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BEVERAGES FROM PAGE 35 Califia helps plant-based grow Califia Farms Australia National Business Manager Dan Kaplan believes people’s attitudes are changing as animal-based products are becoming less sustainable and having a greater environmental impact. He claims that 15 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions come from meat and dairy production, while 40 per cent of habitable land is used to raise and feed animals for consumption. “Adopting a plant-based diet is the single best way a person can help reverse some of the climate impacts,” Mr Kaplan said. “Additionally, more Australian consumers are now realising the health benefits of plant-based milks, plus lactose intolerance is becoming the norm globally – only one third of people are able to produce the lactase enzyme which enables them to digest milk during adulthood.” As a result, he says, consumers are now looking for more plant-based dairy alternatives, such as those from Califia Farms. The Los Angeles-based company entered the Australian market in 2017 with products described as being low-to-no sugar, non-GMO, kosher and vegan friendly. Califia Farms’ main retail range is sold in Coles and Woolworths supermarkets. In recent news, Mr Kaplan notes that after the “huge success” of launching Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend into more than 1,000 cafes and coffee shops last year, the product is now also available in independent supermarkets and retailers. This, he adds, allows consumers to enjoy “barista quality” oat milk beverages at home. “Oat milk is one of the fastest growing global trends currently, with the US seeing a 686 per cent increase in sales last year,” he said. “Our Oat Barista Blend is also shelf stable and doesn’t require refrigeration until opened, making it an ideal pantry staple in this current environment.” To maximise category sales, Mr Kaplan suggests more space be made available for dairy-free milks in both the refrigerated and shelf stable sections so consumers can be offered a wider selection of products and brands. “Continuing to stock new items and promote them to customers would also strengthen sales,” he said. Mojo gets to the guts of kombucha (and consumers) While “rapid growth” for kombucha has been “incredibly exciting”, says Mojo co-founder and CEO Anthony Crabb, it has also created some unique and interesting challenges. “One area is around consumers’ understanding of authentic fermentation and its influence on product taste and health benefits,” he said. “We know the number one purchase driver for our shoppers is gut health, yet many don’t understand how to analyse and compare product quality across brands. “Mojo’s mission has always centred around gut health, and we’re continuing to invest in improving gut health literacy, empowering consumers to make informed choices. “In March 2020, we rebranded our core range, Mojo Activated Kombucha, more clearly communicating our products’ live cultures and probiotics thanks to our stevia-free, authentic fermentation process.” When it comes to support, Mr Crabb says Mojo always aims for “best possible” execution with its retail partners, often investing in POS pieces, packaging solutions and geo-targeted advertising to support success for all parties. He advises retailers that offering a range of product styles is “increasingly important”. “Just as some shoppers buy fresh milk versus UHT milk, some kombucha consumers prefer an authentically fermented kombucha, free from stevia and erythritol,” Mr Crabb said. “Chilled off-location ranging alongside grab-and- go food options is also an interesting way to drive trial by tapping into a key consumption occasion.” Kanguru jumps at new opportunities Kanguru launched in Australia in April 2018 and today the energy drink brand is stocked in outlets such as Drakes Supermarkets, Foodland Supermarkets, convenience and petroleum stores, and pharmacies and health stores across Australia. “The Australian retail footprint has grown significantly over the past year, with the number of stores increasing by 178 per cent between the first quarter of 2019 and the same time this year,” Kanguru President Asia Pacific Region David Westall said. “Meanwhile, the total revenue from sales on Amazon Australia is 10 times stronger than at the same time last year and consistently among the leading energy drink sales. This coincides with the January launch of our first new flavour – Mixed Berry & Pomegranate, which is performing brilliantly – with customer sales consistent with the original flavour already.” 36 CONVENIENCE WORLD JUL/AUG, 2020