SupermarketNews // June 2014

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June 2014 • Vol. 7 No. 6 100% NZ OWNED

“The premium beer segment is now greater than 50% share of the volume in supermarkets and there has never been more choice and quality for consumers…” Ben Shaw of Independent Liquor (see page 26)

MORATORIUM DIFFICULTIES FOR SUPPLIERS WHILE the country’s grocery suppliers have so far been tolerant over Foodstuffs North Island’s current moratorium on price adjustments, new promotions and new product launches, their patience seems to be wearing a little thin.

Certainly the moratorium that began back on May 5 and still has a couple of months to run, is vital to the migration and integration of the systems following the North Island merger. But the frustrations are building amongst suppliers who have millions of dollars at stake in delayed stock, price

increases they have already faced and new products that are being held up in the supply chain pipeline.

Understandably, Foodstuffs says it is working very hard to ensure the transition takes place safely and smoothly because it also has a lot at stake in making the new systems successfully operational.

But it has stymied a lot of promotional and sales activity, delayed advertising campaigns and left a lot of grocery sales teams sitting on their hands. The extension of the

moratorium by a month has helped noone although it does ensure Foodstuffs gets it right. But the concern from most suppliers is that when August 17 comes around, the Foodstuffs processing system will be inundated and so badly stretched that it could be a lolly scramble coming up to the Christmas buying season.

Already a number of seasonal opportunities have been lost and there is doubt that North Island head office will have the manpower to catch up with trade requirements for some time.

Suppliers had earlier been given an option of presenting some NPD direct to store rather than holding off on head office discussions, but generally they have met a brick wall at that buyer level and referred to the moratorium instructions. In the meantime, there is no complaint over South Island activity the suppliers say. But it will be an interesting September and November for both parties considering the importance of FSNI to turnover. n

FGC SUPPORTS NEW FOOD BILL NZ Food & Grocery Council CEO Katherine Rich says the passing of the Food Bill provides New Zealand’s food regulatory regime with a much-needed update.

“As a country so dependent on food production, New Zealand needs to ensure it has modern food law and this will certainly achieve that,” says Rich.

The bill allows food manufacturers to manage their own food safety and will be based on the level of risk depending

ICE CREAM SUCCESS THE New Zealand Ice Cream Awards were held last month. Pictured above are Supreme Award winners Graham Copp of Rush Munro’s of NZ Ltd (Boutique Manufacturer) and Jackie Klitscher of New Zealand Natural (Large Manufacturer). Full report and images on page 4.

on the food they produce, rather than the existing one-size-fits-all approach.

Rich says existing legislation is more than 30 years old and features regulations that are nearly 40 years old.

“A lot has happened in food production and technology in that time. Members of the Food & Grocery Council already have sophisticated risk-based systems in place, and the new Food Act will provide clearer underpinning of those systems.” n

$82,500 RAISED FOR KIDS’ HOSPITALS KIWIS consumed more than 10.8 million hot cross buns during this year’s Easter season, raising a record $82,500 for the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal. Countdown donated five cents from the sale of every pack of its in-store baked hot cross buns to its annual hospital appeal, with buns available from January through to May. Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal Chair Ruth Krippner says it was the

biggest Easter the company has ever seen, with sales up 20% on last year.

“It’s a fantastic result and just goes to show how popular the traditional hot cross bun still is right through and following Easter. Kiwis just can’t get enough of them!”

The funds raised will benefit 10 children’s wards around the country by helping to provide much needed medical equipment. n

McCLURE GETS BIRTHDAY HONOUR PETER McClure, managing director of Fonterra Brands and a longtime servant of the Food & Grocery Council was a recipient of this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours. He was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his services to business and to philanthropy. For some years he has been board chairman of World Vision New Zealand and more recently on the organisation’s international stewardship committee. n

AVOCADO SPECIALIST IN RECEIVERSHIP

AVOCADO spreads, guacamole and dips maker Fressure Foods was placed in receivership last month.

The company based near Pukekohe, has been developing a wide range of interesting deli products but recently struck raw material supply problems and has temporarily ceased trading.

There has been considerable interest in the purchase of the company both before and after the receivership and any other interested parties can contact receiver Amanda-Jane Atkins on (09) 215 4761. n

contents 11 SIAL 16 Lighting Check 22 Health & Wellbeing 28 New Products 33 Artisan

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10 20 26 29

editorialcomment DEVELOPING NEW IDEAS …

THE development of the supermarket concept has slowed down over recent years so that today’s store has simply become a grocery shop - which of course is not such a bad thing in itself. But of course there are many other opportunities that may work to extend the one-stop offering rather than just pursue the price factor as the key attraction.

There’s still a long way to go in low cost pure-play online selling before other online specialists and the manufacturers themselves decide it is the way to go, and the latter is happening increasingly overseas. There certainly are areas that could appeal including pet food, health and beauty lines down to toilet paper and even nappies – categories that are already on sale websites and could easily siphon from supermarkets and undermine their

sndiary 18-20 JUNE 2014 Food Expo, Yangon, Myanmar

current business models.

Our current online sales of grocery products probably account for around one percent in New Zealand but between eight and 12% in the US and the UK with both probably heading towards 20% according to research. It’s interesting to see Coles moving into insurance in Australia, a move tried by Foodstuffs some years ago and withdrawn for being too complex.

Tesco and its competitors in the UK offer a range of additional services as a onestop operation but we might question its profitability against pure service. The point is that around the world there are ideas aplenty that all deserve a look and already we are a few years behind the international market in implementing them.

Peter Mitchell, Publisher

INGHAM’S PROMO WINNER

JUNE 20-29 Amex Winter Festival, Queenstown

22-24 JUNE Fine Food Expo, Auckland

JULY 2-4 Food & Hospitality, Yangon, Myanmar

JULY 29 Bakels Pie Awards, Auckland

31 JULY-AUG 3 Auckland Food Show

21 AUGUST NZACS Industry Awards & Jowett Scholarship, Crowne Plaza, Auckland

AUGUST 21 Brewers Guild Beer Awards Wellington

SEPTEMBER 24-26 Global Coffee, Tea, Cocoa Expo Hamburg, Germany

OCTOBER 1-4 Café & Bakery Fair Kintex, South Korea

FOR THE third consecutive year, a Christchurch shopper has won Ingham’s Butterfly Chicken promotion. This year’s competition, which ran from late January through to the 23rd of March, was won by Barbara Shaw from Redwood. The hat trick of Christchurch winners is remarkable considering only a small percentage (approx 12%) of the total entries each year come from Christchurch. Shaw won a five night stay at Butterfly Bay beach in Northland with travel and a food allowance included.

Barbara Shaw is pictured above with New World Northwood store manager Mitchell Ryder and Ingham retail sales manager, Jerem Wylie. n

DON’T TOUCH THE SWEETS

TESCO’S plans to remove all sweets and chocolates from its checkouts by the end of the year could be the death knell of the impulse purchase. While I’m sympathetic to parents with young children, surely several confectionery free aisles would be sufficient to meet demand without hindering consumer choice or sales opportunities.

New Zealand has had confectionery free aisles for some time and while they have a place in the modern store, it is important that supermarkets continue to offer a variety of options to consumers. It is up to the consumer to exercise free will at the point of purchase and I hope stores don’t bow down to lobbying pressure.

Removal of impulse purchasing reeks of a nanny state and would be similar to enforcing the removal of accessories

BACON & HAM COMP OPEN ENTRIES for the 100% New Zealand Bacon & Ham competition are now open with retailers and butchers able to enter five bacon and two ham categories. Middle, Dry Cured Middle, Shoulder, Streaky, and Middle Eye make up the bacon categories while the nation’s best Bone-In-Ham and Boneless Ham are being sought. The competition attracts entrants from across the country, last year receiving 202 entries from 56 businesses. “The winning butchers really value the increased exposure and business opportunities that come from being a winner in the competition. They raise the standard of entry every year,” says marketing manager for NZPork Campbell Naish. Entries will close on the 27th June with winners announced for the first time at a joint award ceremony in August. n

NEW COFFEE GIANT EMERGES A NEW giant has emerged in the coffee industry with Douwe Egbert maker DE Master Blenders merging with Mondelez’s coffee business in a new company to be called Jacobs Douwe Egbert and be based in the Netherlands.

This will leave Mondelez clear to concentrate on its Kraft and Cadbury business with the new company set

from the checkouts of retail stores.

This issue we look at the health and wellbeing category as well as the betterfor-you products gaining consumer interest. We’ve also revamped our liquor section, with Ben Shaw the first in a series of profiles on liquor marketers. If you’re in the liquor industry and would like to be profiled in this section, please feel free to contact me on (09) 304 0142 ext 713.

On another note, I’m at Fine Food later this month so if you’re around please feel free to come over and visit the SupermarketNews team at Stand F45.

Have a great month!

Jasmine Walters, Editor

to challenge industry leader Nestle in the market. DE Master Blenders has a strong operation in New Zealand but says the merger will have little early effect on the local business. n

PIE AWARDS KICK OFF

ENTRIES are now open for the 2014 Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards. Now in its 18th year, this year’s judging panel will include celebrity chef Simon Gault. The Kiwi pie market is worth in excess of $140 million a year with last year’s competition attracting a record 4,522 pies from 505 bakeries. Entries close July 3 with judging set to take place on the 24th July. n

COMVITA TO BUY NZ HONEY IN A cash and share deal worth $12.3 million, Comvita is set to purchase NZ Honey with land, processing assets and a long term supply agreement included in the acquisition.

NZ Honey produces honey under the 3 Bees, Hollands Honey and Sweet Meadow brands and is owned by the NZ Honey Producers Co-Operative.

Established in 1981, the Timaru based co-operative is owned by 70 beekeeper shareholders and had total sales last year of $27.3 million. n

SupermarketNews is published under license. Please direct all enquiries and correspondences 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 2013 ISSN NO. 1173-3365

PUBLISHER Peter Mitchell, peter@reviewmags.com

MARKETING Tania Walters, tania@reviewmags.com

EDITOR Jasmine Walters, jasmine@reviewmags.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Maddi Duthrie

ADVERTISING SALES Jasmine Walters, jasmine@reviewmags.com Felicity-Anne Flack, felicity@reviewmags.com

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Kieran Mitchell, kieran@reviewmags.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Raymund Sarmiento, raymund@reviewmags.com

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Suite 9, Level 3, 20 Augustus Tce Parnell, Auckland. PO Box 37140 Parnell Auckland Tel (09) 3040142 Fax (09) 3772794

SUPERMARKETNEWS SUPPORTS:

WAITING LIST FOR FGC’S HALF YEARLY A RECORD 330 delegates attended last month’s Food & Grocery Council half yearly conference and agm in Auckland with several members missing out due to overwhelming demand.

Bill English The meeting saw the Board of Management returned with no changes, Pierre van Heerden of Sanitarium remains in the chair and vice-chair appointments continue to be Veronique Cremades of Nestle and Scott MacKay of Design Print.

Kimberley-Clark country manager Michele Bollinger has stepped down from the Board after moving back to the US with the rest of the Board

being Mark Callaghan (Frucor), Alastair de Raadt (Mondelez), John Kippenberger (Premier Beehive), Gerry Lynch (Mars), Andrew Smith (Prolife) and Mark Hamilton (Bell Tea).

The FGC has increased its membership numbers on last year, with the Council now representing 229 companies producing $28 billion in the domestic market and $26 billion in exports.

In his address, van Heerden acknowledged the challenging times its members had faced over the past year with food safety concerns, regulatory changes and retailer relationships playing out in the public arena.

Focused on ensuring the FGC

remains of value to its members, the Council has held four training events in the past year as well as offered education and qualifications to its members in addition to its mentoring programmes.

Attendees heard in-depth reports from FGC working groups on their activities over the course of the year and former Labour MP Shane Jones also made an appearance.

The conference also heard from three guest speakers; Bill English, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister; David Hughes, Professor of Food Marketing; and Phil O’Reilly, Chief Executive BusinessNZ. n

FOODSTUFFS is rolling out a nationwide waste management plan which is set to reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill by hundreds

DAVID Kirby, who has led the Australian consumer sales team for the past three years, is the new general manager of Kimberly-Clark New Zealand. He replaces Michele Bollinger who has relocated to the company’s global headquarters in Texas taking on the role as Senior Marketing Director Family Care. Kirby retains the sales role in Australia as well as the New Zealand post and will divide his time between the Sydney and Auckland offices.

He was previously Bausch & Lomb managing director for ANZ and vicepresident of sales for Asia. He has also held several senior sales roles with Johnson & Johnson, Campbell Arnott’s and George Weston Food’s Baking Division.

CHARITY SQUASH

Shane Jones

FOODSTUFFS NEW WASTE MANAGEMENT of tonnes each week.

Designed for its Pak’nSave and New World stores, the plan has taken two years from original conception to the first stores beginning implementation in March. Foodstuffs New Zealand sustainability manager Mike Sammons says the programme has ambitious targets, with 80% reuse targeted after 12 months and 90% after 24 months for each store.

“Its early days and we know there will be some teething problems with a project of this size and complexity but the first couple of stores on the programme are already hitting 76% and 85% reuse rates respectively. In one case this has meant reducing their landfill from 11 tonnes to 3.6 tonnes

KIMBERLY-CLARK NZ MANAGER

a month, a huge achievement,” says Mike Sammons.

In partnership with Environwaste, the programme has provisions for waste to be disposed of through up to 10 different waste streams.

Plans are being tailored to meet individual store needs with Envirowaste carrying out ongoing audits and training. n

THE 10th annual New Zealand Grocery Charity Squash Tournament will take place in Auckland on the 4-5th July and Wellington on the 25-26th July.

The event supports the Foundation for Youth Development, a not for profit organisation which aims to address the high levels of negative youth statistics in New Zealand. The squash tournament has raised $136,000 for charity over the past nine years.

Attracting 175 players from across the grocery trade, the competition sees 264 matches played over each two day event. For more information email grocerycharitysquash@gmail.com

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NEW BOSS AT COCACOLA AMATIL NZ

COCA-Cola Amatil is going through a strategic review across Australasia and part of the changes include CCA’s New Zealand managing director Barry O’Connell moving to become managing director of CCA Australia – Nonalcoholic beverages. As a result, of this relocation, current New Zealand sales director Chris Litchfield has been appointed acting managing director of CCA New Zealand and Fiji. A decision on a permanent appointment will be made in the coming months. n

Chris Litchfield

MARKETER OF THE YEAR FIVE finalists for the PMA-Produce Plus Marketer of the Year Award have been announced and include Kiwis Ginny Masfen from Turners and Growers and Stephen Twinn from Vital Vegetables. Paul Graham from Potato Marketing Corporation, Andrew Francey from One Harvest and the Mgroup Delight Potatoes campaign team were also named as finalists.

Now in its third year, the premier award for marketing in the Australasian fresh produce and floral industries recognises outstanding achievement over the past year in the marketing of fresh fruit, vegetables and

flowers in Australia and New Zealand.

Attracting an impressive list of entries from all points of the value chain, PMA Australia-New Zealand CEO Michael Worthington says innovation is a feature of this year’s nominees.

“When you look at the strong line-up of entries, you realise how innovative companies in Australia and New Zealand are being with their marketing campaigns,” says Worthington.

The winner of the PMA-Produce Plus Marketer of the Year Award will be announced during the gala dinner in Auckland on the 25th June. n

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NEW ZEALAND CELEBRATED BUY NZ Made will be running a range of initiatives in July to showcase just how much our food industry has to offer. The Buy NZ Made Food Month aims to give local food businesses national exposure at a time where Kiwis seem to be as keen as ever to support local producers.

The most visible of the promotions will be seen within FreshChoice and SuperValue stores throughout the country where Buy NZ Made merchandising will adorn the products of participating member businesses.

In-store posters, demonstrations, and NZ Made themed mailers will also play a part in creating a high level of exposure for all involved.

To complement the supermarket initiative, Buy NZ Made will have a series of food competitions on Facebook, product features online, food and drink specials for the general public and a stand at the Auckland Food show at the end of the month.

“There is a lot to look forward to and it will be fantastic to see how Kiwis embrace the initiative. Food is something that is close to our hearts, and with so much variety and quality available, there’s no reason why Buy NZ Made Food Month can’t become an annual fixture,” says marketing executive Scott Willson.

For more information contact Scott Willson on (04) 496 6280. n

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

Contact us for information on the benefits of membership: Katherine.rich@fgc.org.nz • Networking • Industry Updates • Conference and Events • Education and Training • Advocacy and Law Reform

www.fgc.org.nz

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June 2014

PREMIUM ICE CREAM REIGNS SUPREME

EMERALD Foods and Rush Munro were the big winners at this year’s New Zealand Ice Cream Awards, collecting the Supreme Awards for Large Manufacturer and Boutique Manufacturer respectively. Emerald Foods took out the top spot with its premium English Toffee ice cream from its New Zealand Natural brand while Rush Munro’s Maple Walnut, also from the premium category, was judged the best boutique ice cream.

Emerald Foods also picked up Best In Category for Export Ice Cream with its private label Japanese Vanilla ice cream.

Tip Top Ice Cream was another success story at this year’s competition, winning four awards.

The brand’s Boysenberry Ripple won Best In Category for Standard Ice Cream for the fifth year in a row while its Candy Floss ice cream was awarded the Kids Choice

category. Tip Top’s vanilla ice cream and Creamy Yoghurt Ice Cream Strawberry also took out Best In Categories for Standard Vanilla and Low Fat. Zuzu’s Gelato Ltd won Gelato Best in Category as well as the hotly contested Best New to Market with its Turkish Delight entry. Carrello del Gelato’s Feijoa Sorbet was judged Sorbet Best in Category and the Open Creative category was won

by New Zealand Best & Pure T/A KK New Zealand with its White Chocolate and Wasabi.

A Dutch Chocolate Gelato made

by Gelatiamo took out this year’s Best of Chocolate category, which featured 28 different chocolate flavours with inclusions such as peanut butter, cookies, truffles and carob. Winners at the 18th annual awards were announced at a gala dinner in Blenheim, with this year’s

L-R: Rebekah Gordon and Jackie Klitscher

L-R: Minna Reinikkala and Rachael Pickmere

competition attracting 302 entries from 32 companies. The premium, gelato and sorbet categories drew the most entries, with entrant numbers surpassing the Australian competition held at the Easter Royal Show. n

WORKING GROUPS HOST RETAILERS THIS month’s comment certainly has a Foodstuffs’ theme to it. The past month has seen significant engagement between the North Island and South Island Foodstuffs executive teams and members of the NZ Food & Grocery Council.

The first meeting was held by the FGC Sales & Merchandising Working Group (SMA) and hosted General Manager – Merchandise for Foodstuffs North Island, Baden Ngan Kee, and Shannon Kelly, part of his merchandise leadership team.

The chair of FGC’s working group, Rachel Clayton, of Gaulter Russell, said the pair gave an open and insightful presentation. “The feedback has been excellent – our members felt this session was of significant value”. Baden Ngan Kee said it was “a pleasure” to be hosted by the SMA group that he and Shannon enjoyed these sorts of meetings where the dialogue is open and free flowing. Any sales and merchandising companies which are not part of the SMA working group are welcome to join and be part of the group by contacting the FGC office.

A second meeting was held by the FGC Industry Relations Working Group and hosted John Mullins, GM Supply Chain, Foodstuffs South Island, and

Katherine Rich CEO, New Zealand Food & Grocery Council

Vaughan Grant, GM Supply Chain, Foodstuffs North Island. Once again the event was a sell-out, with more than 80 members in attendance. John provided an excellent update on each of his key projects, including carton weights and SAP replenishment. The largest project in the South Island is, of course, project Greenfields. John provided a detailed plan for transitioning to the new Christchurch distribution centre at Hornby which is on track for August/ September. Members said they were left feeling confident that the project is being well managed, particularly due to the high level of communication with suppliers. Members were equally impressed by Vaughan Grant’s presentation. As Vaughan’s first speaking engagement with members since joining Foodstuffs in January, he shared his honest early observations along with his vision for supply chain in Foodstuffs North Island. He then detailed his team’s four key priorities and discussed the development of a strategy for supply chain within Foodstuffs North Island. Once the strategy is determined and fully scoped there will be further engagement with members.

Project Lightning and the implementation of SAP is Vaughan’s largest area of work, with the distribution centres going live on 3 August. He provided some useful tips and information for members around this key system change. We would like to thank John and Vaughan again for their attendance, the member feedback was great and everyone valued the time both made to stay and meet members at the end of the session.

As a final meeting in May, FGC met with the Foodstuffs CEOs Steven

Anderson and Murray Jordan for our six-monthly board catch-up. A few years ago Foodstuffs reached out and began to invite FGC to regular board meetings to discuss industry issues and get formal feedback from the supplier community. As an engagement initiative it’s worked very well. While FGC and Foodstuffs, of course, speak more regularly than every six months, it’s a valuable forum to speak regularly about issues that affect the industry. n

$27M ON UHT PLANT GOODMAN Fielder has announced plans to invest $27 million expanding its Christchurch UHT milk plant. The upgrade will boost production by 50% at the site and includes the installation of a new pasteurising, sterilising and palletising line as well as a new 250ml high speed filler.

Goodman Fielder CEO, Chris Delaney, says the project will enable the company to leverage its existing export capacity to Asia Pacific by meeting the growing demand for dairy products across the region and particularly in China.

“The premium UHT category in Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow by around 50% over the next five years.

We are seeing increasing demand for our Meadow Fresh products in Asia Pacific, particularly China, as we continue to build on New Zealand’s natural, high quality dairy credentials.

We are investing now to meet that demand and also plan for future growth,” says Delaney. n

supermarketnews.co.nz

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COUNTDOWN HOBSONVILLE UNDERWAY

WORK has started on the new Countdown in Hobsonville with the store scheduled to open in the second half of next year. The Hobsonville store will create up to 110 jobs and is the first of a number of significant works by Countdown in the area.

“It’s well known that Waitakere City is expected to expand significantly over the next 10 - 20 years and we identified some years back that Hobsonville’s town centre would play a key part in accommodating this,” says Adrian Walker, Countdown’s general manager for property.

The site, which was initially owned by Countdown, is now being developed privately and will also include retail shops and office spaces.

FOODSTUFFS SI DISTRIBUTION TRANSITION

THE August/September transition target date for its shift to the new Hornby distribution has been confirmed by Foodstuffs South Island.

The gigantic ambient distribution is on target and staff have already moved into the centre’s offices. The stock build will begin for a period of six weeks after August and planning is well in hand for supply from both Hornby and the existing Papanui site during the changeover.

ATS CASH RECYCLERS PROVING POPULAR ADVANCED Transaction Systems, New Zealand’s largest provider of cash handling solutions, continues to lead the market with its cash recycling systems. Launched last month the CI-200 Cash Recycler is already in use at three Kiwi supermarkets and is a larger model of the company’s existing CI-100 Cash Recycler, currently in use at 30 Foodstuffs North Island stores. While offering increased cash capacity, the CI-200 still maintains the user friendly reports and financial benefits offered by the CI-100, with both machines significantly improving a store’s overall bottom line.

ATS director Greg Jones says a cash recycler streamlines retailer’s cash handling processes, reduces labour costs, removes shrinkage and halves the number of security company cash visits. Cash recyclers also reduce the quantity of surplus cash a store holds by up to 75%, and has an average ROI of 12-18 months.

“A cash recycler is accessible 24/7 and everything is electronically journaled. Shrinkage goes away as store owners and managers have access to real time reports by cashier unique number which is then married with the POS the cashier is operating on,” says Jones.

ATS’ quality technology is supported by factory trained service technicians and product experts.

“You’re only as good as your service department and no one can beat us in terms of the service we provide,” says Jones.

“Setting the Standard in Service” • ISO 9001:2008 • HACCP Certified • Dairy Accredited • MAF Licensed

Ph: 09 63 444 63 or email sales@rpcnz.co.nz www.rpcnz.co.nz

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June 2014

Jones’ bold statement is backed by many of ATS’ customers, including store owners and operators.

“There is no over promising and under-delivering with ATS’ after-sales service, they do what they say and they do it quickly to a high standard,” says Quintin Proctor, Pak’nSave Wairau Rd owner.

Pak’nSave Hastings owner David Smith agrees, “The standard of support I have received right from the start is simply some of the best support I’ve ever experienced from a supplier”.

ATS will have both its CI-100 and CI-200 cash recyclers on display at its stand during the Foodstuffs expo in Wellington. n

Innovative ideas from the UK NEW Zealand supermarkets are amongst the most creative and innovative in the world – constantly finding new ways to engage with their customers. However, we should always be searching for new ideas and supermarkets in the highly competitive British market have recently launched four interesting and environmentally friendly campaigns. They certainly provide some food for thought about whether similar schemes would work here.

British supermarket chain Sainsbury’s ran its first Easter egg recycling scheme, allowing customers to recycle their Easter egg packaging in its stores. All elements of Easter egg packaging – including plastic, film, card, foil and ribbon – were recycled. It is understood to be the first such scheme and is part of Sainsbury’s environmental commitment to sending zero operational waste to landfill.

This Easter recycling scheme follows on from the (relatively modest) success of Sainsbury’s Christmas card recycling scheme, which raised more than £9,000 (NZ$17,600) for the Forest Stewardship Council. Over two million Christmas cards were recycled through store collection, home pickup by online delivery vans, and collection points in government departments.

There is no reason why similar recycling programmes for Christmas, Easter and Valentine’s Day could not succeed in New Zealand. Customers are increasingly placing a premium on their environmental footprint.

Rival supermarket giant Tesco is trialling innovative new plastic egg packaging made from recycled plastic drink bottles. The plastic packs are more environmentally friendly and reduce food waste. In pulp or cardboard cartons, any eggs that break in transit can seep through the boxes, potentially damaging the packs underneath. The new recycled plastic packaging means any spills can be contained in one pack.

If the new packaging is rolled out for all their free range eggs, Tesco estimates it will save more than a million eggs from going to waste each year. They are hopeful of fully implementing the new packaging by the end of 2014. It is perhaps time we Kiwis took another look at the good old cardboard egg carton. For the third year in a row, Sainsbury’s stores gave away seven

tonnes of lesser known but more sustainable fish to customers on “Switch the Fish Day” (14 March). The idea is when customers asked for one of the ‘big five’ UK fish species (cod, haddock, salmon, prawns and tuna - all overfished) at in-store fish counters, they were offered a free portion of a lesserknown sustainable alternative (lemon sole, mussels, sea bass, coley fillets and rainbow trout).

Sainsbury’s said the campaign, which includes a 20% discount on the lesser known fish for three weeks, is part of their commitment to sustainable fishing, helps to educate consumers on making sustainable choices and looks to change the nation’s fish eating habits. It was partly the result of celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s “Fish Fight” campaign which has seen sales of alternative fish species significantly increase. While he welcomed the “Switch the Fish” promotion, Fearnley-Whittingstall has publicly criticised Sainsbury’s for not moving to sustainably caught store brand tuna.

When a supermarket promises to be more ethical and sustainable, people will hold them to account.

Finally, supermarket giant Waitrose has run its ‘Grow and Sell’ scheme for a second year. It is aimed at helping 7-11 year olds grow their own produce and sell it, teaching them about food production and developing entrepreneurial skills.

Waitrose distributed 3500 ‘Grow and Sell’ kits to schools, containing vegetable seeds, equipment, instructions and badges. An educational app was developed, allowing children, parents and teachers to access information on food production, seasonality and the environment. The scheme is supported by celebrity gardener and television presenter Alan Titchmarsh. He said the expanded scheme meant “more children can benefit from learning about the food they eat, and they might just learn to love eating fresh produce because they’ve grown it themselves.” n

Trina Snow Executive Director NARGON

supermarketnews.co.nz

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NUTRICIA INVESTS IN NZ

INFANT formula manufacturer Nutricia has invested in milk drying operations and blending and packing facilities in New Zealand. The French owned company acquired the spray dryer from Gardians at the same time it purchased the Sutton Group’s blending, packing and can-forming activities.

The FGC’s Katherine Rich says the acquisition consolidates the company’s footprint in New Zealand. “Having such a renowned multinational company purchasing two New Zealand firms to ensure it has a major infant formula local manufacturing facility affirms once again that New Zealand’s dairy industry remains among the best and safest in the world,” says Rich.

PNS TAUPO REFURB

FOODSTUFFS North Island commenced refurbishment of its PAK’nSAVE Taupo store late last month. Foodstuffs NI’s general manager property development, Angela Bull, says the renovation will include modernising the internal fit out and reconfiguring the car park. “The refurbishment of the store reaffirms Foodstuffs’ commitment to ensuring our customers get a modern grocery shopping experience with the PAK’nSAVE pricing our customers expect,” says Angela Bull. Opened since 1992, the Ruapehu St store and its car park will remain open throughout the redevelopment.

HOW PLU CODES HELP FRESH PRODUCE MARGIN MANAGEMENT THE supermarket business is a volume business where every fraction of a per cent in gross profit counts. But where there is volume, inaccuracies and mistakes can occur which can impact on margins.

Supermarket merchandise and store operations teams are forever engaged in getting inaccuracies under control and trying to mitigate mistakes.

The produce department presents a couple of particular challenges for margin management. Not only are fruits and vegetables perishable and therefore prone to cause excessive waste when supply and demand are mismatched, but there is also the matter of the product being identified accurately by checkout operators.

When nectarines get rung up as peaches; when imported mandarins are mistaken for locally grown fruit; when telegraph cucumbers are confused with their standard size counterparts and when fresh produce sales are recorded as a general sale rather than a specific item, the blood pressure of those managers responsible for margin management and demand accuracy is likely to rise.

Luckily there is a remedy for many of these instances. It is

called a Price Look Up number, or PLU for short. Using PLU numbers means that stores, buying departments, wholesalers and producers can ensure a standard approach to produce identification which enables supermarkets to gain a better understanding of what their customers are buying, how much produce needs to be purchased and how to manage the introduction of new varieties which typically sell at higher prices.

PLU numbers are internationally assigned, a process which is managed

by IFPS, the International Federation for Produce Standards. United Fresh, the New Zealand pan-produce industry association which also manages the 5+ A Day brand and the Fruits in Schools programme, represents the interests of the New Zealand fresh produce value chain with IFPS. IFPS also works on integrating PLU numbers on the GS1 data bars - the awareness and management of produce related food safety standards right across the globe - as well as the data systems in use to identify produce items in countries around the world. Naturally, there is not just one system or standard and the differences

are always very easy to spot in the produce departments.

In Finland, for example, strawberries are sold by the litre.

In Germany, produce prices are advertised per kilogram as well as per 500g, in the US produce is sold by the pound and in Europe, consumers weigh and price the produce themselves. This avoids having to teach the checkout operators the difference between Red Delicious and Braeburn apples but usually leads to all apples being sold for the same price to keep it simple for the consumer.

For more on internationally assigned PLU numbers, visit: www. plucodes.com. Visit www.unitedfresh. co.nz to learn more about United Fresh membership. n Dr Hans Maurer is the managing director of The AgriChain Centre providing business leadership and strategic advice to key clients.

Prior to starting The AgriChain Centre, Hans was a grower and corporate retailer.

As part of his role for United Fresh, Hans is a director on the Board of the International Federation for Produce Standards, on international group working on food safety, traceability and the standardization of PLU codes.

Dr Hans Maurer Executive and Knowledge Officer United Fresh

July is Buy NZ Made Food Month New Zealand is home to lots of talented food producers, each with a unique story to tell.

Throughout July, we will be celebrating NZ food, with a range of initiatives planned to highlight just how much great food is made right here.

NZ Made promotions will be happening in SuperValue and FreshChoice supermarkets throughout the country. Buy NZ Made will have a series of themed competitions on Facebook, online product features, food and drink specials for the general public and a stand at the Auckland Food Show at the end of the month.

It’s our way of tipping our hat to the many success stories out there and showcasing some of the things that make our food industry so vibrant. Get in touch if you would like to be involved!

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June 2014

NEW AMBERLEY STORE

COUNTDOWN has opened its first supermarket in the North Canterbury town of Amberley, creating 87 jobs in the local community. Officially opened by Hurunui mayor Winton Dalley, the town’s first full service supermarket features wide aisles, an expansive fresh produce department, 13 checkouts and more than 380 carparks. The new generation store also includes a full-service bakery, service deli, seafood department, and energy efficient fittings and equipment.

“We are really excited to be open for business here in Amberley as the anchor tenant in the Brackenfields Shopping Centre. We’re committed to providing great value for money, quality fresh food, and a modern

shopping experience for our locals,” says store manager Sarah Ruddick.

Countdown’s managing director Dave Chambers says the store will give rural communities as far north as Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs the convenience of a supermarket much closer to their doorstep.

“We’re really proud to be part of this investment and the Brackenfields development signals a positive transformation for the town which will help both to foster economic development in Amberley, and support local job creation,” he says.

Countdown worked closely with Work and Income Rangiora in hiring staff for its newest store, resulting in seven local people being employed and trained by the retailer. n

GREEN CERTIFICATION GAINING SUPPORT DESIGNED to meet or exceed international best practice, EnviroMark Solutions provide organisations and products with environmental certification.

As New Zealand’s leading environmental certification programme, EM-S has more than 25 Kiwi FMCG businesses certified across its three programmes and globally serves in excess of 450 clients.

The company is backed by more than a decade of experience in environmental measurement and monitoring with its sustainability programmes including the Enviro-

process is simple even for those with no prior environmental programmes in place,” she says.

Enviro-Mark certification requires annual independent audits with businesses then certified to one of five Mark, CEMARS and carboNZero levels, ensuring continual maintenance certifications. and improvement. The CEMARS EM-S CEO Dr Ann Smith says and carboNZero its programmes provide programmes ensure businesses with credibility in accuracy and consistency the marketplace and allows of a business’ them to more effectively greenhouse gas emissions measure and manage their measurement, reduction environmental impacts, and neutrality claims. resulting in efficiencies and CarboNZero certified cost savings. businesses and products “Our members also take the additional receive the advantages of step of offsetting all our expertise, training, remaining emissions tools, templates, and through the purchase of guidance to ensure the DR ANN SMITH

verified carbon credits. Smith believes environmental certification can help companies win business in both local and export sectors.

“The local market is demanding environmentally responsible products, and certification helps businesses meet that demand and NZ businesses also make products highly sought after in the international market.”

The upcoming law changes affecting product claims on packaging will help reduce misleading or greenwashing claims.

“A certification provided by the Enviro-Mark, CEMARS, or carboNZero programmes is an easy way to show any sceptics that a business is doing the right things and the work has been independently checked as correct and credible.” n

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DAIRY ACCREDITATION FOR RPC

RPC Logistics now hold MPI dairy accreditation for both its fleet and warehousing facilites, solidifying its commitment to the FMCG sector.

“Our dairy accreditation enables us to store dry dairy products for domestic use and export, it is a natural extension to our existing HACCP based food safety programme, allowing us to extend what we offer food manufacturers and distributors,” says owner Robert Pascoe. Offering managed warehousing (3PL) and national distribution, Pascoe says the 30 year old family business is 100% service and quality orientated.

“We’re New Zealand owned and operated and the MD goes to work everyday. We care about what we do and it is essential we get it right. In the event something goes wrong we rectify it immediately,” he says.

Over the past seven years RPC has focused on developing its specialised HACCP based food warehousing and distribution services for the manufacturing and FMCG sector.

Food manufacturing and grocery currently account for 40% of its business. Pascoe says the company is looking to increase that figure to over 60% by building on its reputation for quality, reliability and service.

Previously known as Robert Pascoe Carriers, the company rebranded late last year to RPC Logistics with

CHEP MARKS 40 YEARS

ROBERT PASCOE

the new brand better reflecting the company’s broad range of services.

Its trucks have also been refreshed, with several new units put on the road with curtains and signage featuring the new branding. Traditionally RPC’s fleet has carried client signage but Pascoe says the company has made a strategic decision to focus on its own brand.

RPC’s website has also been relaunched, providing accreditations, information and 24 hour online access for its customers, enabling them visibility of their stock levels and movements in real time. n

BLUEBIRD MAXX DRIVES CATEGORY GROWTH BLUEBIRD’S MAXX potato chips are helping to increase sales for retailers, with its innovation driving growth in the category.

Bluebird MAXX is a truly differentiated product with its deeper ridges, twice as deep as the manufacturer’s Originals potato chips, allowing the chip to hold more flavour and crunch for the ultimate snacking experience.

Different to anything in Bluebird’s current snack food portfolio, the company used patented new technology to manufacture the MAXX range at its factory in South Auckland.

Investing heavily in its new product,

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Bluebird has ensured a successful launch with a consumer advertising campaign encompassing TV, radio, sampling and in-store activity.

Prior to Bluebird’s MAXX launch, the standard potato chip segment growth was at 2.9% (AZTEC MAT 6/4/14) and in the last four weeks growth has accelerated to 14.5% with MAXX adding $496K of value in grocery alone. A great product combined with tremendous support from retailers led to scanned units per store per week exceeding the company’s projected sales targets.

The initial growth Bluebird MAXX has provided is promising and the company says it will continue to support this brand moving forward. n

LEADING pallet, container and supply chain provider CHEP New Zealand is this month celebrating 40 years in the Kiwi market.

Acquired by Brambles in Australia in 1958, CHEP was the first to bring equipment pooling to New Zealand in 1974, providing significant savings for the local industry. “This is an exciting milestone for our staff, customers and industry partners – many of whom have been with us for a significant part of the last 40 years,” says CHEP NZ country manager Mike O’Brien.

The company’s original services have since been extended to include a range of high quality solutions to help the grocery sector improve its supply chain. Focused on innovative products which provide greater efficiency and value, CHEP successfully launched its Life Lock Reusable Produce

Crate (RPC) and Half Display Pallet last year. “We are in the fortunate position of working with many industry leaders, enabling us to learn and adapt our solutions to improve outcomes for our broad customer base,” says O’Brien.

CHEP has also concentrated on improving the environmental impact of its services, last year reducing its waste landfill by 59% on the previous year and boasts a 95% timber recycling rate.

O’Brien says CHEP is looking forward to introducing future innovations, including retail ready packaging solutions that offer increased efficiencies and improved product visibility as well as tailored packaging solutions that meet customer’s needs and enhance the local supply chain. n

GOOGLE GLASS MOVIES starring spies like James Bond 007 have often depicted ‘all seeing’ eyewear – eyewear that can undress women (to see hidden guns of course- in The World is not Enough), assist the spy to see in the dark and talk back to base.

As you may have seen, technology resembling this is close to reality, with Google Glass almost ready for the main stream. At present, most Google Glass systems are with developers who are working with the SDK (software development kit) to dream up and deliver innovative applications that use the new interface.

One of those developments might lead to shoppers using Google Glass systems in supermarkets very soon. GS1 have developed, in collaboration with the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) and the Swiss Research Institute Icare, barcode scanning of food items using the Google Glass platform.

This was showcased at the industry’s largest mobile event, Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona earlier in the year. When a bar code on product packaging is scanned using Google Glass the wearer received trusted product information such as nutritional content and recipes, which can then be adapted to personalised preferences, provide special offers, consumer reviews and shared with others on social media websites.

As Malcolm Bowden, President Global Solutions at GS1 Global said at the time, “Consumer behaviour is always changing and there is a constant need for information on demand. Our demonstration using Google Glass is an innovative way for retailers, manufacturers and mobile solution providers to imagine the future and the way we share information on mobile devices.

If we can inspire the mobile ecosystem to see the possibilities for implementing the specifications we are developing, then this will be an exciting proposition for consumers.”

So what’s it like to use? Recently I had

GS1 NZ Board member and General Manager of Fonterra Andrew Dennis scans for product information using Google Glass the privilege to try on a pair of Google Glasses and take them for a spin. My impressions? Quite cool, but actually quite hot! I’ll explain. Cool? They were surprisingly light to wear, and the way the interface worked was surprisingly easy to master. Just like instructing your iPhone with Siri, you can talk to your glasses to view information, select items on screen and – in this case – scan a barcode to find out more information. The screen in the glass was quite easy to read. Hot? Well, the glasses seemed to put out a lot of heat on the side where the electronics are which seems quite weird up against your temples. I was assured that this would be worked out before the Google Glasses hit the streets. But overall, it was quite exiting to see what one version of the future of mobile, wearable computing might look like. n

Peter Stevens CEO, GS1 New Zeland

SIAL, The Global Food Marketplace

19 – 23 OCTOBER 2014

Paris Nord Villepinte France - www.sialparis.com

Contact Promosalons : Promosalons Australia Tel : 02 92613322 Email : promosalons@optusnet.com.au SIAL, a subsidiary of Comexposium Group

Celebrate

Images by

www.stockfood.com. *

« I love SIAL »

ge d a b e c ran s.com t n r e lpari u o y sia r . e w Ord at ww

By years G R O U P

of innovation

www.sial-group.com

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SIAL RENAMES AND REJUVENATES AWARDS

FOR the 50th anniversary of the French food expo SIAL, the SIAL d’Or awards have been modernised and renamed. So welcome to the World Tour by SIAL, a global tour of the major trends in food consumption. With the cooperation and expertise of 29 partner retail grocery magazines, World Tour

by SIAL looked at the specific characteristics of the food industry country by country.

Our global palette means that most products from around the world will appear in a number of markets in some form and though our New Zealand trends are influenced by global trends, products are targeted to a New Zealand taste profile.

With the internet and social media opening up and the cross content of

articles being used in media in several countries, consumers (for example popular chefs now write for a number of newspaper’s and magazines published across many countries) are now being exposed to a wider range of products than ever before.

A common thread among products presented was the ongoing international trend for convenience foods, the newer move to premiumisation of stable products, and the increasing number of product launches within the low alcohol and allergy free/ healthy option categories. Health as an international trend has been increasing in popularity over the past 10 years. As a contrast the implication now is that out of the majority of meals consumed in a

Experience makes the difference in FMCG recruitment.

week by a family, only one or two will be classed as special meals with others being convenience meals.

Special meals will be those where the consumer makes the meal either from scratch or by buying products that make the consumer feel that they have control over the preparation and content, for example adding meat and vegetables to a flavour base.

In New Zealand with our binge booze culture and astonishingly high rates of obesity and diabetes, the healthly options trend is one that is gaining even more traction.

Local products have always seemed to equate with high quality but that belief is often false and consumers are now taking a much stronger interest in labelling and country of origin.

A new trend that was evident at World Tour by SIAL was the introduction of what the market is calling “magical ingredients” – foods or ingredients that have special qualities for health. Products such as olive oil, high protein, or milk alternatives and these types of product were very much in evidence at the judging.

WIN FOR ANCHOR

CONGRATULATIONS go to Anchor Milk in Light Proof Bottle (Fonterra NZ)– a Jury Selection Country Winner at World Tour by SIAL in Paris.

Other New Zealand finalists whose products were presented to jurors were Nice Blocks & Nice Cream (Tommy & James), Easiyo Gourmet Yoghurt Sachets (Easiyo), Belle and Scarlett’s Spritzers (Invivo).

The jury convened in Paris in May with jurors from 29 different countries assessing over 90 product finalists. The wide variety of entries into the competition were mainly grouped into the trends of convenience, premiumisation, exoticism, and healthy options. All finalists and our country winner, Anchor, are still in the running for the major prizes and the World Tour by SIAL Gold, Silver and Bronze awards that will be announced in October. n

OUR SIAL PICK A great idea for breakfast on the go and lunchbox option.

The World Tour by SIAL Jury Selection winner for New Zealand was Anchor Milk in Light Proof Bottle. Jurors felt that Anchor had succeeded in differentiating milk and had created a successful “fresh taste” campaign to consumers. Anchor had reinvented and reinvigorated the category and this award was an international acknowledgement of that achievement. n

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convergencepartners.co.nz Superior People Solutions - the Power of Experience

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June 2014

industry going through INNOVATIVE Sales the Progs management & Marketing (ISM) is a scheme before stints boutique sales agency at Goodman Fielder operating in the grocery and Healtheries, twice and specialty channels. winning PEL’s Business Founded two years ago Manager of the Year

by Grant Pemberton, award. the agency is quickly ISM has a holistic forging a reputation approach to FMCG as a representative of with the agency tailoring niche brands including individual packages for GS Pacific and Fresco their clients rather than a Nutrition. “The products ‘one size fits all approach’. we represent are in niche Grant Pemberton The company has been development categories relatively quiet about its appearance but they’ve got a place in the market in the market and has yet to develop that’s not currently being filled,” says a website. Without actively promoting Grant Pemberton. its services, ISM has been inundated Offering brand management, key with enquiries from potential clients, account management, FMCG sales, driven by word of mouth and client demonstration services, demand recommendations. Pemberton believes planning, merchandising, marketing its comprehensive range of services and business mentoring, ISM already and attitude to helping clients appeals has six key principles they are working to brand owners. with and have a staff of 13 people “We’re in the business of helping throughout the North Island. ISM also people. Whether that’s helping a store works with a sister company (Vision find a product that’s going to create Trading and Sales Support (SI) Ltd) revenue or a principle sell a product, in the South Island to offer principles we want to make the process easier for national coverage. all involved,” he says. n Pemberton is well known within the

JURY SELECTION COUNTRY WINNER

Kiwi ingenuity gets special recognition on the world stage Anchor’s Light Proof Bottles have won at the ‘WORLD TOUR BY SIAL JURY SELECTION’ product awards in Paris We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our partners who’ve supported us on this journey to bring the best tasting, light protected milk to our Kiwi consumers.

For more information on the Light Proof bottle technology, visit www.anchor.co.nz

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globalsnapshot

The 2014 WORLD TOUR BY SIAL JURY brought an innovative array of products from 29 countries for judging in Paris last month. From among those presented to the jury we have chosen a selection to preview here in Part 1 of a two part series, with some of the products destined, we are sure, for our shelves given their originality and innovation. Each of these products are successful brands within their own countries.

USA

TURKEY Released in Turkey earlier this year, Luppo Sufle is a soft steamed cake with an intensely-flavoured, fluid chocolate cream centre. Available in Chocolate and Hazelnut flavours, the product is the only one of its kind available on the Turkish market and can be consumed straight from the packet.

Dannon Oikos created a new snack category in the United States when it launched its Greek Yogurt Dips early last year. Made using the brand’s Greek yogurt they have a creamy thick texture and have about half the calories and 75% less fat than leading dairy dips. Offered in French Onion, Roasted Red Pepper, Vegetable & Herb and Cucumber Dill, the range was developed based on consumer insights.

GREECE

AUSTRALIA

Launched late last year in Greece, Iliada Chocolate Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a dessert oil ideal for use in cooking or as a substitute for butter.

Manufactured by Agrovim S.A., one of the Greece’s largest oil olive producers and exporters, chocolate flavoured extra virgin olive oil embodies the nation’s traditional values with a contemporary twist.

Australia’s leading gourmet ice cream brand Connoisseur launched a stick collection in innovative new variants which gained a 36% share of the premium stick segment in its first 13 weeks. Tailored to the Australian palate, Connoisseur’s stick offering is available in five flavours - Madagascan Vanilla, Murray River Salted Caramel with Macadamia, Kangaroo Island Honey with Pistachio, Sumatran Coconut, and Cookies & Cream.

IRELAND

ISRAEL Osem Yeast Flour from Israel delivers a breakthrough in baking with yeast already inside the product. Enabling consumers to bake yeast pastry without the need to deal directly with yeast, Yeast Flour guarantees success and is an easy to use product.

CANADA Finding a gap in the Canadian market, manufacturer DeeBees created Teapops as a healthy frozen treat for children. The company combines top quality, organic local fruits and honey with the health benefits of non-caffeinated tea. The TeaPops range are non-GMO, kosher, nut-free, certified organic, gluten-free and vegan.

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Fusion and Street from The Kilkenny Food Company is a collection of fresh soup products inspired by global street food culture. Available in A Taste of Mumbai, A Taste of Rio, A Taste of Mexico City, A Taste of Bangkok and A Taste of Marrakech variants, the range offers a new twist on the established chilled soup market. Net sales of €1.75m in first 11 months, 30% more than forecast. Reached 6% volume share of fresh soup tubs in six months and continues to grow exponentially, attracting 9,000 new unique consumers to the soup category in Tesco.

CZECH REPUBLIC

HUNGARY Winner of a packaging award in Hungary, Valdor Kacsapecsenye’s product features a whole roasted duck or rose duck breasts in bakeable vacuum-contraction bags. A new feature for cut poultry, Valdor’s product simplifies roasting for consumers. Its modern packaging design gives the product great stand out in the freezer and the appearance of a premium offering.

An innovative range of seasonings in pyramid-shaped bags were launched in the Czech Republic towards the end of 2012. Offered in Broth, Tomato Sauce, Beef Sirloin Cream Sauce, Punch and Milled Wine variants, the seasonings come in high-quality bags for use in cooking. The Pyramidky range responds to consumer needs by removing the necessity of fishing out seasonings at the end of preparation.

Each box contains seven bags.

RUSSIA

AUSTRIA

Sava’s Cedar Milk responds to the international trend for natural, healthy products and has a high nutritional value and can be easily digested. Launched in Russia, Cedar Milk is ideal for consumers of all ages and contains vitamins which provide for the proper development and performance of the cardio-vascular, digestive, nervous, endocrine and reproductive systems.

Nestlé launched Maggi Papyrus Frying Paper in Austria last year with the seasoned frying paper available in Italian Herb & Garlic and Mediterranean styles. The convenience product seasons meat and eliminates the need for added oil.

ITALY A range of premium Italian legumes and cereals, Italia Tipica contains eight different products sourced from the nation’s leading agricultural regions. Presented in a ready-to-shelf display box, Italia Tipica comes in an innovative and attractive artisan packaging and has a shelf life of 19 months. The range includes Stregoni Beans from Valli Cuneesi, Cannellini beans from Piedmont, Barley from Alta Tuscia, and Spelt from Crete Senesi.

ARGENTINA Argentinian Brand Gallo Snacks launched Bizcochos de arroz rice crackers late last year in sweet and savoury variants. Sold in 100g and 50g packs, Gallo Snacks has marketed its crackers as being a healthier snacking alternative with its modern packaging including the message ’99 calories for every 20 crackers’. The range has been incredibly well received in the large and varied Argentinean cracker market which has few healthy options.

Demand for the product is estimated at 2,000,000 units per month.

JAPAN Drop of Freshness from Yamasa Soy Sauce features unique packaging which prevents soy sauce from oxidising, even while pouring.

Launched in Japan, the innovative pouring port contains a structure that naturally closes by itself, retaining the quality of the soy sauce. Drop of Freshness is a revolutionary product which attempts to solve the problem of inferior and oxidised soy sauce, which appears black in the bottle.

Fresh soy sauce is red in colour and Drop of Freshness’ product maintains the redness as it does not come into contact with air. Once opened the product maintains its freshness for up to 120 days.

UK The UK’s Our Little Secret brand launched its Fiery Kadhai Meal Kit in December last year. Complete with a spice sachet, paste, base sauce and a pouch of microwavable basmati rice, the kit only requires the user to add protein or vegetables. High quality ingredients and the brand’s attractive packaging have contributed to its success with the range collecting two New Product of the Year awards in the UK.

Part 2 in July SupermarketNews supermarketnews.co.nz

I 15

lightingcheck NEW WORLD – KUMEU

stores. The lighting was dull and consequently the store felt tired and in need of attention. Lamps were clearly near the end of life with poor presentation of fruit and vegetables. Whilst the store had the lowest average lux levels of those reviewed, it was tidy and well presented. Replacing the lamps would help achieve better results, but the quality of light would improve with an alternative light source.

PAK’nSAVE – SYLVIA PARK

New World Kumeu gave a wonderful first impression – glowing and luminous with the aid of large windows at the front of the store providing ample natural light. Whilst perhaps over lit in areas, it was a very clear and visually sharp environment none the less. Small print on packaging was easy to read although the fruit and vegetable section lacked the pop of colour one would hope for. A more controlled approach to light levels would be an advantage, especially at night when the contrast between outside and inside the store may appear stark.

COUNTDOWN – KELSTON

Pak’nSave Sylvia Park offered immediate visual clarity with generously lit aisles.

Fresh produce and packaged goods were well lit and of particular note was the fish bar, where fresh produce was very well presented. It was a grey day when visited, so the influence of daylight was limited however the store lighting still managed to deliver a pleasant, inviting environment. The overall presentation of goods was assisted with immaculate shelves and a tidy store and a uniform lighting scheme contributing to the overall impression.

NEW WORLD – NEW LYNN

Countdown Kelston had a noticeable mixture of light sources – the stores entrance of fresh produce sat under two styles of panelled lights and suspended pendant style metal halides, while aisles were lit with a linear tube. The mixture of lights did not give the store a very consistent flow, and although the design acknowledged the fresh produce section as a separate area to packaged foods, it did not lend itself to the overall ambience of the store. Blown tubes were easily spotted in the aisles, but the linear design did offer reasonable uniformity.

PAK’nSAVE – MANUKAU

Lux levels at Pak’nSave Manukau were below the levels achieved in similar

As a new store we had high hopes for New World New Lynn. It had a light and airy feel with a mixture of skylights, windows and fluorescent high bays. It was bright and sunny the day we visited and whilst overall the store appeared bright and well lit, some areas suffered from sun strike. Daylight harvesting was in operation via dimming, but the result was varied and inconsistent. The lower hung Hi-Bays were a noticeable and attractive feature but the outer walls and signage were not evenly lit as a consequence. Overall it provided a pleasant shopping experience.

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Our independent lighting expert gauged the interior lighting at five Auckland stores this month.

Pak’nSave Sylvia Park took out the top score, STORE INTERIOR

MAX PTS

with great visual clarity and generously lit aisles.

Inconsistent lighting and poorly lit fresh produce sections let down other stores.

PnS Manukau PnS Sylvia Park

CD Kelston

NW New Lynn NW Kumeu

Were your first impressions of the store positive?

10

7

10

6

8

9

Did the store appear tidy and well maintained?

10

8

9

7

8

9

Was the store sufficiently lit?

10

7

10

7

9

9

Were all shelves neat and tidy?

10

7

8

7

9

8

STORE LIGHTING

MAX PTS

PnS Manukau PnS Sylvia Park

CD Kelston

NW New Lynn NW Kumeu

How was the ambience of the store?

10

6

9

6

8

8

Did the stores lighting have a consistent flow throughout?

10

8

9

6

7

8

How well lit was the product packaging?

10

7

9

7

8

9

How vibrant and appealing did the fruit & vege section appear?

10

6

9

6

8

7

How well lit was the meat & dairy cabinets?

10

6

7

7

7

7

Was the stores lighting design and installation an attractive feature?

10

6

8

6

8

8

Total

60 39 51 38 46 47

Percentage 65% 85% 63% 77% 78%

TOP SCORE

LIGHTING STATS

PnS Manukau PnS Sylvia Park

CD Kelston

NW New Lynn NW Kumeu

Average Storewide Night Time Lux Level

680

977

763

820

1228

Approximate retail area m/sq

3,100 m2

4,300 m2

2,600 m2

1,750 m2

1500 m2

Estimated watts per m/sq

25

10

22

20

12

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storecheck THIS month our mystery shopper visited stores in the Waikato with New World Morrinsville taking out the top spot. Several stores needed more checkouts

PAK’nSAVE, THAMES

On a trip out of Auckland to visit a customer I decided to check out the Pak’nSave in Thames. The car park was quite full and busy and there were a few stray trollies that needed wrangling. I bought a Lotto ticket at the entrance as the main draw had jackpotted to $23m.

The first thing I noticed was the very poor overhead lighting, the store seemed very dim. The floor was scruffy and dirty in places and there were several unattended trollies of product waiting to be stacked on the shelves. However the fresh produce and fish both looked nice and fresh and had a good range to choose from. The meat section was well stocked and the magazines and cards were very tidy. There really wasn’t enough checkouts open as I had two shoppers in front of me and the express checkouts had a long queue.

COUNTDOWN, PAEROA

Leaving Thames I headed for Paeroa. The Countdown there had quite a small carpark, but I found a park easily enough.

The entrance was quite narrow with only one aisle.

The most noticeable thing was the strange layout of the store. It clearly had two halves with quite a choke point in the middle. However, that didn’t affect the array of product on the shelves or the overall feel. The fresh produce was well lit and the product was full and presented nicely. Unfortunately the fish and meat had a poor selection and a number of out of stocks. The fridges and freezers at the far end of the store were very good and well presented. I noticed that the shelf ticketing was very consistent which stood out. There were only two checkouts open which was really not enough.

The service was friendly though.

COUNTDOWN, TE AROHA

Moving on to Te Aroha, I pulled into the Countdown carpark which had plenty of spaces free. Like the Paeroa store the layout was a bit convoluted, but everything was there. I thought the instore signage was very good and clear and the lighting was good too. Some out of stocks in the meat section but otherwise the store was tidy and well presented. Full marks to Mikey for friendly cheerful service. A smaller format store but adequate for the lovely small town of Te Aroha.

NEW WORLD,MORRINSVILLE

LASTLY I visited the New World supermarket in Morrinsville. It was immediately obvious that it was a new store, but was actually built in 2009.

Plenty of parking and lots of trolleys and baskets. It had a Lotto counter at the front entry as well. There were two trolleys of product unattended and waiting to be stacked on the shelf. However, the fish and deli sections were excellent with appealing product and were very well lit. The meat section had some out of stocks though. The wine section had a good selection,

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STORE EXTERIOR

P’nS CD CD NW Thames Paeroa Te Aroha Morrinsville

• Was the outside of the building and grounds clean, tidy free of rubbish and with adequate trolley bays? (5 pts.)

3

4

5

5

• Were the windows and exterior clean and tidy? (5 pts.)

4

4

4

5

• Was the signage well presented and up to date? (5 pts.)

4

4

4

5

• Were there enough car parks? (5 pts.)

3

4

5

4

STORE INTERIOR

P’nS CD CD NW Thames Paeroa Te Aroha Morrinsville

• Were your first impressions positive?

(5 pts.)

3

4

3

5

• Was the floor clean and free of broken/damaged stock? (5 pts.)

3

4

5

5

• Adequately lighting/heating? (5 pts.)

2

4

4

5

• Instore signage clear adequate?

(5 pts.)

4

4

5

5

• Was there good visibility of promo/ seasonal products? (5 pts.)

4

4

4

4

• Was the floor free from unattended boxes/trolleys? (5 pts.)

3

4

4

3

• Were the fridges and freezers clean and tidy? (5 pts.)

4

5

4

5

STORE LAYOUT

P’nS CD CD NW Thames Paeroa Te Aroha Morrinsville

• Were the aisles wide enough?

(5 pts.)

4

3

3

5

• Were all shelf edge labels clearly visible? (5 pts.)

4

5

4

5

• Were all shelves clean, neat and tidy?

(5 pts.)

4

4

4

5

• Was there an adequate number of trolleys/baskets available? (5 pts.)

4

4

3

4

PRODUCTS

P’nS CD CD NW Thames Paeroa Te Aroha Morrinsville

• Was there a good range of products to choose from? (5 pts.)

4

4

4

5

• Was there full availability of products? (5 pts.)

4

4

4

5

• Was all product packaging in good condition? (5 pts.)

4

4

4

5

• Was there a good range of magazines and cards etc and were they tidy? (5 pts.)

5

5

5

5

• Were the batteries and general merchandise tidy? (5 pts.)

5

4

5

5

open and there were a number of out of stocks in the meat departments. More attention to detail and fine tuning would significantly improve scores. was well stocked and well ticketed. The thing that really stood out though was at the checkout. The check out girl had a packer!!!

You just don’t see this anymore. Both were friendly, I didn’t have wait and thought the store overall was excellent.

Not all the stores I visited today were perfect, but you got the feel that all of them were doing well at serving their communities. And I’m still working as I didn’t win Lotto. n

STAFF

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www.supermarketnews.co.nz

P’nS CD CD NW Thames Paeroa Te Aroha Morrinsville

• Were all staff fully dressed in uniforms and name badges? (5 pts.)

4

4

5

5

• Were there adequate checkouts, considering the time of day? (5 pts.)

3

3

3

5

• Were you greeted in a friendly manner? (5 pts.)

4

4

5

5

• Were you served in a speedy and efficient manner? (5 pts.)

3

4

5

5

• Were you thanked for your transaction? (5 pts.)

5

5

5

5

FRESH FOOD

P’nS CD CD NW Thames Paeroa Te Aroha Morrinsville

• Did the produce look fresh?

PRODUCE (5 pts.)

4

5

4

5

FISH (5 pts.)

5

4

4

5

MEAT (5 pts.)

5

3

3

4

DELI (5 pts.)

4

3

4

5

BAKERY (5 pts.)

4

4

4

5

PRODUCE (5 pts.)

4

5

4

5

FISH (5 pts.)

5

4

4

5

MEAT (5 pts.)

5

3

3

4

DELI (5 pts.)

4

3

4

5

BAKERY (5 pts.)

4

4

4

5

• Was the Fish Counter staffed? (5 pts.) 5

5

5

5

• Was the Deli Counter staffed? (5 pts.) 5

5

5

5

• Was there a full range of produce?

• Was there anything or anyone who stood out? (5 pts.)

3 3 3 5

• Overall shopper experience (10 pts.) 7

HOW THEY SCORE?

7

7

9

P’nS CD CD NW Thames Paeroa Te Aroha Morrinsville

Maximum available score: 200 pts 158 160

164

192 TOP SCORE

supermarketnews.co.nz

I 19

h&baisle NEW SHINE RANGE

HENKEL’S Schwarzkopf brand has expanded its Extra Care range with the launch of Moisture Gloss in shampoo, conditioner and shine mask variants. Designed for intensive shine and moisture sealing, the new line responds to a recent hair care study which found shine was the most important factor for 55.9% of women, with only 15.7% using a shine boosting care range. Its unique new formula uses innovative shine-sealing lamination technology which covers hair like a net to provide an overall shine effect.

The smooth and highly

reflective film on the hair reduces UV damage and enhances shine while locking in moisture for deep repair. Schwarzkopf’s popular Extra Care range contains liquid hair repair which uses hair identical substances to refill gaps in the hair cuticle. The brand’s new Moisture Gloss range features concentrated Gloss Elixir with its one minute treatment mask wrapping hair in nutrients, moisture and gloss.

FACE OIL LAUNCH

L’OREAL Paris has released a facial oil from its Age Perfect range which combines 16 oils in one treatment. Age Perfect Extraordinary Oil

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is a regenerating product which promotes collagen, elastin and tone improvement and contains eight essential oils and eight precious oils. The oils work to instantly rehydrate and deeply nourish the skin, restoring radiance and tonicity.

The launch of L’Oreal’s Extraordinary Oil follows the latest beauty trend of using oil for restoring tired skin. The inclusion of essential oils rosemary, marjoram and geranium, which contain soothing and antimicrobial properties, mean the ultra-light texture is suitable for all skin types.

Precious oils used in Extraordinary Oil’s formula include jojoba, olive, rosehip and apricot.

HEALTH & BEAUTY WEEK

SOUTH Island New World stores celebrated Health & Beauty Week by hosting special in-store events from the 5th to the 9th of May. Customers enjoyed great savings as well as demonstrations of various health and beauty products with participating stores including New World Nelson City, New World Fendalton, New World Stoke, New World Northwood, New World Ilam, New World Centre City, New World Mosgiel, New World Windsor, New World Kaiapoi, and New World Wakatipu. Retailers worked in conjunction with a variety of brands for the event with the beauty aisles of participating stores decorated with point of sale, sampling stations, trained brand talent sampling products and goodie bags for customers.

New World also had drinks and nibbles on offer, adding to the sense of celebration in-store.

GARNIER’S NEW BLUR

L’OREAL’S Garnier label has introduced 5sec Perfect Blur – the latest quick-fix in skincare technology. The new generation skin smoother is a moisturiser, primer and a filling corrector which visually covers imperfections in just five seconds.

5sec Perfect Blur uses light reflection technology to mask blemishes by blurring the appearance of wrinkles, pores, imperfections and shine. Enriched with optical reflectors, the formula works to increase light diffusion on the skin’s surface by scattering light in all directions, instantly blurring skin texture and producing a soft-focus effect. The innovative formula can be applied after day cream and under make-up for a quick-fix, or as a natural finish. Garnier’s 5sec Perfect Blur features eye-catching packaging for great standout on shelf.

NON-LATEX CONDOMS

REGULATION changes to the sale of male condoms in New Zealand, effective from the 1st of May, now allow polyisoprene condoms to be sold in-stores. Ebos Healthcare, who sell and distribute the Ansell range of

condoms and personal lubricants, has responded to the new legislation with the launch of Ansell SKYN non-latex condoms. SKYN is a global success story and is currently the world’s number one polyisoprene condom (based on the most syndicated data available in the top 11 countries around the world, December 2012) and has a 97% recommendation rate from those who try it (Ansell Study 2011). Made from a scientifically formulated non-latex material that provides a softer, more natural feel, SKYN delivers the strength of premium latex with the sensitivity of an ultra thin condom. The brand is also suitable for those with a known, or suspected, allergy to latex and is currently available in Original, Intense Feel and Extra Lubricated varieties. SKYN Original is currently Australia’s number one condom (Aztec MAT 06/04/14) while Intense Feel is the world’s first textured polyisoprene condom. Ebos is supporting the SKYN launch with a tv and sampling campaign with a $250k ratecard spend. n

Schwarzkopf grows your category by offering another consumer-driven innovation from Extra Care...

NEW

Our new Hair Care range with innovative shine-sealing technology for long-lasting, stunning shine

1 minute mask for 10 days’ shine

Wraps hair with concentrated Gloss Elixir Locks in nutrients and moisture

TRY SCHWARZKOPF’S 3-STEP HAIR REPAIR SYSTEM FOR BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY HAIR supermarketnews.co.nz

I 21

health&wellbeing

TASTI ADDS CONVENIENCE

HORLEYS A MARKET LEADER AROUND for almost 40 years, nutrition brand Horleys has developed a reputation as a manufacturer of quality products with taste profiles tailored to the Kiwi palate. The parent brand also has several strong subbrands including Sculpt, Replace and Carb Less.

Marketing manager Karen Smillie says New Zealand consumers are early adopters of some of the emerging nutrition trends globally.

“Increased protein content is gaining mainstream awareness in terms of the benefits for both healthy ageing and satiety (feeling of fullness) which can assist with weight management. We’ve been on that bandwagon for over 20 years, it’s nice to see everyone else catching up,” says Smillie.

Horleys is the market leader with its 38% dollar share (Aztec 13/04/13) and has a unique offering including a proper electrolyte sports drink and a protein powder specifically created for women by women. The extensive and diverse range is gluten free and sold in

Introducing

a range of convenience formats – gels, bars and RTD’s – as well as versatile powders. Horleys has recently invested in new technology for its range of ready-to-drink products in innovative PET bottles.

Attracting new consumers every day, Smillie says new users to the category are following a number of food and diet trends and are seeking general health benefits. “These consumers are discovering that food-type nutritional products really do make their lives easier and have tangible benefits for their physical wellbeing. More research in coming years will reveal the positives of lower sugar, higher protein nutrition plans, not only for those struggling with their weight but for the ageing population,” says Smillie.

As grocery has evolved over the years, Smillie says retailers are allocating more space to the health, wellness and sport categories.

“In many respects the growth in grocery is driven as much by seizing the opportunity for high margin sales and the ability to channel switch consumers as the fact is that demand is growing here as it is internationally,” says Smillie. n

A point of difference in today’s busy FMCG market.

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After a successful application process, producers can place the inSight™ logo and a QR code on their product packaging.

When shoppers scan the QR code at the point of sale they can access information about the product, including: • • • • •

Environmental sustainability Social and ethical concerns Nutritional information Safety and quality Origin

Call us now on 0508 00 11 22 to find out how inSight™ can add value to your business. www.aqinsight.com

A new innovation taking product assurances into the 21st Century

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WRAPPED snacks and baking manufacturer, Tasti Products, has released a range of protein bars designed to make nutrition convenient. The brand’s chewy nut bars are packed with 10 grams of protein per bar and are available in Nutty Choc,

Roasted Peanut and new Salted Caramel with Dark Choc variants. Tasti’s bars have wide consumer appeal as they are an ideal snack before or after the gym, perfect for the lunchbox and contain 20% of the recommended daily protein intake. n

SUPERFOODS MOVE INTO MAINSTREAM

ALREADY stocking Australasia’s largest range of superfood products, Matakana Superfoods is launching a slew of new products in New Zealand.

The company’s new lines include a range of organic coconut products, chia seeds, cacoa powder, purple corn flour, supershakes and lucuma fruit powder and will be distributed in the grocery sector by Topline Marketing.

Owner Kevin Glucina says the company has grown significantly over the past five years, driven by a distinct shift in the way organic products are viewed by both consumers and retailers. “The whole organic and superfood market is going through the roof globally and now starting to penetrate into mainstream. It is a natural progression for these to move into supermarkets with mainstream shoppers becoming more aware of the products and how to use them,” he says.

Glucina says Matakana Superfoods has introduced many new products to the Kiwi market including chia seeds and coconut sugar, both of which have been extremely well received by the public. “Grocery is becoming more

important to us as we produce more everyday product alternatives and middle NZ becomes more interested in becoming healthier.”

He predicts future growth from the whole foods and superfood movement will come from these types of products which can be used in everyday baking and cooking.

“For instance our coconut chocolate spread is made from coconut milk, cacao powder and coconut sugar nectar so it contains no cane sugar, is organic certified, low GI and is a healthier choice for consumers than other chocolate spreads.”

Glucina says Matakana Superfoods is starting to achieve a little brand awareness in the market and is known for only getting involved in products which have genuine merit. n

FRY’S ADDS TO MEAT FREE RANGE FAMILY owned Vegetarian Delights are the New Zealand distributor for the Fry’s range of frozen vegan products. Stocked in Kiwi supermarkets since 2002, the South African brand is currently ranged in 200 stores nationwide. Fry’s extensive meat free offering includes pies, burgers, chickenstyle strips, hot dogs and sausages, with Spicy Butternut & Almond Bites recently joining the range. The new addition is gluten and soy free and has been well received by retailers and consumers.

Vegetarian Delights’ sales and operations manager, Rishav Singh, says the company is filling a gap in the Kiwi market for quality vegetarian products, with New Zealand being one of Fry’s first international markets. All products in the Fry’s range are made from fresh, natural and non-genetically modified ingredients before being flash frozen to retain freshness.

“Our mission is to

re-educate consumers that vegetarian products can also be found in the frozen department, rather than chilled,” says Singh. Singh says the category is definitely growing, driven by education, ethics and a change in consumer perception. “Previously vegetarianism was driven by young females but now we’re seeing more young boys moving to a meat free lifestyle,” he says.

The Fry’s meat-free range is price competitive and marketed at mainstream consumers. Singh says vegetarian and vegan products need to be more than just great tasting. “Half the battle is you eat with your eyes so a vegetarian range has to be appealing.” n

Make The Switch New Zealand

1. New Maxigesic TV campaign and activation programme challenging Kiwis to Make The Switch to Better, Faster Pain Relief.1 2. Ask your in-store CROSSMARK rep or Scott Crawford from AFT Pharmaceuticals on 021 864 317 to help you make the switch to Maxigesic.

Patented combination of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen delivers double action relief from a wide range of pain More effective pain relief than Paracetamol or Ibuprofen alone1 World-first specific combination – invented in New Zealand

New TV Campaign Hartley Atkinson M.Pharm, PhD Inventor of Maxigesic® Founder of AFT Pharmaceuticals

New ACTIVATION

Ref 1. Merry, A. F., Gibbs, R. D., Edwards, J., Ting, G. S., Frampton, C., Davies, E. and Anderson, B. J. (2010). “Combined acetaminophen and ibuprofen for pain relief after oral surgery in adults: a randomized controlled trial” British Journal of Anaesthesia 104(1): 80-88.

Maxigesic ® film coated tablets are for temporary relief of pain and reduction of fever and the discomfort associated with fever. Incorrect use can be harmful. Do not use if you have asthma or a stomach ulcer. Do not use in children under 12 years or if you have kidney disease. Do not exceed the daily recommended dose. Always read the label and use strictly as directed. If symptoms persist or side effects develop, contact your healthcare professional. AFT Pharmaceuticals, Auckland. TAPS PP5207.

NZ Patent No. 552181.

WARNING: Do NOT combine with any other Paracetamol or Ibuprofen containing medicines.

Do not exceed the daily recommended dose.

www.maxigesic.co.nz supermarketnews.co.nz

I 23

AFT0837

for Pain and Fever

Result achieved in a trial of post-operative pain relief after removal of 1 – 4 wisdom teeth using Maxigesic® compared with Paracetamol 4000mg or Ibuprofen 1200mg alone per day in four divided doses.1

health&wellbeing CATEGORY DECLINES BUT IRON GROWS GROWTH in the vitamins and supplements category has slowed significantly, particularly in the last six months which has seen a decline of -0.7% (Aztec 20/04/2014).

Red Seal’s sales and marketing manager, Sue Millinchip, says growth was negatively impacted by a slower than normal winter in 2013.

“The major decline is in the energy segment which dropped by -$361K in the last six months and more than -$1 million MAT. We hypothesize that this may be due to both the growth in energy drinks and negative coverage of the ingredients in some products, particularly in the digital space,” says Millinchip.

Key growth areas in the category were in iron deficiency and muscular pain/cramps followed by insomnia.

Iron has been driven by Floradix, which has had strong marketing support for the product over the past two years. The segment growth of $326K for the last six months compares with Floradix’s iron products growth of $346K for the same period. Floradix 250ml was the highest growth SKU in the category with $188K additional sales over a year ago. Millinchip says Red Seal plans to continue this growth with a new campaign running in July and August.

This year the company’s campaign will extend into use of ondemand TV and digital advertising in a bid to reach younger consumers.

“The use of in-store displays and promotions coinciding with TV support has driven higher levels of sales than the

use of advertising alone, and this will be pursued again this year,” she says.

Magnesium has been the standout supplement for the past 18 months, enjoying growth of $206K for the last six months. In September 2013, Red Seal launched Magnesium Forte, offering a higher strength option. This SKU delivered the 10th highest dollar growth in the category over the last six months and Millinchip predicts consumers will continue to look for innovation in this segment.

Krill is the other growth area, taking sales from fish oil despite significant discounting on the standard product by some brands. Red Seal’s Krill has dominated the segment since launch and is the number three ranked growth product over the last half year period.

“Both of these launches, together with the TV support for Floradix and the Red Seal brand delivered the top brand growth in both dollars (+$736K) and share point gain (+2.5%) in the category over the last six months.”

Millinchip believes the Red Seal promise of “live your best life” together with the outstanding value the company has always offered, has real resonance with the consumer. However, the company is not complacent and has plans for even more innovation in the months ahead. n

J&J EXTENDS LINES JOHNSON & Johnson has an extensive portfolio of brands across the skincare, medicinal, wound care, women’s health and oral care categories. The company’s well known brands include the Neutrogena, BandAid, Compeed, Codral, Nicorette, Reach, Clean & Clear and Johnsons labels. J&J’s trade marketing manager, Stephanie Jericevich, says health and wellness is more than just an over-thecounter proposition.

“People now have a more holistic understanding of health and understand that products which address their outward appearance (beauty), mental wellbeing and emotional health are as essential to overall wellbeing as common healthcare remedies,” says Jericevich.

Grocery’s number one skincare manufacturer (Aztec MAT 20/04/14) recently launched several new products from its Neutrogena brand including the Pore Refining range, which works to shrink the appearance of pores in just two weeks. The brand has also added two new products to its Naturals cleansing range and entered the hair care category with its T-Sal Therapeutic Shampoo and T-Gel Daily Control Shampoo Plus Conditioner. Neutrogena’s hair care products work to break down flaky scalp build up and have been designed

GLUTEN FREE SNACKING

PURE HARVEST JOINS REAL FOODS REAL Foods specialises in the health and wellbeing sector with products such as Real Foods rice porridge, Alpro dairy free range and King Island coconut water. The importer and distributor recently added to its offering with the launch of the Pure Harvest range. Produced in Australia, Pure Harvest covers the full spectrum of plant based milks from soy and rice milks through to oat, almond and coconut. The entire range is certified organic and

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contains no added cane sugar. Pure Harvest’s almond milk features10% almond content, four times higher than the category standard. Real Foods’ business manager Greg Smith says Pure Harvest’s almond milk delivers a better nutritional content, which means no additional flavours or additives are required.

“The almond milk is also activated, which means that the almonds have been soaked for a minimum of 12 hours. This starts a germination process which helps neutralize the phytic acid and makes it more digestible,” he says.

The plant based milk category is performing well with interest in almond milk driven by the popularity of the paleo diet which excludes dairy, legumes and refined sugar.

“It was flat for a few years but there has been some very strong organic growth over the last 18 months with consumption of almond milk and coconut milk really taking off and bringing new consumers into the category.”

Smith predicts future growth will come from nut and coconut milks with increasing demand for natural and organic products. n

to control dandruff, psoriasis and dermatitis symptoms.

J&J has also added to its Codral, Nicorette and Band-Aid brands with Codral introducing a new cough liquid formulated to soothe the throat and loosen mucus. Nicorette has released a fast acting lozenge to relieve cigarette cravings called Cooldrops while BandAid has recently launched a range of first aid products.

Jericevich predicts future growth will come from natural products and those targeted at older consumers. “New Zealand’s consumer trends follow those of other developed markets, with future growth being driven by an aging population and the demand for fresh innovation in the form of natural and organic products,” she says.

This month J&J becomes the first global healthcare sponsor of the FIFA World Cup, the biggest single-event sporting competition in the world with an estimated global audience of three billion people. The passion, reach and global scale of the FIFA World Cup provides J&J with an unprecedented opportunity to engage with both consumers and customers around the world. n

FANTASTIC produces gluten free rice crackers and rice snacks. Available in a range of flavours, the Fantastic offering is oven baked and encompasses crackers, Delites and Delites Curls. Delites are alternatives to traditional party snacks and feature a chip like texture while the brand’s rice crackers have multiple usage occasions.

Fantastic brand manager Sally Huefner says consumers are now looking for ‘better for you’ snacking options to satisfy cravings. “Gluten free snacking has now become a lifestyle choice for many people.

While there are many people who are suffering from Coeliac disease, many others now chose to incorporate gluten free choices in their daily lives,” says Huefner. Huefner believes taste, authenticity, and usage occasions are the key factors affecting consumer buying decisions.

“Taste will be paramount. Consumers have so many purchasing options available to them but the strongest parameter of choice is “what does it taste like?” At Fantastic, we have taste as the central platform to everything we produce,” she says. The brand has been innovative in marketing its range in a highly competitive category with Fantastic launching a new YouTube video this month. The fun video shows consumers being tested to see “how far they would go for Delites Curls”. n

TOTAL SUPERMARKETS - CURR MAT W/E 20/04/2014

Val Sales Val % Chg YA Unit Sales T. Total Cough Throat Soothers $32,065,617 -1.7% 5,741,130 T. Cough & Throat Soothers $14,496,585 3.4% 4,207,463 T. Cold Treatments $11,277,007 -5.8% 895,067 T. Cough Liquids $3,928,208 -9.1% 318,728 T. Decongestants $2,363,817 2.4% 319,872

Unit % Chg YA -2.9% -1.3% -8.3% -9.9% -0.7%

T. Total Health & Nutritional Supplements $89,092,518

2.7%

8,601,075

6.5%

T. Total Patent Medicines & Remedies T. Oral Analgesics T. First Aid T. Antacid & Stomach Remedies T. Liniments T. Laxatives

5.9% 2.6% 0.7% 8.9% 15.2% -1.8%

13,927,137 7,689,853 2,260,405 1,605,999 322,960 263,110

1.0% -1.5% 0.0% 4.6% 14.6% -6.0%

$78,419,184 $34,262,465 $9,388,951 $7,241,603 $5,094,356 $4,905,115

Source: Nielsen NZ Scantrack

AFT MOVES INTO GROCERY NEW HEALTHERIES GUMMIES MARKET leader Healtheries has added to the $65.6 million dietary supplements category with the launch of Kiwiana Gummies in Multivitamin, Vitamin C and Omega variants.

Featuring iconic Kiwi shapes, Kiwiana Gummies focuses on the top segments of the category in a format that appeals to consumers with children as well as those who do not like pills or capsules.

“Gummies are an international trend and while growing, are under developed in the NZ market. They are experiencing exponential growth in Australia, USA and other international markets. In NZ, they are one of the

fastest growing dietary supplement formats,” says Healtheries senior brand manager Rachel McKendry.

Earlier this year the Vitaco brand introduced Immune Defence, a one-a-day antiviral support. Immune Defence combines astragalus, olive leaf, zinc and vitamin C and works to support the body’s immune system and defend against winter ills and chills. Healtheries are the market leaders of the $10.3 million cold, flu and immunity segment with 80.1% market share. The Healtheries dietary supplements range is formulated and manufactured locally for New Zealand consumers, winning Readers Digest New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand award seven years running. n

AFT Pharmaceuticals is a New Zealand owned and operated pharmaceutical company aiming to make waves in the grocery sector. As the largest local pharmaceutical company in pharmacy, AFT’s key products have made the leap into grocery and have the potential to drive significant incremental sales in the channel.

AFT products available in grocery include Maxigesic (pain relief), Maxiclear (cold and flu), Histaclear and Loraclear (allergy) and Crystaderm (first aid/acne cream). With grocery sales at less than 5% of AFT’s domestic revenue, there is considerable scope for growth with this range of products.

AFT’s marketing manager Murray Keith says the company is looking to aggressively grow sales in grocery, and is actively exploring new product opportunities that can help retailers boost category sales.

Keith believes there is real potential for growing category sales in grocery through differentiated product offerings which deliver true value for consumers.

“Maxigesic is a great example of this – a world-first specific combination analgesic (paracetamol 500mg and ibuprofen 150mg) developed in New Zealand, and

28BLACK OFFERS NATURAL ENERGY IMPORTER Best Beverage represents 100% natural energy drinks 28Black and 28Black Sugarfree in the Kiwi market. Featuring the Brazilian superfruit Acai, 28Black and its sugarfree variant are free from taurine, artificial flavours, colourings and preservatives.

28 Black differs to alternatives on the market as it is sweetened with isomaltulose, a longlasting natural sugar which provides sustained energy while 28Black Sugarfree is the only low calorie energy drink to be sweetened with natural sugars including stevia. n

has now been licensed in over 40 countries worldwide,” he says.

Clinical trials have proven that Maxigesic provides at least 32% more effective pain relief than either paracetamol or ibuprofen alone, and in packs of 10 and 16 tablets Maxigesic provides a premium home-grown grocery analgesic at accessible price points and strong retail margins.

Histaclear and Loraclear are two of the top five allergy brands in pharmacy and provide an opportunity to incrementally grow the allergy category in grocery.

Crystaderm is a relatively new entrant to supermarket shelves, but as the category leader in pharmacy for first aid cream, it has real potential to grow value within the segment.

Crystaderm fights infectioncausing bacteria in cuts, scratches, grazes, school sores, insect bites and minor burns, as well as being an effective acne treatment.

AFT is committed to investing in marketing and promotional support for all of its grocery brands. A new TV brand campaign for Maxigesic starts this month and TV support for Maxiclear, Crystaderm, Histaclear and Loraclear will roll out later in the year. AFT is represented in grocery by Crossmark. n

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supermarketnews.co.nz

I 25

LIQUOR

LIQUOR FUTURE OPTIMISTIC:

BEN SHAW

EXPERIENCED liquor marketer Ben Shaw has been at Independent Liquor for the past three years and currently heads up the company’s beer and cider division where he represents around 20 brands. Shaw learned the ropes at DB Breweries, where he was employed for nine years, over seven spent working on mainstream brands such as Tui, Export and DB Draught.

Shaw says the past decade has seen a huge amount of change across all facets of the industry with the emergence of craft beer helping to stablise a declining market and inject higher margins. Craft has also worked to bring in new or lapsed drinkers and improve consumer’s beer perception while the booming cider segment has taken off and shows no signs of slowing down.

“The premium segment is now greater than 50% share of volume in supermarkets, so domestic mainstream market is hemorrhaging volume.

And the traditional duopoly of Lion and DB is substantially less dominant than a decade ago, there now is a third brewer with scale and isn’t going to go away,” says Shaw.

He lists the launch of Boundary Road Brewery (BRB) as one of his biggest success stories. “The craft beer market is massively proliferated but dominated by DB and Lion with Macs and Monteiths, both of which have a rich long history, which we couldn’t replicate so we had to do things differently and take a few risks. The brand is turning three in August and is still keeping the big two honest,” he says.

Shaw says has Sign up now for our Independent adopted the less and weekly e-newsletter better approach for www.supermarketnews.co.nz future launches. “All

of our most successful launches over the past three years have been the ones which we thoroughly researched, spent the time on R&D and backed with marketing dollars.” Optimistic about the future of New Zealand’s liquor industry, Shaw says manufacturers are getting serious about social responsibility, resulting in a maturation of local drinking behaviour. He predicts at home liquor consumption will continue to rise and says the democratization of international premium brands has seen Kiwis embracing leading beers like Heineken, Corona and Stella.

“Beer is a perishable commodity and fresh beer is always best, so I believe we will see even more international brands being brewed under license in NZ over the next few years.” Shaw believes any company willing to consistently invest in their brands and take a few calculated and bold risks on new categories has a chance to be at the forefront of the next major trend while ensuring that their core business isn’t neglected.

“I think beer is in good shape, there has never been more choice and higher quality for the NZ beer consumers. Hopefully craft, low alcohol and flavored beers will continue to grow and take up most of volume decline of the domestic mainstream brands. Cider is here to stay, I don’t think it’s a fad but I don’t really think anyone knows just where it will peak and stabilise.” n

MOA POSTS LOSS CRAFT beer brewer Moa Group has posted a $5.8 million net loss in the 12 months to the end of March, driven by high sales, marketing and distribution costs. In light of the loss, which was predicted in November, the brewer’s major shareholders Pioneer Capital (24%) and the Business Bakery (23%) have both committed to providing financial support to keep the company afloat for the coming year.

Difficulties gaining resource consent to expand its Blenheim brewery have also resulted in Moa announcing a long-term contract with fellow craft brewery McCashin’s to produce the bulk of its lines in Nelson. “In short this gets us the efficiencies of scale without significant capital investment,” says CEO Geoff Ross. n

NEW HALO VINO SACRED Hill has released its 2013 Halo Chardonnay with senior winemaker Tony Bish saying the vintage delivers enhanced depth and texture. Bish credits ideal growing conditions for the quality vintage. “Our slightly elevated and cooler inland site high above the Tutaekuri River has meant that elegance and good acidity have been retained, allowing us to express the unique citrus blossom characters of this spectacular vineyard in a truly exceptional year,” says Bish. n

CELEBRITY COOKS JOIN ROAST DAY SELAKS Roast Day, now in its fifth year, is set to coincide with the wine brand’s 80th anniversary when it takes place on the 3rd August. This year’s event will feature three new celebrity cooks, led by fellow ambassador Nici Wickes. Leigh Hart – aka That Guy, actor Shane Cortese and radio personality Leah Panapa will all contribute a roast recipe with the public asked to vote for their favourite celebrity roast recipe online at www.selaks. co.nz. The creator of the winning recipe will receive $5,000 to donate to their chosen charity.

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Marketing director Nina Stojnic says the Selaks family has lived the mantra of enjoying good food and wine with friends and family.

“We are proud to carry on that tradition through our products and particularly with Selaks Roast Day, which pays homage to New Zealand’s favourite winter meal,” says Stojnic.

An updated edition of the popular free downloadable Selaks NZ Roast Day e-cookbook will also return in 2014. n

VENICE SHOWOFF HIGHLIGHTS SUCCESS OF AMISFIELD WINES

Owners John Darby and Ric Kayne

THE news that South Island wine producer Amisfield will be showcasing a premium selection in Venice over the next three months has highlighted the success of the company.

Picking up an international audience for its award winning pinot noir and aromatic white wines is a bonus for the company that sources its products from fruit grown on its estate vineyard beneath the Pisa mountain range in Central Otago.

Amisfield was established in 1988 and is a privately owned operation on a 200ha site that was once a prominent high country merino station. It is one of the largest single vineyard estates in Central Otago with over 80ha planted with most of the vines being over 10 years old.

The owners are John Darby and Ric Kayne.

John was one of the founders of the region’s wine industry and instrumental in the early development of commercial vineyards. By occupation, he is a landscape architect and an experienced real estate investor.

Ric is the founder and chairman of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, a Los Angeles-based investment strategist. He has had a long term relationship with New Zealand.

Amisfield wines reflect the company’s grape growing and winemaking philosophy underlining faithful expression of the site, minimal winemaking intervention and fruit purity. A state of the art purpose built winery is the focal point of the vineyard and produces up to 30,000 cases of wine annually. Pinot noir accounts for over 60% of the production with the balance made up of sav blanc, pinot gris and riesling.

Interestingly, wine barrels are stored in a semi-undergound facility, reducing the need for temperature and humidity control. The company has strong sustainability and even created a wetland where this system and composting processes have set a new benchmark for industry best practice.

Last year, Amisfield’s Bistro was named the best winery restaurant by Cuisine magazine and has twice been listed amongst the top 50 NZ restaurants of year.

Of interest to hospitality people is head chef Jay Sherwood who originates from Los Angeles but claims he is living the dream in New Zealand.

He gained experience in the US and in Europe where he worked in Michelin star restaurants before being persuaded to come to New Zealand.

“I love the Amisfield style of food where it makes sense to share a plate. Many of our customers have been coming here for a long time and they have certain expectations that we don’t mess with. But there is still an element of surprise in the “Trust The Chef ” menu which people enjoy,” he said.

The Cellar Door and Bistro was built in 2002 overlooking Lake Hayes near Queenstown and incorporates over 1500 tonnes of Glenorchy schist that took two years to assemble. n

NO MORE LIQUOR LICENCES IN AUCKLAND? Why a ban on new off-licences in Auckland is not necessary to achieve the objectives of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act (SSAA), according to DB’s Matt Wilson.

THERE has been a lot of media coverage surrounding Local Alcohol Policies (LAP)s recently, particularly the Auckland draft LAP approved by Councillors last month. Much of the debate has focused on closing times and the seemingly obvious conflict between a Unitary Plan that seeks to build up Auckland’s metro centres in order to reduce reliance on the CBD, and the draft LAP that provides for only one late night precinct –the CBD and adjoining Ponsonby Road.

What is less obvious, but probably of even greater concern, is an impending ban on off-licences across Auckland despite the fact that a new power exists in the SSAA to deal with licence applications on their merits, including their potential impact on the surrounding area. Before I bore you with the detail, let’s be clear on this – under Auckland Council’s draft LAP no new off-licences may be issued in most of Auckland for the next two years with a presumption (in the rest of Auckland and after the initial two years) that they never will be.

This means no new supermarkets or specialty liquor stores, period.

Granted, there is a form of risk

assessment for stores that do not fall within either the CBD/Ponsonby or areas classified as having high levels of alcohol related harm, but even if stores in those areas do pass the risk assessment there is still a presumption against them getting a licence. Sure bad operators that cause a nuisance and continually flout the law will not get liquor licences, but neither will sound operators trying to run a decent business.

Other than the prospect of no new supermarkets in Auckland for the foreseeable future, the reason this cap on licence numbers really rankles is that it is completely unnecessary.

The sections of the SSAA that no Councillor in the country seems to have read are sections 105 and 106.

These under-turned pages reveal what the SSAA set out to do – focus on reducing alcohol related harm as opposed to penalising moderate drinkers and business carte blanche.

Section 105 lays out the criteria applicants for a liquor licence now need to satisfy. This is a much bigger list than what used to exist under the Sale of Liquor Act where suitability of the applicant was basically the

only hurdle. The new licence criteria includes a requirement for the District Licensing Committee (DLC) to evaluate the impact granting that licence will have on the “amenity and good order” of the surrounding area.

If the DLC believe the store, bar or restaurant will have more than a minor negative impact on the neighbourhood then the licence application (or renewal application) can be declined. The amenity and good order test explicitly requires a DLC to take into account things such as existing and potential levels of noise, vandalism, nuisance and other existing premises which hold that licence type.

How does this look in practice?

Well, leaving to one side the proposed off-licence ban for now, if a new supermarket is proposed in Ponsonby for instance, that supermarket would be likely to get a liquor licence (assuming all other things being equal) on the basis that the supermarket would not materially increase the amount of alcohol related harm in that area. If however, a new discount liquor store is proposed in Mangere, the DLC could decline the application on the basis of either pre-existing levels of alcohol related harm in the area or the additional harm that this new store may bring.

In other words – horses for courses. You evaluate what is appropriate in each area in relation

to the type and business case of the proposed store, existing levels of alcohol related harm in the area and potential impact on those levels if the licence was approved. Good operators with responsible business plans get licences, Aucklanders get access to groceries, and bad operators or operators in areas that are suffering from alcohol related harm get their licences declined. I am not suggesting all supermarkets are better than all bottle stores or vice versa, merely that each licence should be considered on its merits.

Compare that to a blanket ban on new off-licences and a presumption against any more licences being issued. Blanket restrictions treat all licences the same – from discount liquor stores to supermarkets to high-end boutique wine and craft beer stores. The trouble is all licences are different, as are the neighbourhoods they are situated in. The Government realised this when they drafted the SSAA so why do Councils seem intent on ignoring it? n

Matt Wilson Corporate Relations Manager DB Breweries Limited

WITH THE GRAIN OR AGAINST THE GRAIN? MAY THE BEST ROAST WIN. No matter how you decide to carve your roast, the one thing everyone will agree on is that the Selaks New Zealand 2014 Roast Day eCookbook is the perfect place to find inspiring new recipes and tips.

Download your free copy at selaks.co.nz.

Selaks, bringing family and friends together for over 80 years.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

supermarketnews.co.nz

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NEW

CORN PASTA RANGE

GLUTEN Free Specialists has launched the Sammills pasta range in New Zealand. Available in Spaghetti, Fusilli and Penne Rigate variants, the gluten free line contains 100% corn pasta.

Sold in 500g packs, the Sammills offering is also free from dairy, GMO, cholesterol and eggs and unlike rice pastas holds up under cooking. Gluten Free Specialists are represented in the North Island grocery sector by Innovative Sales & Marketing. n

ORIENTAL’S COCONUT WATER

IMPORTER Oriental Merchant has launched TCC Coconut Water in New Zealand. Available in shaped 600ml bottles, TCC Coconut Water is a natural energy drink that contains five essential electrolytes and is ideal for use before and after exercise. TCC Coconut Water contains no added sugar, flavours, colours or preservatives. Oriental’s new product is already proving a hit with cafes, schools and gyms. n

NEW BISCUIT FLAVOURS

GRIFFIN’S has added to its 1980’s Choco-ade biscuit label with the launch of three new flavours this month.

Called The Caramel One, The Berry One, and The Double Choc One, Griffin’s new flavours are offered in 200g packs and are set to be popular with Kiwi consumers. n

JED’S BEAN BAGS

THE Bell Tea & Coffee Company has launched an innovative new coffee product from its Jed’s label. Jed’s Bean Bags use pyramid-bag technology to create a brewin-your-cup fresh coffee bag. The first brand in the world to use this technology, Jed’s Bean Bags are pre-dosed with quality coffee freshly roasted in New Zealand. The unique size and pyramid shape of the bag, which has been traditionally reserved for premium tea, lets the freshly-ground coffee move and tumble about inside the bag for a plunger quality brew. Its unique biodegradable filter is designed to unlock the strength, body and flavour with no mess, fuss, machines or plunger required.

“We’ve taken our extensive knowledge of tea and applied it to coffee to create something truly unique and innovative. No other product has ever been able to deliver the quality that a Jed’s Bean Bag offers.

It has taken two years to get the finished product to shelf – and what the innovation team began with is not the product we

ended up with - it’s taken a lot of refining.

The roast profile, filter material and pyramid shape make the Bean Bag unprecedented in the coffee category – nothing like this has ever been done before,” says BTCC’s master tea taster Matt Greenwood. Each Bean Bag is individually sealed to lock in freshness, making it easy to create coffee on the go while the pre-dosed bags take the guesswork out of measuring portions used in a traditional plunger. n

ANDRE’S KITCHEN NEW PACKAGING BOUTIQUE manufacturer Andre’s Kitchen has updated its packaging with the new look packs rolling out across the brand’s cookie and crostini lines.

Launched four years ago by chef Andre Wikes, the Andre’s Kitchen range is mixed and made by hand in small batches and has been a winner and finalist at the NZ Massey Food Awards. n

NE W 100%

NZ

MADE

Quarter Pounder with Cheese For further information contact

Leader Products

(Frozen Food Manufacturers) email: food@leadernz.co.nz or Ph: +64 9 276 3879

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NEW SUGAR-FREE LIFT PLUS

NEW OATY SLICE FLAVOUR

PROLIFE Foods’ Mother Earth brand has added to its top selling range with the launch of Chocolate Orange Baked Oaty Slice. Made with 26% wholegrain oats, dark chocolate and orange flavoured pieces, the new addition contains no artificial colours or flavours. Baked Oaty Slices have been a success for Mother Earth with the range currently including a line of Originals and Kiwi Classics. The brand has also extended its Pingos lunchbox range with the release of a Caramel variant. The baked muffin balls are filled with a soft centre and contain 25% less fat than other lunchbox snacks. n

FOLLOWING the successful launch of Lift Plus Green last year, Coca-Cola Amatil has released a sugar-free alternative from its Lift Plus range. Lift Plus Zero has the same taste and maximum energy hit of the popular Lift Plus, but with the added benefit of zero sugar. “Despite having the second highest energy drink consumption per capita, New Zealand has a limited variety of diet energy drink options, with diet alternatives accounting for only 8% of the energy drink category,” says marketing manager Tracey Evans.

The launch of Lift Plus Zero follows a commitment

by Coca-Cola last year to help address the issue of obesity in New Zealand, including offering more low kilojoule options. Lift Plus Zero is being offered in resealable 355ml glass bottles with Lift Plus Green also being launched in the new size and format. n

NEW TEA FLAVOURS

THE Bell Tea & Coffee Company has added five new tea flavours to its Twinings Fruit and Herbal Infusions range.

Orange Crush, Strawberry & Raspberry, Blackcurrant Burst, Comforting Liquorice

WINTER PIES LAUNCHED SOUTH Island brand Who Ate All The Pies? has introduced three new products to its range of familysized artisan pies.

Chicken Tarragon & White Wine and Beef & Black Beer have been made with the help of Emerson’s London Porter while the brand’s Pork & Cider is made with locally sourced Alpine Gold cider from Cromwell. Launched in time for

MRS ROGERS VANILLA RANGE AFTER seeing a gap in the market,

herb and spice brand Mrs Rogers has launched a range of organic vanilla products. Vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste and vanilla beans make up the premium range which is price competitive. Sustainably produced vanilla has been sourced from Indonesia, providing the base for a natural and luxurious vanilla range.

Vanilla bean paste and extract are both available in 50ml jars while the brand’s vanilla beans are sold in 8g packs. n

PITANGO has launched its chilled soups and ready meals in convenient 300g single serve tubs. Called Solos, the new packs are 100% recyclable and are available in seven variants including Organic Thai Pumpkin, Macaroni Cheese with Bacon, and Organic Spring Lamb soup. n

national ranging. Sealord’s new range is being produced by Joe and Gavin Kouwehoven, who have been smoking seafood the old fashioned way in their kilns in West Auckland since 2000, and is being supported by a quirky advertising campaign. n

PEANUT BUTTER JOINS CLUSTERS SMARTFOODS has added to its popular Vogel’s range with the launch of Crunchy Peanut Butter Clusters.

Containing clusters of mixed wholegrains, batch-ground peanut butter and whole peanuts, Crunchy Peanut Butter Clusters are blended with lightly toasted honey flakes. Consumer and sensory research has shown an overwhelming positive response to this launch, especially with peanut butter lovers. n

winter, the pies are made with pork fat which creates a golden flaky pastry, popular with British expats and Kiwi consumers. n

SOLOS FROM PITANGO

HOT SMOKED SALMON ADDED SEALORD’S chilled seafood range has been expanded with the launch of Hot Manuka Smoked Salmon in Original, Peri Peri and Tuscan variants. The 155g packs can be served immediately or used in a range of dishes and are the only traditional smoked salmon with

and Settling Ginger join the brand’s existing range of nine variants. Made with all natural ingredients and caffeine free, Twinings’ Fruit and Herbal Infusions range also features new look packaging for great stand out on shelf. n

NATURAL FLAVOURS FROM DEEP SPRING COCA-COLA Amatil’s Deep Spring label has introduced three all-natural and lightly sparkling fruit juice flavoured waters under the sub-brand Deep Spring Naturals.

Available in Apple & Feijoa, Blackcurrant, and Pear & Passionfruit flavours, the new range responds to the growing consumer demand for a natural, health-conscious offering and will sit separately to the existing Deep Spring range.

Made from lightly sparkling New Zealand spring water and 5% natural fruit juice, the Deep Spring Naturals range contains 75 calories per drink and features new-look packaging.

“The new selection of drinks are a great option for adult consumers who are conscious about the ingredients they consume but still

want a great taste,” says Wendy Rayner, general manager of marketing for Coca Cola Amatil. n supermarketnews.co.nz

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NEW

NEW NON-DAIRY PLAYER

DILMAH GETS ORGANIC PREMIUM tea brand Dilmah has entered the infusions segment of the market with four SKUS that are IMO Certified Organic.

The caffeine free range includes

Berry, Fruit & Mint, Chamomile and Rooibos and is available in boxes of 20 tea bags. Dilmah’s infusions range is being distributed by Cerebos Greggs. n

LEADER’S NEW BURGER FROZEN food manufacturer Leader Products has launched a Quarter Pounder BBQ Burger with cheese.

The new release follows on from the phenomenal success of the brand’s Quarter Pounder BBQ Burger, which was launched this time last year.

Leader expects the new product will be well received by both consumers and retailers, continuing in the tradition of the previous six additions to its quality frozen convenience range. n

BLUE Diamond, the world’s largest almond grower, has entered New Zealand’s nondairy milk segment with its Almond Breeze label. Category market leader in both the US and Australia, Almond Breeze’s Original and Unsweetened almond milk variants are being offered to Kiwi retailers in one litre cartons.

The New Zealand launch comes on the back of sustained growth in Australia where it has been successfully ranged for the past two years and now has 32.4% market share. Country manager Roger Ringwood expects Almond Breeze will quickly gain traction locally, challenging Sanitarium for market share in the growing dairy alternative category.

“We are seeing almonds become the growth driver within the category, moving from representing 7.7% of non-dairy alternatives in 2012 to nearly 17% now,” he says.

Ringwood believes almond milk’s significant growth is due to its wider consumer appeal than other non-dairy milk alternatives.

“Unlike soy which has a distinctive taste, almond milk works well as an accompaniment and has a complementary taste which appeals to whole families,” he says.

The brand is being represented in New Zealand by James Crisp and depending on its success in grocery, may be launched into foodservice in the future.

Almond Breeze’s Kiwi launch is being strongly supported with in-store sampling and a consumer advertising campaign is set to roll out later in the year. n

CARNATION’S LITE A TASTE OF MEXICO CREAM NESTLE has introduced a low fat cooking cream from its Carnation brand in a 300ml pottle.

Carnation Lite Cooking Cream has less than half the fat of cream and is an ideal substitute for cream in cooking. The new addition is preservative free and can also be stored in the cupboard. n

TASTEBUBS FRUIT BLOCKS PIONEER Foods has launched a new range of frozen fruit puree cubes called Fruit Blocks from the TasteBubs label.

Fruit Blocks are made from 100% NZ fruit which has been gently

BARKER’S HOT TODDY BARKER’S of Geraldine has released Mountain Moonshine to celebrate 45 years on the farm.

The hot toddy mixer combines red berries and elderberries with warming spices, ginger and orange.

Unlike traditional moonshine, Barker’s new addition is nonalcoholic and available in 710ml bottles. n

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cooked, pureed and frozen, and are ideal for babies weaning.

Manufactured on the Kapiti Coast Fruit Blocks are available in apple, pear, plum and peach variants. n

NEW to the chilled section is El Rancho Tortilla Wraps in flour and corn variants and Yucatan Guacamole. The authentic gluten free tortillas contain no artificial colours or flavours and are made exclusively for Mexi-Foods NZ Ltd by La Reina Inc of California. Yucatan Guacamole will be a welcome addition to the dip category, containing 95% avocado and 5% spices. The El Rancho and Yucatan brands are handled in New Zealand by Pioneer Foods. n

KUMARA CHIPS SELLING WELL NUTRITIOUS Foods are reporting increased sales and distribution in the North Island of its newly launched Sunny Hill range of kumara chips.

Available in Original, Sweet Chilli and Salt & Pepper variants, the range is gluten free and contains no artificial colours or preservatives. The Sunny Hill offering is sold in two pack sizes - 120g and 40g – and is available nationwide. n

Sign up now for our weekly e-newsletter visit www.supermarketnews.co.nz

VEG STOCK ADDITION

IMPORTER Eurodell has extended its Vegeta range with the launch of Delight vegetable stock. Made with 40% vegetables, the all natural stock contains no animal content, MSG, or flavour enhancers.

Vegeta Delight is also gluten, lactose and 99% fat free and has been independently tested to meet the standards of the Heart Foundation Tick. n

productwatch An on-trend natural evolution ALL NEW FOR 2014!

New Zealand’s premium tea brand

INTRODUCES

ORGANIC FRUIT&INFUSIONS FRUIT & MINT

ROOIBOS

ROOIBOS INFUSION

PEACH, ORANGE & MINT

Mild and Refreshing.

Caffeine Free.

Product Code: 85951

A tangy, citrus herbal infusion Product Code: 85952

CHAMOMILE

new sweetener combo including stevia

• stylish new look, delicious flavour improvements • fantastic support campaign coming this spring

POMEGRANATE, RASPBERRY & STRAWBERRY

A floral and mild infusion with a fruity finish.

Product Code: 85953

A delicious burst of fruit Product Code: 85950

Caffeine Free Natural Fruit & Herbs IMO Certified Organic

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325mg garcinia in every serve + green tea extract

BERRY

CHAMOMILE FLOWERS

RRP $4.49 Growth Market Excellent Margins

Call Cerebos Gregg’s 0800 DILMAH (345624)

NATURAL HYDRATION WITH 5 ELECTROLYTES • Natural source of potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium & potassium • Pure coconut water – no added sugar, flavours, colours or preservatives • 600ml PET shaped oval bottle – great for shelf utilization as well as easy to hold • Wide bottle neck for easy consumption - ideal for active sports such as cycling, aerobics

For more information on TCC coconut water contact:

ORIENTAL MERCHANT (NZ) LTD Tel 0800 10 33 05 Fax 0800 10 33 11 Email: nzenquiries@oriental.com.au Website: www.oriental.com.au

Call 0800 HORLEYS for more info

purple corn flour the newest, most versatile gluten free flour

NZ NEW!

Matakana SuperFoods organic heritage Peruvian Purple Corn Flour is nutritionally and texturally superior to regular corn flour and many gluten free flour alternatives.

It is non-allergenic and contains “the power of purple” anthocyanin antioxidants. Incredibly versatile, alone or combined with 1/3 Coconut Flour, Purple Corn flour makes for one of the best new gluten free options for cakes, pancakes, tortillas, Mexican and general baking.

100% natural, organic, no additives, preservatives or GMOs. Phone 094229618 Email: shop@matakanasuperfoods.com Website: www.matakanasuperfoods.com supermarketnews.co.nz

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productwatch

productwatch

100% natural colours and flavours

productwatch

A different kind of energy Natural, Açaí berry based, premium energy drink.

No taurine, artificial fl avours, colours or preservatives.

Also available in Sugarfree with only 5 calories!

MOUNTAIN MOONSHINE

For more information contact: JULIE CREAN e: julie.crean@barkers.co.nz w: www.barkers.co.nz Centurion Sales Representative Brett Hayde, phone 021 444 772 brett.hayde@centurionsales.co.nz

Convenience Enquiries Chris Bhimy, phone 021 989 441 chris@bestbeverage.co.nz

productwatch

productwatch

To mark 45 years on the family farm, Barker’s has created this unique addition to its range, a delicious brew served hot, destined to be a winter favourite as a hot toddy mixer or mulled wine base.

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Featherlight, puffed Fantastic Delites Curls are baked to crisp perfection and smothered in tempting flavours. You won’t be able to resist these moreish melt-in-the-mouth morsels.

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE GOOD AND THE BEST

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www.supermarketnews.co.nz

AROUND New Zealand, there are hundreds of small producers in a wide variety of grocery categories who began, and often continue, their lives in the variety of markets that have sprung up. A number, with more marketing skills, have moved their limited production levels into local grocery and delicatessen outlets. And some of those will eventually develop into national products on a small scale until they get the financial backing and sales skills to take the items further. For grocery, they are another opportunity.

MB INTERNATIONAL

MB INTERNATIONAL produces traditional Brazilian foods under the Durello brand. Founded

by Marcelo Menoita in October last year, the company has been receiving orders for its ready to bake cheese breads since January and is already stocked by the likes of Farro Fresh and Moore Wilson.

Sold in 375g and 450g packs, the cheese breads are produced using traditional recipes handed down by Menoita’s mother and require specialty flour which is imported from Brazil. Once baked the cheese breads, also known as pão de queijo, have a unique texture – crispy on the outside with a soft and chewy centre.

With plans to launch four new Brazilian savouries in the next few months including Coxinha (co-shi-nia) chicken delights, Menoita says there is nothing similar available commercially in New Zealand. “We’re introducing a new concept to the New Zealand market and people are reacting extremely well to the product,” he says. Originally hand made, growing demand has resulted in Menoita importing a manufacturing machine from Brazil in order to fill orders. The new machine, housed at the company’s commercial kitchen in Albany, means production has been increased to 7,000 units per day.

While the products will be well known by the local Brazilian community, Menoita says they are not his target audience.

“I’m looking to attract Kiwi consumers.

Masterchef Josh Emett has tried the product and likes it and when we sample in stores we significantly increase our sales.” Menoita believes the traditional Brazilian delicacies have been well received as they appeal to the Kiwi palate. “In New Zealand we like cheese and we like bread and the Durello range combines the two in a consistent format,” he says.

For more information please visit www. cheesebread.co.nz

HAKANOA HAND-MADE REBEKAH Hay has been manufacturing ginger beers and syrups under the Hakanoa Hand-Made brand since 2007. Made redundant during the recession, Hay decided to use her life long passion for good food to fill a gap in the market for non-

alcoholic adult beverages.

Stocked in Farro Fresh for three years and Moore Wilson for the past two years, Hakanoa’s range of naturally brewed ginger beers and syrups have also been picked up by a couple of banner supermarkets. Hay says grocery is definitely a growth area for the brand.

“We hope to expand into more supermarkets that have a good range of specialty and artisan foods,” she says. Hakanoa’s offering has grown to encompass four products – two low in sugar ginger beers and two syrups in Ginger and Spicy Chai variants. Its third syrup – Ginger, Lemon and Pure Manuka Honey – is set to launch in the coming weeks.

The syrups are manufactured by Aromatics at a small family concern in Hastings while the ginger beers are bottled and brewed at Auckland’s Foodbowl in Mangere.

“Aromatics make a lovely range of smoked mushrooms and sauces, plus a few other boutique products like ours. I go down and taste everything before it’s bottled, but they do the heavy work.” The high proportion of ginger used in Hakanoa’s products means the range provides many therapeutic effects and are low in sugar.

“We use organic fair trade ingredients as much as we can, but we choose to use local and fresh ingredients where we can and avoid all concentrates. Our ginger beers have less than half the sugar of most soft drinks, and it is brewed from scratch.” Hay believes there is growing support for local brands in the post recession economy, with consumers interested in the origin of food. “Folk are more concerned with what’s in their food, where it comes from, and whether they can trust the makers,” she says.

The company currently has more new products in development. For more information please visit www.hakanoa-handmade.co.nz

PUCKA PRODUCTS SAMUEL Tyler founded Pucka Products after his triathlon buddies continued to steal his homemade pre-race meal. “I’m a bit of a health nut and have always liked the idea of being able to make people’s lives a bit healthier,” says Tyler.

Pucka Products’ Bircher muesli range is

available in four varieties – Mixed Berry, Strawberry & Banana, Blueberry & Peach and Passionfruit – and has been stocked in local cafes, gyms, and schools for the past year. Packed with wholegrain oats, yoghurt and real fruit, the Pucka range has been gaining traction in the grocery sector since March and is already stocked in 11 stores. Tyler considers grocery a growth area for the brand and says negotiations are currently underway with more supermarkets.

“The buyers have been getting really excited about Pucka. Ready-to-eat Bircher muesli is essentially creating a new category in the chilled department and already we are seeing some exciting weekly purchasing behaviour from loyal followers who are spreading the word.”

Tyler believes his range responds to time poor consumers, providing a convenient, healthy, ready to eat product. “Consumers are after products that not only taste great, but also serve a functional purpose. Artisan products seem to be ticking the right boxes for consumers.”

Made in Auckland with the majority of ingredients sourced locally, Pucka’s mueslis features natural, authentic packaging. New products are currently in development so for more information please visit www.pucka.co.nz supermarketnews.co.nz

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TESCO IN DEAL WITH DEPARTMENT STORE

TESCO has announced it will sell UK department store House of Fraser products on its website. The deal will allow Tesco to increase its premium offering while House of Fraser will gain access to the supermarket giant’s extensive customer base.

The move coincides with another round of disappointing sales figures from Britain’s biggest retailer and could open the door for deals with other high street chains.

RANUI FRESHCHOICE OPENS

AUCKLAND FOOD SHOW SHORTLY

THE country’s largest consumer culinary exhibition, the Auckland Food Show, is scheduled for the ASB Showgrounds July 31- August 3. The show is said to be like a massive delicatessen and kitchenware shop rolled into one with dozens of free cooking demos using a celebrity chef line-up.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN SUPPORT

THERE has been a surge in public support in Australia to reform the country of origin food labelling system and some members of Parliament are seeking to build a bi-partisan consensus to secure a transparent approach. It has been proposed that “manufactured in” replace the “made in” wording for food substantially transformed in a particular country. Packaged In is suggested for highly processed foods that could not claim to have ingredients of significant processing in a particular country.

There has also been a strong support for Australian-grown and made foods.

CONVENIENCE STORE AWARDS

THE annual Peter Jowett Scholarship and industry awards programme being run by the NZ Association of Convenience Stores is scheduled for August 21 at Auckland’s Crowne Plaza hotel. In addition to the supplier awards, the scholarship winner chosen from presentations made on the day by young industry members, will give two people travel to Las Vegas to compete in an international final at the NACS show in October.

NESTLE WINS PURPLE BATTLE

NESTLE has won a ten year court battle in the UK preventing Mondelez from trademarking the colour Pantone 2685C that is better known as Dairy Milk purple. The UK Supreme Court has refused a Mondelez appeal. Cadbury owner Mondelez has been trying since 2004 to trademark the colour and prevent a whole range of other products from using it.

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FRESHCHOICE Ranui was officially opened late last month by local MP and Minister for Social Development, Hon Paula Bennett.

Located on 433 Swanson Road, FreshChoice Ranui features a modern design and is one of the first Auckland stores to roll out electronic shelf prices.

Owner-operators, the Ranchhod family, are long-time West Auckland locals and also own the Glen Eden FreshChoice, Titirangi SuperValue and Avondale SuperValue stores.

Pranil Ranchhod says the family are passionate about investing in the West, with 35 local faces joining their Ranui team.

“We’ll have an extensive range with a particular emphasis on organic and gluten-free specialty products, and products from local suppliers in Ranui and West Auckland,” says Pranil.

Across their four stores, the Ranchhod family employee a team of more than 100. n

RECORD SEASON FOR KIWI AVOCADOS

WARNING ON FOOD WASTE DISPOSAL TO PIGS THE Ministry of Primary Industries has re-emphasised its recommendations over hospitality and catering businesses disposing of food waste to pigs and the requirements that must be met.

The Biosecurity (Meat and Food Waste for Pigs) Regulations 2005 apply in this issue and there are several issues involved that if not met, could land individuals a fine of up to $5000 and corporations can be fined up to $15,000 per offence.

The regulations have been put in place to prevent the spread of exotic epidemic diseases such as Foot & Mouth if they were ever introduced to this country.

The regulations require that food waste that contains meat or has contacted meat, to be heated to 100 degC for an hour before handing to a collector and this requirement applies even if the meat is already cooked.

If your kitchen does not heat the food waste, kitchens must be satisfied that the collector will do so before feeding it to pigs. This means a written undertaking from the collector that non-compliant waste will not be fed to the animals. MPI recommends that

there should be such an undertaking even if a kitchen only supplies green waste as an indication of a kitchen’s compliance.

The food waste rules apply to pigs that are destined for the dinner table and for pet pigs alike. The regulations can be found at www.biosecurity.govt. nz/foodwaste n

NEW Zealand’s avocado industry has more than doubled its sales from last season to $136m, setting new records in both domestic and export markets. This year’s return eclipses the previous sales record of $84.1m set in 2009-10 and is substantially higher than the $60.4m worth of avocados sold last year. Chief Executive of NZ Avocado, Jen Scoular, says a number of factors contributed to the successful season including initiatives which are transforming the avocado industry into a more cohesive and competitive sector.

“Our focus over the last 12 months has been to promote far more collaboration across the avocado industry with growers, packers, New Zealand marketers, exporters and those supporting our industry. This has allowed us to start addressing and resolving issues that have previously held us back,” says Scoular.

The 2013-14 season saw the successful amalgamation of two of New Zealand’s largest exporters into one exporting group to Australia and the continued collaboration of three exporters under one brand into Asia. n

lastword

Peter Mitchell

THERE’S only been one complaint from a supplier over our last front page story that the Commerce Commission investigation into Countdown’s trade attitude was a going nowhere affair. And the general consensus seems to be that any outcome could be six to nine months away – by which time everything will have settled down and been forgotten. The single complaint from a major American multi-national was more a bitch about me having the audacity to write about it rather than a product problem. The theory was that these things were simply a minor irritation to the big companies who could negotiate from strength.

I’M glad our supermarkets are sticking with the tried and true products when you hear about some restaurants and food outlets moving into the obscure including offal. There’s one in Auckland serving up lamb’s brain tacos, another with goat tripe and venison hearts while the SPCA has been called in for approval of embryo chicks in eggs being served up.

AS a company that relies heavily on the postal services, this recent letter to NZ Post amused me. The guy wrote that he had a reminder letter to pay for his postbox so he rang and said he hadn’t got the initial bill. They said that was fine and he should just pay now. When he said he would mail a cheque, NZ Post asked if he could do it by internet banking or credit card “because cheques go missing in the post…” We don’t have that problem, but we do know that bulk magazines delivered to a postal depot can often take a week or more just to go to the next suburb let alone the South Island.

THE increasing number of academics who are rallying against the food industry as the prime cause of obesity, has got to the stage where most people are simply turned off by their attitudes. The next step will be a decree that if anything tastes good, you have to spit it out. The good thing about their anti-obesity cries is that they are directing consumer traffic to the fresh and more profitable department in the store.

Actually no matter what they say, baked beans and mince will continue to be top sellers.

HAS there been a change in attitude amongst the advertising departments of both our retail giants.

Have you noticed less emphasis on price recently and more on service aspects of the business and consumer related activity – and that’s great. I’ve always believed that the shopping experience and ranging is more important than a couple of cents off that has repercussions on margins and suppliers.

WANTED: Another two million immigrants to fill the aisles of the growing number of supermarkets.

While both Progs and Foodies continue unabated to open new stores, clearly it is all about market share and positioning. If you count not only the supermarkets but the Four Squares, Write Price, On the Spot, SuperValues, Fresh Choice and so on, we have around 580 current and proposed stores this year that are bigger than dairies. On our population of 4.5 million there is a proper grocery store for every 7,700 man, woman and child in the country which according to international figures, would be the lowest catchment numbers in the world. And then we have to assume that figure represents

only 3000 households at best, we are looking at a future problem. There is a looming problem of overshopping that simply doesn’t make sense for retailers, suppliers or consumers.

THE supply industry continues to bemoan the fact that in most cases, sales haven’t been spectacular this year – and in some cases shocking. For the multi-nationals there is simply nowhere to go. Their imported product can’t be re-exported – and that is the saving grace for our local makers who are beating the business downturn with substantial sales in developing markets, particularly in Asia. Fortunately for the smart ones, their destiny is in their own hands and a number are making the most of it. Both Trade & Enterprise and the Food & Grocery Council have moved strongly into the export encouragement field after many years of inactivity and there’s now fire in the belly of many companies who have taken to international growth.

SPEAKING of the FGC, I turned out for the organisation’s half yearly conference in Auckland the other day and where I once knew everyone, their wives and their pecadillos (many of which have to stay on tour), it is a changing world. Great to see a lot of the younger executives filtering into this sort of event. Our younger ones in the office know them all while I’m still living in the past with the older members who simply attend and don’t contribute much anymore. Guess we have had our time.

SALES CO-ORDINATOR WITH GRAPHIC SKILLS We are involved in designing our own brand and distributing overseas brands within the grocery, homewares and specialty food sector.

Looking for an enthusiastic graduate who would like to join our team as sales co-ordinator with graphic skills. We require a person with excellent communication skills and design flare to support our vision for our own brand now, and into the future.

Assisting the key account manager and sales force in all aspects of sales, day to day communication, trade show, website and product development. You will be required to respond to creative briefs, production deadlines and develop design solutions from branded templates.

Desired skills and experience:

UNCOMPROMISING ENERGY New Zealand Agent: House of Fine Foods Ltd, Auckland Email: wayne@houseff.co.nz

Tertiary qualification in sales and marketing with graphics preferred.

Experience in Microsoft office. Excellent communication skills both written and verbal. Ability to work to tight deadlines. Ability to work under pressure.

Awareness of market trends. Accuracy and attention to detail.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 27/6/14 Email you CV to denise@rogersdl.com or post to: D. Barnett, Office Manager Rogers Distribution Ltd, 5 Fenton Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1024

supermarketnews.co.nz

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HALF YEARLY MEETING

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