CREATING AUTHENTIC PLANTBASED LOVED BY KIWIS

General Manager of Greater Goods, Sian Leonard, stated that the company is the first to market in the plant-based deli and chilled meat category. Founder of Grater Goods, Flip Grater, is a Parisian-trained Chef and owner of the awardwinning Christchurch Vegan restaurant Grater Good.

Grater Goods’ range of products is proud to be in the plant-based space with products crafted by a Paris-trained artisan whose ambition revolves around feeding customers and consumers delicious food to a high standard.

The driver behind Grater Goods, stated Leonard, was the company’s ‘ethical hedonism’.

“We’re a business whose ethos is about doing the right thing by the environment without compromising our love of the food experience,” revealed Leonard.

In the Grater Goods range, products such as its sliced pastrami and pepperoni salami have been well received by consumers, with Leonard describing the products as perfect for grazing platters.

Leonard stated that plant-based eating was no longer a trend. It was a lifestyle.

“The Food Frontier research into the plantbased eating habits of kiwis was conducted four years ago.”

Leonard elaborated that 30 percent of New Zealanders already identified as meat reducers or flexitarians for environmental reasons, while 10 percent identified as vegan or vegetarian.

General Manager stated In the four years that have passed, climate change has become even more of a reality for Kiwis, with most having experienced this first-hand with a wet summer and devastating floods.

The impacts of this have seen more New Zealanders wanting to become plant-based and involved in environmentalism, which included consumption at the dinner table. Furthermore, Leonard described the plantbased category as experiencing rapid growth.

In the last two years, 40 percent of shoppers in the store had evolved the category from a trend into a lifestyle choice, with numbers continuing to grow.

“Seventy percent of shoppers expect to find plant-based products alongside their traditional counterparts. We’re asking retailers to position plant based in mainstream category shelf locations to improve the ease of the shopper experience and decision making.”

Leonard’s described that the Grater Goods manufacturing philosophy was underpinned by the company’s crafting of products under the same roof as the Grater Goods restaurant.

The deli meats created by the company are made with the same carefully selected ingredients and culinary know-how as the meals served inside the restaurant. Leonard shares that this allowed consumers to enjoy each product at home.

Grater Goods’ most significant growth had been driven by the 30 percent of New Zealanders who identify as meat reducers or flexitarians.

Leonards explained that the business had been focused on creating authentic plant-based versions of deli meat products beloved by New Zealanders so that those transitioning to plant-based diets and alternatives wouldn’t have to compromise on flavour.

Grater Goods is responding to the recent explosion of varied convenient chicken options in the chilled hang-sell deli category. In October, the company plans to launch

New Zealand’s first-to-market plant-based sliced chicken. Perfect for sandwiches, chopped up with cranberry on a pizza or tossed in a salad.

Grater Goods has paved the way as the first plant-based range to sit alongside chilled deli meats.

“We know from the Kroger supermarket shelf trials that plant-based meat sales increase by 26 percent when positioned alongside their traditional counterparts. We know meat reducers and flexitarians expect to find alternatives next to the meat,”

Leonard stated the success of the plantbased meat integration with the meat aisles in Countdown supported this, with the brand offering shoppers an alternative while shopping in an easy-to-locate and convenient manner.

However, Leonard shared that she believed that the biggest challenge most New Zealand plant-based manufacturers faced was that most ingredients are imported, which creates an added cost, coupled with environmental impacts that can fly in the face of the plant-based manufacturer’s purpose. Leonard admitted that she’d like to see more government and private initiatives investing in domestic alternative meat and dairy ingredient innovation to not only step up New Zealand’s environmental and sustainability obligations but also reduce the cost and reward consumers who want to do the right thing with lower prices.

In the meantime, Leonard stated that the company would continue to source locally wherever possible.

Regarding her favourite Grater Goods product, Leonard’s choice would be her recipe Greek Toastie, which contained two slices of sourdough loaded with Grater Goods sliced pastrami, Savour nude Casheta, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.

“Splash some olive oil in the pan, toast both sides and serve with a cold beer or a glass of Pinot Gris.” n

FEIJOA: A FAMILY FAVOURITE

Sarah Phillipps, Head of Marketing at Raglan Food Co, revealed that the brand’s latest coconut yoghurt flavour, Feijoa & Pear, is one of a number of seasonal releases that will be released this year.

the new flavour had converted those impartial to feijoa, which Phillipps stated was a testament to the deliciousness of the new flavour.

“We've been enjoying the Feijoa & Pear with muesli, but it's delicious served as a dessert accompaniment.” created the range to be colourful and appealing on the shelf.

The new flavour is crafted at Raglan Food Co like each of the company’s yoghurts, proudly a plant-based, dairy, gluten and GMO-free product containing zero refined sugar and boasting billions of probiotics per serving.

Phillipps shared that the plant-based food producer and company was heartened to see the growing demand and consumer interest in plantbased products. The company has noticed an increase in flexitarian consumers who hold the same standard of texture and taste for plant-based products as they hold for traditional counterparts.

Raglan Food Co has worked hard to create creamy and delicious products, proving that plant-based diet options won't require consumers to compromise on taste, texture or nutrition.

Phillipps shared that the company acknowledged that there weren’t always perfect solutions for sustainability. However, Raglan Food Co was proud of its purpose and approach to sustainability.

“We're always looking at how we can improve and make a meaningful impact.”

The popularity of Raglan Food Co’s products could be attributed to each of the products' consistency of delicious flavour and texture, with consumers often becoming life-long customers of the company’s product range. While consumers enjoy traditional flavours, Phillipps shared that the brand had noticed trends towards more decadent, dessertlike or novelty flavours.

Raglan Food Co prioritises research and customer feedback and commits to extensive taste testing when creating a new flavour.

We have criteria we like to meet when considering a new flavour. What makes our dairyfree yoghurts unique is our ingredients and clean labelling.

Sarah Phillipps Head of Marketing Raglan Food Co

The inspiration behind the new flavour can be attributed to numerous factors, including seasonality, global food trends, requests from customers and Raglan Food Co’s love of using locally sourced ingredients.

“There's also something very nostalgic about this flavour. Our team all have memories of feijoa-laden trees from their childhood, feijoa crumbles, or simply scooping juicy spoonfuls of this unique fruit,” shared Phillipps.

Phillipps described the new yoghurt flavour as subtly sweet and teeming with flavour. The Head of Marketing boasted that

Furthermore, Phillipps shared that the company had observed that health, ethical dietary choices and demand from younger generations had been the key factors propelling the dairy-free trend. Research revealed that consumers are increasingly weighing the above factors when purchasing.

Raglan’s manufacturing philosophy is centred around being ‘uncompromisingly good’. The company refuses to compromise on taste, health, environmentalism, and ethical practices. Each of Raglan Food Co’s products is packaged in and housed in glass jars, which are recyclable, reusable, and repurposable, with the Phillipps stating that the company has

The company’s long-standing Vanilla Bean flavour has five ingredients, with competitors of Raglan Food Co, which are vanilla flavoured, containing anywhere between 10 to 16 ingredients. Vanilla Bean also happens to be Phillipps’ favourite flavour.

“But honestly, this new Feijoa & Pear is a close second and very more-ish.” n

Hooleys Rings

From the makers of Harvest Snaps comes Hooley’s Rings. The gluten-free snack is in toe-to-toe popularity with the brand’s Pea Snaps.

The new holey snack comes in various playful flavours that will have your tongue dancing. Available in Original Onion, Sweet Chilli, and Herb & Cheddar flavours, each classic and renowned taste is perfectly paired with your favourite dip.

Hooleys’ Ring isn’t just a delicious snack. They are the perfect party treat, sure to become the main event.

Put a Hooleys’ Ring on it. Available in the snack food aisle at your select New World and PAK’nSAVE stores nationwide.

For enquiries, call 09 410 1066 or email sales@houseff.co.nz or visit https://houseff.co.nz.

Happy Hippeas

Chickpeas, the new snacking champion. Hippeas Chickpea Puffs are the new scrumptious plant-based crunchy snack on the market.

Gluten-free and vegan, the Hippeas Chickpea Puffs are jampacked with protein and flavour, with each bag containing only 92 calories. A handful of Hippeas Chickpea puffs contain no palm oil or MSG and are an excellent source of fibre, boasting a host of taste sensations, including, Take it Cheesy, Salt & Vinegar Vibes, Sweet & Smokin’, and In Herbs We Trust. Chickpea puffs aren’t just delicious and healthy. They are also environmentally conscious, as Chickpea plants naturally release nitrogen back into the earth as they grow.

Hippeas Chickpea Puffs will be available in Countdown stores nationwide from March 2023.

For any questions, call 09 410 1066 or email sales@ houseff.co.nz or visit https://houseff.co.nz.

The Perfect Crispy Vegetable Snack

DJ & A’s globally number one selling Shiitake Mushroom Crisps are a nutrient-dense snack made with authentic vegetables by a unique vacuum cooking. This cooking method uses less oil, baking at a lower temperature to preserve the natural veggie goodness and delicious taste.

The crisps are all-natural, vegan-friendly, and an excellent dietary fibre source containing no added MSG, artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives.

Perfect for on-the-go snacking, cooking, or as a tasty addition to favourite dishes or salads.

DJ & A have a range of five tasty variants, including Shiitake Mushroom Crisps, Broccoli Florets, Beetroot Slices, Roasted Edamame, and Teriyaki Green Peas.

All variants are available at selected New World and Pak’n Save stores.

For further queries, please contact Dee at Plum Agencies at 021 1168 018 or email us at admin@plumagencies.co.nz. More variants are available online at iGrocer NZ, igrocernz.com.

Delicious Without Compromise

Be Right is a plant-based pasta range that offers delicious and healthy alternatives to traditional pasta. Made with high-quality ingredients, from Black Bean Flour, Soy Bean Flour and Edamame Flour, this pasta range is rich in protein and fibre, making them a nutritious choice for any meal.

The Be Right pasta range is vegan and gluten-free, making it a perfect option for people with dietary restrictions. It is also free from artificial preservatives, additives, and colours, making it a healthier alternative to other processed pasta.

With a five-star health rating, this organic, keto-friendly pasta comes in various shapes and sizes.

From Plant-Powered Spaghetti to

Lasagne Sheets, Be Right has a range to suit various tastes. Be Right is a healthy and sustainable pasta option that doesn't compromise taste or texture.

Potato Pioneers Since 1997

Gropak, the pioneering potatogrowing manufacturer, was established in 1997.

Andrea Buchanan, Company Director of Gropak, shared that Gropak’s potatoes are a varietal initially bred in the Netherlands.

The low-carbohydrate, low-calorie potato has taken time to build up to commercial quantities. However, the varietal's popularity in Europe is promising for the potato varietal here in New Zealand.

The introduction of the potato varietal directly aligns with growing consumer interest in health and well-being, the conscious consumer desiring to have healthier options available and accessible to them of the foods they love.

“Fewer potatoes were consumed as consumers opted for other food groups. We wanted to offer something different, and this brand was being marketed in Europe successfully, so we bought it in New Zealand,” revealed Buchanan.

The potato seed is grown in the South Island, with various growers spread nationwide. Packaged under the Sunlite brand, the Gropak packhouse is adept in washing, sizing and packing several vegetables, including potatoes, onions, carrots, brussel sprouts and yams. However, Gropak also has a processing room, where the company specialises in specifically shredding certain vegetables such as carrots, carrot

Temole Snacks

Temole is on a mission to re-invent healthy snacking and make it accessible to everyone.

The brand has combined healthy and tasty ingredients, mixed with carefully selected spices, to create uncompromisingly delicious snacks for all ages. Temole has already made waves with its commitment to producing high-quality, healthy snacks catering to various dietary needs. These oven-baked snacks are made from whole grains, vegetables and other 100 percent natural ingredients, making them a great choice for those looking to improve their snacking habits.

For those who suffer from celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding tasty and healthy snacks can be challenging. However, Temole snacks offer a great solution. These snacks are made from gluten-free grains, such as brown rice and quinoa, which are all great sources of fibre and protein. All Temole snacks are ovenbaked rather than fried, which means they are batons, beetroot, and sliced and diced onions.

Buchanan explained that significant care goes into the growth of the low-carbohydrate, low-calorie potatoes. Each paddock is tested in an independent laboratory to ensure the quality and commitment of the potato benefits are delivered as the company promises.

This occurs before harvest nationwide, ensuring the potatoes are grown according to Gropak’s criteria for the benefit of consumers.

The Company Director shared that her favourite dish to prepare the potato with was the classic and delicious potato salad.

“Sunlite Low Carb Potatoes have a lovely creamy yellow colour and are very light, so the potato salad is very light and refrigerates well for the next day.” lower in fat and calories than many other snack options while giving a satisfying crunch.

For those who follow a vegan diet, Temole offers excellent options, as many of the brand’s snacks are veganfriendly. This makes them an excellent choice for people who are looking for plant-based snack options.

Temole snacks offer an excellent option for all looking for healthy, tasty snacks catering to various dietary needs. Its snacks come in various formats, including almond chips, avocado chips, cauliflower puffs, broccoli puffs, rice and quinoa waves, cashew and kale waves, and soon-to-be-released veggie waves.

Temole lives by the motto that life is too short to eat boring food, so get crunching today.

Vitasoy

Vitasoy Oat Milky has all the benefits of oat milk, with a milker, closer-to-dairy mouthfeel.

Vitasoy’s Oat Milky is a delicious, healthy, unsweetened milk alternative and the perfect allrounder to complement milk occasions. Brimming with Oat-some goodness, Oat Milky is enriched with calcium to support strong bones and is a natural source of beta-glucan and fibre.

Find Vitasoy Oat Milky in all major Grocers in the long-life milk aisle. n

Boring Milk

New Zealand plant-based milk manufacturer and producer Boring is the perfect addition to the vibrant plant milk category. Smooth, creamy, and delicious, Boring Oat Milk complements coffee by letting the espresso shine while holding its texture nicely when poured.

Great for the pros in cafes and everyday milk stuff at home, Boring is boringly similar to regular milk, just without the milking bit. It doesn’t even come from anywhere fancy, like Sweden. It’s made in New Zealand using New Zealand oats. Consistency, texture, taste, sustainability. Boring takes care of all the boring details so consumers can focus on what they do best. n

Little Island

New Zealand brand, Little Island, has expanded its well-known range of award-winning dairy alternative ice cream, ice blocks, yoghurt, and milk. Little Island has taken a fresh look at the supermarket offering with the launch of its new blended milk range in stores this April.

The range includes Almond with Oat, Oat with Coconut, Original Coconut, and Chocolate Coconut milk.

Blends make for better-tasting and more balanced milk and deliver more functional health. Little Island’s milk range is unsweetened, providing 25 percent of daily recommended calcium intake, D2 and B12, and are phosphate free. Each milk goes well in smoothies, cereal, or breakfast bowls, and all four can be foamed and added to daily coffees. n

The Ultimate Alternative to Dairy

Plant Projects, a plant milk manufacturer, has described now as a bountiful time for plant-based milk. In supermarkets, the refrigerated aisle is overflowing with new alternatives ranging from almond, hazelnut, cashew, coconut, hemp, and oat.

With such variety, Plant Projects has questioned whether plant milk has peaked.

“Not even close”, said Jamie Wilson, Manager of New Zealand food innovators at Plant Projects.

“I don’t think there’s an end to alternative dairy innovation.”

Wilson’s company Plant Projects was designed to disrupt the alternative milk industry with its No Ordinary Plant Milk, made from peas.

Plant Projects is the first New Zealand-owned company to produce milk made from peas, and Wilson described it as the ‘ultimate alternative’.

Wilson hoped it would ‘appease’ consumers who care about the environment as equally as their health.

“Peas are one of the most sustainably sourced ingredients in the planting world. They’re quickly grown, don't require a lot of water and are light on emissions.”

Wilson elaborated that the brand’s No Ordinary Plant Milk boasted the lowest environmental impact compared to its plant-based competitors. Secondly, its nutritional protein and carbohydrate profile was extremely close to its traditional dairy counterpart.

Unlike its nearest rival, oat milk, No Ordinary Plant Milk contained two to three times more protein, with significantly fewer carbohydrates and 50 percent less sugar.

Wilson described peas as a better ingredient base, reflected in its nutrition panel and allergen front. No Ordinary Plant Milk is gluten, soy, nut-free, keto-friendly, silky smooth, and versatile.

Wilson shared that neither cows nor peas were needed for the next iteration in alternative milk as he was confident that the future would be lab-made dairy products. Plant Projects has created plant milk comparable to cow's milk's exact taste and texture without using land, emissions, or animals.

Wilson shared that the one barrier for alternative milk has been its price point compared to dairy, for which he believed lab-grown could be a solution.

“But for now, we have peas.” n

Almond Breeze

For dairy-free consumers, almond milk is a staple milk alternative that perfectly complements a cup of tea or coffee. The unique formula that makes up Blue Diamond’s Almond Breeze comes from over 100 years of experience growing and harvesting California’s finest almonds. Many growers have been coop members for generations, so plenty of family pride goes into each carton of Almond Breeze. Barista Blend is readily available through James Crisp.

Alpro

Alpro is here to help consumers. The brand shared that while being healthy can be tricky and pesky old habits die hard, Alpro wanted to help people who wish to change with its delicious plant-based milk range.

Alpro is all about cheerleading life’s triers because any step, big or small, is a positive step in the right direction. Progress is progress, which Alpro has believed in ever since becoming a plant-based pioneer in the 1980s.

Alpro’s ‘for professionals’ range tastes excellent and is 100 percent plant-based, available in Soy, Almond, Coconut, and Oat.

Alpro is a proud sponsor of the World Barista Championships in Athens, Greece, from June 21st to the 24th, 2023.