Sparkling growth a threat and opportunity
Sparkling wine is no longer tethered to formality and festivities, with consumers increasingly popping the cork for a quiet drink after work or a wine match with a casual dinner.
The supermarket’s Countdown Bricks Farm is available in store and online and allows customers to build their own Kiwi farm – complete with red rural letterbox.
Brid Drohan-Stewart, Countdown director of brand, says that honouring farmers who work to supply produce for Kiwi households is a crucial component to the follow-up to the supermarket’s Countdown Bricks promotion from last year.
“Kiwi families loved getting creative with Countdown Bricks last year and what better way to build on their collections than to highlight the incredible growers who deliver world-class produce to our customers,” Drohan-Stewart says.
She says the collectibles are about bringing a free, sustainable addition to toy boxes across the country.
“This year, Kiwi kids will also have the opportunity to learn more about where their Kai comes from – and the people who make it happen.”
Anthony Blundell, managing director of Kaipara Kūmara, is among the producers to be immortalized in brick form for the promotion.
His family has been selling directly to Countdown since 1967 when the supermarket was still known as Foodtown.
“We’ve been with Countdown since the start, there were only three stores when Dad started selling to them and we’ve never looked back. Being chosen to feature as a Brick figurine goes to show how important that relationship is on both sides,” he says.
Alongside Anthony, customers will see figurines of Countdown produce managers Brier O’Shea and Simba Mashingaidze, Kathy Cowell of Balle Bros, LeaderBrand’s Gordon McPhail, Wilcox crop manager Blair Wilcox and Toni Baker from New Zealand Gourmet.
Countdown Bricks Farm has been certified by Environmental Choice New Zealand and this year’s collection is made from 100 per cent recycled plastic.
Customers will receive one pack for every whole $30 spent in-store or online. There are 40 Countdown Bricks Farm Packs to collect, with 100 rare hidden Golden sheep up for grabs.
Countdown will also be selling extras, including a Farmhouse Starter Kit, additional farmer figures and farm vehicles.
The promotion will end on 25 December.
