PROFILE: FRUCOR SUNTORY PARTNERS WITH PITA PIT NZ

FRUCOR SUNTORY PARTNERS WITH PITA PIT NZ

Last month, Frucor Suntory proudly announced an exclusive partnership with Pita Pit NZ which will see the business become Pita Pit New Zealand’s exclusive beverage partner from March 1, 2022.

The Frucor Suntory range will be available across 87 restaurants, including Pepsi, Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew,7Up, Gatorade, Suntory Boss Coffee, NZ Natural, H2go, Just Juice, Ribena, McCoy, V Energy & Allganics brands.

As two challenger brands, with fire in their belly, the synergies between both organisations are very clear.

New Zealand Head of On-The-Go, Justin Ramsay, commented: “We are thrilled to be able to partner with one of New Zealand’s leading quick-service restaurants. Signing a multi-year partnership with Pita-Pit is part of our drive and commitment to grow our PepsiCo portfolio across multiple channels.

Pita Pit CEO, Duane Dalton added, “This exclusive partnership will empower us to continue to offer our customers fantastic beverage options that complement our menu offerings: that suit any occasion, budget and diet.”

Foodservice is a particular focus for growth for Frucor Suntory’s on-the-go division which also looks after the petrol, convenience and leisure sectors The new partnership complements growing momentum in the on-the-go channel, expanding existing foodservice and leisure customers, including Hoyts, Zambrero, Better Burger and Kiwi Grill.

Ramsay describes the multi-year agreement as a partnership that goes beyond the fine print; with both businesses making a shared commitment to work collaboratively to offer great value, variety and experience that will excite and delight customers.

“We’ll be working closely together to help grow and transform each other’s commercial businesses and digital practices. Our capabilities, expertise and experience are a core part of our partnership proposition to unlock growth.”

Frucor and Pita Pit team members announce the partnership.

As part of global beverage powerhouse, Suntory Group, the Oceania team is proud to bring global best practice and insights to drive beverage purchase to our customers. Ramsay points to Frucor Suntory’s expertise across the on-the-go and food-service channels, with a team knowledgeable in enhancing visibility on menu boards and using product imagery to prompt consumer purchase.

With a range that spans all consumer need states and occasions, the Frucor Suntory portfolio provides broad consumer appeal across three key areas. It offers the ability to match and pair beverages to all moments of the day and menu offerings, increasing the likelihood of conversion and basket penetration. Central to this conversion, is the creation of a clear value ladder with simple, combos and deals, as well as add-on mechanics for all budgets to maximize reach. Lastly, the team understands how to shape a superior customer experience, create excitement through ‘new’ news and reward consumers to drive repeat visits.

Apart from wow-ing Kiwis with delicious food and beverages, both companies also share a common vision to do the right thing by the communities they serve, says Ramsay.

“Like Pita Pit, Frucor Suntory is committed to providing highquality products, engaging in fair business practices and achieving our sustainability and wellbeing goals.”

The business knows consumers want ‘better-for-you’ options to support lifestyle and ​wellbeing changes, with the low or no-sugar range growing 4.5 times faster than full-sugar beverage options. To meet this changing preference, Frucor Suntory’s goal is to have 1 in 3 beverages sold as low or no sugar by 2030, a significant move from 2018’s 1 in 6 benchmark.

The business continues to invest in its local state of-the-art Research and Development facility which supports the product innovation pipeline and the evolution of its portfolio. For example, Frucor Suntory’s team of scientists is focused on research into new sweetener options that could deliver great tasting beverages without compromise. While consumer needs continue to change, the Oceania team leverages industry insights and expertise from across the Suntory Group to lead the way in better drinks.

It’s an ambitious spirit that continues through to the organisation’s focus to positively impact the world around it by ‘Growing for Good’ - making sustainability an easier choice for consumers and customers.

Ramsay commented, “We’re also keenly aware of how important it is to have a responsible approach to packaging. Our goal is to have 100% recyclable packaging by 2030 and I am proud to say we are well on our way to achieving our target, with over 92% of our portfolio using recyclable packaging.”

Brad Erceg NZ Sales Director at Frucor Suntory and Pita Pit CEO Duane Dalton

The business’ packaging excellence team continues to drive innovation in this area, like colour removal to improve recyclability and lightweighting to use less material. With a focus on creating lighter packaging and lower emissions, the team is breaking new ground without compromising packaging quality.

Reflecting on the road ahead, Dalton added, “We are excited to partner with Frucor Suntory, who set themselves apart from their competition by their ability and passion to wow consumers with exceptional beverages, experiences and values.”

Ramsay concluded, “At Frucor Suntory, our people are connected by a hunger to make drinks better – from our product portfolio to our sustainable packaging solutions and the customer experiences we create.”

“This is a big win for our team, and I know there are going to be some great opportunities to grow the Pita Pit business and bring some welldeserved refreshment to Kiwis across the country. I know I’ll be at the front of the queue, ready and waiting to order my Pepsi Max and Pita on March 1st!”

About Frucor Suntory

Since its beginnings in the early 1960s as part of the New Zealand Apple & Pear Board, Frucor Suntory has evolved from a small local juice business to a significant international beverages company. The company produces more than 20 million cases of drinks a year at its South Auckland manufacturing plant. Frucor Suntory manufactures, markets and distributes a range of fruit juices, fruit drinks, energy drinks, waters and soft drinks. It is the company behind iconic brands V, h2go, Just Juice, Fresh Up, Maximus and Simply Squeezed. The company currently employs 1,000 people across Australia and New Zealand. Since 2009 Frucor Suntory has been wholly owned by leading Japanese beverage and food company Suntory Group

www.suntory.com