly tailored. The new format follows the success of Sainsbury’s recently launched neighbourhood convenience stores, which offer residents in the local community a one-stop shop for a broad range of food and general merchandise products as well as convenient services. For the firsttime, perch tables have been placed at the front of store giving customers somewhere to enjoy freshly made and baked food from an in-store pizza oven,

bakery and Sushi Gourmet concession as well as hot porridge and drinks from a self-service coffee machine and orange juicer. Products from counters have also been conveniently brought to a ‘grab and go’ station at the front of the store. Changed three times a day, it will offer customers a range of food to go for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

“Convenience is a growing part of our business and we have greater capability than ever to truly tailor local stores to local needs – across our products, formats, services and operations. Our new On the Go Mansion House ocal is a great example, bringing a new kind of convenience to busy local workers with limited time and delivering the curated range and fast experience that will enable them to get exactly what they want at pace. We’re confident this format will further strengthen our marketleading position in convenience,” said Graham Biggart, Sainsbury’s Director of Commercial Operations. n

Kaufland has decided to undertake an orderly withdrawal from the Australian market. The company will be concentrating its business on its European core markets in the foreseeable future. Kaufland’s 200 Australian employees were informed of the decision today, with an assurance that generous packages including all entitlements will be offered, as part of a thorough support and consultation process for all.

The future of Kaufland’s existing Australian investments, including properties purchased for retail outlets and distribution infrastructure, will be discussed with the relevant parties in coming days. This decision is about focusing business activities in Europe and is in no way a reflection of the efforts of our local employees or management, or the support Kaufland has received from the Australian business

community or governments.

“This was not an easy decision for us. We always felt welcome in Australia. We would like to thank our employees and we apologise for the disruption this decision will cause,” said Frank Schumann, acting CEO of Kaufland International. “We would also like to thank our business partners, who offered us great support over the last few years. We would also like to thank the government for being very open-minded to our projects.

“In Europe, we see a great deal of growth potential. We will actively shape the consolidation of the European retail sector, thus further reinforcing our leading position.”

Kaufland is currently operating in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Croatia, and the Republic of Moldova with roughly 1300 stores and 132,000 employees. n

a ann KoorreeCuisine Made using traditional Korean and Asian recipes from OTTOGI Korea which is one of Korea’s no.1 household food brands. Made locally in New Zealand. Our aim is to share Korean and Asian cuisine/marinades to non-asian customers so they are able to cook and authentic meal in the comfort of their own kitchen.

Find us in the cooking sauce aisle at Countdown.

For more information, contact 09 267 7476.

February 2020

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A BALANCING ACT

As we all know, we don’t have to walk too far down any supermarket aisle to realise just what a huge challenge it would be to remove all plastic or non-recyclable packaging used for groceries.

It’s hard, but the search continues to find substitutes for plastics for personal care and cleaning products as well ... the list goes on.

Then there’s the issue of food waste, a major issue in New Zealand (as it is in most developed countries). It’s estimated 229,022 tonnes of food is sent to landfill by Kiwi households each year, half of which is avoidable. The Government estimates that’s enough to feed everyone in Dunedin for two years!

Someone complained in the media recently about a cucumber being wrapped in plastic film “when it’s got its own skin to protect it”. That’s true, but a British study found film keeps cucumber fresh for 10 days where otherwise it would last just a couple and contribute to that mountain of food we throw away.

And though cucumbers make up only a tiny portion of that mountain, consider what would happen if we didn’t have film to protect some other foods. A household rubbish survey in 2018 showed that among the top 10 foods we throw are those that last longer if

Katherine Rich

Chief Executive NZ Food & Grocery Council

So many of them rely on plastic and other packaging for reasons of safety, quality and practicality.

There have already been moves by the grocery industry and the Government to remove offenders such as shopping bags, microbeads in cleansers, plastic cotton buds and straws.

They’re a start but they’re small, and the big challenges are around products where plastics and specialty packaging are used to preserve freshness, nutrition, and for food safety.

Without some of them, it would be close to impossible to get some frozen goods (e.g. peas) home.

The food safety aspects are very real. Food safety is paramount in the industry and nothing solves these sort of problems like convenient plastics.

covered by plastic: bread (10 percent of what we throw away), leftovers (8 percent), poultry (3 percent), rice (3 percent), lettuces (2 percent, and beef (2 percent).

While manufacturers are focused on designing-out unnecessary packaging or moving to different materials – and will continue to do so – their options are limited. They’re also faced with a balancing act: consumers say they want more sustainable and recyclable materials, but they also want safety, freshness and convenience. It’s not always possible to achieve both.

To help in the push for solutions on sustainability in packaging, the Food & Grocery Council last year established a Sustainability Committee. It’s made up of people from the senior level of many of the biggest food and grocery companies, and has the goal of making the sector more sustainable in every aspect.

Their initial focus is on product packaging and the circular economy, and will cover plastic and paper packaging, beverage containers/ container deposit systems, and

compostable packaging.

In the wider community, collection and recycling is a big issue, because though we have plenty of raw material, we have a problem with collecting, sorting and processing it into reusable resources.

The problem is with the kerbside collections of many of our 67 territorial authorities. A recent survey revealed the problem: 19 councils don’t accept many hard plastics, 26 have no policy on Tetra Paks, and 25 have no policy on aerosols. Five don’t offer any recycling information at all.

Meat trays are a prime example of the problem: they can be made out of PET, which is cheap and easy to recycle, but just half of councils collect them.

So, while the industry can find solutions, they won’t have the desired impact until our councils get their act together and collect enough of each type of packaging to warrant onshore recycling facilities. Until it does, we are never going to be in a position to recycle, reuse or compost single-use plastics n from food and grocery products.

or online experience to customers; we must be purposeful in our actions and always look for opportunities to improve.

The report revealed that value for money is a key attribute that drives brand love. Even as the amount of choice at customers’ fingertips continues to increase, the value they want to see for their money will always be at the heart of their purchasing decision. This presents an incredible opportunity for private label brands to grow brand affinity. New World customers can expect to see our Pams portfolio offering grow with new products that help make their busy lives easier.

New Zealanders are living more sustainably, and we have a responsibility to provide them with solutions and products that enable them to do so. Colmar Brunton’s Better Futures Report revealed that 72 percent of New Zealanders are highly concerned about plastic waste, ahead of any other issue impacting society.

New World has made significant sustainability strides with the launch of BYO containers in the North Island, its ‘Food in the Nude’ produce departments in the South Island, offering reusable and refillery options, and innovating new packaging that is either reusable, compostable or recyclable. We’re shifting to a circular economy and offering customers more choices that align with their sustainable lifestyles.

The new decade will present opportunities and challenges for the FMCG industry. As long as every decision is made with a customerdriven mentality, we’ll continue to meet customer expectations this n decade and beyond.

A NEW DECADE BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Increased domestic and international competition, shifting consumer preferences, the rise of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and a growing group of nationalities who now call New Zealand home, are just some of the opportunities, and challenges, the FMCG industry will face in the new decade.

How can we deliver solutions to these challenges and continue to build trust with customers that keeps them coming back? We can do this by delivering on what our customers care about the most: value for money, sustainability and meeting their evolving preferences.

In a 2019 Colmar Brunton report, New World was recognised as having a strong association with “Kiwi” and “trusted.” Trust is the most important driver of reputation, but our customers increasingly want to see us giving back to New Zealand environmentally, socially and economically. It’s no longer enough to offer products and a great in-store

Kay Bramley

Senior Research & Insights Manager, Foodstuffs NZ

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JASMINE ROBINSON HR Assistant & Compliance Manager Pak'nSave Palmerston North

Jasmine Robinson grew up north of Auckland on a lifestyle property with three young brothers and one sister. Like many, she harboured early childhood ambitions of becoming a vet, but after working at the local Four Square during high school she reconsidered her options.

Returning to New Zealand after travelling overseas and working a variety of customer-facing roles, she completed a Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resources.

“While studying, I did some work in a People & Development team, and

this really helped develop my career,” Robinson told SupermarketNews. “It was very interesting to see the academic side of things and how that transitioned into organisations.”

Robinson worked in various people and culture roles for New Zealandowned retailers, including Mitre10 and Overland Footwear, before joining Foodstuffs in late 2018. She was drawn to compliance and employment sectors due to the people-based nature of the work, as well as the ever-changing work environment.

“I love the owner-operator model and this is the second time I have worked in an owner-operator environment,” she said. “I love the challenges of the fastpaced supermarket environment; no two days are the same.”

Robinson credited her team’s unique approach to leadership and decisionmaking with revolutionising the way in which they manage their business.

Rather than adopting a more relaxed, collaborative effort to problem-solving, the team are better able to adapt, despite the fast-paced environment.

“By consciously acknowledging that we aren’t always going to have all the answers and sometimes we need to take our time to make the best call, we can let things evolve more organically and make decisions which best suit

the individual or individuals involved, whether they be a team member, a customer, or part of our community” Robinson explained.

“Ultimately you land on the best outcome with this approach; I’ve certainly seen some things that I don’t think would have worked out as well had we adopted an old school approach or rushed the outcome.”

Robinson cited the plethora of young leaders in her sector as a source of major inspiration, praising in particular owners Ally and Hamish. “Ally is very available for all of us, not just managers,” she said.

“I have learnt a lot of great strategies when it comes to tact and delivering messages in a way that helps everyone achieve their goals. She’s always positive regardless of what’s going on, and I think this is because she loves her job and is conscious of being a role model to a lot of our team here.”

Looking ahead, Robinson hopes to become a business owner herself within the next 10 years, but is still exploring what that might involve. In the meantime, she is focusing on developing her career and taking on a more senior position, as well as focusing on her passion for renovating homes. When she’s not working, she enjoys a spot of gardening, as well as snowboarding in the mountains near Palmerston North. n

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COUNTDOWN UNWRAPS Like all Kiwis, we’re passionate about our beautiful environment and reducing the amount of plastic and packaging across the supermarket is something we, along with our customers, are keen to see. We’ve already removed more than 150 tonnes of plastic from our stores, but we are very aware that there’s still a lot more we can do.

Kiri Hannifin

General Manager, Corporate Affairs and Sustainablitiy Countdown

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ut here’s the thing - it’s tough! Plastic does a good job of keeping food safe to eat and it also helps keep food fresh and prevent food waste.

To reduce plastic, we need viable alternatives that can do all of that too.

To know what works, we need to try new things. So, in early February, we launched our Unwrapped test.

For ten weeks, our Ōrewa, Ponsonby and Manukau stores are ‘unwrapping’ their fruit and veges to test some exciting new ways to further reduce plastic in the produce section, without affecting the safety and

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quality of the food.

In addition to the sixty-eight products that have been ‘unwrapped’ from their usual plastic wrap or pack, plastic produce bags have also been removed as part of the test. Customers in the three ‘unwrapped’ stores will now see more loose produce as well as brand new, specially-designed paper bags and cardboard packaging. They are also being encouraged to use reusable bags for their produce and, in bulk foods, plastic bags have been replaced with paper bags.

We really do believe that this is the right thing to do, so much so that we’ve invested more than $500,000 in shelving, packaging and production changes for the test, but it’s investment that has to be made if we’re serious about reducing the use of plastic in the future.

The supply chain is not Countdown’s alone. Changes like

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these start from the moment produce is picked from the tree or pulled from the ground and to do that we need the support of you - our suppliers, our growers and farmers.

Throughout the ten week trial, we’re talking to our customers and team to gather their feedback on the changes, as well as measuring a range of factors.

While some products, such as bagged lettuce and herb portions, will remain in plastic due to a lack of suitable alternatives, where possible any plastic packaging provided is made from PET or rPET which can be recycled and used over and over again.

We really need to prove that these changes we want to make can be

sustained over the long-term and in a way that delivers better outcomes for our environment here in Aotearoa.

We’re mindful that packaging or process changes might cause bigger issues so we need to understand this a lot better before we roll something out nationwide.

We’re really excited about how these stores will look and feel for our customers and team, so please pop along to one of our three stores and trial our new unwrapped produce section. And make sure you tell me or the team what you think. We’re all in n this together!

Deva Dhar COUNTRY MANAGER-NZ Remedy Drinks

There are many career highlights from over the years that Deva Dhar could name for you, one is being playing an integral part in launching KitKat Chunky during his time, as Group Brand Manager, at Nestlé New Zealand, taking it to be the number one selling single bar in the country. Or you could say it was when he started at Kellogg’s as National Sales Manager where he took up one of the biggest challenges of his working career in overseeing a major restructuring of the sales and merchandising team.

Dhar is constantly asking the question ‘How else can we do it better?’ and shares in the founders’ dream to be the number one kombucha in the world.

INTEGRATION

HQ MANAGEMENT

“It was either very foolish or very brave, but in New Zealand, you can’t do business if you’re doing the norm. It takes a bit of passion and self-belief, something slightly out of the box. I’m glad I did it,” said Deva Dhar. But nothing could prepare him for the biggest most significant career highlight. It came during his tenure at Blackmores New Zealand as its General Manager-NZ and, in taking the business from strength to strength, Dhar was awarded the prestigious Blackmores Group CEO Award. “What came along with that award was the greatest gift I could ever have been given in my career, an Authentic Leadership Development Executive programme at Harvard Business School in Boston.”

The best leaders are authentic leaders, people whose inner compass guides their daily actions and enables them to earn the trust of colleagues, peers and shareholders, through true ‘servant leadership’. In the programme, Dhar was able to uncover, analyse and strengthen the unique characteristics that enable leading with authenticity and purpose and become an outstanding leader in his field. “Not only did I develop greater confidence in my business instincts and leadership abilities, but I was also able to recognise blind spots as a leader which is key to identify, in order to become a more authentic and all-round leader. It really has helped me to become a better person, a better manager and leader, but also helped me find a greater work-life balance, besides time to support some personal charities.” The course has

continued to inspire and motivate Deva in his current role as Country ManagerNZ at Remedy Drinks, ensuring the brand inspires consumers to make ‘no sugar, naturally’ healthy choices every day.

Dhar’s enthusiasm for the Remedy brand in his role is inspiring. He has helped to not only build a loyal brand following in New Zealand but also aid the company in its quest to become the number one kombucha in New Zealand with year on year growth. “Founders Sarah and Emmett Condon are incredibly passionate about the Remedy brand and it’s this kind of passion that can help create, motivate and inspire the brand and sales teams on the ground to engage with customers and consumers and drive a brand loyalty like none- other.

They [Sarah and Emmett] left their day jobs and everything behind to risk it all for Remedy’s mission to change the way consumers think about sugary beverages.”

Dhar is constantly asking the question ‘How else can we do it better?’ and shares in the founders’ dream to be the number one kombucha in the world. Currently, the brand has taken number one spot in New Zealand and looks to proudly take the number three spot, globally, at the end of this southern hemisphere summer.

There is no doubt that between Dhar’s passion and enthusiasm for the brand and the cultivated brand enthusiasm itself that Remedy Drinks remains the top kombucha brand, particularly in New Zealand, in no small part, thanks to the strong work ethic and authenticity he brings to the table. n

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Full-Flavoured

Hand-Crafted Sodas

Remedy Sodas are a fresh twist on your old-school favourites, reinvented for today’s healthier times. The brand is reclaiming fizzy drinks for what they’re meant to be – refreshing beverages, traditionally fermented with real, all-natural ingredients, in small batches.

Live cultured and all-natural, Remedy Sodas are handcrafted the same was as all Remedy drinks are with no sugar, naturally.

Carefully sourced organic all-natural ingredients are brewed with Remedy’s own natural live culture to remove all of the sugar, creating the tastiest, healthiest range of live cultured sodas around. The range is available in five variants including, Oranja, Lemonade, Lemon, Lime and Bitters, Cola and Ginger Beer.

Available in 330ml glass bottles or 4x250ml cans. For more information and have Remedy stocked on your shelves contact Deva Dhar, country manager – NZ, on 021 245 2363 or email deva.dhar@remedydrinks.com.

Iconic Kiwi beer brand DB Export released a crisp, full flavoured golden lager with all the refreshing character you would expect from the innovative Kiwi brand, but with a twist – it has 0.0% alcohol.

Those that love the taste of original DB Export GOLD will find that the new variant sits well in the DB Export beer family as a great option for times when they feel like the taste of beer, but without the alcohol content.

DB Export GOLD 0.0 is made with a combination of premium malts and hops using an innovative new brewing process, which DB has been developing and refining over the last year. This makes for an easy drinking, full flavoured lager with notes of stone fruit and a smooth malty mouth feel.

While there are a number of other 0.0% alcohol beer brands available in New Zealand, DB Export Gold 0.0 will be NZ’s first locally brewed lager available nationally in all major retailers.

Summer Fruit Flavours Mother Earth is launching three new lunchbox snacks right in time for back to school. Better Bars White Chocolate and Strawberry contains less than a teaspoon of sugar per bar which remains on trend with consumers looking for reduced sugar snacking options. Baked Oaty Slice Peach and White Chocolate is the newest flavour to join the much loved Baked Oaty Slice range.

Hola Amigos

Proper Crisps is proud to present Tortilla Chips.

The Proper Tortilla Chips are crafted in the same, traditional way they’ve been made in Mexico for generations.

Made with White GMO-Free Corn Kernels and Ground using Volcanic Stones. Available in two flavours – Salted and Cheeza-peno. Buen Apetitio.

For more information, contact Duncan Kerr on duncan@propercrisps.co.nz or call 03 546 8980.As always, Proper Crisps are Gluten Free, Vegan Friendly and contain no MSG or Palm Oil, so everyone can share in the love this Valentine’s Day. For more information contact Duncan Kerr, duncan@propercrisps.co.nz , 03 546 8980

Romantically Smooth In time for Valentine’s Day this year, Lewis Road Creamery released an all-new, limited-edition Chocolate & Rose Milk. Lewis Road has added a touch of real rose essence to its famous chocolate milk with Whittaker’s to create this romantically smooth and delicately balanced flavoured milk.

Good For Your Gut

Karma Drinks couldn’t release a healthy fermented drink without it tasting delicious too. So, behold – Karma Kombucha.

One-hundred percent Kiwi owned, certified organic, unpasteurised (to keep in the live probiotic goodness) and containing less than 1g of sugar in each bottle. And just like all of the drinks in the Karma range, 1 percent of revenue from every bottle sold goes back into the Karma Foundation, so that with your help, they can do more good.

Available in four feel-good flavours: Raspberry & Lemon, Lemon & Ginger, Cherry & Berry and Mango & Passionfruit.

For more information please contact james@karmacola.co.nz or call 021 457 422.

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Using delicious real peach fruit pieces and chunks of white chocolate, this new flavour is sure to be a favourite with the whole family. New Apple & Plum Fruit Sticks combine the delicious summer fruit flavour of plum with apple to make a yummy fruit stick that we know kids will love!

For any further information on these products please contact your Prolife Foods Account Manager or Customer Services on 0800 80 80 88.

Perfect Solution

Lewis Road has launched a new lactose-free Jersey Milk, the perfect solution for the growing number of Kiwis looking to avoid lactose, but still wanting to enjoy the rich, creamy taste of real whole milk. Sourced solely from Jersey cows, the new Lactose Free white milk has all the same attributes as the rest of Lewis Road’s Jersey Milk range — higher butterfat content, a rich and creamy texture, less water and higher levels of calcium — just without the lactose.

To achieve this, the natural enzyme lactase is added to the milk to breakdown the lactose for easier digestion. This results in a slightly sweeter taste that is still as rich and creamy as the other Jersey Milks in their range.

The milk is also free from permeate and PKE, and is bottled in the company’s award-winning recyclable rPET bottles made from 100 percent recycled plastic.

Anti-Age Defence

Introducing a new natural quality of Q10 in the NIVEA Q10 POWER range – New Zealand’s no.1 anti-ageing day cream formula now with 100 percent skin identical Q10.

NIVEA Q10 POWER range is the first anti-ageing range that includes Q10 100 percent identical to the one found in your skin.

Including two highly effective anti-ageing ingredients, Q10 & Creatine, the powerful formula boosts the skin’s firming fibre and stimulates collagen production to visibly reduce wrinkles.

Q10 is a co-enzyme which is present in our skin cells, giving energy and protection and fighting the ageing process, whilst Creatine is an organic acid that improves the skins firmness and moisture levels.

“Unlike its previous formulation, the NIVEA Q10 POWER range now contains natural Q10 which is 100% identical to the Q10 that is found in your skin. Gained by a natural-yeast fermentation process, it is the purest form of Q10. It naturally replenishes skin’s own Q10 to boost skin’s own anti-age defence. The NIVEA Q10 POWER Day Creams also includes SPF to protect your skin against sun-induced wrinkles and premature ageing,” said NIVEA Skincare Expert, Robyn Hutch.

Decadent New Range

Synonymous with pleasure and luxury, Magnum has launched its latest innovation – Magnum LUXE. Magnum LUXE is the brand’s most indulgent ice cream range yet, featuring five exquisite flavours to indulge the senses and evoke superior sensations.

For the first time, the Magnum LUXE range will feature layers of velvety ice cream, luscious sauces and thick chocolate, paired together for the perfect balance to transport consumers to experience an indulgent moment of pleasure. The five new variants include, Chocolate Cake Batter, Raspberry Panna Cotta, Caramel Hazelnut Truffle, Salted Caramel and Chocolate Ganache.

Deli-Inspired Seasonings Birds Eye have added some delicious new products to its premium deli range, Deli Golden Ale Beer Batter Chips, and three deli fish variants, New Zealand Whiting Crisp Light Batter, New Zealand Whiting Salt & Pepper Crumb and New Zealand Hoki Crisp Light Batter. The Birds Eye Deli range is all about using quality ingredients and deli-inspired seasonings to provide mouth-watering frozen products from the convenience of the home freezer. The new Birds Eye Deli Golden Ale Beer Battered Chips has all the crunch and satisfying flavour you would expect from your favourite pub style chip. The new Birds Eye Deli Fish range is made with delicately hand-cut New Zealand Whiting or New Zealand Hoki fillets that have been hand-dipped in a crisp light batter or carefully coated in a salt and pepper crumb. The long slim fillet shape makes this fish perfect for sharing platters or in tacos or wraps.

Kiwi Classics Come Together

A new mashup of iconic brands has seen the launch of L&P Pineapple Lumps flavour variant, a product that couldn’t be more Kiwi if it tried.

Parent company Coca-Cola Amatil New Zealand, are always looking for interesting new flavours and innovations that pair well with the taste of L&P. This new sweet treat launched on January 20 and is available for a limited time only.

Limited-Edition Reboot

This limited-edition reboot delivers a unique twist on two much-loved Kiwi treats. Snifters Lumps combine the minty flavour of Snifters lollies with the chewy, choc-coated goodness of the iconic Pineapple Lumps for a new take on an old classic.

“We’ve seen a lot of excitement with recent collaborations, such as Perky Nana Lumps, which combined Perky Nana with the iconic Pineapple Lumps,” said Will Papesch, head of marketing at Mondelēz New Zealand.

“Knowing this has been such a winning combination, we’ve been looking at additional ways in which we can continue to surprise and delight our Kiwi fans. Bringing Snifters together with Pineapple Lumps is one of the exciting ways in which we are doing this.”

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storeofthemonth

NEW WORLD PUKEKOHE

TIM & JOANNA WILSON AND THEIR CHILDREN

Located on Paerata Road, the main thoroughfare in and out of the town, New World Pukekohe opened its doors on December 2, offering shoppers a first look at New World’s new generation of stores.

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wner-operator Tim Wilson began his journey with Foodstuffs in 2012 at Four Square Matakana. After stepping into the ownership role at New World Flaxmere in Hastings in 2016, he was offered the opportunity to own and open New World Pukekohe.

“I couldn’t say no. It’s a great pleasure to be writing a new chapter in the history of New Zealand supermarket retailing, and an exciting, rewarding challenge I am taking on with great energy and dedication,” Wilson told SupermarketNews. The 1690 sqm store is the 100th New World on the North Island, and has been designed to inspire customers and redefine their experience, serving as the cornerstone for future New World stores.

The store incorporates clean, modern design, with a family-relic John Deere tractor on display in the produce department. A number of innovative schemes designed to improve customer engagement are on offer, such as in-store tasting demo areas with up to 20 in-store demonstrations every week from local suppliers, and quiet hours every day from 3-7 pm.

“We want it to become more than just a supermarket,” Wilson said of the new store. “My goal is for New World Pukekohe to become the hub of the Pukekohe community – a place where people come together to share their collective love of good quality fresh food, proudly grown in our own backyard.”

The store also houses a ‘Meal Spot’ section, providing customers with nutritious meals set and ready to go.

Catering to those in need of a quick and affordable bite to eat for lunch, or a take-home hassle-free dinner, the section showcases a wide range of pre-prepared meals designed to provide convenient healthy options.

New World Pukekohe’s entire approach was informed by feedback with the local community, gathered over the months prior to the store’s opening.

“They told us they wanted a memorable customer experience and an environment that catered to their specific needs,” said Wilson. “We did everything we could to deliver that, from stocking local produce throughout the store to baking artisan-style doughnuts based on our customers’ favourite flavours.”

With sustainability at the forefront of consumer concerns, Wilson and his 140-strong team have been

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working hard to implement ecoconscious schemes, too. New World Pukekohe accepts BYO containers, uses biodegradable produce bags, and has all the operation facilities required to ensure it operates sustainably, including LED lighting, skylights, and digital ticketing.

“Opening a brand new store is always an exciting but challenging experience, and the way my team have hit the ground running has been extraordinary,” said Wilson. “At this stage, we are going to take a breath, settle in, and enjoy our incredible new store. We will make sure our customers feel comfortable and can find their way around their new local.” n

Footprint 1,689 m2

113 staff

Selling Area 1,689 m

16,000 SKUs

Checkouts: 7 regular

Carparks 157

Opening Date: December 2019

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5 self-checkouts

I Shop delivery and click & collect

Owner/Operator: Tim Wilson

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reducereuserecycle INVOLVING PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP IN THE DESIGN PROCESS

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING THROUGH HOLISTIC THINKING

Is recycling enough? Will it turn the tide on packaging waste in New Zealand? The simple answer is no.

Recycling is undoubtedly important for tackling the problem but is just one element. If we are going to reach a point where our packaging is truly sustainable, we must take a more holistic view.

This means looking up the supply chain and applying the waste hierarchy as a guide. In the hierarchy avoidance, minimisation and reuse are king, followed by recycling.

The plastic bag ban is a great example of avoidance and we are seeing many examples of eliminating and minimising waste along the supermarket supply chain. Adopting this approach results in a trickledown of innovation, greater efficiency, and increased social licence to operate.

For packaging that can’t be avoided, The Packaging Forum – the country’s foremost memberbased packaging organisation – is working with its members to ensure that by 2025 there will be no packaging waste going to landfill in New Zealand, with it all being recyclable, reusable or compostable.

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We are heavily focussed on solutions to help our members achieve this pledge. Our product stewardship programmes for glass bottles and jars, soft plastics and public place recycling play a key role, aiming to reduce litter and improve recovery rates.

Stewardship is most effective when the product being stewarded is designed to be reused or recycled, and when there is onshore processing. Our Glass Packaging Forum product stewardship scheme and Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme have onshore solutions and are examples of stewardship in action.

The Packaging Forum encourages members to look at the entire packaging supply chain to achieve all the benefits of packaging for society while minimising any potential harm. We do this by supporting evidence-based policies which deliver the highest value sustainability outcomes.

We also promote circular solutions in New Zealand which maximise quality and quantity, while collaborating with stakeholders, offering industryled solutions, and focussing on the full packaging lifecycle.

This is even more relevant following Associate Minister Eugenie Sage’s announcement in August that packaging, along with five other products, be considered as a ‘priority product’ under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.

If packaging is declared a priority product, regulated product stewardship schemes will have to be established and all manufacturers, importers and retailers join a scheme. Current schemes would need to be adjusted to follow any new regulatory guidelines.

Now, more than ever, the industry needs to work collaboratively and holistically to ensure the best commercial and sustainable solutions are found and ensure they understand regulatory changes afoot. We all have our part to play. Will you join us?

For more information visit our website www.packagingforum.org.nz n

In a world that has long suffered from a polluting ‘throw-away’ culture, steps are finally being taken to reduce plastic waste dramatically.

Part of this thrust is a Make-Use-Return principle to replace the existing model of TakeMake-Waste.

After all, when you look to nature, there is no waste. Once something biodegrades it returns to the eco-system. Now there is a consumerdriven movement to help the natural world by reducing waste, especially plastics. For a brand owner or marketing manager, Product Stewardship is now a common and vital part of the packaging design process. It recognises that producers, manufacturers, importers, retailers and consumers need to accept responsibility for reducing a product’s environmental impact. This means avoiding wasteful products, eliminating unnecessary waste, ensuring materials are recyclable and even redesigning products and packaging to achieve the desired result.

Working on packaging challenges with brand owners and marketing teams has placed Onfire in a unique position when it comes to developing sustainable packaging solutions.

With vast experience in packaging design, Onfire understands what steps can be taken to meet consumer expectations in the short term as well as the planning required to minimise plastic packaging in the long term.

For example, Revolution Fibres recently utilised Onfire’s expertise to develop new packaging for actiVlayr. After a rigorous process of questioning, challenging and experimentation, Onfire collaborated with a local box manufacturer to create a new format that eliminated the need for an existing inner plastic tray.

By removing plastic from the production process, the new packaging also achieves a per-unit cost-benefit. It delivers an unboxing experience that is more aligned with consumer expectations of this premium-priced product.

Onfire’s advocacy of Product Stewardship ensures the right questions are asked long before production begins. For example, does the packaging deliver the required shelf life and protection for distribution? Is the packaging designed for minimal use of the material?

Could the packaging be simplified to a single material? Is the packaging recyclable within the current NZ waste management system? If you would like to know more about the Onfire process around designing for sustainable packaging, contact Lisa at Onfire Design, lisa@weareonfire.co.nz. n

GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL (SUSTAINABLE) PACKAGES Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) labels and packaging requires knowledge and expertise.

With their high turnover rates, FMCG products compete to stand out and make an impact.

This, combined with the regulatory requirements of FMCG labelling within NZ and internationally, as well as requiring knowledge of printing materials and products that work in the variety of environments FMCG products are placed in, is key to ensuring a product works and goes the distance. This is where Kiwi Labels thrives.

Kiwi Labels has been supplying FMCG labels for the supermarket shelf, chiller and freezer for over 40 years. Their wealth of print knowledge and individually focussed, case-by-case approach, has ensured their place as a leading label supplier throughout the country.

Kiwi Labels have a range of finishes and print methods to support and enhance your labels – from foils to speciality varnishes, embossing and laminates.

As NZ pioneers in digitally printed labels, their range of printing presses are fully equipped to handle small, medium and large runs under tight deadlines.

Their brands KiwiSelect, KiwiSecure, KiwiECL and KiwiCycle encompass specialised materials and products for pressure sensitive label and packaging solutions.

KiwiSelect offers solutions for FMCG labels and

packaging, chiller, freezer, removeable labels and scuff resistant coatings.

KiwiSecure offers security solutions for your labels and products. These solutions make it harder for your packaging to be counterfeited.

KiwiECL offers a range of options when more space is needed on a label. Using ECL – Extended Content Labels not only offers extra space for information in other languages, but they also allow you to develop a relationship with your consumers; use the KiwiECL range for competitions, recipes, useful information – the list is endless.

KiwiCycle – Remove, Reuse, Reduce, Recycle.

Kiwi Labels is focussed on protecting your brand and they protect the environment.

Labels and packaging are an important factor when consumers choose a product instore. They tell the consumer what is included in the packaging, what the product is and how it was produced.

However, as important as labels are, not enough attention has been placed on their impact on our environment.

Kiwi Labels is leading the way with their KiwiCycle range of sustainable labelling options. KiwiCycle reduces the impact of waste through the use of an eco-friendly range of biodegradable and compostable materials, FSC and PEFC materials, Wash-Off labels that have an innovative wash-off adhesive and Kiwi Labels manages an innovative recycling programme for their clients’ label waste.

From standard size labels, Extended Content Labels (ECL) to full wrap labels and even packaging sleeves – Kiwi Labels has a packaging solution for you.

For more information, contact: info@kiwilabels. co.nz or 03 384 2903. n

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IMPROVING SUSTAINABILITY IN EVERYDAY PRODUCTS Eco-friendly nappy brand Noopii, has been in the pipeline for several years, and in the last two years, through hard work, determination and a huge amount of R&D, has come to life on shelf, revolutionising the nappy industry.

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o-Founder and environmentalist, Bridget Bodie-Healy, is extremely passionate about solving problems and her unapologetic loathing for plastic and products that contribute to the widespread pollution of the environment led her to create Noopii (a derivative of the old English word for nappy which was originally spelt as Nopi).

This new venture follows on from Bodie-Healy’s launch of New Zealand’s first and most successful range of 100 percent organic cotton feminine hygiene products under the Oi brand. In that category, Oi solved a plastic and healthcare problem and provided women with an organic cotton, affordable choice.

Through mutual friends, Bodie-Healy met Charlotte Rebbeck, who, after founding one of the first organic baby food companies in New Zealand, was keen for a new challenge and joined her to take on the role of director of sales at Noopii.

“Eco products are quite tricky to get right, and performance is everything,” said Bodie-Healy.

“We are still on our journey to create great products and we strive to keep innovating and to do better, making a positive and measurable difference in the world is at the heart of the Noopii brand.” Noopii products, packaging and shipping cartons collectively are 70 percent sustainable, and as new materials are developed and technology is advanced, so too will the brand’s sustainability to reach a goal of 100 percent.

“Noopii is more than just a nappy company. We care deeply about the well-being and welfare of children and are passionate about the health of our environment. Our nappies, pants, packaging and shipping cartons are made using plant based renewable and sustainable materials and packaged in paper, not plastic, because a nappy that’s better for the environment is better for your baby too.”

Sustainability and eco materials are quite complex and there is a huge amount

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of ‘greenwashing’. Noopii’s vision is to be the most trusted healthcare brand and as such is completely transparent about their materials and manufacturing. It has been proven that any higher percentage in nappy sustainability severely impacts performance, breathability, softness and comfort, something the brand is not willing to sacrifice on. The brand has received the highest test result possible, certified with excellence from Dermatest in Germany with all of its range tested to be safe even for the most sensitive and delicate skin.

The brand’s commitment to the environment goes further than just its products. To off-set its carbon footprint, Noopii supports the one million trees planted campaign and contributes funds to reforestation and species recovery programmes. “We all have a duty of care and responsibility to this very special and unique land we call home. We are the Kaitaki (te reo for guardians) for future generations.”

Noopii was born to be a market disruptor, to change conventional norms and to have a positive impact through revolutionising the nappy industry.

The wholly-owned NZ FernMark accredited company, currently has a manufacturer in Auckland, while the nappies are being initially assembled in PRC (The people’s republic of China) until such time as its own nappy manufacturing facility can be built in New Zealand. The Noopii range of nappy products are designed in NZ, and also contain NZ Manuka Hydrosol to ensure products are safe and naturally antibacterial. Its entry into the market has seen the initial launch of a focussed-range of products including nappies and nappy pants with high performance levels in mind at an affordable price for consumers. Its superior performance, comfort, softness, breathability and quality make for a premium product and injection of innovation and sustainability into the nappy aisle. Offering

up to 12 hours of leak protection, Noopii nappies and pants are free from latex, chlorine, artificial dyes and perfumes, giving parents peace of mind and providing a natural solution in baby care.

“Consumers want choice, they want a more sustainable disposable option that provides the comfort and performance they need, and we believe that Noopii has solved that problem.”

Each of the packs have been designed with a native New Zealand critter or creature combined with a beautiful native flora motif. For each pack sold, Noopii donates a percentage of its sales to an organisation that helps to support and conserve unique and threatened New Zealand native animals featured on both its packaging and nappies. “At Noopii we excel at coming up with clever design solutions for the health care and environmental challenges we all face in an everchanging world. We are agile, lean, inventive, creative and hardworking.”

This deep, can-do attitude is in their DNA and the team frequently over-deliver and strive to be at the cutting edge of innovation and design. Just three months in to its official launch, and current stockist list, Noopii has contributed over $1,000 for its charity partners and are incredibly proud to be able to make a positive difference so soon after hitting shelves.

“Our vision is to make a positive and measurable difference to parents and children around the world, whilst encouraging sensible and sustainable choices to protect our precious environment for

Noopii is more than just a nappy company. We care deeply about the well-being and welfare of children and are passionate about the health of our environment. generations to enjoy. We want to do more than make exceptional, environmentally responsible products.

Noopii exists to have a positive impact on our environment by reducing plastic going into landfills.

Our environmental initiatives aim to give back and support recovery programmes for land, sea and wildlife.”

In 2020, the brand looks to launch a new maternal and foetal health programme focussing on improving mother and baby wellbeing through education online while continuing its fight in reducing plastic and chemicals to be better-for-baby and for the planet.

To find out more, or to stock this innovative and forward-thinking brand, visit www.noopii.co.nz or contact bridget@noopii.co.nz, 027 883 4717. n www.noopii.co.nz/store

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reducereuserecycle ETHIQUE HITS SHELVES

Little colourful boxes are now filling the beauty aisle at Countdown, and there is one small detail about this box you need to know, it’s entirely compostable, Even better, the world’s most sustainable beauty brands’ products inside are solid bars, varying from shampoos, face cleaners, moisturisers and everything in between – all made from naturally-derived ingredients that will leave no trace on this earth.

French for ethical, Ethique is the world’s first zerowaste beauty brand and was founded by Christchurch local Brianne West seven years ago, when she began creating formulas in her kitchen.

By removing water from its formulations, Ethique takes credit for preventing the manufacture and disposal of more than five million plastic bottles in landfills. The social enterprise has a goal to reach 50 million bottles by 2025.

According to West, the biggest challenge in creating solid beauty bars, is getting people to realise that a shampoo or moisturiser bar delivers the same quality as brands in plastic

I AM A KEEPER

With over 25 years’ operating experience in New Zealand, Transcontinental New Zealand (TC NZ) is a leading supplier of flexible packaging to the FMCG, horticulture, retail and manufacturing markets.

TC NZ is both a reputable manufacturer and trader, supplying all forms of flexible packaging including paper, traditional plastic films and alternate sustainable resin based films. TC NZ employs over 85 people in New Zealand with centres in Auckland and Christchurch, home to an ultra-modern food grade packaging manufacturing plant.

Globally TC Transcontinental is committed to a circular approach to plastic. As global signatories to the Ellen

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bottles, you just need to adapt your shower routine a bit.

“Most of our bars are water activated, and there’s plenty of that in your bathroom,” said West. “We are changing the behaviour of millions of people worldwide by simply getting them to rub a shampoo bar on their head, rather than squeeze liquid out of a plastic bottle – it’s really that simple.”

“We’re really proud to have a brand like Ethique available in our stores. More and more, our customers are looking for alternatives that are better for the planet and having products like this on our shelves gives them that option,” said Countdown General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Safety and Sustainability Kiri Hannifin.

“Countdown has a clear focus on reducing plastic and packaging from across our business. We’ve phased out single-use plastic bags, we no longer sell packs of single-use plastic straws and we’ve removed more than 117 tonnes of plastic from our produce section.

Supporting suppliers who are making similar changes is a no brainer!”

“We’re really excited to see the brand cutting through to mainstream consumers,” said West. “It takes a bit of time for people to get used to solid products – but pretty quickly, the idea of rubbing a bar on your hair, or allowing your body heat to melt moisturisers and face serums, becomes your new normal.”

Getting onto supermarket shelves has been a big step for the brand but the timing is right with consumers around the world demanding products that are eco-friendly. Ethique launched into 840 stores in Holland & Barrett in the United Kingdom in July, and sold out in 48 hours with a waiting list of 55,000 people for products. The brand is now available in more than 14 countries, including Japan, Taiwan, the US and Australia. n

MacArthur Foundation, the business has committed that by 2025, 100 percent of its plastic packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable, and 10 percent of its plastic output will be made from recycled plastic waste.

TC NZ can meet customer requirements by extruding and converting compostable resins, green PE (PE derived from renewable resources such as waste sugar cane), and also has the ability to manufacture with recycled resins.

Already, TC NZ recycle a significant volume of in-house, post-industrial waste which goes into its industrial and refuse packaging. Recently, the company has launched a retail carry bag range called the “I am a Keeper” range. These bags are also made from post-industrial recycled plastic, the first retail bag of its kind in New Zealand.

“To create a circular economy we must give our customers choice in the marketplace and support the demand for recycled content,” said TC NZ Sales Director Donald Lee. The “I am a Keeper” range is fully compliant with the Waste Minimisation (Plastic Shipping Bag) Regulations 2018 Act and currently comes in two sizes, medium and large.

For more information contact salesnz@tc.tc or visit www.tc.tc. n

Complete your range of reusable bags with the award winning Zerobag 2.0

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HOLDS UP TO 50KG

5 / 950 Ferry Road, Ferrymead Christchurch February 2020 I 23

lunchboxfeature A Pop‘n’Good SNACK Pop‘n’Good popcorn is the perfect little snack for hungry tummies.

It’s not often there is a snack that both kids and their parents love!

Shhhh, don’t tell the kids its good for them! Did you know that Pop‘n’Good popcorn is actually a wholegrain, meaning that it is high in dietary fibre? Pop‘n’Good popcorn is also air popped and gluten and dairy free, so it’s ideal for everyone and it tastes great!

In 1984 the brand started popping corn grown on the farm in Te Awamutu. Over the years it has continued to grow and is now New Zealand’s number one popcorn brand.

The popcorn is still made from

the best New Zealand grown corn and popped in its ever-expanding kitchen in Te Awamutu. Pop‘n’Good is still proud to be NZ made and Kiwi-owned.

Pop‘n’Good popcorn comes in a variety of sizes including snack packs, which are perfect for the lunchbox. Each pack contains 10-12 snack packs, enough for the whole week and they come in a variety of flavours: Light and Buttery, Caramel, Seasalt and a variety pack for those who just can’t decide! Try it for yourself, we think it is Pop‘n’ Good popcorn.

Contact your local Wilson Cunsumer Products Territory Manager on 0800 651 044. n

BAKED WITH LOVE

A soft and chewy Mrs Higgins cookie or a warmed-up Mrs Higgins brownie has long been known as a guilty pleasure for hungry university students. The story started with one store in Queen Street over thirty years ago.

Mrs Higgins then expanded to a nationwide network of franchise stores which was supported by a commercial bakery business to supply the stores with frozen cookie dough. Then came supply of cookies and slices to food service and hospitality and big packaged cookies into vending. Fast forward to 2020 and Mrs Higgins has a brand new state-of-the-art facility in Henderson where 35 staff pump out cookies and slices both day and night. Even with all that growth, Mrs Higgins remains committed to top quality ingredients and that ‘Baked with Love’ ethos that takes you back to those special moments when Mum or Grandma made you those fresh baked treats.

So now, Mrs Higgins is hitting the supermarket shelves and aims to

add value and new life to the biscuit category. Late last year, Mrs Higgins launched a new multi-pack range – bringing some of the old favourites like Choc Chew and Raspberry White Choc to the lunchbox.

Their R&D department is extremely active and the successful launch is now being followed up with the new Family Recipes range of indulgent share packs (Red Velvet, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Salted Caramel, and Double Chocolate). These extra-special flavours come in a 300g resealable pouch so the Mrs Higgins moment can be shared with loved ones or enjoyed in secret. For more information contact your local Alliance Marketing representative or Mrs Higgins direct on 09 837 4900. n

Perfect Lunchbox Solution Reusable Food Storage Eco-friendly, Multi-Purpose Product High Consumer Demand

For more information contact Denise Newman on 027 583 8838

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ECO-FRIENDLY SOLUTION

Kai Carrier reusable food pouches are a multi-award winning product designed to cut down on the amount of single-use plastic households consume and to enable fresh homemade food to be served on the go, in convenient costeffective packaging.

Its range of reusable food pouches can be filled with homemade food, so consumers know what kids are eating and minimising mess. It allows parents to pack snacks for lunchboxes in convenient ways, and provides ecofriendly solutions for busy families.

Durable and designed to last, Kai Carrier pouches are guaranteed for 12 months from the date of purchase (although can last a lot longer if cared Mrs Higgings Family FMCG ad.pdf

for correctly). From babies starting on pureed food, to the kids’ kindy and school lunchboxes, active teens and adults, its range of pouches are multiuse and can be used for far more than just food.

The space-saving pouches fold flat when not in use, perfect for camping, tramping or school bags.

The 140ml pouch 5-Pack, ‘Snack Pack’ 10-Pack and ‘Sandwich Bag’ 5-Pack are particularly suited to kids and back-to-school needs, even for teachers. They all fit perfectly into the lunchbox.

Kai Carrier recently relaunched its Ice-Block Pouch 10-Pack into cardboard packaging for retail sales.

Alongside this, the team have re-designed its Large Storage Bags to feature a cardboard retail packaging, further reducing its single-use plastic consumption.

Its range is fridge/freezer friendly, dishwasher and microwave safe, but most importantly reusable. This cost-effective solution is also 1

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BPA, PVC and Phthalate free, convenient, and easy-to-use.

Kai Carrier consumers are eco-conscious individuals who appreciate the merits of reusing to reduce environmental impact, a target market that is only increasing.

“The challenge for consumers is to find packaging alternatives and find reliable and accurate information that is easy to find and understand,” said Denise Newman, owner, Kai Carrier.

Looking ahead, Newman would like to gain more stockists to enable her products to be widely accessible to the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly food packaging solutions. “More and more consumers are now looking to make better eco-friendly and

sustainable decisions. Having a totally reusable option available to them at the supermarket makes that path to purchase an easier one.”

With a newly refreshed website, new company ownership and several new products about to be launched to market, Kai Carrier is one to watch and definitely one to stock. Be part of the change and stock the Kai Carrier range in your store today to help keep New Zealand clean, green and beautiful.

For more information contact Denise Newman, info@kaicarrier.co.nz, 0275 838 838 or visit www.kaicarrier.co.nz. n

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lunchboxfeature BOOSTING LUNCHBOX SALES

Flagship brand of Cookie Time Group, Cookie Time, was launched in 1983 with the delivery of 70 jars of cookies to 70 dairies in Christchurch. Today, the brand is an iconic familyowned business, proudly baking New Zealand’s favourite cookies as well as OSM (One Square Meal) nutritionally balanced bars and bites, and the Bumper range.

“Our product range has always been shaped by market trends and by continually striving to meet consumers’ needs,” said Guy PopeMayell, managing director at Cookie Time Group. “When it comes time for back to school, serving size and convenience drives sales and our range of individually wrapped Cookie Time cookies, OSM Bites and Bumper Sticks all meet that lunchbox size need.”

Cookie Time is the number one

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selling cookie brand in the country.

It celebrates the fun and magic of cookies in bringing a smile to consumers’ faces on those treat days.

Its new pantry cookie range – Cookie Bake 400g pouches, comes in three flavours and the resealable packaging makes this perfect for keeping on hand for lunchbox treats.

In 2006, the business launched OSM (One Square Meal) in response to consumers wanting more functional foods that provided specific nutritional

OWNED

value. These quick and convenient snacks that don’t compromise on nutrition fit the emerging trend towards mini meals and make OSM more relevant than ever.

“We see the mini meal trend manifesting in various ways, and the traditional ‘lunchbox’ moment is now an everyday/ anytime moment,” said PopeMayell. “Consumers may graze on smaller portions throughout the day in order to fit with busy lifestyles, or to manage their food intake.”

Patented as containing the nutritional balance of a meal, OSM can be consumed in snack sizes to deliver a serve of nutritional balance with protein, fibre, 10 vitamins and six minerals or bundled to a bigger serve to substitute for a meal. Two bars deliver one third of daily intake values.

“Taste and convenience are, of course, non-negotiable whether consumers are seeking something functional, like a mini meal, or a reward, such as a treat. Overall, consumers are becoming more conscious about what works for a particular moment or occasion.”

Looking ahead, the brand recognises the steady growth of consumers engaging in physical activities for

health alongside a growing level of nutritional awareness and knowledge.

This is something that is challenging the brand to deliver the very best treats and functional nutritious snacks that help consumers cut through the claims clutter.

This year will see a continuation of new flavours and excitement around the Cookie Time and Bumper brands.

As for functional, nutritionally dense, plant based snacking – watch the OSM space for another kiwi innovation.

For more information contact Cookie Time Group on 0800 266 543. n

TICKS ALL THE BOXES

pure delish have been crafting cereals, snack bars, biscuits and slabs for well over a decade. They are renowned for creating innovative, category-challenging, healthy and above all delicious tasting products. The pure delish journey started with the creation of the first super-premium muesli in New Zealand and then the subsequent introduction of super-premium products to the muesli bar/lunchbox and biscuit categories.

Along with bringing premiumisation to traditional categories, pure delish have also been instrumental in bringing foods that are allergy friendly/health focused to the mainstream supermarket aisles.

“While the top priority is always taste when developing new products, we also try and ensure our products tick other boxes, like being free from grains, gluten, dairy, having low or no added sugars or being plant based.

Health-focused consumers are increasing and it’s normal for them to analyse the nutritional values of the products they purchase. At pure delish, the priority has always been to make foods that are as minimally processed as possible, made from the best quality ingredients, thereby providing our customers with the best nutrition and experience from our products.” said Amanda Macdonald, marketing manager at pure delish.

This is especially relevant as parents get their children back into school. Parents want peace of mind that their offspring head off with a healthy and nutritious lunch each day. To help with this, you really can’t go past our Primal range of products - our Primal Bites, Bars and Slabs tick the box for nutrient dense, healthy snacking that tastes delicious.

Packed with nuts, seeds and fruit, free from gluten, dairy and egg and available in a range of size/serving options, they really are the perfect lunchbox choice. pure delish have been aware for some time of the growing trend for healthier snacks and many of their products have been well-positioned to tap into this.

As expected, there has been good growth in sales of their snack bar, biscuit and slab ranges, but they have also seen a trend with customers using many of their cereals, particularly the nograin-ola/grain-ola’s, for snacking.

“Because pure delish granola’s are so high in nut and seed content, they make the perfect healthy snack

or lunchbox choice, a small serving will keep them feeling fuller for longer and the nuts and seeds provide great nutrition.”

With lots of exciting new NPD on the horizon, pure delish are confident the demand for healthier snacks will continue to grow. While they don’t solely rely on trends and fads when developing new products, pure delish firmly believe a long-term view around product evolution and category innovation is the pathway to sustained success.

For more information on the Pure Delish range, please contact Amanda Macdonald via email amanda@puredelish.co.nz or phone 09-5745701. n

Because pure delish granola’s are so high in nut and seed content, they make the perfect healthy snack or lunchbox choice, a small serving will keep them feeling fuller for longer and the nuts and seeds provide great nutrition.

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grocery case study

Reinventing The Supermarket Globally With Esselunga, Italy

Reinventing the supermarket layout globally Landini Associates together with Esselunga, Italy’s oldest supermarket chain, have collectively challenged and then radically reinvented the global supermarket layout at the brand’s newest supersstore in Brescia, Italy.

The reinvention is quiet yet revolutionary, setting a new benchmark globally. The design team have swung the store through 90 degrees so that the checkouts normally at the front of a supermarket - are now to the right within the store, replaced with a glass box of “production” showcasing the Bar Atlantic cafe, deli kitchens and bakery production, all previously hidden.

This is the front door; an expression of Esselunga’s commitment to making food. The front of the shop becomes a social place of visible “making”. A Super Market, not a supermarket. Checkouts no longer monopolise a space now used for talking, meeting and eating.

Abundance of glass to showcase food production throughout the entire store

“Catchers-mit aisles”

Reinventing the supermarket layout globally The second radical change to the traditional supermarket layout is the introduction of “boomerang” aisles. More specifically, the design introduces triangulated grocery aisles to the rear that correspondingly stagger out in front of you, like a “catchers mitt”; a big glove inviting customers into the store’s “dry food heart” by using merchandise as the primary signage. Every adjacency is rethought and reinvented, with the first aisle in celebration of speedy food shopping; the deli, bakery and dairy, linked to produce and protein. Everything you need for a quick and convenient shop if you so choose. The store perimeter is home to specialist departments (operationally time and motion efficient) but now worth the travel.

FLOORPLAN (RIGHT) - store is swung 90 degrees with checkouts to the right

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Bakery and chilled

Alcohol - specialist departments define the store perimeter 100%

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Throughout all our projects, Landini Associates strive to “Reinvent Normal”. This is a process by which everything is challenged, broken down and if needs be discarded. It is simply a way of examining whether a norm, or a starting point, makes any sense. What results is the reinvention of the vernacular of any category that we are working in. Challenge the norm, invent something new and memorable and you’ve “Reinvented Normal”. Sometimes this requires bravery, other times just the application of common sense. Perhaps they are the same thing!

Mark Landini, Creative Director, Landini Associates

BAR ATLANTIC - front of store as a social place of visible “making”

In the case of supermarkets placing payment stations in the most prominent and valuable space would seem, to us at Landini, not to make sense. So we agreed with our client to change this. The front of any high street store is its shop window, normally a place where its product is promoted. That’s all we did here, promote Esselunga’s ability to make great food. Requiring customers to read signs so they know what’s in an aisle is tiresome. Better to show them instead by staggering the aisles. All this simply makes sense. Blindly following what others have done, just because it’s the norm, doesn’t.

Check outs replaced by theatre of food production at store entrance

Frozen

Fresh produce

BAR ATLANTIC - front of store as a social place of meeting and eating

BUTCHER - specialist departments define the store perimeter

Gastronomia with views through to kitchens and Bar Atlantic

Abundance of glass to showcase food production throughout the entire store

Pharmacy

Paul Gates, Associates Director, Landini Associates

Abundance of glass allows for theatre of transparent food production In addition to an abundance of glass to showcase the theatre of food production, the design incorporates further theatre straight from the Esselunga factories. As they leave through the checkouts, customers are entertained by projected films of the manufacturing plants that Esselunga could never before show, but that are entertaining masterclasses in their food production skills.

Key materials used are concrete, timber, perforated panels, stainless steel, coloured tiles, concrete floor and exposed concrete ceiling.

Esselunga is known for continuous innovation, value, and their dedication to fresh food of the highest quality.

Landini Associates are globally renowned for their work in food.

Clients include Loblaws (all banners) (Canada), McDonald’s (Global), Marks and Spencers (UK,) Walgreens (US), Emart (South Korea), ALDI (Australia and China), David Jones (Australia) and Selfridges (London), amongst many others.

Landini Associates and Esselunga continue to work together. n www.landiniassociates.com

PROJECT CREDITS

Client: Esselunga Location: Brescia, Italy Size: 4600 square metres Landini Associates’ scope of design works: Master planning, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Wayfinding, Signage, Ticketing Photography: Andrew Meredith

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Cool Beans

Hip-Pea Snack

Cool Beans’ new range of plant-based wraps are rooted in goodness. The brand brings together mighty nutritious beans with global flavours to create clean, balanced eating that’s good for you and good karma, too. Cool Beans Wraps are made with clean, gluten-free ingredients and are minimally processed. Whether you’re on a journey to reduce your meat intake or don’t eat meat at all, the brand has wrapped up whole-food, plant-based nutrition with legumes, whole grains, and vegetables in one, easy-to-make satisfying package. Full of vegan protein, fibre and nutrients, each bite of Cool Beans draws flavour inspiration from around the globe, serving up satisfying, portable eating for vegans, flexitarians or those who simply want to try something new. Just microwave and enjoy. Available in three variants, Tikka Masala, Spicy Chipotle and Moroccan Gold.

HIPPEAS, Organic Chickpea Snacks, is spreading the Peas & Love with the expansion of its lifestyle brand and the launch of HIPPEAS Tortilla Chips. The 60s were all about getting tripped out, today we’re about getting chipped out.

HIPPEAS Tortilla Chips are USDA Certified Organic, certified gluten-free, vegan and totally delicious. With 3g of protein and 3g of fibre per 1oz serving, these chickpea chips pack a punch of plant power, to keep you keepin’ on.

HIPPEAS, known for its bright yellow bag, and delicious chickpea-based snacks, will introduce HIPPEAS Tortilla Chips in the following three far-out flavours, which can be enjoyed on their own or with your favourite dip (guacamole, meet your new best friend); Straight Up Sea Salt, Rockin’ Ranch, and Jalepeno Vegan Cheddar.

Under Oath New brand, OATH, announced its launch with hero product, OATH Organic Oat-Milk with Plant Protein, the first and only organic oat-milk protein beverage with 15-16 grams of protein and 6-10 grams of fibre. The product is available in four flavours, each one as unique as their mission: Double Chocolate, Matcha Chai, Indian Rose, and Golden Turmeric. The organic oat milks harness the power of PLANTS WITH PROMISE to deliver functional health benefits, with each ingredient handpicked for its ‘promise’ of nutrients, evocative flavour, and exceptional taste. A pioneer in the space, OATH utilises atypical proteins like almonds, pumpkin seeds, and oats, uniting them with natural sweeteners like apple fibre, spices and botanicals including saffron, ginger, and cardamom to offer numerous health benefits and create a flavour, taste, and silky mouthfeel that has yet to exist.

No Dip Chip

Energise With Gatorade

There’s nothing corny about the new range from Al Chipino. The highest quality non-gmo, glutenfree and vegan ingredients are sourced without compromises on the chips’ bold taste. The better-for-you spin on traditional tortilla chips.

Varieties include Thai Green Curry, Bollywood Sweet and Sour, Peri Peri, BBQ Tikka Masala, NY Deli Cheese and Salsa Picante.

Gatorade further cements its place in the energy and performance category with the launch of its first caffeinated beverage. The BOLT24 Energize range contains 50-75mg of caffeine per bottle and will roll out in the USA in the next few months. BOLT24 features electrolytes from watermelon and sea salt, as well as vitamins A, C, B3, and B6. It is available in StrawberryLemon, Orange-Passionfruit and Cherry-Lime with more flavours to be added at a later date.

The range has no artificial sweeteners or flavours.

All About Flavour Seek your peak with plant-based sausage that’s delicious no matter what kind of eater you are – vegetarian, vegan, or carnivore seeking a little more omnivore. High Peaks sausages range has not meat but is all flavour. Available in four varieties including Italian Style, Sweet Apple, Wild Mushroom, Sunrise Trail Mix.

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Sweet Like Mushrooms?

Signature Grapes

Laird Superfood, maker of the number one plant-based powdered creamer, announces the release of its rich and creamy hot chocolate that the whole family will love – Laird Superfood Hot Chocolate with Functional Mushrooms.

The new, rich hot chocolate combines real, plant-based ingredients like organic cacao powder, organic cinnamon powder, and coconut milk powder along with three of nature’s most nourishing mushrooms – Reishi, Chaga and Maitake. These adaptogenic mushrooms don’t add any mushroom flavour to the delicious, smooth taste of the hot cocoa – just velvety, natural deliciousness.

Life’s Grape peanut butter dipped vine-dried grapes are crafted with our very own, signature Selma Pete grapes, which are affectionately called PBJ. They are reminiscent of the classic American sandwich and are delicious, rich, and creamy. Just like its classic and mini vine-dried grape varieties, the Selma Pete grapes in these gems of goodness are dried on the vine and absorb all the energy and nutrients from the warm California sun, so they’re more juicy, meaty, elegant, and flavourful than many other grape varieties. Packed with all the energy consumers need to power their day, it is a smart and convenient snack choice for any occasion.

Redefining Frozen Veggies Tommy’s Superfoods, the veggie company that’s redefining the meaning of the term ‘frozen vegetables’ introduces two new products that exemplify the brand’s commitment to provide the pinnacle of taste, nutrition and convenience in plant-based eating: Asian Fusion and Cauliflower & Purple Sweet Potatoes.

In line with the Tommy’s philosophy of “Beyond Better for You,” all Tommy’s veggie blends begin with whole vegetables, minimally processed, and seasoned with unique all natural, hand-crafted seasoning blends and fresh herbs. All Tommy’s products are certified Vegan, non-GMO and low sodium (by FDA standards) and these two new blends are no exception.

Really Chum-Y

For Tiny Taste Buds Zero sugar, lightly fizzy, nothing artificial Zevia Kidz is a treat for kids that the whole family can feel good about. Packaged in little cans for little hands, it is perfect for lunch boxes, afternoon snacks, or anywhere they want something fun to drink. There are four kid-friendly flavours including Fruit Punch, Orange Cream, Fizzy Apple and Strawberry Lemonade.

New Chum Bars are good for you, retaining all the natural goodness of vitamins, minerals, plant proteins and fibre. Its high fibre content slows down the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream, ensuring a more gradual release of energy. Its bars contain 100 percent fruit, have no added sugar, are high in fibre, gluten-free and contain one cup of fruit. Fresh fruits are picked in season and baked slowly to retain the quality of ingredients. Available in four variants including, Peach, Apple, Strawberry and Berry.

Smooth-ie Operator

Making A Splash

White chocolate innovation, Bixby & Co.’s coconut milk based vegan base that is infused with delectable spices, teas, plants or fruits as part of a new Smoothie Bar Collection range.

The range features six products including Wilde Blueberry Vegan White Chocolate Bar, Golden Milk White Chocolate Bar, Matcha Vegan White Chocolate Bar, Raspberry Crunch Vegan White Chocolate Bar, Coconut Nib Swirl Chocolate Bar, Dragon Fruit Vegan White Chocolate Bar.

Jelly Belly flavours are making a splash in a new supermarket aisle with the launch of Jelly Belly Sparkling Water. Treat your taste buds with true-to-life, natural flavours. The beverages contain zero sugar, zero calories, zero sweeteners and zero sodium. Currently available in Watermelon, Pina Colada, French Vanilla, Lemon Lime, Orange Sherbet, Pink Grapefruit, Very Cherry and Tangerine.

Completely Natural Betterine is a 100 percent natural baking stick. With Betterine consumers can not only make baked goods without compromising on taste or texture, they can also do so with the confidence that it is completely natural and dairy-free. Unlike most food products that contain elements that modify the natural ingredients, Betterine is based on pure coconut oil with no chemicals whatsoever.

Also, Betterine is 100 percent vegan and lactose-free.

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AUTHENTIC ITALIAN DELICACIES Supplying quality Italian smallgoods to New Zealand supermarkets, hospitality trade and delicatessen wholesalers.

Get your slice of the pizza - call us now for authentic quality Italian smallgoods.

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