FMCG Business June-July 2024

LOOK NEW LOOK

32

EasyVend B2B ordering & payment solution 34

Is your brand lost for words?

Taking on FMCG talent of tomorrow 37

Washing up in AI

39

40

A selection of award-winning products 44

Paneton Bakery triumphed at the 2024 Outstanding Food Producer Awards 50

Share your snaps and be in to win!

10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

With this issue, our team is celebrating 10 years since the first print edition of FMCG Business was launched in New Zealand – that’s no mean feat in a media landscape that’s forever changing and challenging.

We’d like to say a big THANK YOU to all advertisers, readers and strategic partners, for your continued support throughout the last decade! We couldn’t have done this without you.

A lot has happened in ten years in our industry and we hope you enjoy our stroll down memory lane, with some great highlights and snapshots on pg 10-11. To share this special milestone with you, we also have ten amazing prizes up for grabs across our social media channels. Follow us on Facebook, Insta or LinkedIn to find out more.

But wait, there is more to celebrate in this issue, with a selection of award-winning products from the 2024 Outstanding Food Producer Awards on pg 40-45.

Auckland-based Paneton Bakery scored a Champion Award for their Paneton Bakery & L’Authentique Toulouse Sausage Rolls - the judges praised these sausage rolls for their homemade taste and high quality.

It was an honour for me to be among the Outstanding Food Producer Awards judges again this year and I discovered many exquisite new treats among the medal-winning products.

Keep an eye on our daily online updates for breaking news and more industry highlights. If you’d like to receive our weekly e-news round-up, please subscribe at www.fmcgbusiness.co.nz where you can also find out what’s hot and access FMCG services and important events.

Save the date for the popular C&I Expo, which returns to Auckland on 20-21 November 2024. It will be held at the conveniently located Due Drop Centre in Manukau, with a fresh new programme that includes the FMCG Business Innovation & Marketing Summit.

We hope to see you there!

Tamara Rubanowski trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz www.fmcgbusiness.co.nz

ON THE COVER

Lewis Road Creamery’s newest ice cream release is sure to hit the right chord — Crushed Cookies & Cream. Made with a smooth, creamy vanilla cookie base, loaded with crushed chocolate cookies and topped with a swirl of rich chocolate sauce – it’s a favourite brought up several notches. Read the full story on pg 9.

PUBLISHED BY

C&I Media (NZ) Ltd PO Box 109 342

Newmarket, Auckland 1149

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Simon Grover

GROUP PUBLISHER AND COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Safa de Valois safa@c-store.com.au

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

James Wells james@intermedia.com.au

HEAD OF CONTENT

Tamara Rubanowski trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz ph: 027 278 4761

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER

Janine Aish jaish@fmcgbusiness.co.nz ph 027 777 2557

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Leanne Hogbin leanne@intermedia.com.au

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au

DIGITAL AND PRINT COORDINATOR

Eclypse Lee elee@intermedianz.co.nz

C&I Media takes its Corporate and Social Responsibilities seriously and is committed to reducing its impact on the environment. We continuously strive to improve our environmental performance and to initiate additional CSR based projects and activities. As part of our company policy we ensure that the products and services used in the manufacture of this magazine are sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers.

FMCG is printed on FSC®-certified MIX paper from well-managed forests and other responsible sources. SCG print using BIO-inks that contain materials that are based on renewable resources including wood resin (rosin, colophony), and vegetable oils, linseed oil and soy bean oil. This magazine is printed by SCG, an ToitŪ enviromark gold certified printer.

ISSN 2382-1663 (print) ISSN 2624-4802 (online)

NZ wine named best in the world

Hawke’s Bay winery Church Road has picked up Best International Chardonnay, the New Zealand White Trophy and New Zealand Chardonnay Trophy for its 2021 Grand Reserve Chardonnay at the International Wine Challenge (IWC).

Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Merlot also took out the New Zealand Red Wine Trophy and the New Zealand Merlot Trophy at the same awards, arguably the world’s most influential and rigorously judged wine competition.

Founded in 1897 to become one of the oldest and most accoladed wineries in New Zealand, Church Road is renowned for being the first winery to craft exceptional Bordeaux-style red wines in New Zealand.

Chief Winemaker, Chris Scott, said: “We are thrilled and very proud not only for Church Road, but for New Zealand to be crowned top International Chardonnay at the IWC. This is the second time in three years that a Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay has taken this Trophy, which is a huge achievement for the region. The overall quality of Chardonnay coming out of this little corner of the world is incredibly exciting. It is also terrific to pick up the New Zealand Red Wine Trophy, demonstrating that Merlot is capable of producing truly exceptional wine in Hawke’s Bay.

“Congratulations to all the other successful New Zealand entrants, picking up a total of 23 Gold Medals and 10 Trophies, competing alongside powerhouses such as France, Australia, Spain and the US,” Scott added.

New CEO for Zespri

After an extensive international search, Zespri has appointed Jason Te Brake as Chief Executive Officer. Te Brake is currently Zespri’s Chief Operating Officer and will succeed outgoing CEO Daniel Mathieson who is leaving Zespri to join Driscoll’s, effective 1 July.

Zespri Chairman Nathan Flowerday says, “Jason is an outstanding executive with the strong commercial and stakeholder management experience we were looking for. He has a clear strategic vision to help Zespri and the industry achieve its immense potential and the operational expertise to ensure we do so. He has done an outstanding job of leading our global supply chain and the New Zealand supply business as our Chief Operating Officer. He has also delivered exceptional results based off detailed planning and execution as the industry responded to the recent quality challenges and then reset to deliver a record crop this year.

the Drinks Business Asia Chardonnay Masters 2024 for the 2022 Church Road 1 Chardonnay; placed third on the Real Review’s Top Wineries of New Zealand and first in Hawke’s Bay, as well as Chris Scott being named as one of the World’s Top 100 Master Winemakers for the second year running at the Drink Business Global Masters Awards in Paris.

Last year the region achieved a significant milestone, with Hawke’s Bay joining the likes of Bordeaux, Napa and Rioja to be recognised as one of the 12 Great Wine Capitals of the World.

There is significant and growing demand for Zespri Kiwifruit which will add real value to our industry and communities.”

Te Brake says, “I am hugely passionate and energised about the opportunities for the industry and it’s a real honour and privilege to be able to lead Zespri. The kiwifruit industry has an outstanding track record of success, off the back of quality people, a world-class product and strategy and a commitment to innovating and tackling challenges

together. It is one of New Zealand’s great success stories and I am incredibly fortunate to be following in the footsteps of, and working alongside, some of the industry’s outstanding leaders.

My focus will be on leading the Zespri team to capture the significant demand opportunities in market, on strengthening our supply chain and operational performance to maximise value in market and on ensuring we return as much of that value back to growers as possible.”

Church Road Chief Winemaker, Chris Scott

Jason Te Brake, the new Chief Executive Officer of Zespri.

What’s

Kids supplements just got melty!

Red Seal Kids Melties are a deliciously new fun way to support your child’s health! These melt-on-the-tongue kids’ supplements provide a convenient, tasty, once-daily dose they’ll love, with no added sugar. The Red Seal Kids Melties range includes a Multi with Iron, Defence with Vitamin C & Zinc, Digest with Probiotics and Sleep with Magnesium.

To become a stockist contact: info@cartelfood.com, Phone 021 150 7389, www.cartelfood.com

New Glow Lab haircare

Glow Lab launches its new haircare range this month! Brand new formulations offer improved foamability and an eye-catching new look that stands out, making navigating the range even easier for shoppers. The range of naturally-inspired shampoos and conditioners cover all key hair needs and showcase hero ingredients like hyaluronic acid, delivering to the ‘skinification’ trend taking over the haircare category. www.glowlab.co.nz

Peanuts go SKINNY on the chocolate!

New to the much-loved Skinny Dipped range… Skinny Dipped PEANUTS! We think we’ve hit the nail on the head, sussing out these delicious peanuts, thinly coated with top-quality milk chocolate. Available in two flavours Milk Chocolate & Sea Salt and Salted Caramel Dusted Milk Chocolate. Embrace some nostalgia and enjoy! Available in New World & PAK’nSAVE stores nationwide.

Graze.co.nz

@GrazeNuts @Graze_NZ

Cook, Simmer & Serve with Waitoa

Waitoa Free Range Chicken have launched Flavour Kits, a new product designed to help consumers solve the mid-week meal dilemma. This is a new concept for the fresh chicken category, providing inspiration and growth. Visit www.waitoafreerange.co.nz or view our Facebook or Instagram page. Orders can be placed with your Territory Manager or Customer Service on 0800 800 785.

PEPSI ROLLS OUT EXCITING REBRAND TO INVIGORATE THE COLA CATEGORY

Pepsi is ushering in a new era with the introduction of a fresh logo and visual identity.

It’s been 15 years since Pepsi last revamped its logo.

“As a globally recognised brand enjoyed by millions daily, it’s crucial for us to stay current, drive culture, and never settle for the status quo,” says the team.

The revamped spirit and identity of Pepsi keep the brand thirsty for more — for connecting with consumers, for stronger partnerships, and for accelerated growth across the PepsiCo Carbonated Soft Drink (CSD) portfolio in New Zealand.

“In our redesign effort, we included feedback from people who were asked to draw the Pepsi logo from memory. Many sketches prominently featured the Pepsi name within the globe, highlighting the strong brand equity built over the last century. Pepsi’s new brand identity borrows from its storied past while integrating modern elements to craft a look that is unapologetically current and undeniably Pepsi.”

“The updated colour palette introduces electric blue and black, adding a contemporary edge to the classic Pepsi colour scheme. The signature Pepsi pulse now evokes the ‘ripple, pop, and fizz’ of PepsiCola, moving in time to music beats, crowd roars, and cultural heartbeats. The visual assets are also customisable to include colours from our partners or customers, embracing our collaborative approach fully.”

The new identity debuted in the United States and has now launched with impact in over 120 countries, including New Zealand. The Kiwi rollout from May 2024 will be supported by a fully integrated $6.3 million ratecard investment in communications, including TV, digital video, outof-home, experiential marketing, and large-scale in-store activations to enhance overall brand equity.

With this bold step, Pepsi reaffirms its commitment to innovate and drive excitement within the cola category.

Walkntalk Rugged Cable

Introducing the Walkntalk Rugged Cable: Forged to go from the worksite to the camp site and beyond.

In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected is crucial, but finding a cable that keeps up with the demands of daily life can be challenging. Enter the Walkntalk Rugged Cable, designed for durability and reliability, no matter where your day takes you.

This cable sets a new standard for toughness with its military-grade Kevlar reinforcement, making it 10x stronger than the average charging cable. It’s built to withstand drops, dust, and the general wear and tear of active lifestyles and demanding work environments. With the Walkntalk Rugged Cable, you won’t face the common frustrations of tangled wires or quickly frayed ends. Instead, you’ll enjoy a consistently strong and stable connection to keep your devices powered throughout the day.

At 1.8m in length, this cable offers the flexibility to charge your devices without being restricted to a close-by power outlet. It’s also designed for universal compatibility, ensuring that no matter what leading device you use, it’s got you covered to stay connected.

The Walkntalk Rugged Cable is more than just a charging accessory; it’s a dependable worksite or adventuring companion. It’s engineered to bend without breaking meaning if provides the flex you need when pushing boundaries.

Level Up your charging game with a cable that’s strong and dependable. Conquer. Charge. Stay Connected.

Coming to New Zealand May 2024. For more information please contact us at: Signature Marketing NZ –09 479 5524 or email sales@signaturenz.com

Ice cream is always on the menu!

The ultimate indulgence for Kiwi Dessert Lovers

Lewis Road Creamery have long been famous for their fresh chocolate and flavoured milks, largely because they are so decadent, but ice cream is hot on the heels.

The team are now also known for crafting a range of super premium, ultra-creamy ice creams to enjoy as an at-home treat, and the newest addition is sure to hit the right chord — Crushed Cookies & Cream. Made with a smooth, creamy vanilla cookie base, loaded with crushed chocolate cookies and topped with a swirl of rich chocolate sauce – it’s a favourite brought up several notches.

The latest creation joins the current multiaward-winning ice cream family; Burnt Butter & Caramel Swirl and Double Mint & Dark Chocolate — Lewis Road’s signature flavours, Chocolate Truffle with Chocolate Ganache — the ultimate for chocolate lovers, and all-time favourite Three Vanillas — the perfect pairing for most dessert creations.

“At Lewis Road, our focus is on bringing the best possible dairy products to Kiwis, using the highest quality ingredients, crafted to perfection,”

says Sonya Stichbury, Head of NZ Marketing for Lewis Road. “Our food innovation team take pride in developing and tweaking each recipe to create delicious flavours that appeal to discerning consumers.”

With Lewis Road Creamery ice cream outpacing the Premium Take Home Ice Cream category with +15.0% increase in value sales MAT*, the introduction of Crushed Cookies & Cream promises to propel further growth to the category. For Lewis Road Creamery, the exciting news is that they’re not stopping there.

“You’ll see more commitment to the ice cream category in 470ml and 5L for food service, with more innovative flavours being introduced to the lineup over the coming year, coupled with increased brand support.”

The range retails at $11 and is available nationwide at New World, Farro, Woolworths, and PAK’nSAVE stores.

The ice creams come embellished with gold ribbon packaging, perfect for gifting, or you can indulge in them all for yourself!

*Source: Nielsen Total Market Last 52 weeks to 12/05/2024

At the Grocery Charity Ball in 2015 - Pierre van Heerden (FGC) and Veronique Cremades (Nestle).

The PAK’nSAVE Rangiora team at the store opening in 2015.

The Coca Cola team at the C&I NZ Expo 2022.

(L to R) Shaughan Woodcock, Pic Picot, Ian Wentworth and Trudi Nelson at the FMCG Business Marketing Summit in 2020.

Intermedia Managing Director Simon Grover with FMCG Business founder Dale Spencer at the Chocolate & Coffee Show in 2016.

Safa de Valois (C&I Media) presents Sam Pollock (Cookie Time) with an Apple Watch prize at the FMCG Summit 2023.

Editor Tamara Rubanowski at the Foodstuffs Expo in 2016.

A new fleet of 100% electric vans started deliveries around New Zealand in 2017, branded with New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square logos.

New World stores introduced reusable bags in 2017, before phasing out plastic bags.

The Countdown Ponsonby team wore brightly coloured T-shirts in a show of support for Pride month 2018.

The Barkers team at the NZ Food Awards 2015.

At the Outstanding New Zealand Food Producers Awards in 2021Loaf Founder Sean Armstrong (R) and FMCG Business Editor Tamara Rubanowski.

The MG Marketing team at Foodstuffs Expo 2018.

The ANZCO team with their 2023 FMCG Business Product of the Year Award trophy.

In 2022, Countdown opened a new 20,000sqm Fresh DC facility in Auckland, creating 260 jobs.

(L to R) FMCG Business team members Janine Aish, Tamara Rubanowski and Safa de Valois

Easy does it

New convenience meals arrive in store.

Cooking fatigue, meet your delicious solution.

Jess’s Underground Kitchen produces premium, frozen ready-toeat meals, with their range of Gourmet Everyday™ and EVERYDAY PROTEIN™ meals available in supermarket freezers nationwide. Thanks to a focus on high-quality ingredients and bold flavours, it’s not surprising that these meals are so well received by buyers and consumers alike.

Most recently, select Foodstuffs stores are seeing a roll-out of Jess’s new Premium meal range with single, double and family-sized meals, to cater for all households. Perennial favourites like Beef & Mozzarella Lasagne, Smoked Fish Pie and Cherry Berry Crumble are among the top sellers.

Handmade in small batches by a team of real chefs in Auckland, Jess picks only the freshest ingredients to use in the meals, with a mix of traditional and contemporary flavours. With an increasing demand from consumers for convenience and quality, there is no doubt that the ready-meal category is growing and Jess’s gourmet meals bring a new, contemporary audience to the freezer aisle.

Jess’s Underground Kitchen has been operating in the ready-meal market since 2013 when founder Jess Daniell realised there was a gap in the market for fresh and healthy convenience food. With a direct-toconsumer meal delivery model operating online to complement the FMCG channel, her range of meals taste and feel like they’ve been created in the home kitchen – all of the comforts without any of the hassle.

To enquire about stocking Jess’s Underground Kitchen meals, please contact Peter Cleland, National Account Manager (KML) on peter.cleland@kml.net.nz. www.juk.co.nz

Bringing Mexican taste and quality to frozen convenience food

Melissa and Jason Philips, the Co-Founders of the Cartel Food Company, created their range of frozen Mexican food because they saw a gap in the frozen food section of the supermarket.

“There was plenty of convenient frozen food, but nothing that tasted good and certainly nothing in the Mexican space,” says Melissa. “After months of research, which consisted of hanging out in the frozen section of the supermarket observing buyer behaviour, reviewing and tasting the categories offerings, we determined that a premiumisation of the category was evident. The likes of pies and sausage rolls were all starting to have a better quality alternative. Also Jason had lived in Southern California as a teenager where a frozen burrito was a go-to snack.

“We saw there was nothing like that here. So we decided to make a range of frozen burritos,” says Melissa. These have proven popular and are stocked at all supermarkets nationwide.

Nine years since the company’s inception they have now launched their NEW Enchilada bakes. They are core ranged in Foodstuffs North Island PAK’nSAVE and New World stores and can be found in the meal section of the freezer.

“We are currently working on selling to South Island Foodstuffs stores and planning to be nationwide across all major supermarkets by the end of the year,” says Melissa. To become a stockist contact: info@cartelfood.com Ph 021 150 7389 www.cartelfood.com

What’s new at Woolworths NZ?

“We know that convenience is important to many of our customers,” says the Woolworths NZ team.

“To ensure we meet the needs and demands of customers we have put a lot of work into bringing new products to the market. We’re excited to have launched over 60 new products just recently. All our products adhere to our strict nutrition guidelines; are taste tested to perfection; given that extra little bit of Woolworths love, care and attention and contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Having a dietitian involved ensured each product met nutrient targets set by external guidelines, and that high fat and salt products did not hit the shelves.”

The team says some of the new product highlights include:

• 34 New Crumbed and COOK convenience products launched

• A complete re-launch of their soup range with 15 products

• 9 New pasta and gnocchi products launched.

Cook, simmer and serve with Waitoa

The need for convenience is increasing, but Kiwis don’t want to miss out on the benefits you can get from home cooking and baking.

That’s why Waitoa Free Range Chicken is bringing to the table innovation that solves the mid-week meal decision.

Each meal takes only 15 minutes to create, saving meal preparation time for consumers. The product comes with pre-diced chicken and a flavour disc leaving the simple task of adding coconut milk, or milk to create a convenient, delicious meal.

The Flavour Kits are available in two tasty flavours; Thai Green Chicken Curry and Creamy Pepper Chicken.

“The Waitoa Flavour Kits are a new concept for the Fresh Chicken Category, providing shopper inspiration and growth” Ben Ward, Marketing Manager

“The Waitoa Flavour Kits are a new concept for the Fresh Chicken Category, providing shopper inspiration and growth,” explains Ben Ward, Marketing Manager.

“Ready to cook and ready to heat (meal solution) categories have seen great unit growth over the last 12 months. (Frozen meals +12%, Meal fixes +4.9%, Ready to go meals +19%) (IRI 2023 State of the Industry Report – Grocery). Consumers have a

strong willingness to pay for convenience. It’s clear that ready-to-cook meals are a profitable long-term strategy for retailers.

“Waitoa will have a significant marketing campaign backing the product launch with radio, billboards, social and sponsored content, in-store tastings and point of sale. The objective is to increase demand for the nation’s most popular protein by inspiring consumers to hack their meal time whilst crafting delicious flavours conveniently.”

For more information, please visit www.waitoafreerange.co.nz. Orders can be placed with your Territory Manager or Customer Service on 0800 800 785.

Endlessly versatile, outrageously delicious!

Circana MarketEdge Grocery Data MAT to 21/04/2024

Cook, Simmer, Serve with Waitoa

First Light has created the ultimate convenience food – with no compromise on quality or taste. Featuring their premium 100% grass-fed Wagyu beef, each batch is lovingly slow cooked for at least 12 hours, making them meltingly tender, full of flavour and just downright delicious. They’ve done all the hard work, so all you need to do is reheat and serve.

Source:

Customers can choose from three delicious flavours; Wagyu Versatile Beef Cheek, Mānuka Smoked Wagyu BBQ Brisket and Soy & Sesame Wagyu Shank. They’re all gluten free and feature selected cuts of ethically raised meat with no added hormones.

First Light Farms’ heat and eat range was a natural progression from their core offering of 100% grass fed Wagyu beef and farm raised Venison. They know that Kiwis are short on time. Trying to balance work, family and everything in between is no easy feat. With this heat and eat range they’re giving the customer time back – time they can spend on the things that matter most – with a beautifully curated meal

for dinner that tastes delicious. It’s dinner time made easy with First Light’s succulent heat and eat range.

For more information on First Light Farms’ extensive range including their heat & eat products, contact Simon McKie at simon@firstlight.farm.

“It’s dinner time made easy with First Light’s succulent heat and eat range.” Simon McKie, First Light NZ Sales Manager

The FMCG Business team endeavours to produce a monthly snapshot of category news and highlights, based on information from participating clients, plus a table of the freshest data available at time of print. If you wish to contribute news for upcoming category reports, please contact trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz

Hot Drinks

New trends, award-winning products and iconic brands.

The rising cost of living has many brewing their own perfect cup at home. Consumers are still craving premium hot drinks, but without the café price tag, says Kimberly Fraser, Foodstuffs South Island Category Manager – Beverage.

She explains: “Sales of tea and other hot tonics are soaring across all our stores, in particular hot chocolate and chai, while coffee sales have been slower. Coffee drinkers seem to be more adventurous however, experimenting with different flavours and types within their preferred brands.

“The rise of capsule and sachet coffees suggests people are enjoying the convenience of single-serve options while also having the freedom to switch brands and discover new favourites and flavours.

“Health-conscious coffee aficionados are driving the demand for low-sugar options in sachet formats, while for those seeking a gentler caffeine experience, decaf coffee remains a popular choice across all coffee types.”

“As the weather begins to cool down, demand for hot beverages rises. Lemon ginger and green tea, with its well-known health benefits are proving particularly popular,” says Seema Singh, Foodstuffs North Island Category Manager – Biscuits, Crackers & Hot Beverages.

“We launched a plant-based Milo last year, and we expect it to take off during the colder months, indicating a shift toward more inclusive dietary choices that cater to a diverse range of needs.

“The rise of biodegradable materials used by beverage companies is another positive trend. This demonstrates an industry-wide commitment to more eco-friendly practices.”

Fancy an outstanding, delicious drink?

“Look out for The Tea Thief’s Dark & Handsome Tea, and Hot Chocolate from She Universe, which scored gold medals at this year’s Outstanding Food Producer Awards,” says FMCG Business Head of Content Tamara Rubanowski.

Bronze medals were also awarded to Foundry Chocolate for their Kilombero Valley, Tanzania, Drinking Chocolate; Malaita and Guadalcanal Micro-lots, Solomon Islands, Drinking Chocolate; and Pinalum, Malekula Island, Vanuatu, Drinking Chocolate.

What makes specialty tea so special?

English Breakfast and Earl Grey are the next most popular flavours after every-day black tea and are outgrowing the category in volume and value, explains Nicole Campbell Country Manager, Dilmah NZ. What makes these specialty teas so special and why are Kiwis flocking to Dilmah English Breakfast and Earl Grey?

Campbell says: “Earl Grey tea has the characteristic citrus aroma and flavour of bergamot oil from citrus fruit. Dilmah stands by its dedication to quality by combining bergamot flavour with Ceylon Tea from the Ratnapura region to create a truly refined experience. With Dilmah being the No.1 brand for Earl Grey*, it looks like customers agree it’s a superior brew.

“Dilmah can also claim the fastest growing brand of English Breakfast, making up 90% of the actual dollar growth in Grocery over the past six months. Dilmah English Breakfast is unblended and grown in the Dimbula Valley in Sri Lanka. Tea from this region is intense and majestic, offering body, strength and colour, representing the essence of a fine Ceylon tea. Driven by market trends, Dilmah has introduced a new variant with English Breakfast Extra Strength, available nationwide.

“Kiwis have once again voted Dilmah as the ‘Most Trusted Tea Brand’ as part of the annual Readers Digest survey for 2024.” Nicole Campbell Country Manager, Dilmah NZ

“Dilmah is differentiated from most other tea brands, bringing unblended, hand-picked Ceylon tea to New Zealand and using at least 15% of pre-tax profits to change the lives of the less fortunate via the MJF Foundation and other charitable causes in New Zealand, such as Hospice and City Missions. (Visit www.mjffoundation.org for more information).

“It’s no wonder Kiwis have once again voted Dilmah as the ‘Most Trusted Tea Brand’ as part of the annual Readers Digest survey for 2024.” #DoTryIt!

*Source: Circana - NZ Grocery, Value Sales 6 months to 21/4/2024

denotes value AND unit growth > +2%

The FMCG Business team endeavours to produce a monthly snapshot of category news and highlights, based

participating clients, plus a table of the freshest data available at time of print. If you wish to contribute news for upcoming

reports, please contact trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz

STRONGER TEA

fresh produce

Best in season

The cooler winter temperatures are a key driver for consumers to seek out comfort food. Root crops like carrots, parsnips, potatoes and kūmara will be high on the shopping list for the favoured hearty winter meals.

Pumpkins should be prominently displayed, along with brassicas like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.

Fruit displays should feature citrus and kiwifruit, which are in good supply. Apple and pear varieties remain in good supply, offering a great range of fruit for consumers.

Lemons

New Zealand lemons are available yearround but the main season for harvesting is between May and December. As a staple fruit, these should be well-stocked and displayed throughout winter. What to look for: Select firm lemons that are heavy for their size. Their skin should be bright with no wrinkling. Lemons tinged with green are underripe.

Storage/handling: Lemons should be handled with care and stored under refrigeration.

Nutrition: Lemons provide a good source of vitamin C, which can support immunity and provide a range of other health benefits.

Parsnips

Parsnips will be abundant throughout the winter with regular harvesting ensuring a fresh supply in stores. What to look for: The whiter the parsnip, the fresher it is. Look for white parsnip with no marks. It should not bend – fresh parsnip will snap.

Storage/handling: To ensure freshness of parsnip, display small amounts in the chilled area and rotate stock regularly. Nutrition: Parsnips are a good source of vitamin K, which we need for healthy blood clotting.

Kiwifruit

The bulk of our New Zealand kiwifruit is grown in the Bay of Plenty and is at its best during the cooler months. The Gold kiwifruit season runs from March to December and the Green from April to December. While it is plentiful, large, prominent displays will help to attract consumers. What to look for: Kiwifruit should be semi-firm without blemishes or soft spots.

Storage/handling: New season fruit will likely be quite firm, so condition your fruit before putting out on display. A firm Zespri kiwifruit that is stored at room temperature will take about 2-3 days to ripen.

Nutrition: Kiwifruit is very nutritious with green kiwifruit providing a good source of dietary fibre, which supports digestive health. Gold kiwifruit is also a source of fibre.

Tamarillos

While tamarillos are available early in winter, the peak season is in July. As the season progresses the rich red colour develops in the fruit as the trees need colder night temperatures to bring in the anthocyanin that produce this. Consumers should be made aware that tamarillos are ripe and full of flavour all season.

What to look for: Tamarillos should have full red or golden colouration on the fruit body up to the stalk. Fruit should be firm, fragrant and heavy for its size, with a stalk attached.

Storage/handling: Tamarillos will keep refrigerated for two weeks, or for one week unrefrigerated. Rotate stock frequently and handle them with care to avoid bruising.

Nutrition: Tamarillos are a good source of vitamin C, which provides a range of health benefits including boosting immunity.

Carrots

One of our staple vegetables will be in great supply over the winter months. Carrots should be displayed near other root vegetables such as parsnips. Large displays of loose carrots will attract consumers’ attention along with pre-packaged carrots for consumers seeking convenience or bulk-buying.

What to look for: Select carrots that are firm to the touch, brightly coloured and fresh-looking.

Storage/handling: Store at 0°C with a relative humidity of 90-100%. Carrots are ethylene sensitive so store separately from ethylene producing vegetables such as cabbage.

Nutrition: Carrots provide a good source of vitamin A, which is necessary for eye and skin health.

Whether shoppers are participating in meat-free Monday or just looking for more plant-based alternatives, it’s become super easy and convenient to make positive choices for their family, the planet and their lifestyle. There’s now plenty to choose from at our supermarkets.

Vegan and vegetarian products are in hot demand.

ingredients or most importantly taste.

Veesey is transforming the Dairy-Free space, innovating in new areas to enable people to live free from dairy, without living free from food enjoyment. Veesey was born when there was a lack of affordable dairy-free alternatives in the mainstream supermarkets. Since then Veesey has focused on bringing joy to the palate through their range of coconut cheeses, including deliciously melty Mozzarella, and more recently with a range of creamy pasta sauces and dips, including the always popular Kiwi Onion.

Not restricted to vegans, vegetarians or people with food intolerances, Veesey is for the growing range of consumers who are making plant-based a lifestyle choice and are looking for delicious plant-based foods that don’t compromise on quality,

“We know flexitarians are the leading consumer group driving growth of the plant-based market, and they are looking for delicious taste and exciting variety, they select the plant-based portion of their diet based on these factors and it is up to us as manufacturers in this space to continue to challenge ourselves to deliver,” says Danique Faber, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Goodfood Group.

“This is why we are so exited about the new product we are bringing to the range, Veesey Mediterranean Grill Block, a plantbased twist on everyone’s favourite grilling cheese. Perfect pan-fried or grilled until golden to add a delicious salty and savoury element to dishes.

“Discover the future of dairy-free innovation with Veesey! Elevate your offerings and cater to the growing demand for delicious plantbased products. Join us in shaping plant-based excellence.”

Head to www.veesey.co.nz or email info@veesey.co.nz

What’s new in vitamins and supplements?

New High Strength Gummies from Nature’s Way Nature’s Way launched their High Strength range of vitamin gummies a year ago, giving shoppers more options within the vitamin category and bringing new consumers into the category.

“Nature’s Way are the pioneers and market leaders in the vitamin gummie format in NZ and our products can be found on supermarket shelves across the country, says Nature’s Way Senior Brand Manager Tina Adam.

“Our High Strength range bridges the gap between traditional tablets and vitamin gummies, with higher loading of active ingredients per gummie.

“New products are developed taking into consideration health trends, consumer needs and opportunities for our retailers. We are expanding our range with three new products. This takes the range to a total of nine products.

“Our key to our success is innovation and product integrity. We have three new products available now:

1. High Strength Vitamin K2 + D3 Gummies -

Synergistic support for heart, bone and brain health

2 High Strength Collagen Gummies – with high strength collagen peptides

3 High Strength Pre + Probiotic Gummies – with 10 billion probiotics per serve

“Nature’s Way is New Zealand’s #1 Vitamin Gummie brand,” says Adam.

She explains: “Nature’s Way Vitamin Gummies have 62.2% share of the Chewable Gummies category latest MAT. Nature’s Way Vitamin Gummies are growing at 16.1% MAT YA and delivered $5.2m sales to grocery channel latest MAT. Nature’s Way High Strength Vitamin Gummies are growing at 670.5% MAT vs. YA and Nature’s Way High Strength Vitamin Gummies has grown to 5.4% of the gummie vitamin category latest QTR.”

*Source: Circana Data. Total Natural Health NZ Grocery 03/03/2024

Radiance brings the shine to dietary supplements

They say that wellness comes from within and Radiance couldn’t

“We’re passionate about providing Kiwis with the best natural health formulations, that are better for the environment,” says Head of Marketing Kylie McNulty.

“Radiance embraced sustainability over four years ago by transitioning to beautiful gold aluminium tins. Since then, we’ve proudly prevented the production of over 1.9 million plastic containers from entering the market. Aluminium shines as a great choice due to its endless recyclability, with approximately 70% still being recycled today. Our Radiance tins aren’t just eco-friendly; they’re also versatile. Crafted with labels designed for easy removal, they transform into storage solutions, or herb planters.

“Radiance helps you shine from within with our skin products: Radiance Collagen Gummies and Radiance Hair, Skin & Nail Gummies. We are excited to launch a new addition to the skin range - Collagen + Hyaluronic Acid capsules, which bring the dual benefit into an easy to consume capsule. Collagen helps to firm and smooth the skin, while Hyaluronic Acid provides hydration to the skin.

“Radiance help you rise and shine from a calm and natural sleep with our Dream Sleep gummies – L-theanine, Magnesium & Tart Cherry, which can help you to fall asleep, stay asleep and wake refreshed.

“We also want to help kids shine with our no added sugar Radiance Kids gummie range, including Calm & Focus, with L-theanine and magnesium for settled behaviour and restful sleep. We also offer Radiance Kids Multi Gummie for essential everyday nutrients; and Radiance Kids Vitamin C & Zinc for essential immune support,”

just got melty

Red Seal provides a range of essential, accessible supplements to support New Zealanders health and wellness, drawing on on over 100 years of knowledge and naturopathic wisdom to create incredible products.

Michelle Rice – Trade Marketing Lead, Endeavour Consumer Health explains: “Red Seal is one of the largest supplements brands, with units and dollar sales growing ahead of NZ Grocery (Circana Dollar Sales Quarter to 5/5/24). It is inspired to continuously develop new product offerings.”

Red Seal is poised to revitalise children’s supplements with a category first, unique ‘melt-on-the-tongue’ Kids Melties range.

health & wellness

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

denotes value AND unit growth > +2%

This range ticks all the boxes for both kids and parents, offering a delicious, once-daily dose. It’s a fun experience for kids, with natural flavours and no added sugar. It includes four products: Multi with Iron to support growth and development; Defence with Vitamin C and Zinc for a healthy immune system; Digest with Probiotics for digestive comfort and regularity; and Sleep with Magnesium to aid muscle relaxation and winding down.

Rice says: “Red Seal is also expanding its multivitamins range with the introduction of Men’s and Women’s Multis Value Pack 100s, designed for value-conscious shoppers.

Great value from Ethics

The Ethics brand has been in New Zealand supermarkets for over 20 years and is trusted as a high-quality brand offering great value.

Amidst the current high cost of living, the Ethics brand offers affordable pricing to consumers without compromising quality.

“Expanding our pain range, we have introduced our new product, Ethics Paracetamol 500mg & Ibuprofen 200mg combination tablets for Double Action pain relief,” says Sales & Marketing Manager David Acott.

“These smooth, capsule-shaped tablets are easy to swallow to help relieve pain and inflammation.

“Heading into Winter, and all year round, Ethics has you covered for pain relief. Check out our Ethics Cold and Flu range to assist with those winter ailments, including medicated lozenges and products formulated to relieve symptoms of cold & flu and nasal congestion.

“Additionally, there are Beggi Vapour Patches, perfect to help clear nasal passages. These patches can be attached to your pillow or clothing to provide easy breathing and a good night’s rest.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use may be harmful. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. Do not use ibuprofen if you have stomach ulcers. Multichem NZ Ltd, Auckland. TAPS DA 2335DZ

Talk to the friendly team at Storelink for more information or to book displays.

Source: Circana MarketEdge Grocery Data MAT to 21/04/24

Ecostore shares new look for popular baby range

One of New Zealand’s favourite environmental brands, ecostore, has released a fresh look for their baby range.

The new packaging has been designed to heighten shelf visibility and shop-ability, introducing more colour by welcoming a family of cuddly animals to the pack. The refreshed look champions ecostore’s commitment to creating soft and gentle products and enables shoppers to easily select between fragrance and fragrancefree options at a glance.

Many customers begin their journey with ecostore as new parents looking for safe and gentle products for their baby. Families who have chosen ecostore as the trusted foundation of their bathtime routine can rest assured that while the packaging might look different, the formulations remain the same.

Ecostore prioritises protecting what’s precious with their plant and mineral-based products that are dermatologically tested for the most delicate skin. With hydrating harakeke and soothing chamomile, ecostore’s baby range is easy on little ones, and our world.

The packaging changes will land on shelves in the coming weeks and feature across the full baby range, which includes Baby Bubble Bath, Baby Body Wash & Shampoo, Baby Foaming Bodywash, Baby Body Wash, Oat Milk Baby Soap, Baby Shampoo, Baby Sleepytime Bath, Baby Nappy Balm, Baby Moisturiser and Baby Oil.

For 30 years ecostore has been offering shoppers sustainable alternatives to their favourite home, body and baby care products, removing harmful or unnecessary chemicals and putting people’s health first.

In 2021, ecostore became B Corp certified, joining a global network of businesses that meet the highest standards for social corporate responsibility.

For orders contact info@ecostore.co.nz Shop the range at ecostore.com

“The new packaging has been designed to heighten shelf visibility and shop-ability”

New lower RRPs that’ll glow up your hair

New Zealand brand Glow Lab continues to innovate in the beauty vertical with the launch of its new look haircare range, available now in supermarkets and Chemist Warehouse stores nationwide.

formulations proudly remain free from parabens, silicones, phthalates, SLS/SCS/ALS, synthetic dyes, cocamide DEA, and mineral oil.”

“Glow Lab has redeveloped their haircare offering to better align with shoppers’ key needs”

And in a cost of living crisis? Well, it’s come in at a lower cost for shoppers.

Glow Lab is bucking the trend by offering premium natural haircare at new, lower RRPS - with the recommended price of the brand’s shampoos and conditioners reduced by 20-25%. This commitment to affordability is particularly significant as total natural haircare dollar growth is up 3.2% year-on-year, yet unit growth is in decline by 5.2% (QTR to 28/04/24).

Spotting the opportunity to drive unit growth within the category, Glow Lab has redeveloped their haircare offering to better align with shoppers’ key needs.

Head of Marketing, Nic Guise says: “We’re excited to further improve the in-shower experience with a new look range of shampoos and conditioners featuring improved foamability to provide a richer, more luxurious lather that enhances the perception of cleansing and overall sensory experience. Our

Eagle-eyed shoppers may also notice a facelift on the bottles - the new packaging not only boosts shelf appeal but also makes it easier for shoppers to navigate the range, ensuring they can quickly find the perfect locally-made product for their hair.

Guise explains: “We’ve embraced the ‘skinification’ of the haircare category, orientating our range around key active ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid – heralded for its hydrating properties. We’ve seen a real conversation open up online with consumers, who are asking for us to introduce this science in our innovation.

“We’re so proud of the team to have been able to deliver these improvements and innovation to the category, whilst committing to a lower RRP for shoppers. With the market insights and opportunities, we feel responding like this is a winwin for us and consumers.”

For more information call 0800 GLOW LAB or visit www.glowlab.co.nz

NEW!

ALLERGY-FRIENDLY AISLE

What’s new and driving sales in ‘FREE FROM’ products?

New Zealand’s most awarded cereal makers, Blue Frog Breakfast are poised to make a splash with their new packaging, set to hit stores nationwide in the coming weeks.

Designed to create impact at shelf and distinguish between their probiotic oaty granolas and premium, super nutty cereals, the new packaging reflects the brand’s dedication to leading category innovation and sustainability.

But Blue Frog Breakfast aren’t just about looks - they’re committed to embedding environmental and social responsibility into their very core. As a Certified B Corp, ekos Certified Climate Positive and Living Wage Accredited entity, they’re leading the charge in making breakfast better for both consumers and the planet. With 44% recycled plastic used for every Blue Frog bag (and a continuous drive for improvement), they’re setting a new

standard for the industry, proving that sustainability and business success can go hand in hand.

Their ambitions don’t stop there. With plans for expansive growth across Australia and New Zealand, Blue Frog Breakfast are gearing up to introduce a range of new products over the next few years. With a focus on innovative flavours and wholesome ingredients, they’re committed to delivering breakfast options that are truly worth waking up for.

Founder Scotty Baragwanath emphasizes: “Our mission has always been to redefine breakfast, not only by what you eat, but how it impacts the world. With our updated packaging and commitment to sustainability, we’re excited to lead the charge with innovation that continues to drive the category forward, delivering great tasting breakfast products that never compromise on taste.”

Venerdi Pure Foodie

Introducing Venerdi Pure Foodie, Venerdi’s recent rebrand of their popular Organic Sourdough and Paleo loaves.

“We’ve gone back in time to celebrate food the way it used to be, with ancient ingredients and processes that blend pure goodness with pure delicious flavour,” explains the team.

“Our Venerdi Pure Foodie range of speciality breads feature natural, wholefood ingredients. From activating seeds to slow sourdough ferments, everything we do is designed to bring out the best flavour and goodness for you to enjoy. This nourishing collection is crafted without gluten, dairy or soy, so there’s something for everyone. The range features four flavour variants: Paleo Super Seeded; Paleo Almond & Linseed; Organic Boosted Brown; and Organic Activated Six Seeds.

THE INCLUSIVE POTATO CRISP

“These Venerdi Pure Foodie breads have been in the market now for over nine years, they are extremely loved by consumers and have truly stood the test of time. We have taken on a lot of consumer feedback on board to be where we are today with Venerdi Pure Foodie.

“We’ve kept the same recipes and products that our customers have known and loved for many years but given them a fresh look to better tell our Venerdi story and align with our Venerdi Gluten Freedom range.” www.venerdi.co.nz | info@venerdi.co.nz

Proper Crisps - an inclusive snack for all occasions

Proper Crisps was founded on a longing for a real traditional crisp. A crisp that was not just made from real ingredients, but one that celebrated the natural flavours of our beautiful golden potatoes. Since 2007, Proper Crisps has been producing potato crisps that are not just gluten free and dairy free, but are vegan suitable as well.

On top of being allergen friendly and vegan suitable, the company is also incredibly passionate about only using real ingredients to create all their crisp flavours. All ingredients go through a strict vetting process to ensure not only that there aren’t any allergens present, but that there are also no hidden chemicals. The company has a firm policy that no additives or preservatives are to be used in any of their seasonings. Once an ingredient has been approved by the quality team; the flavourologists at Proper Crisps mix and grind all the seasonings in house before applying to their hand-cooked golden potato crisps. After 17 years the brand has just launched a new look; retiring the well-known Marlborough Sea Salt bag for an updated pack design. An evolution not a revolution, the company is excited to enter a new era with a bag design that is a little better suited to the twenty twenties. A pivotal moment for the brand but one they hope will put them in good stead for the next 17 years.

www.propercrisps.com | sales@propercrisps.co.nz

Gluten Free Dairy Free Vegan Suitable Additive & Preservative free Suitable

for all get togethers and snacking occasions

A winning smile: Plastic-free toothpaste arrives in store

Just six months after coming in first place in the inaugural Foodstuffs Emerging Supplier competition (Foodstuffs Emerge), Solid, a Porirua-based oral health company, has just introduced their innovative plastic-free toothpaste to New World supermarkets across the country.

Founded by Laura Nixon, a former oral health therapist frustrated with the lack of plastic-free options in the dental industry, Solid was born from her desire to provide effective oral products without compromising on quality or sustainability.

“One of the challenges with oral health is that people don’t always enjoy brushing, and because they don’t have a product they like to use, they don’t brush for as well or as long as they should,” Laura says.

“A toothpaste that people love contributes towards a healthier mindset around brushing. Customers are buying our toothpaste because they want to be sustainable, and they’re sticking around because it’s delicious and healthy.”

Every year, sixteen million toothpaste tubes end up in landfills –a problem Solid is determined to tackle. All of Solid’s jars can be returned to Solid for reuse and they can be used again and again.

“We encourage customers to return their jars and we always hear

Brand new Weet-Bix Bites Coco Crunch

from people that they feel good about themselves doing it. People are looking for sustainable options, and if you can create it and make it easy, people will support it.”

“We’ve got a bunch of new flavours and formats on the way, and we’re about to send our first major order to Australia, so watch this space!”

Weet-Bix is well and truly engrained in Kiwis’ homes and has been around for over 100 years!

“As we have continued to develop Weet-Bix over the years, this iconic breakfast staple has evolved over the years to different formats and flavours”, explains Marketing Manager Peter Davis.

“Our gluten-free and added benefit ranges mean Weet-Bix brings new benefits for many shoppers in store and online.”

Kiwi families are growing and changing and so are their tastes, products with more protein and fibre, sourced from wholegrains and containing beneficial nutrients are becoming more important as part of a healthy balanced diet.

Davis adds: “Good nutrition and taste, convenience and innovation keep our team on our toes and we’re very excited to announce the launch of our newest member of the Weet-Bix family, the brand new Weet-Bix Bites Coco Crunch! Choc full of goodness and ready to pour in a bowl with your favourite milk, warm or cold and be devoured.

“Weet-Bix Bites Coco Crunch will be available on grocery shelves in New Zealand from July and we look forward to hearing about how you enjoy your bite-sized Weet-Bix Bites goodness!”

New Zealand’s EV-charging network expands

Foodstuffs and ChargeNet, New Zealand’s only nationwide electric vehicle (EV) charging network, have announced plans to build at least 80 new EV-charging sites at Foodstuffs supermarkets across the country over the next four years.

ChargeNet began working with Foodstuffs back in 2015, installing charging sites at the co-operative’s PAK’nSAVE and New World stores, which currently offer customers access to 128 ChargeNet charging points around the country. To date, the charging points have provided more than 7,731 MWh of energy to customers, enough power for an EV to circumnavigate the earth 850 times.

Foodstuffs NZ’s Head of Environmental Social Governance, Sandy Botterill, says the partnership reinforces its commitment to providing customers with accessible and convenient charging options: “Our customers are telling us they like the convenience that comes from being able to charge their electric vehicles while doing their shopping, ticking two items off the to-do list in a single trip.”

ChargeNet CEO Danusia Wypych says the formal partnership with Foodstuffs NZ will speed up the installation of new chargers, building the number of high-powered charge points available nationally, with all new sites to be powered by Ecotricity’s 100% renewable, Toitū climatepositive certified electricity, generated from wind, hydro, and solar.

“The partnership demonstrates our and Foodstuffs’ commitment to the absolute best customer experience, and to build even greater convenience and accessibility for all EV drivers. We know that supermarket charging is the top preference for our customers. On top of that, 83% of our customers plan ahead for their journey – they know exactly which EV charging stations they’ll use,” she says.

“Our customers are telling us they like the convenience that comes from being able to charge their electric vehicles while doing their shopping, ticking two items off the to-do list in a single trip.”

“Building more chargers builds confidence in the network for everyday EV drivers, and being able to charge while they’re doing an everyday errand helps to seamlessly integrate EVcharging into their daily lives. By providing more ChargeNet chargers and even more convenient access, we’re helping to get more Kiwi drivers into EVs by building their trust that the EV-charging network can support them.”

“By partnering with ChargeNet to open at least 80 new charging sites at our stores around the country, we’re also supporting our broader goals around being sustainability leaders through helping reduce carbon emissions and supporting the transition to low emissions transportation options for our customers.”

“They’ll get up to 80% charge in the half-hour or so it takes them to complete their shopping. The partnership between ChargeNet and Foodstuffs NZ will add significant value to our customers, in providing the “e-forecourt” of the future, where customers stop in to do their weekly shop and tick off their vehicle charge at the same time.”

Foodstuffs is adding at least 80 new EV-charging sites at its supermarkets over the next four years.

The ultimate versatile

They’ve done all the hard work, so all you need to do is reheat and shred, then serve with pasta, rice, or mash, or in burgers, Bao buns and wraps.

First Light’s heat & eat Wagyu Beef Cheek is gluten free and features ethically raised meat with no added hormones. Ready in 20 minutes - it’s

“

”

who specialise in pasture-raised Venison and 100% grass-fed Wagyu beef. They believe in quality over quantity and promise to produce “the best meat you’ll ever taste”.

For more information on First Light Farms’ extensive range, including their heat & eat products, visit https://www.firstlight.farm/nz/

Do you have a Hero product that stands out from the crowd? If there’s a tasty tastebud teaser, NPD rockstar, or best seller in your portfolio that deserves to be crowned ‘Product Of The Year’ - we’d love to hear from you! We’ll showcase some of the finalists in upcoming issues and reveal the FMCG Business Product of the Year later in 2024.

To find out more on how to enter please email: trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz

Attention wholesalers and Foodstuffs suppliers!

Foodstuffs have chosen to work with EasyVend to offer suppliers a choice of compliant software providers and to help suppliers grow through automation.

EasyVend is a B2B ordering & payment solution, simplifying the ordering and payment process from supplier to customer and everything in-between!

Why EasyVend, you might ask… EasyVend is a third-generation family software company, totally focused on food and beverage distribution. It is like having a whole super team of staff that never take a sick day & work around the clock 365 days a year at barely the fraction of the cost!

It automates everything from;

• B2B ordering and ecommerce website – allowing your customers to order when they want.

• Handling multiple price levels to suit all customers

• Invoicing & delivery dockets

EasyVend is a B2B Ordering & Payment Solution, simplifying the Ordering & Payment Process from Supplier to Customer & everything in-between!

See what Jim from PJ’s Pies had to say.

“Since introducing the system, I have managed to save considerable time in the office and now have full visibility of my sales. The support provided by Jeal, yourself and especially Gissele has been outstanding.You provide an excellent service and a product that works for me.

Cheers

Jim Bratschi

PJ’s Pies Hanmer Springs”

• Order notification reminders

• Automating your customer payments & credit terms

• Automating your accounts processes such as receipting invoices & customer statements

• Comprehensive friendly reporting & business insights

• Delivery driver integration & route management

• Integration with your accounting package.

• and of course our latest partnership integration with the Foodstuffs exchange!

Start simple and build on your processes when you are ready or automate everything from day one. We hold your hand through the whole process no matter how you choose to do it.

Talk to our experts to see if The EasyVend solution is right for you. The Team at EasyVend Australia are so excited to work for their cousins supplying Foodstuffs across the ditch. Ask for more info, or book some time in to see if EasyVend is right for you.

The Jeal Team celebrating the integration of Foodstuffs

design

Is your brand lost for words?

“Make it simple, but significant.” – Don Draper, Mad Men. One of fiction’s best copywriters emphasises the power of words, an apt introduction to the undervalued power of a distinctive brand language.

Design attracts, copy connects. Retail environments are busy, so your brand’s design’ (shelf-facing) needs to attract and shout on the shelf. But beyond that, when the consumer is perusing within your range of products, or has picked up your product to investigate further, copy and how you speak come into play and leverage your (hopefully!) distinct personality. There is the chance to explain why your brand is chosen and not the one sitting next to yours. Of course, a retail brand is just as much digital as it is physical, so this tone of voice will probably have already been encountered through other digital channels. This is where a unified approach to tone, style and messaging are essential to build brand recognition and nurture connection with a consumer.

specific callouts), website (long-form story), social media and other consumer communications (brand phrases and comments).

While doing this work, it is essential to consider what your product is, does and delivers for the consumer and stay authentic to that, differentiate from your competitors and keep in mind brevity. Shorter is better and twice as engaging.

“Make it simple, but significant.”

To get to grips with brand language, it is easier to break it down into three levels. The upper level is the overall narrative, providing a sense of the world you want to create, which is essential for your brand. Consider what your brand or product stands for, and why a consumer needs it in their daily life.

Next level down, we start to inject a sense of personality: quirky, deadpan, informative, conservative… this is your brand’s human traits coming to the fore and connecting with the consumer. The bottom level is product-centric, highlighting flavour, taste, health and lifestyle identifiers.

All three levels are consistent in tone, sentence structure, use of adjectives and turns of phrase. These are not used on pack all at the same time; instead, they are strategically deployed across packaging (short back-of-pack story while the front of the pack has product-

At Onfire, we become lovers of each project we work on and deep dive to understand each one in detail. This way, we write and create a brand language with heart – if we love it, it is much easier to convince others to love it, too. For example, Hubbards is the definitive Kiwimade success story. Starting with Dick Hubbard in the late 80s through to today, the brand is famous for its breakfast staples, quirky NPDs and New Zealand community-minded spirit, and above all else is its inventor mindset. The brand language is just as distinctive as the packaging. Each range has a definitively Kiwi, excitable and imaginative story to tell on the back of pack. Each story aims to get Kiwi minds ready for each day. This comes through on front-of-pack callouts; simple messages using wordplay and positivity. This tone of voice is deployed cohesively across all consumer touch points.

Living and breathing your mission is a must for any brand owner. But when you are really ‘in it’, it’s too easy to have tunnel vision. As creative partners, we go the extra mile to understand your brand while keeping a healthy distance. This allows us to not be led by what others are saying. Whatever stage you are at, working with an experienced brand narrative and copy team is an integral part of the creative process.

Want to know more about how we can help ignite your brand? Call Sammo on: 021 608 204 email@sam@weareonfire.co.nz www.weareonfire.co.nz

Taking on FMCG talent of tomorrow

“Employer registrations are now open for the 2024/25 Summer”

Championing FMCG to attract and retain top-tier talent is something members often raise with me as central to NZFGC’s role as an industry association. To contribute to this, we have proudly been supporting the FMCG Futures Summer Interns’ programme since its inception. The programme, which is delivered as a joint initiative by BizAdviser and Talent Solutions, was developed as a direct result of NZFGC’s Talent Working Group members identifying the lack of awareness of FMCG in job seeking graduates and the need for a pipeline into our exciting industry. Employer registrations are now open for the 2024/25 Summer, and we are on the lookout for forward-thinking companies eager to embrace outstanding tertiary talent.

What is the FMCG Futures Internship Programme?

The FMCG Futures Summer Internship Programme provides university students in their second year of study or above with the opportunity to get incredible work experience over their summer holidays. Students can be studying in almost any degree programme to apply.

To participate in the programme, employers must be willing to provide a meaningful internship experience that aligns with the objectives of the programme. The eligibility criteria for employers include offering a 10-12 week paid internship, providing industry-specific training, and supporting the intern’s learning and development. To date interns have been in sales, human resources,

merchandising, logistics, IT, finance, accounting, food tech, engineering, and marketing. The options continue to grow, which is great for diversity of thought in FMCG.

Why should your business consider participating?

In the most recent programme review, employers gave an overwhelming endorsement of the programme – with 100% of participating employers recommending the FMCG Futures programme to other companies.

The programme itself is a real opportunity for employers. By participating in this initiative, companies not only gain access to a pool of talented and motivated students but also contribute to shaping the future leaders of the FMCG industry.

For employers, the benefits are many. Firstly, it gives your company access into a reservoir of highly motivated near graduates, ready to make their mark on the dynamic FMCG industry. Secondly, it allows companies to identify and nurture potential future employees, as well as integrating fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into their businesses. Moreover, the joined-up efforts of industry to attract top talent increases as more participate, creating a stronger, more competitive market.

The training component of the programme, run by the programme team, is another significant advantage. Interns receive industry-specific training, which not only adds value to their immediate contribution but also ensures they are well-prepared for future roles within the industry.

Employers who choose to be involved are not just filling internships; they are building the foundation for a robust and dynamic industry. By providing students with an inside look at the industry, the programme fosters a new generation of professionals who are not only skilled but also passionate about their future roles within FMCG.

For more information on how to participate, employers can visit the official FMCG Futures website https://www.fmcgfutures.co.nz/employer-portal .

I’ll finish this pitch, using the words of one of our employers who says in endorsing the programme: “We have loved being part of the programme for the past two years, it’s such a great way to bring new energy into the business, give young managers the opportunity to experience having direct reports and finding talent all at once.”

Who will run your business if you can’t?

What happens to your shareholding if you lose capacity?

There are many unforeseen ways a person can lose physical or mental capacity to carry on their personal and business affairs. Be it a sudden medical event, or a neurological condition. WHO reported in 2021 more than one in three people worldwide suffered from a neurological condition. Under the Companies Act 1993, you cease to be a director if you lose capacity. Similarly, a sole trader cannot carry on business if they lose capacity.

Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPOA’s) for your ‘Property’ and for your ‘Care & Welfare’ are a great way to ensure that your business and personal property affairs can continue to be managed if you lose capacity. Your Property attorney can exercise your shareholder rights on your behalf to appoint a new director, carry on business as usual, vote on major transactions or wind up the company.

Without a Property EPOA, a court application will be necessary to appoint someone to manage your property. A property management order could take months to obtain and your business may suffer if it is unable to trade in the interim.

What

happens if you are temporarily unavailable?

If you are a sole director or sole trader, are you prepared to let your business stall while you are absent overseas, ill or injured? If not, put in place a Deed of Power of Attorney and Deed of Delegation (POA).

A POA allows you or the company to appoint a trusted person to manage your business and enter into binding transactions in your absence. This avoids any loss to your business if urgent matters arise when you are not there to perform your director’s duties.

A POA granted by you personally will end if you lose capacity or die. If your business can’t afford any delay while a new director and/or property manager is appointed, it is better for the Company itself to grant the POA.

“Under the Companies Act 1993, you cease to be a director if you lose capacity.”

A POA granted by a Company continues to have effect if you die or lose capacity.

Surprise, you’re in business with a shareholder’s partner or relative

If you are one of several shareholders, unless you have an appropriate Shareholders Agreement in place, your shares will be gifted according to your Will. If you have no Will, the Administration Act 1969 predetermines who will inherit your assets. However, the other shareholders might not expect to be in business with your partner or relative after you die and vice versa.

Similarly, unless you have a section 21 Contracting Out Agreement under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, your spouse or de-facto partner could acquire a share in your business on separation or death.

If you don’t want to be in business with a shareholder’s partner or relatives, enter into a Shareholders Agreement to give each shareholder a pre-emptive right to purchase your shares.

Speak to our team of friendly experts

If you haven’t put in place the legal protections above, call us today to discuss how we can better protect you and your business from unforeseeable events – phone 09 553 9242.

Claire Vordermann Associate Steindle Williams Legal www.swlegal.co.nz

Washing up in AI

A few years ago I was lucky enough to go to a Shopper Marketing conference in New York. It was full of the latest, greatest examples of retail innovation and thinking. It was amazing.

The star of the show was a presentation on Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology that was being trialled in Amazon Go stores and has since been used in Amazon Fresh, Wholefoods, sport stadiums, universities and airports in the US. You’ve probably heard about the magic it promised. The customer scans their card when they walk in, they fill their basket with what they want and simply walk out with no cashier intervention. Their selections have been recorded and their card charged through the use of Artificial Intelligence.

But all was not what it seemed. Apparently it was a hoax. The shopper selections were actually being manually monitored by a team of 1,000 people watching remotely and recording sales in India.

This is a glaring example of what has come to be known as AI washing; when companies falsely claim to be harnessing the power of AI in their products and services.

Amazon is not alone. These days we see AI credentials referenced in everything from software to golf clubs (seriously). In an effort to be seen to be modern and sophisticated the idea of AI promises superior performance and a glimpse of the future.

There are more examples of companies AI washing, or at least overstating their AI capabilities emerging all the time.

• Coca-Cola has been criticised for claiming to use AI to “co-create” a new flavour called Y3000.

• German fintech company Wirecard claimed to be using AI when in actual fact they were just using spreadsheets for analysis.

AI is the latest example of the hype that new technology can create. Think crypto boom, think dot com. Apparently, there is a psychological phenomenon called the Pro-Innovation bias in which there is an excessive optimism towards an invention or innovation, while often failing to identify its limitations and weaknesses.

AI is an extreme example of this, where we see bold predictions about the future and massive investment in anything AI-related. The phenomenal rise in value of Nvidia shares is a great example of this, as is the general hysteria around Chat GPT and other such software.

The future of AI is predicted to disrupt many fields such as customer service support, supply chain delivery, professional services like accounting, legal and marketing, just to name a few. There are worrying predictions that AI will replace people in jobs on a wholesale level.

But we are not quite at the future yet. According to the Gartner Hype Cycle we are at the stage of peaking with inflated expectations. The next phase of adoption is what they call the trough of disillusionment, when some of the excessive promises of AI go unfulfilled.

Following this trough they predict a steady rise in maturity as the true value of AI will evolve from the early blush of excitement into genuinely useful and reliable innovation.

Stories of disillusionment can be easily found in the day-to-day world with things like artificial photos of celebrities showing unnatural fingers and limbs. There are examples of AI service robots that have turned on their company owners to degrade them, or create creepy, inappropriate personal relationships with customers. And there are alarming predictions about increasingly fake news and the manipulation of elections.

This leaves us in a state of current flux in which we like what AI promises, but we aren’t so sure about what it is giving us. No doubt it will all come out in the wash of time.

“AI is the latest example of the hype that new technology can create.”

Lew Bentley Strategic Planner at Headlight

Unlocking Innovative Productivity: The

Power of Sales & Operations Execution in Manufacturing

Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE) is a crucial process in manufacturing, bridging strategic planning with day-today operations. It aligns sales forecasts, production plans, and operational capabilities to efficiently meet customer demands and optimize resources.

This weekly cross-functional process manages short-term changes to the Sales & Operations Plan (S&OP) within a 1 to 13 week horizon, ensuring alignment with business guidelines.

S&OE serves as the operational heartbeat, examining sales forecasts, production capacities, and inventory levels to synchronize the flow of goods from production to delivery. By integrating data and leveraging analytics, manufacturers gain real-time insights, enabling them to finetune production schedules and adapt to market changes swiftly.

explore new opportunities, empowered by S&OE’s capability to orchestrate seamless coordination and minimize inefficiencies.

S&OE enhances productivity by reducing lead times, maximizing resource utilization, and minimizing waste. By aligning production with demand forecasts, it ensures timely delivery, enhancing customer satisfaction, and loyalty. This strategic imperative enables manufacturers to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace by investing in advanced technologies and crossfunctional collaboration.

It fosters collaboration between sales, operations, and other functions, promoting continuous improvement and innovation. Manufacturers can streamline processes, optimize designs, and

In essence, S&OE in manufacturing synchronizes sales forecasts with production plans, optimizes resources, and enhances customer experiences. By prioritizing S&OE, manufacturers can unlock innovation, drive productivity, and maintain a competitive edge in today’s complex business landscape.

By Chris Foord,

Partner, Argon & Co New Zealand and Natalie Russell, Managing Principal, Argon & Co New Zealand

See real change.

At Argon & Co, we lead the way in operations transformation and strategy for the FMCG industry. This is the partnership you’ve been looking for.

New Zealand’s finest

We celebrate some of the amazing, medal-winning products from the Outstanding Food Producer Awards 2024.

New retail packs for Champion Akaroa King Salmon

Akaroa King Salmon is 100% New Zealand owned and has been raising sustainable King Salmon here since 1985. They’re justifiably renowned for their Hot Smoked Salmon – made with just King Salmon, New Zealand Sea Salt and natural Mānuka smoke – no artificial flavours or sugar (suitable for Keto diets). A Gold Medal winner for four consecutive years at the Outstanding Food Producer Awards – a musthave Hot Smoked Salmon for your customers. Now branded with the FernMark as part of our guarantee of New Zealand provenance.

www.akaroasalmon.co.nz sales@akaroasalmon.co.nz

Proper Crisps

The latest range from Proper Crisps collected two Golds and a Silver in the 2024 Awards. Known for its punchier, more international flavours and serious crunch factor; the Big Cut range is going from strength to strength. Cut thicker and cooked low and slow, this crisp gives a satisfying bite for those of us who love a more intense crunch when enjoying our favourite snack. Dill Pickle and Purple & Gold took home Gold not just for their mouthwatering flavour and impeccable bite but also for the company’s ethos for high quality, hand-cooked crisps with no nasties. This is a company determined to make our favourite snack more of a culinary treat by only using real ingredients to create their seasonings, all made in-house. They hold true to their promise of no additives, preservatives or flavour enhancers whilst being allergen-friendly and vegan. Ka Pai Proper Crisps! View the range at propercrisps.com or for order enquiries email hello@propercrisps.co.nz

Awardwinning Natural Pink Lemonade

Sip on Pete’s Natural Pink Lemonade blending New Zealand lemons with luscious boysenberries for a refreshing twist. Each bottle sold helps Heart Kids NZ. Enjoy the fruity goodness guilt-free while supporting a great cause. Raise your glass to taste kindness and a splash of pink perfection!available online or nationwide in cafes and supermarkets www.petesnatural.co.nz info@petesnatural.co.nz

Matangi

Angus Beef scores Gold and Paddock Champion medals

Matangi Angus Beef produces award-winning beef in the heart of the Hawkes Bay, exclusively for New Zealand. Bred with purpose to achieve the finest eating quality, Matangi’s Bavette Steak – described as ‘a fantastic barbecue cut, with great clean taste, mouthfeel and texture’ – is available seasonally, through their online store www.matangi.co.nz.

Healthy snacks for all the family

Chief snack buyers, we’ve got your back - genuinely good, healthy snacks that kids (and adults) LOVE! NaturKidz was started by a busy mum looking for the hardest thing to find – healthy and easy kids snacks that kids will actually eat.

These innovative fruit snacks are made from New Zealand grown fruit that otherwise wouldn’t have made it to shelf. The fruit is simply picked, sliced and dried using technology that retains around 97% of the original nutrients and creates a crunchy snack, full of flavour in a fun stick or slice shape.

Free from any additives, preservatives, added sugar, major allergens or icky things you can’t pronounce it’s pretty hard to find a kid that doesn’t like these (honest, we tried!). Not that kids care what’s in them, but mum does, so it’s a win/win – super yum and honestly good.

Contact Bonnie Slade 021 293 7580 hello@naturkidz.co.nz

Forbes Homemade Gourmet

Forbes Homemade Gourmet was founded in 1997 with a simple yet profound vision: to cook food just like you would at home, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a touch of old fashioned charm.

Leading the New Zealand ready frozen meals market as the original ready meals supplier in Aotearoa, and with a cult following in Kohimarama and the Bays, Forbes Homemade Gourmet has grown to supply all over Auckland, with the same dedication to their food. Cooked in small batches, with fresh ingredients and in ovens just like your ones at home, which gives it that delicious homemade taste, every time. Come and taste the quality that is Forbes. https://www.forbeshomemadegourmet.co.nz/

Chantal Organics Corn Puffs are Winning Awards and Consumers Hearts

Chantal Organics is on a mission to make exciting, satisfying, and naturally great tasting snacks. Our corn puffs range is made from certified organic, whole grain corn, baked into a light and crunchy puff, and covered with a unique blend of seasonings and spices for a satisfying snack. Boost your snacking aisle with these innovative, award-winning corn puffs.

Bang Bang BBQ Corn Puffs are seasoned with garlic, onion powder and Spanish Smoked Paprika and the Churro Style Corn Puffs are seasoned with a touch of sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon, just like the popular Mexican Churro. These gluten-free, organic corn puffs are made in NZ and come in a soft plastics recyclable bag. For orders or enquiries contact us at orders@chantal.co.nz or 0800 254 766.

Award-winning organic honey

Woodland’s is a family-owned and operated business, located in the Northern Coromandel, with a strong ‘from hive to home’ ethos. We extract our honey within hours of harvest, process carefully at hive temperature, and package by hand to produce premium single-source, raw, BioGro certified organic manuka honey. Discover more www.woodlandhoney.co.nz

Pepler’s: Your Passport to a World of Flavours

For over four decades, as a family-owned brand, Pepler’s has been making award-winning flavours. Their Te Kauwhata kitchen makes small batches of about 100 different handmade condiments.

Paul and Jane Menneer started selling homemade products at a farmers’ market in 2017 and got such a positive response that they never looked back.

“All of our products are a combination of our experiences around the world, pulling together different flavours and ingredients,” says Paul. “We take pride in creating bold, innovative combinations that set us apart from other condiment brands.”

This commitment to cuisine can be relished in any of their high-quality, globally and locally inspired products.

Dairy-free Gourmet Yoghurts

Raglan Food Co’s Gourmet Range received some well-deserved recognition at this year’s awards. Their Irresistible Blackcurrant brought home a Silver medal, with their Decadent Raspberry and Luscious Lemon both taking out Bronze. Judges thought all three had a great texture, mouthfeel and flavour; and appreciated the aroma of this ‘a bit fancy’ range. For order enquiries, email: orders@raglanfoodco.com.

Pepler’s has been awarded gold medals for their Vietnamese Dipping Sauce and Everything Burger Sauce. They also won silver for their Plum and Cardamom Fruit Paste and Portuguese Peri Peri Sauce, and bronze for their Tamarind and Ginger Chutney. To place an order or get in touch; visit peplers.co.nz or email sales@peplers.co.nz

Silver for Epicurean Kaffir Lime and Ginger flavours

PURE believes in purity, provenance and sustainability – meaning all our flavours are naturally intense. Carefully Selected ingredients include our Hawkes Bay Limes, fresh from NZ’s fruit bowl - so you can be sure that only the finest produce is used to handcraft your serve of PURE deliciousness. For orders contact +64 (0)3 443 7792 icecream@purenzicecream.co.nz purenzicecream.com

Magical Tea Experience

Discover The Tea Thief’s award-winning infusions, crafted with ethically sourced, sustainable ingredients. Indulge in Summer Meadow, our silver medal-winning herbal blend, and Dark & Handsome, a smoky tea with cacao nibs. Wrapped in eco-friendly packaging, these blends elevate loose leaf tea to new heights of taste and quality. For order enquiries, email: hello@theteathief.co www.theteathief.com

Davis Downs Hazelnuts

Our Hazelnut orchard, the southernmost in the Southern Hemisphere, proudly won Gold and Silver at the Outstanding Food Producer Awards. We supply top chefs with premium hazelnuts, ensuring quality and flavour in every dish. Discover the difference our hazelnuts can bring to your pantry by using the gluten-free hazelnut flour, hazelnut oil and of course the hazelnuts. www.davisdowns.co.nz admin@davisdowns.co.nz

with outstanding credentials for producing quality with a considered footprint. Oakley’s Premium Fresh Vegetables Ltd. is a familyowned and operated business where fifthgeneration farmers grow fresh vegetables for Kiwi families. From the fertile soils of the Canterbury Plains, Oakley’s deliver on taste and quality with their Golden Gourmet Potatoes, all while sustainably nurturing the land and utilising their own 220kw solar farm. www.oakleys.co.nz

Kiki Seed Cracker Mix

Seed cracker pre-mix in four delicious flavours - just add oil, water and bake to make over 300 grams of crackers. Plant-based, gluten, dairy and nut free. The perfect pantry staple, foodie gift or glutenfree option to serve your customers. Keep made-up crackers in the freezer, ready to serve when needed.

www.kikiseedcrackermix.co.nz

New Zealand Creameries frozen treats

New Zealand Creameries’ beloved brands Motueka Creamery and Deep South Ice Cream, have both scooped awards at the Outstanding Food Producer Awards, adding a sprinkle of achievement to their lineup of already delightful frozen treats.

Motueka Creamery’s Watermelon and Lime Sorbet, a refreshing blend of watermelon sorbet with a hint of zesty lime, has proudly clinched a silver award in the “free-from” category. This recognition celebrates Motueka Creamery’s first dairy-free, gluten-free, and 100% vegan offering in its brand, emphasising its dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Granola Champs from Blue Frog Breakfast

Deep South Ice Cream’s latest creation, Cinnamon Donut Ice Cream, earned a Bronze in the “dairy” category. Inspired by the timeless allure of cinnamon donuts, this indulgent creation blends creamy goodness with the nostalgic taste of freshly baked donuts filled with raspberry jam, offering a unique sensory experience that captivates taste buds.

www.motuekacreamery.co.nz

www.deepsouthicecream.co.nz

Adding another two award-winning granolas to their range, Blue Frog Pic’s Peanut Butter Crunch and Keto Toasted Superseeds with Vanilla & Sea Salt are the OFPA granola champs.

Packed with real, natural ingredients (and cerealsy delicious) these are two nutty granolas that are truly worth waking up for.

www.bluefrogbreakfast.co.nz

FMCG Business Outstanding New Product Champion

Paneton Bakery & L’Authentique Toulouse Sausage Rolls

Paneton Bakery has triumphed at the 2024 Outstanding Food Producer Awards, taking away the highly contested title of FMCG Business Outstanding New Product Champion for their Paneton Bakery & L’Authentique Toulouse Sausage Rolls

The judges praised these sausage rolls for their homemade taste and high quality. “Delicious pastry, very tasty sausage. Pastry and sausage are both good quality. Innovative. Excellent flavour and aftertaste,” their taste assessment read.

Paneton Bakery & L’Authentique Toulouse Sausage Rolls are a collaboration between businesses founded by two French expats, which coincidently are both former Outstanding Food Producer Awards winners. Made with Paneton butter puff pastry and L’Authentique Toulouse sausages they combine the best French savoir-faire with NZ made products.

It’s easy to have that amazing flavour at home, simply pop them in the oven and they’ll be ready in no time. Paneton Bakery & L’Authentique Toulouse Sausage Rolls have a subtle finish of rosemary and thyme, delivering a sophisticated and balanced taste. Their texture is lighter and more refined than many products, setting a new standard for premade sausage rolls ready to be baked at home and served hot.

Paneton Bakery’s consistent commitment to quality and authenticity has earned them multiple awards and accolades, including many medals with the Outstanding Food Producer Awards over recent years. Paneton Bakery products have become staples in specialty food stores, supermarkets, and high-end grocers across New Zealand.

French inspiration and fine NZ ingredients

Dominique Colombie of Paneton learned the art of pastry making from his father, whose Patisserie Colombie was an institution in their village in South-west France. Dominique met his wife, Celia Elder in Paris and the pair shared a love of fine French cuisine, and together they dreamt of establishing a business in New Zealand inspired by their passion for French baking.

Returning to New Zealand in 1986, they set up La Tarterie in Khyber Pass in Newmarket, Auckland, specialising in savoury and sweet tartes. Their hard work paid off, and with customer focus and quality baking, their café became so popular there was often a queue out the door!

Today, Paneton enjoys success as New Zealand’s leading French bakery, combining traditional French baking with the finest New Zealand ingredients. They have built on their range of traditional French bread and patisseries by now offering Ready to Rise pastries and Ready to Bake breads for the convenience of customers anywhere in New Zealand.

Paneton Bakery remains a family-run business, maintaining its commitment to traditional French baking. The Colombie family continue to lead the business, ensuring that their values of quality, French baking, innovation, and customer satisfaction are preserved. Award-winning Paneton Bakery & L’Authentique Toulouse Sausage Rolls are available at New World supermarkets, all Farro Fresh stores, Moore Wilson’s, specialist food stores and green grocers across New Zealand, and online via Click and Collect directly from Paneton’s Auckland store, visit Paneton online here https://panetonbakery.co.nz/.

Madeleine and Dominique Colombie of Paneton

OUTSTANDING FOOD PRODUCER AWARDS 2024

In February Lauraine Jacobs led 25 judges to assess 355 locally harvested, grown or made Kiwi food and drink products. Top scoring products were awarded Outstanding Food Producer Awards gold, silver or bronze medals, with the highest scoring products named Champions.

2024 Supreme Champion

Leefield Station Supreme Champion: Mind Your Temper, Black Forest Bonbon

2024 Category Champions

Farro Earth Champion: Branch Creek Honey, Raw Clover Blend Honey

Emerson’s Paddock Co-Champion: Pure South Handpicked Beef 55-day Aged Ribeye

Emerson’s Paddock Co-Champion: Matangi Angus Beef, Matangi Bavette

Seafood New Zealand Water Champion: Akaroa King Salmon Fillet

Leefield Station Dairy Co-Champion: Charlies Gelato, Lemon Gelato

Leefield Station Dairy Co-Champion: Island Gelato Co, Rich Chocolate Gelato

Chocolate Bean-to-Bar Champion:

Foundry Chocolate Ea Kar, Đak Lak, Vietnam 70%

Chocolate Bonbon Champion: Mind Your Temper, Black Forest Bonbon

2024 Coast Kiwis’ Favourite

Coast Kiwis’ Favourite NZ Food Producer: Lindsday Farm Dairy

Label & Litho Drink Champion: Six Barrel Soda, Yuzu & Mandarin Seltz Drops

Free-From Champion: NaturKidz Fruit Crispz Range

FMCG Business Outstanding New Product Champion: Paneton Bakery & L'Authentique Toulouse Sausage Rolls

Farro Outstanding New Boutique Product Champion: Opito Bay Salt Company, Kampot Pepper Fine Sea Salt

BYD Auto New Zealand Sustainability Champion: Hamlin Road Organic Farm

Emerging Business Champion: Wild Child Ferments

NZ Life & Leisure Spirit of New Zealand Champion Award: Oakley’s Premium Fresh Vegetables

Coast Kiwis’ Favourite Farmers’ Market: Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market

For all 2024 medal winners visit outstandingfoodproducer.co.nz

Thanks to our partners

Supreme Champion – Nel Vicencio, Mind Your Temper

BROWN BROTHERS’ NEW ZERO RANGE

Many consumers are adopting healthier lifestyle choices as a result of educational campaigns such as Dry July and responsible driving ads on TV. Beverage brands worldwide are investing extensively in R&D to create new and creative no-alcohol products that match these new trends.

While the alcohol-free wine segment is still small in dollar value, it is among the few segments showing growth in the wine aisles, say FMCG experts. “Consumers are willing to pay a premium for no alcohol replacement beverage options,” explains a consultant at Circana.

Brown Brothers has recently launched its very own Zero range of no-alcohol wines featuring Prosecco Zero, Prosecco Rosé Zero and Moscato Zero – fantastic new drinks that donʼt sacrifice on flavour.

This collection of vibrant, refreshing alcohol-free wines has been created so shoppers can still enjoy the taste and feeling of their favourite Brown Brothers drop, without over-consumption.

Emma Brown, Brown Brothers Head of Innovation (and fourth generation Brown family) explains: “With flavour and mouth-feel a key priority, the range was created using spinning-cone technology to remove the alcohol. The spinning-cone technology process leaves a trace amount of alcohol (0.5%), helping to closely mimic the alcoholic drinking experience. Leaving such a small amount of alcohol allows our winemakers to create wines that achieve a full palate taste. Itʼs a zero-alcohol experience without the compromise on flavour.”

“Weʼre proud to say that Moscato, Prosecco and Prosecco Rosé drinkers will be hard-pressed to tell the difference between Brown Brothers Zero range and their alcoholic counterparts. Whether your drink of choice is a low or no-alcoholic one or you’re interested in

“Brown Brothers Zero range is set to become New Zealand’s go-to non-alcoholic wine of choice.”

Emma Brown, Brown Brothers Head of Innovation

enjoying a few alcohol-free occasions, Brown Brothers Zero range is set to become New Zealand’s go-to non-alcoholic wine of choice.”

“Light, bright, and free from alcohol, our Zero range of wines is here to make sure every wine adventure is a memorable one.”

Tasting notes

• Prosecco Zero boasts classic flavours of apple and pear, with the vibrancy and freshness Prosecco is known for.

• Brown Brothers Prosecco Rosé Zero is rose-gold in colour with delicate notes of strawberry, watermelon and apple.

• Brown Brothers Moscato Zero is a beautifully clean, fresh style of wine with aromas of musk, citrus and freshly crushed grapes.

Top trends

Emma Brown says “overseas wine trends tend to take a little while to reach New Zealand shores, but we believe that consumers, particularly those in younger generations, will be eager to adopt some of the non-alcoholic drinking trends we’re seeing around the world with ‘sober-curiosity’ now somewhat of a norm. Interest in exploring non-alcoholic beverages is increasing amongst all age groups, but those aged 18-34 are leading the way, with 71% of that age group saying they predict their non-alcoholic beverage intake to increase as time goes on.

“Younger generations are jam-packing their weekends with social activities that prioritise health as much as they prioritise fun and unsurprisingly, they’re the key group driving these sober-curious trends. On a Saturday night out with friends, we are seeing young people opt for a glass of Prosecco Zero, rather than choosing to miss out completely.”

What’s next for Brown Brothers?

“As leaders in wine innovation and experimentation at Brown Brothers we are dedicated to expanding the Zero range. We are constantly looking for varietals that will lend themselves to a zero alternative, without compromising on taste or quality,” says Emma Brown.

The Brown Brothers range is part of the Taylor Brown portfolio and available in New Zealand supermarkets.

Please contact your Taylor Brown representative for orders and more information.

ZERO ALCOHOL, FULL FLAVOUR

NZ’s top 30 beers and ciders

From Pilsner to Pickle Beer, beer and cider fans are in for a treat with the announcement of the 2024 New World Beer & Cider Awards Top 30 winners.

“This year’s Top 30 list delivers variety and flavour explosions like never before in this competition’s ten-year history,” says Chair of Judges Michael Donaldson, who led the independent panel of experts tasked with judging more than 600 entries to find the very best for New World shoppers.

The final list features fridge classics and craft beer favourites from all around the country as well as a host of quirky brews, including some infused with the flavours of wild yeast, berries, chocolate, chili, and even pickles.

“From golden lagers, to trendy hazies, to the most unique ales, sours and ciders – this all-NZ line up really showcases what our local brewers and cidermakers can do.

“Every beer on the list took top marks in a blind tasting for technical excellence, balance, mouthfeel and drinkability, but also had an extra x-factor that really wowed the judges.”

The Top 30 beers and ciders are available in New World stores nationwide.

Crowning Glory

The Supreme Winner title – being the top ranked overall winner, went to Desperate Glory - Oud Bruin from 8 Wired in Warkworth. The Belgian Amber Ale took nearly three years to make from brew day to podium and sets the flavour bar high.

“This is a traditional ale – think dates, brown sugar and sweet spice, that was aged in bourbon barrels and then blended with Chinese Keemun tea, adding vanilla, cherry, light floral and cocoa characters in as well,” says Donaldson of the “complex and sublime” winning beer.

Champion Cider went to Peckham’s Cider of Nelson for their

Hazy Apple Cider. Made with 100% heritage apples, unfiltered, and wild fermented, it has a “divine” aroma and taste that the judges compared it to spiced apple cake.

Table toppers

Dunedin’s Emerson’s Brewery earned four Top 30 spots for their London Porter, Reverb NZ IPA, Super Quench Lower Carb Pacific Pilsner, and Mexicoco Chocolate Chili Porter – a seasonal brew that will get a reprise in New World stores nationwide as a result of the win.

Last year’s Supreme Winner, Taupo’s Lakeman, is also back in 2024, this time with a trifecta of wins for their Big Hairy APA, Taupo Thunder NZ Pale Ale and Primate Pilsner.

Pickle-lovers rejoice

In one out of the box, or perhaps the jar, pickle-lovers will be wellpleased with a win by Pickle Beer from Garage Project. The lightly sour beer is brewed with cucumbers and pickle spices, including dill, mustard seeds and a touch of habanero chilli.

Donaldson says the aroma “is unmistakably the same as you get when you open a pickle jar,” and the judges noted how the “spices shine through, giving the impression of pickle juice.”

Favourites from around the motu

There is plenty for the classic and craft fans too. The 2024 Top 30 features many of Aotearoa’s most established brands, including much-loved lagers, pilsners, ales and dark beers from breweries like Lion, McLeod’s, Panhead, Parrotdog, and Sprig + Fern.

Craft hero Epic is also back with Super Zero IPA, a zero percent take on the full-flavoured IPAs that made them famous, alongside leaders in the lifestyle category, Bach Brewing with their All Day Original Non Alc IPA and Zeffer with their 0% Passionfruit Cider.

“And right alongside them are fast-moving up-and-comers like Christchurch’s Beer Baroness, Hastings’ Brave Brewing Co,

Chair of Judges Michael Donaldson.

Auckland’s Morningcider, Bay of Plenty’s Mount Brewing Co, and Taranaki’s Three Sisters, who are all becoming regulars at the top table,” says Donaldson.

“Plus, we’ve got stone cold craft legends — West Auckland’s Hallertau and Christchurch’s Brew Moon — who have been around for decades but are stepping up to the Top 30 for the first time, both with impeccably made hazies that round out a great selection of eight IPAs.

“Most years we also see a small and first-time winner showcase the depth of quality around Aotearoa, and this year it’s Wanaka’s b.effect with their Social Experiment West Coast IPA. Even better, this previously one-off brew will now be available again for beer fans to try.”

Brewing ALL DAY ORIGINAL Non-alc IPA

Beer Baroness Slice Of Heaven

Brave Brewing Co - Terrible Lizards

Brew Moon Waipara New England IPA

Emerson’s London Porter

Emerson’s Mexicoco Chocolate Chili Porter

Emerson’s Reverb NZ IPA

Emerson’s Super Quench Lower Carb Pacific Pilsner

Super Zero

Project Bliss Lager

Project Pickle Beer

Summer Time Haze

Lakeman Big Hairy APA

Brewing Co

Moon Brewing Company

Brewery

Lakeman Brewing Co

Lakeman Primate Pilsner Lakeman Brewing Co

Lakemans Taupo Thunder NZ Pale Ale Lakeman Brewing Co

McLeod’s Longboard Lager

Morningcider BLACK

Mount Brewing Co Crazy Hazy Daze

Mount Brewing Co Muito Bom

Panhead Port Road Pilsner

Panhead Supercharger APA

Parrotdog Thunderbird

Peckham’s Hazy Apple Cider

*CHAMPION CIDER*

Sprig + Fern The G.O.A.T Doppelbock

Steinlager Classic

Three Sisters Wild One #1

Zeffer 0%

Passionfruit Cider

McLeod’s Brewery

Brewing Co

Brewing Co

Panhead Custom Ales

Panhead Custom Ales

Parrotdog

Peckham’s Cider

Sprig + Fern Brewing Co.

NZ

& Pilsner

& Pilsner

Beers

& Pilsner

8 Wired Desperate Glory - Oud Bruin

Monique and Soren Eriksen toast their Supreme win and Top 30 result outside 8 Wired Barrelworks in Matakana.

Out & About

Foodstuffs NZ Head of Customer Insights and Intelligence Chris Day with popular Mother’s Day gifts.

The Waitrose team in the UK were thrilled to hear that Waitrose was on the Royal Warrant list again for 2024.

Jamie Brear took over as the new owner operator of New World Pukekohe and says he is excited to support the community.

The Woolworths Hāwera team marked a milestone as the 50th Woolworths store in New Zealand, transforming from Countdown Hāwera.

The Matangi team produces 100% grass-fed beef in Hawkes Bay, winning six gold medals and the Paddock Champion award at the Outstanding Food Producer Awards.

Lion New Zealand staff removed almost 1,600 litres of rubbish from Aotearoa’s beaches, waterways and parks during five Sustainable Coastlines clean up events.

Has your team moved to new premises, or been part of a fun event, great harvest, or promotional activity? Send us your favourite snapshots to be in to win five Silver Fern Farm Honest Burger vouchers, worth $75 in total. It’s barbecue season and Silver Fern Farms’ Honest Burgers are the perfect accompaniment to any summer celebration. Honest Burgers are for burger lovers who are serious about quality, made from New Zealand’s finest pasture-raised beef, lamb and venison.

Has your team moved to new premises, or been part of a fun event, great harvest, or promotional activity? Send us your favourite snapshots to be in to win a gift hamper from NaturKidz – a mixed box of healthy snacks with a retail value of $42! NaturKidz won a gold medal and the Free-From Champion award in the Outstanding Food Producer Awards for all four of their NaturKidz Fruit

products.

Just email your high res image with a caption to trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz

Just email your high res image with a caption to trubanowski@fmcgbusiness.co.nz

Crispz

NZ trampolinists Dylan Schmidt and Maddie Davidson with My Food Bag Co-Founder Nadia Lim. The meal kit and food delivery business is supporting the New Zealand team in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympics.

Doug Nilsson of Dunsmore Gardens and Ant Blundell of Kaipara Kūmara check out the new season crop for Proper Crisps.

Chocolate judge Elle Coco with Nel Vincencio of Mind your Temper, the Supreme Champion at the Outstanding Food Producer Awards 2024.

NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke at an EMA event.

WEDNESDAY

20 NOVEMBER 2024

DUE DROP EVENTS CENTRE

MANUKAU

Join us for the 2024 Innovation & Marketing Summit, where FMCG leaders gather to unlock fresh strategies and insights.

Discover innovative techniques to make your brand shine in a crowded market, absorb inspiring and thought-provoking talks from our experts, and enjoy unparalleled networking opportunities.

Gain the knowledge and tools you need to up your marketing game and drive your brand’s lasting success. This year the FMCG Business

Raewyn Bleakley NZ Food & Grocery Council

Dan Bone Circana

Tori Calver Sustainable Business Network

Mark Wolfenden Woolworths NZ