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FOODSTUFFS EXPO HIGHLIGHTS
The delicious Food Snob display
Robbie Graham, Key Account Manager at Blue Rock
Conor Mercer (National Sales Manager at Arepa); Steve Anderson (Foodstuffs South Island CEO) and Tamara Rubanowski (FMCG Business Head of Content)
The Fresh and Grocery Expo, held at Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton in May, was Foodstuffs’ largest in its 15-year history, involving 5000 people and more than 300 exhibitors. FMCG Business Editor Tamara Rubanowski caught up with Foodstuffs South Island Chief Executive Steve Anderson at the Expo. Anderson named Blackcurrants as the ‘superfood’ of 2021 and said helping New Zealanders build up their immunity is a key trend resulting from the COVID pandemic. Blackcurrants are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, which offer plenty of health and functional benefits. Barker’s team launched a new Blackcurrant gel product in a convenient pouch format at the trade show and said that they noticed a huge spike in the sale of their immunity cordials. Another product starring locally grown blackcurrants is Arepa, a wellness drink with proven benefits for brain function and mental clarity. From functional hydration and delicious locally grown delights to
Good Farmers Founder Sven Baker introduced a range of brand new, locally made products.
imported delicatessens and top-secret chocolate innovations, there were plenty of exciting new products to discover at Expo. Anderson said sustainable packaging and eco-friendly cleaning are some of the big trends that he is seeing this year, along with new products for health and well-being and convenience cooking. The Innovation Zone was a new feature at Expo, showcasing the most innovative products fresh & grocery suppliers have to offer. Carefully selected by a panel of judges, the 20 finalist products from 15 different suppliers, fell within four categories: New Consumer Products, Sustainability & CSR Initiatives, Store Solutions and Innovative Packaging Designs & Functionality. MG Marketing (Market Gardeners) was delighted to be part of the 2021 Foodstuffs Expo and humbled to walk away with the award for Best Overall Stand. The team said: “It’s always a fantastic event and an excellent opportunity for our people to rub shoulders with Foodstuffs
“ANDERSON NAMED BLACKCURRANTS AS THE ‘SUPERFOOD’ OF 2021”
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FMCG BUSINESS - JUNE 2021
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