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 plant will open in 2020, replacing the supermarket chain’s existing meat processing facility next door. The 300 staff now there will shift into the new plant when it opens.
Hilton Food Group, set up in England in 1994, specialises in meat product manufacturing. The new bespoke plant will supply Countdown exclusively.
Countdown managing director Dave Chambers says the chain last year sourced all its chicken, pork and lamb, and 97% of its beef, from local New Zealand farmers.
The partnership with Hilton will “future-proof” the company’s meat business, he says. It will enable Countdown to best respond to increasing customer demand for more innovation and new product development.
“We have a history of innovation with initiatives like our recycled meat trays, and this partnership puts Countdown at the forefront of the meat industry by harnessing the latest technology in meat processing.
“The new plant will increase our capacity, particularly to meet seasonal demands like Christmas.”
It will also give more flexibility in packaging and portion size options.
“Importantly this is an investment in the long term future of meat processing in Otahuhu. Meat processing in this area is part of Auckland’s history; we have a large local team and maintaining that employment and connection to the community is important to us.”
Robert Watson, chief executive of Hilton Food Group, says production is expected to start in 2020, supplying Countdown stores with high quality NZ beef, lamb, pork, chicken and added-value products.
Countdown’s existing meat plant team will move into the new plant in 2020.
