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Tag: New Zealand

  • Kiwi coffee brand Allpress launches capsules in Australia

    Kiwi coffee brand Allpress launches capsules in Australia

    Kiwi coffee brand Allpress has created its first capsule espresso, designed, it says, to deliver an accessible solution for those seeking to enjoy the brand’s coffee at home. 

    According to the company, the capsule took years of innovation to create and uses the same specialty grade coffee used by its cafes worldwide.

    The capsules were crafted by reformulating its Allpress Espresso Blend to highlight the “caramel sweetness”, increase depth, and ground it “super-finely” for slower extraction. The grounds were then roasted at high temperatures to maximize the coffee’s solubility, recreating the same flavor of its cafe’s coffee, the brand added.

    Allpress head roaster Zach Dowse says most coffee pods aren’t able to meet customers’ expectations when it comes to flavor, so the brand worked to create one product that could.  

    “This meant going back to the basics and thinking about how the Allpress Espresso Blend could be adjusted to work best as a pod,” said Dowse. 

    “We had to think about the roast profile, the mix of origins in the capsule and finally, finding the correct grind size that allowed the right amount of water contact and gave us the most balance to our cup.” 

    Founded in 1989, Allpress says creating the capsule coffee is one of the brand’s biggest ventures yet. 

    Allpress Espresso Specialty Coffee Capsule is available from its online store, in Allpress Roastery Cafes, from cafe partners, and specialty grocery stores nationwide for RRP $12 for a 10-piece pack and $70 for a 60-piece pack.

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  • Lion New Zealand’s Speight’s launches first alcohol-free lager

    Lion New Zealand’s Speight’s launches first alcohol-free lager

    New Zealand’s alcohol beverage giant Lion has introduced the first alcohol-free beer range under the Speight’s brand called Speight’s Summit Zero lager.

    Speight’s new beer range is also Lion’s second alcohol-free beer. The launch of the range resulted from the surging popularity of alcohol-free drinks in the country.

    “There is huge untapped consumer demand and growth to be seen,” said Rachel Ellerm, marketing director at Lion New Zealand.

    According to MAT Scan Nielsen 2021, New Zealand’s lighter beer category, which includes low and no alcohol beer, is growing at 24 percent. Meanwhile, zero alcohol beer is estimated to hit NZ$25 billion in sales globally by 2024.

    “People love the taste of Speight’s so a zero-alcohol option was the logical next step,” Ellerm said. “We expect it to be a huge hit with Speight’s fans and consumers looking for a lighter option alike.”

  • A2 milk taking controlling stake in Mataura Valley Milk

    A2 milk taking controlling stake in Mataura Valley Milk

    A2 Milk’s NZ$270 million bid for New Zealand-based Mataura Valley Milk has been given the green light by the country’s Overseas Investment Office.

    The decision clears the way for a2 to pick up a 75 percent interest in the dairy nutrition business, which is now set to occur at the end of July.

    According to the business, the acquisition “provides the opportunity to participate in nutritional products manufacturing, provides supplier and geographic diversification, and strengthens our relationship with key partners in China.”

    “As previously announced, due to the increasing scale of our infant nutrition business, we have been assessing participation in manufacturing capacity and capability,” said A2 Milk Company CEO Geoff Babidge said last year.

    “Our intention would be to invest further to establish blending and canning capacity at Mataura’s facility to support the establishment of a fully integrated manufacturing plant for infant nutrition.”

    A key part of the investment is that Mataura Valley Milk’s current majority shareholder, China Animal Husbandry Group, will retain its 25 percent interest in the business alongside a2’s 75 percent interest.

    China Animal Husbandry Group is the parent company to a2’s strategic logistics and distribution partner in China, CSFA Holdings Shanghai, allowing closer cooperation between the two firms.

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  • My Muscle Chef launches protein cookies

    My Muscle Chef launches protein cookies

    Functional food and beverage company My Muscle Chef has rolled out a new range of protein cookies to help people struggling to hit their protein cookies.

    Macro – short for macronutrients – makes up a food composition in our bodies: fats, carbohydrates, and protein. People who are conscious of their nutrient intake count macros to reach a specific body composition goal.

    Available in three different flavors – Salted Caramel and Macadamia, Choc Chip, and Triple Choc – the new protein cookies are a great choice as an on-the-go snack to top up protein intake while satisfying sweet cravings, said the company.

    “Our new Protein Cookies are a great addition to MYMC’s range of functional, healthy foods and are a great way for our customers to support muscle strength and fuel their recovery,” said Tushar Menon, co-founder, My Muscle Chef.

    Each cookie has 25g of whey protein, nuts, and prebiotic fiber. It also has no added sugars or preservatives and does not use artificial flavors or colors.

    Alex Adcock, head of sales at My Muscle Chef, says most protein snacks on the market are bars and the company has identified an opportunity to offer a more indulgent way for customers to hit their protein goals.

    “With 98 percent of recovery snacks in the market currently being bars, we’ve identified an opportunity for our cookies to meet MYMC’s customers needs perfectly complementing our existing high protein and on-the-go range our customers know and love,“ said Adcock.

    In addition to the Protein Cookies, the company has also launched Custard Protein Bars, and Custard Casein Protein Powder in its range of protein supplements.

    My Muscle Chef Protein Cookies are available online and in select retail stores for RRP $4.50 per cookie.

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  • Amazon Australia will now service New Zealand customers as well

    Amazon Australia will now service New Zealand customers as well

    Amazon Australia has broadened its reach in the region, and is now officially offering its services to customers in New Zealand.

    While the online marketplace launched in Australia in 2017, Kiwis have long needed to purchase goods from the US marketplace, according to the business, and will now be able to access faster delivery times from Australia’s warehouses.

    “We are excited to offer Kiwis access to millions of products at great prices,” said Tony Austin, general manager for exports. Delivery will start at NZ$3.20, while parts of Auckland and Christchurch will have the option of expedited delivery for around NZ$7.49.

    This move should help New Zealand brands to access a wider range of the country, if they aren’t able to ship everywhere, by way of listing on Amazon Australia – and will allow more Australian brands to access the New Zealand market.

    It isn’t clear if New Zealand will be able to take part in certain Australian programs, such as the recently announced ‘Amazon Warehouse’ resale platform, or its on-demand paperback printing service ‘Print on Demand’, or if the New Zealand service will be limited to the business’ traditional marketplace offering.

    The service will certainly be able to take advantage of the business’ recently announced Western Sydney robotic fulfilment centre, which is set to “effectively double” Amazon’s operational footprint in Australia.

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  • Kiwi mixer brand East Imperial lists on London exchange

    Kiwi mixer brand East Imperial lists on London exchange

    New Zealand mixer brand East Imperial Company has listed on the London Stock Exchange in a reverse takeover valuing the company at NZ$59.1 million.

    Founder and CEO Tony Burt said the listing marks a significant milestone as the premium mixer brand is set to become one of the global leaders in the mixer category.

    “The team has done an incredible job, and the support we’ve had from all New Zealanders over the past five years or so has laid the foundation for the next chapter in our story. We’re all tremendously proud and excited to be waving the New Zealand flag on the global stage,” said Burt.

    The mixer brand also raised an additional $5.91 million in new funds by placing 30 million shares at 10p each.

    The new funding, said the company, will be used for expansion plans – including building sales teams in the US and China, product development, and maintaining partnerships with liquor brands.

  • Online supermarket concept Supie to launch in Auckland

    Online supermarket concept Supie to launch in Auckland

    Online supermarket Supie is set to open its virtual doors in Auckland next month, aiming to change the way Kiwis shop for groceries.

    The membership-based supermarket will house more than 2500 products sourced from local growers and food producers. Supie also offers sustainable delivery where all packaging is recyclable or reusable. The brand implements zero-waste ordering methods which ensure its customers receive the freshest produce.

    “The majority of the time, when you order your product is still in the ground,” the company says on its website.

    Founded by Sarah Balle, Supie is expected to compete directly with traditional supermarkets, providing a smart and more accessible solution for Kiwis during the post-Covid era.

    “We’re a small team of passionate Kiwis with big ambitions to make a true impact,” said Saral Balle. “We believe food is the most powerful force for change.”

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  • Chubb Names Australia and New Zealand President

    Chubb Names Australia and New Zealand President

    Zurich-headquartered insurer Chubb has appointed a new president for Australia and New Zealand.

    Chubb names Peter Kelaher country president for Australia and New Zealand, according to a statement, succeeding Jarrod Hill who is leaving the firm. Kelaher reports to Paul McNamee, senior vice president of Chubb Group and APAC regional president.

    Kelaher has 20 years of insurance experience and he joined Chubb in 2008 as a financial lines underwriter before being promoted to product manager for directors and officers, and P&C business lead for Australia and New Zealand in 2016.

    Chub has had a presence in Australia and New Zealand for over a century with seven branches and more than 800 staff.

  • Vietnam, New Zealand to expand fruit trade this year

    Vietnam, New Zealand to expand fruit trade this year

    Vietnamese limes and pomelos could be exported to New Zealand soon, following a commitment made Wednesday during the first agricultural dialogue between the two countries.

    The virtual dialogue was co-chaired by Ray Smith, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, and Dr Le Quoc Doanh, Vice Minister of Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

    A New Zealand embassy press release said the two leaders had confirmed their shared commitment to finalizing new fruit access for each other this year, so consumers can enjoy New Zealand strawberries and squash in Vietnam and Vietnam’s limes and pomelos in New Zealand.

    The two sides signed an Agriculture Cooperation Arrangement (ACA) after the dialogue.

    The ACA will enable both sides to advance their key agricultural interests in enhancing bilateral trade, reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, promoting food safety, utilizing agriculture research and technology, and fostering rural development, the release said.

    The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries is already supporting agriculture cooperation with MARD through activities in plant health, veterinary epidemiology and electronic certification.

    These activities complement New Zealand’s ongoing development program in the country, which has a number of agriculture projects including one on premium fruit development in the southern province of Tien Giang, another on rural dam safety project in central Vietnam, and yet another on safe vegetables in central Binh Dinh Province.

    Smith and Doanh affirmed that the strategic partnership between the two countries has created a solid foundation for increasing bilateral agricultural cooperation and connections.

    Vietnam is New Zealand’s 14th largest trading partner, with two-way trade valued at over $1.4 billion as of September 2020.

    Vietnam has received licenses to export fresh mango, dragon fruit and rambutan to New Zealand so far. It imports apple, kiwi fruit, kiwi berry, blue berry, cherry and persimmons.

  • Startup launches liquor delivery service in Christchurch

    Startup launches liquor delivery service in Christchurch

    Delivery startup Give Me Bread has added liquor delivery in Christchurch along with its restaurant food delivery services.

    To order, the Give Me Bread app allows customers to tap a photograph of what he or she wants and place an order in which the drivers will then deliver directly to the customer’s doorstep in 30 minutes. Orders can also be placed on the retailer’s site.

    Liquor orders can be made with or without meals.

    “Our customers love how easy it is to order their favorite drink in seconds,” said Abhay Pratap, Give Me Bread marketing manager. “We have repeat orders every week from busy professionals who want the simplicity of their favorite beverage arriving at the door – perfect for when visitors arrive unexpectedly.”

    Pratap started the business with Chandhi Jain, the company’s operations manager, in 2017

    “Many people are so busy that some days they just don’t want to spend half an hour making dinner, or another half an hour doing the dishes. That’s where we come in,” Jain said.

    Give Me Bread have dedicated drivers who deliver the liquor and meals all over the city.

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  • Nokia partners with Spark to bring 5G technology to New Zealand

    Nokia partners with Spark to bring 5G technology to New Zealand

    As one of the radio access network (RAN) equipment suppliers for Spark’s 5G upgrade, Nokia will deploy its AirScale RAN solution at more than 200 sites, allowing Spark to target both consumers and enterprises with new services and offers. Nokia will also deploy other products and services from across its end-to-end portfolio including digital design and deployment services.

    Spark New Zealand and Nokia have a long-standing relationship, which crosses multiple domains, including IP, optical and wireless. This new commercial 5G partnership marks the next chapter of the relationship between Spark and Nokia, providing New Zealanders with the technology that enables them to benefit from the fast-evolving digital world economy and applications.

    The agreement follows the launch earlier this year of New Zealand’s first 5G trial customer service. The trial, which took place in Alexandra, South Island, used the latest Nokia radio equipment to offer select business and consumer customers the opportunity to experience high-speed wireless broadband delivered by 5G. Nokia is currently working with Spark to deploy 5G capability to an additional 5 sites before the Christmas period.

    This Spark agreement demonstrates Nokia’s solid 5G momentum, which now reaches 50 commercial 5G contracts globally, including most early adopters. Nokia is currently powering 16 live networks globally.

    Rajesh Singh, General Manager of Value Management at Spark New Zealand, said, “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Nokia in building our 5G network across New Zealand. The local teams have collaborated extensively on a 5G solution that delivers on the outcomes we want to drive in 5G, not just in the RAN, but also in the end-to-end network.”

    Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said, “I am thrilled to see Nokia 5G equipment chosen to power 5G initially in Spark’s heartland areas. We are committed to keeping New Zealanders at the cutting edge of technology and are confident they will benefit from Nokia’s global reach, expertise and agility.

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  • Kathmandu, Cactus Outdoor team up for newly launched NZ Made Day

    Kathmandu, Cactus Outdoor team up for newly launched NZ Made Day

    Kiwi brands Kathmandu and Cactus Outdoor have created a new line of apparel made in New Zealand to celebrate the inaugural NZ Made Day.

    Launching today, NZ Made Day is a new annual event dedicated to celebrating products made by New Zealanders.

    Ryan Jennings, Buy NZ Made’s executive director, said the day will encourage New Zealanders to buy at least one locally made item from retailers or direct from the manufacturer.

    To celebrate the launch, Kathmandu and Cactus Outdoor have teamed up to create the Merino Tee, made by Albion Clothing, a manufacturer purchased by Cactus Outdoor earlier this year. The tee will be sold under Kathmandu’s branding.

    The merino tee has been designed, cut, sewn and packaged in New Zealand with the use of wool farmed in high county stations on the South Island.

    Kathmandu will start selling the tee today in all its New Zealand stores.

    “Brands like Cactus Outdoor and Kathmandu are stronger than ever because they have found their edge with customers by guaranteeing product longevity and customization over generic fast fashion,” Jennings said.

    According to Jennings, in the face of international consumer choice, manufacturers are building direct-to-consumer offerings that complement their retail channels to market.

    “Manufacturers that create direct relationships with consumers can offer customized products or simply pass on the retail savings, something that ‘stack ’em high’ big box retailers importing from overseas may struggle to match,” he said.

    Consumers who purchase any NZ Made products displaying the Kiwi trademark, including two new NZ Made caps released for NZ Made Day, can win one of five $1000 giveaways by texting 313 with the details of the purchase.

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  • Taco Bell launches another outlet in Auckland

    Taco Bell launches another outlet in Auckland

    The first New Zealand Taco Bell store has opened in The Brickworks at New Lynn’s LynnMall, bringing the Mexican-inspired fast-food chain to local shores.

    Launching on Tuesday, the store features a mural paying homage to west Auckland designed in collaboration with local artist Natasha Vermeulen, and design agency Stanley St.

    General manager for Taco Bell Clark Wilson said the business often defied the conventions of fast food, and was excited to bring its social-driven experience to New Zealand.

    The store also features an open kitchen allowing customers to see their food prepared, as well as offering free wifi, charging stations, kiosk ordering, and a self-serve jukebox.

    “We are delighted to finally answer the demand from our passionate fans with the opening of New Zealand’s first Taco Bell restaurant at LynnMall,” said Taco Bell managing director of Asia Pacific Ankush Tuli.

    “We are excited to launch Taco Bell here in Auckland, in partnership with Restaurant Brands Group, and look forward to expanding throughout New Zealand with the goal of delighting our fans along the way.”

    Franchise partner Restaurant Brands said it will launch up to 25 Taco Bell locations across New Zealand in the next five years, with the next restaurant to open in Q1 of next year.

    “While a priority for us has been on first launching the brand successfully in market, we can now shift our focus to the next phase,” Restaurant Brands Group chief executive Russel Creedy said.

    “At this stage, we are securing locations within the main metropolitans of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with the view to expanding further afield in the coming years.

    “We are simultaneously rolling out in NSW and ACT in Australia, with a total estimated spend of $65 million across both markets over the next five years.”

    Restaurant Brands recently revealed it had grown group sales by 2.7 percent during the first half of FY20, though net profit had fallen 2 percent due to the implementation of a new accounting standard, NZ IFRS 16, which knocked profit down by $2.9 million.

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  • New Zealand Post underpays workers over nine years

    New Zealand Post underpays workers over nine years

    New Zealand Post has revealed it may have underpaid up to 22,000 staff since 2010, and is setting aside $38 million to repay any lost holiday pay.

    “It’s too early to say who exactly may be impacted, but some scenarios that typically result in underpayments are those employees who earn regular overtime or have variable patterns of work,” NZ Post chief financial officer Michael Boersen said.

    “We’ll be able to confirm with individuals who register, and start the back payments from July 2020.”

    The announcement comes after the logistics provider was identified by the ministry of business, innovation and employment as an employer that needed to update how it calculates holiday pay.

    Boerson said that the business has written to 17,000 former employees asking them to register their details, as NZ Post calculates how much it needs to return to workers.

    Gerard Hehir, national secretary of Unite Union, said NZ Post had been through several changes over the last decade, and its possible many members could qualify for back payments.

    NZ Post recently revealed domestic e-commerce players are gaining traction, with over 65 percent of shoppers preferring to purchase directly from local sites as opposed to international players, in its 2019 New Zealand E-commerce Review.

    “Domestic sales growth is outstripping international online sales growth,” said Bryan Dobson, chief marketing officer at NZ Post.

    Additionally, the data showed that Kiwi shoppers are transacting online 10 percent more often on average, compared to 2017.

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  • JB Hi-Fi New Zealand falters while group grows

    JB Hi-Fi New Zealand falters while group grows

    Electronics retailer JB Hi-Fi has seen shares jump 8.3 percent following a strong first-quarter showing, with total group sales growth of 4.7 percent and comparable sales growth of 3.7 percent.

    However, the business’ New Zealand arm didn’t reach the highs of first quarter FY19, with total and comparable sales growth of 3.8 percent compared to 4 percent total and 9.8 percent comparable in the prior corresponding period.

    The business reaffirmed it would reach its FY20 sales target of A$7.25 billion, including $240 million in New Zealand.

    “As we have said before, retailing is a dynamic and exciting industry and JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys are market leaders in their respective sectors,” JB Hi-Fi Group chief executive Richard Murray said at the group’s AGM on Thursday.

    “In JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys, we believe we have two unique and relevant brands, particularly in the eyes of our customers.

    “With a customer-focused business model built on a diverse product offering, deep relationships with our suppliers, a high-quality multichannel offer and exceptional customer service, we are confident we will maintain our market-leading competitive position.”

    The retail group experienced pressure from shareholder groups last week over the implementation of its remuneration report, which the Australian Shareholders’ Association and ISS Governance Services recommending a vote against the report.

    However, the vote passed on Thursday, with 82 percent voting to adopt the revised report and 17 percent voting against – avoiding the 25 percent against vote that would have triggered a first strike against the JB Hi-Fi board.

    Last year, 21 percent of JB Hi-Fi shareholders voted against the report, prompting fears of a potential first strike at this year’s meeting.