THE DRIVE FOR CONVENIENCE

After noticing a gap in the New Zealand market for high-quality frozen and chilled meals, Mike Nixon, the general manager and creator of Frozen Fresh with brands Tomorrow’s Meals and East-West Kitchen, was inspired to start the business, which he has described as an exciting 15-year journey.

Over the years, Nixon has noticed a demand for quality convenience meals increase, with a rapid growth within recent years as consumers have become more specific about the demand for natural food that is not overly processed.

“Consumers are more educated around the ingredient declarations, especially in terms of fats, salt, and protein content,” said Nixon.

In conjunction with health demands for convenience foods, Nixon reported that consumers have become more knowledgeable and concerned about sustainability and recycling. These changes in demand and consumer behaviour have propelled the demand for Frozen Fresh’s products. As the general manager stated, the brand prides itself on the quality of its convenience meals.

Furthermore, to cater to consumer demand for sustainability, Frozen Fresh has been examining its packaging processes and intends to apply changes to increase its products' sustainability and recycling friendliness.

The increase in demand for convenience meals can be attributed to the rise in time-poorness. Consumers have frequently begun to search for quick and easy options at the supermarket with minimal wastage.

According to the brand's internal data, Kiwi classic meals have remained the most popular convenience choices, including roast lamb, beef casserole, cottage pie, and spaghetti bolognese. To cater to increased consumer health concerns, Frozen Fresh has committed itself to a simple model of only using high-quality New Zealand prime beef and lamb legs, each of which is not extended or pumped artificially, combined with staple and varying New Zealand-grown vegetables.

Nixon shared that the convenience market will grow as more quality options become available.

“I see real growth potential in the chilled convenience meal market as in New Zealand it is very much in its infancy.”

With New Zealand’s smaller market size, Nixon predicted that there would be chilled supply chain difficulties to overcome. However, the general manager was confident that these obstacles were not insurmountable.

Each of Frozen Fresh’s meals is crafted with ingredients that can be found at home, made in small batches, and then hand packed. Despite growing sentiment for plant-based diets, Nixon shared that the company had plant-based meals previously. Still, the demand within the New Zealand market for plant-based convenience meals remained limited.

“The drive in New Zealand for both plant-based and alternative proteins has not affected our convenience meals. In addition to Tomorrows Meals, we contract manufacture for other brands in this area.”

One significant challenge Nixon shared moving forward in the industry was crafting quality products at affordable prices. With chilled meals being a relatively new category in New Zealand, difficulties lie with the supply chain regarding the product's shelf-life.

Nixon’s favourite meal from Frozen Fresh was the Tomorrow’s Meals Beef Casserole and the East-West Kitchen Butter Chicken. n

PAY-AS-YOU-GO

ZEnergy (Z) now has pay-as-you-go available across its EV charging network, making charging easier for customers on their journey. “We’re pleased we’ve been able to upgrade our systems to make it easier for EV customers,” said Z’s Head of EV Charging, Kieran Turner.

Pay-as-you-go is a new feature on Z’s EV Charging App, which previously required customers to have money in their accounts before charging. Instead, they can select the charge point they want to use and authorise the charger to start, having their credit card bill at the end.

Turner emphasised that it was about making the experience as painless as possible.

“We want to support our customers switching to low carbon transport alternatives and make it as easy to charge on-the-go as it is to fuel up today.”

Z is rolling out a network of EV chargers at Z service stations nationwide. They plan to have EV charging available across 20 percent of the network by the end of 2023.

Turner shared that Z was working at pace and prioritising speed to market as the company rolled out our EV charging network. He emphasised that Z Energy

KIWI-FAVOURITE CHOCOLATE COLLABORATION

KitKat has collaborated with the iconic Milkybar to launch a new flavour full of nostalgia. Sure to blast white choc lovers back to childhood in one milky bite, the new bar will ride into stores in May. The KitKat iconic crisp wafer finger has been covered in delicious real milk goodness, combining the creaminess of Milkybar with the classic KitKat snap.

This legen-dairy collab between two Kiwi favourites will be available in three mouth-watering formats; bar, block and share pack, perfect for sharing or enjoying on the go. “We know that both KitKat and Milkybar have loyal fans who love each of them for their unique choc taste - we can’t wait to see what they think of this iconic collaboration,” said Nestlé Head of Marketing Fern Castellanos.

“In bringing together two of New Zealand's all-time favourite confectionery treats, this exciting mash-up introduces a delicious addition to the KitKat range and lets fans enjoy their favourite break with a new milk twist.” would continue improving to enhance the customer experience, sharing that the company was learning fast, listening to its customers, and consistently thinking about the next site and how it can improve.

Z’s aim within its network is to have mostly ultra-fast EV chargers across its sites, with a minimum of 150kW, along with multiple bays available to help minimise queuing.

“Our network of well-established and well-located Z service stations is ideal for EV drivers. The sites are positioned in all the major centres and along the major highways of Aotearoa.”

The new sites also offer great onsite amenities, including food, coffee, and bathrooms and are well-lit for those travelling late at night. This makes each site a perfect on-the-go charging destination for New Zealanders. n

KitKat Milkybar bar will be available in supermarkets, petrol stations and convenience stores around the country from May in three sizes 45g, 160g bars, and a share pack of 154g. n

Feedback On The Wellbeing Budget 2023

charging providers, Z was already working at scale and pace to build a network of onthe-go charging infrastructure at its retail service stations.

The energy company believes this targeted funding will support major charging providers to accelerate critical charging infrastructure needed across the country.

“Z is already leveraging its existing network of service stations to build an EV charging network for Aotearoa and plans to have EV chargers available across 20 percent of Z service stations by the end of this year,” said Lindis Jones, Z’s CEO.

component of the transition to a low-carbon economy.

“This targeted support, alongside a National EV Charging Strategy that is currently being developed, is a real win and will enable the private sector to collaborate with the Government to progress the delivery of EV infrastructure New Zealanders need.”

For businesses like Z to continue investing in and delivering private and public charging, the Government must also ensure the regulatory settings are fit-for-purpose and address market failures.

ZEnergy (Z) has welcomed the Government’s $120 million targeted EV funding package as part of the Wellbeing Budget 2023.

As one of New Zealand’s major EV

Jones continued, stating that a scaled domestic EV charging network that enables accessible, affordable, convenient, and reliable charging solutions to meet the needs of drivers now and into the future is a core

Lindis shared that the business was looking forward to continuing to work constructively with the Government as it works to address and resolve the barriers to the network rollout and support New Zealanders through this energy transition. n