American Airlines’ Los Angeles service is returning to Auckland for the summer with seasonal flights to LAX.
The Hollywood direct route launches on December 21 and will be operating daily. LA direct will be the second Auckland based service from American Airlines since Covid, joining the US carrier’s Dallas Fort Worth route which recommenced late last year.
Connecting Auckland and California between peak summer months, until March 3, the airline said it was part of a focus on growing its Asia-Pacific footprint.
AA was assigning an 787-9 aircraft to keep the route open during the peak summer travel season.
The airline’s VP of operations and commercial, Kyle Mabry said the new addition to the AA roster would allow customers to explore new destinations. That would include connecting Kiwis to Mexico and continental US or American travellers into New Zealand.
“The response we had from the New Zealand public when we returned to shores last year was overwhelmingly positive,” said Mabry.
They were working closely with Auckland Airport to add the new link to the network.
Auckland Airport’s chief customer officer, Scott Tasker, said they looked forward to seeing American Airlines aircraft return from LAX.
While it will offer Kiwis travel opportunities into West Coast America, New Zealand continues to rank highly as a summer travel destination.
“The new flights are also projected to bring in $35 million of additional tourism spend into the New Zealand economy,” said Tasker.
American airlines first launched Auckland to LA direct in 2016 but was halted four years later by the 2020 pandemic.
American is the latest of four airlines to reopen links between LAX and New Zealand. From October 28, Air New Zealand’s daily service to Los Angeles, NZ4, will be joined by Delta Airlines who are launching their first ever airlink between the cities.
United Airlines, codeshare partner with Air NZ, is launching its own seasonal services to New Zealand this summer, increasing the number of inbound aircraft from LA.
Bringing additional 787 aircraft to Auckland from October 28, United will also be adding a South Island direct service to Christchurch from December 1.
Bringing US tourists directly into Canterbury three times a week, the service will add more plane seats across the Pacific.
The return of more aircraft and carriers into New Zealand are predicted to force down fares between the US, after a period of historic highs.
Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson said the new services would “supercharge tourism value to New Zealand.”
He predicted that the buoyant US travel market would not only benefit the tourism economy but bring better value to New Zealanders, as South Islanders would be only one flight away from LA.
Auckland Airport earlier predicted that the increased interest in New Zealand as a destination from US carriers would only be a good thing for Kiwis wishing to head overseas.
“We’re excited about the opportunities this will create for New Zealand’s tourism industry and the wider economy, along with the additional seat capacity providing more choice and competition for travellers,” Scott Tasker of Auckland Airport told the Herald. Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/
With more than 30 New Zealand companies that have opened offices in Denver, the city is officially a Kiwi hub.
A New Zealand-based software company that describes itself as a concierge for parking spaces is opening a U.S. headquarters in Denver. The move grows the list of companies from the Oceania region using Denver as their North American launching pad.
Executives with Parkable said they are currently working out of the Galvanize building on Platte Street downtown, where a growing group of New Zealand- and Australia-based tech companies say they have found camaraderie and support from their peers.
Byron Powell, Parkable's chief revenue officer, said about three employees have been working in Denver since the company came for an onboarding program with the city in September. He said the company does not have plans to hire more than about six people locally to start, although plans could change if its client list grows.
Founded in 2016, Parkable uses software that manages parking spaces for employee and residential lots, a commodity that has grown more popular with companies as they continue hybrid work models, Powell said.
He said the company is currently working with Meta (Nasdaq: META), the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and works with Microsoft in New Zealand to coordinate employee parking. Parkable also has an agreement with Waterton, a major multi-family housing developer in the U.S.
Kezia Lynch, Parkable's head of customer success, said she and other leaders with Parkable came to Denver in September to partake in the city's Global
Landing Pad program, a multiple-day workshop with local experts on legal and other requirements that foreign companies need to open and grow in Denver.
The program backed up against Denver's Startup Week, which opened even more doors to mentors and community members that could help Parkable get started, Lynch said.
"Having that literally within the first week of our arrival just made everything in Denver a bit easier,” she said.
It wasn't long into their visit that Lynch said Parkable knew for certain it wanted to base out of Denver. Lynch and several others stayed to make operations official, and Denver began serving as the U.S. headquarters last fall.
Andrew Burner, Colorado's honorary New Zealand consul, said the city's startup week has been "hugely important" in getting out the word to New Zealand-based companies about the opportunities associated with working here.
With more than 30 New Zealand companies that have opened offices in Denver, Burner and New Zealand's regional Consul-General Jeremy Clarke-Watson said the city is officially a kiwi hub.
The 6th largest foreign direct investor in the state, more and more New Zealanders see Colorado as a place where they want to tour, live and do business, Clarke-Watson said. He said similarities in the outdoor lifestyle and Denver's geographical location are common benefits cited by companies that locate here.
Lynch said Denver's location allows Parkable workers to travel to either coast of the U.S. in a few hours, and its central time zone allows for the company to work with both New Zealand and United Kingdom time zones for at least half of the workday.
"It's an ideal location for serving the whole world, really," she said. For that reason, Lynch said Parkable has considered moving even more of its central operations to Denver.
On Platte Street, she and Powell said they have found a community not just with other New Zealand companies, but with their Australian cousins.
The city of Denver and Australian business organization AUSDenver last year launched an Australian business hub at the Galvanize office, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative to capitalize on a significant amount of inquiries from the region.
Xero, a small business accounting platform from New Zealand, has its Denver headquarters on Platte Street, and several cafes in the area have developed menus that reflect a taste of home for business workers from New Zealand and Australia that include flat white coffees, Burner said.
"You hear a lot of accents as you walk that street," he said.
Powell said working in a tightly knit community of businesses from a similar region has unmatched value. He said that the community has helped Parkable get ahead of questions that they might not have even known to ask, such as the details of getting health insurance for employees.
Source: https://www.bizjournals.com/
United adds 40% more flights between the U.S. and Australia/New Zealand next northern winter, including new non-stop service to Christchurch, new routes from L.A. to Brisbane and Auckland, and more flights from San Francisco to Brisbane and Sydney
United serves more destinations in Australia and New Zealand than all U.S. carriers combined
Next winter, United will have more flights and serve more destinations between the U.S. and Australia and the U.S. and New Zealand than any other carrier in the world
CHICAGO, April 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today announces the largest South Pacific network expansion ever to and from the continental U.S., including the first non-stop flight between San Francisco and Christchurch set to commence on December 1. United will be the only carrier to directly connect the U.S. and the South Island of New Zealand. With 66 flights between the US and Australia/New Zealand every week, United will operate nearly 40% more flights from the U.S. to Australia and New Zealand next northern winter versus last year.
The carrier is adding new direct flights from Los Angeles to Brisbane and Auckland and increasing service to the region from its San Francisco hub with daily flights to Brisbane, twice daily flights to Sydney and flying larger aircraft to Melbourne. And thanks to United's relationships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia, travelers can enjoy easy one-stop connections from these cities to more than 50 destinations in the region.
United already flies to more destinations in Australia and New Zealand than all other U.S. carriers combined, and now will have more flights and serve more destinations in the region from the U.S. than any other carrier in the world. Tickets are now on sale on the airline's mobile app and on United.com – just in time for customers to plan their trips for the region's peak winter season.
"This past winter, United enhanced our network and became the largest carrier to the South Pacific region. Now, this upcoming winter, we will expand even further," said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances. "Our strong partnerships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia provide unparalleled connectivity, and with our historic expansion across five destinations in New Zealand and Australia, United is the clear choice for customers' travel to the region."
San Francisco – Christchurch, NZ*
Starting December 1, United will be the only airline to offer direct flights between the U.S. and New Zealand's South Island, with the first direct San Francisco-Christchurch service. United will fly this route three times weekly on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. United's new flight to Christchurch is part of the airline's broader expansion efforts in New Zealand and next winter, the airline will be nearly 70% larger in New Zealand than in 2019.
Los Angeles – Auckland*
Next winter, United will build on its position as the largest U.S. airline to Auckland, adding four weekly flights from Los Angeles. United is the only U.S. carrier to serve Auckland year-round with its existing service from San Francisco. United will fly its Los Angeles-Auckland route on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, starting October 28.
Los Angeles – Brisbane*
In winter 2022, United became the only airline to offer direct flights between Brisbane and San Francisco. On November 29, United will add to this service by adding three weekly Los Angles-Brisbane flights on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner – becoming the largest carrier between the U.S. and Brisbane.
More Flights to Sydney and Brisbane
In addition to adding new flights to its schedule, United will also increase its flying from San Francisco to Brisbane and Sydney. Starting October 28, United will offer daily flights between San Francisco and Brisbane on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and will be able to fly nearly triple the number of customers to Brisbane from the US next winter than it did in 2022. The airline will also fly twice daily between San Francisco and Sydney on Boeing 777-300ERs starting October 28, offering more flights to Sydney from the U.S. than any other carrier.
More Seats to Melbourne
This past winter, United became the largest airline from the U.S. to Melbourne, increasing from ten to fourteen weekly roundtrip flights, with one daily flight from both San Francisco and Los Angeles. Starting October 28, United will deploy its largest airplane on flights between San Francisco-Melbourne. The 777-300ER will add nearly 100 daily seats to each departure. Compared to winter 2019, United will offer 65% more seats to Melbourne.
*flights subject to government approval
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." From our U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers. United is bringing back our customers' favorite destinations and adding new ones on its way to becoming the world's best airline. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
Source: United Airlines
Agri-tech company Halter says it has focused on growing its core business, and research and development after securing $85 million in capital.
The company, which was founded in 2016, creates electronic collars that use sound and vibration to guide and contain individual cows without the need for fences.
The Series C funding was led by US venture capital giant Bessemer Venture Partners, known for backing companies such as LinkedIn and Rocket Lab.
Bessemer joined existing investors DCVC, Blackbird, Promus, Icehouse and Rocket Lab founder Peter Beck.
Halter founder and chief executive Craig Piggott - who once worked for Rocket Lab - said the company's main growth objectives revolved around its existing product.
"How do we continue to be more efficient - in terms of helping farmers to be more efficient, how do we keep increasing the benefits for them," he said.
"The key priority is more about improving the product and success for our farmers rather than any big expansion plans. They are there but they come second."
Piggott said any overseas expansion would be anchored on countries that farm in a similar way to New Zealand.
Bessemer partner Tess Hatch said Halter was a company that revolutionised livestock farms.
"The company's suite of software as a service products manages everything from pasture grazing and livestock movements to animal health, ultimately reducing labour costs and increasing revenue, while at the same time decreasing farm emissions," she said.
Halter's collars were leased under a "per-cow subscription model" that was based on the features required by farmers.
The company would own and maintain the collars. Source: https://www.rnz.co.nz/
Entries open for 24th AmCham – DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards for companies doing business with the USA, in conjunction with United Airlines.
The American Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the launch of the 2023 AmCham – DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards in conjunction with United Airlines. 2023 is the twenty fourth year these awards have been held and they celebrate business achievement between New Zealand and the United States. The US is New Zealand's third largest trading partner with bilateral trade now worth around $20 billion – goods exports to the USA $7.8b and imports from the USA $7.8b. To allow us greater flexibility there are no set categories for the three exporter awards. Once applications are in the judges will decide on three categories. With United Airlines returning to flying back to NZ and post Covid, we are bringing back the Contribution to Tourism with the USA award.
As Sustainability and Climate Change are such an important issue we will select one for the finalists to receive a Commitment to sustainability/Climate Change award.
Commenting on the awards, Mark Foy, Managing Director, New Zealand & Pacific Islands, DHL Express, said “DHL Express is proud to partner with AmCham to deliver the 2023 AmCham-DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards. We know that the USA remains as one of the top exporting destinations for New Zealand businesses, who we see using ingenuity to improve business processes. Innovation and Kiwi ingenuity are at the heart of numerous Kiwi export success stories and we look forward to seeing the high calibre of this year’s finalists”.
Awards categories are: 3 Exporters of the Year to the USA Bilateral Connections with the USA
Investor of the Year to or from the USA
Contribution to Tourism with the USA
This year we will also select a finalist from the above categories for a Commitment to sustainability/Climate Change award.
The Supreme Award winner is selected from winners of each of these awards. AmCham also presents an award to the Member/Supporter of the Year.
Timetable: Entries close 5pm on 30 May Week of 26 July finalists interviewed by awards judges 29 August Awards dinner in Auckland
If you require any other information about entering the 2023 awards please contact Mike Hearn, by email mike@amcham.co.nz or phone 09 309 9140.
2023 © Am
Microsoft has received Overseas Investment Office (OIO) consent to purchase additional land, enabling it to expand its cloud infrastructure in New Zealand.
As recognised by the OIO, this investment will benefit Aotearoa by introducing additional capital into the country, creating approximately 50 new full time equivalent (FTE) jobs once the datacenter on this site is operational, plus 300 temporary FTE jobs during construction of the datacenter.
This development is a recognition of the long-term opportunity we see in Aotearoa, and a sign of commitment from Microsoft to continue to assist in powering the country’s digitalisation journey. New Zealand’s economy proves to be resilient despite global macroeconomic challenges and its growth potential, underpinned by strong democratic foundations and the rule of law, creates a favourable business environment. This additional investment aims to meet anticipated customer demand for our cloud services in the future.
We already see strong uptake of cloud computing in New Zealand and high interest in the next generation of artificial intelligence-powered technologies. According to a recent IDC White Paper, commissioned by Microsoft, Public Cloud Services Opportunities and Dividends to the Australian and New Zealand Economies*, public cloud adoption generated $23.9 billion in new revenues for New Zealand businesses in 2022 – around six per cent of GDP. By 2026, cloud delivery is expected to add $21 billion to the economy above this level and generate 134,000 new jobs as a result of new capabilities and growth.”
Following the initial disclosure in 2020, announcing Microsoft’s intention to construct a datacenter region in New Zealand, Fonterra, the Accident Compensation Corporation, BNZ and Auckland Transport have decided to move to Microsoft Cloud. We’re also working alongside partners such as TupuToa, Rea, PwC and DXC to equip students, jobseekers, and workers with digital skills to ensure Aotearoa thrives in a digital future. We announced a micro-credential programme alongside national vocational training provider, Te Pūkenga, and TupuToa, aimed at filling the need for skilled cybersecurity experts, while boosting diversity. Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand has already committed to welcoming paid apprentices as part of the programme.
We also have sustainability firmly in mind as we build our hyper-scale cloud. With around 80 per cent of NZ’s electricity currently generated from renewable sources, we are well-placed to make New Zealand’s datacenter region one of the most sustainable on the planet. Microsoft has an ongoing commitment to supporting organisations on their decarbonisation journey through platforms such as Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability, but that starts with ensuring our own cloud is net carbon neutral. One of our global sustainability commitments is to execute power purchase agreements equivalent to 100% of our energy needs by 2025. Last year, we signed an agreement with sustainable electricity retailer, Ecotricity, to ensure our datacenter region is powered by 100 per cent carbon free energy. Microsoft will only be using Toitū net carbonzero certified electricity sourced from solar, wind and hydro.
We look forward to continuing to empower every New Zealand organisation and all New Zealanders to achieve more. Maciej Surowiec, Government Affairs Lead New Zealand, Corporate, External & Legal Affairs (CELA)
A US multinational digital communications technology giant is celebrating a decade long partnership with New Zealand software specialist Company-X.
Cisco Systems Inc, in San Jose, California, became a client of Company-X, in 2013 shortly after the software specialist was founded by Jeremy Hughes and David Hallett in Hamilton, Waikato.
Cisco asked Company-X for help and expertise with several international projects and the relationship continues today.
This makes Cisco one of Company-X’s first and oldest clients.
"We've been working with Company-X for several years now and they are a top-notch development and technology partner,” said iTalent Digital Cisco Account Manager Maritza Quintanilla.
“Their team has amazing talent, a great mix of innovative and creative developers, project managers, business analyst and quality assurance team members who strive to deliver results and value.
“They've helped our fortune 50 client company execute a cutting-edge platform, leading the efforts from concept to execution and they are a genuine pleasure to work with . . . flexible, engaged and responsive.”
Quintanilla’s comments echo those of Cisco project manager Ashela Webb.
“They handle themselves professionally internally with peers and leaders. Every resource provided to us, from program management to development, has the ability to think on his or her feet and get the job done.”
"Company-X manages to find resources that keep updated, continuously bringing new technology and development insights to our organisation.”
Hamilton City Council was Company-X’s first client by a few months.
The council involved Company-X co-founder and director David Hallett in the architecture of its eServices Portal. The job required integration with existing regulatory information systems and various payment gateways. The council was one of the first local government services to use the RealMe identify verification service.
The New Zealand Police National Road Policing Centre Calibrations Services in Wellington was also an early client.
Police Calibration Services asked Company-X to build a system to record and audit speed testing devices and calibration results as well as assess legal tolerances across a range of devices.
Due to the nature of law enforcement, all equipment used to assess legal tolerances in New Zealand must be regularly calibrated for accuracy, while ensuring every individual device is always accounted for.
The devices are complex in number, type, and technology, and include laser guns, radar, speed cameras and static speed test sites, passive and evidential breathalysers, and weighing scales.
It was also critical to ensure an ISO 17025 quality process was followed, recorded and auditable.
“New Zealand Police Calibration Services were extremely happy with our iterative rapid prototyping approach and the speed with which we delivered the final application,” said Company-X co-founder and director Jeremy Hughes. “Without heavyweight analysis and program specification, we were able to deliver speed to market along with significant cost savings.”
Calibrations Services Manager Senior Sergeant David Martin said police had enjoyed a long-term relationship with Company-X.
Company-X offers world-leading software savvy delivered with a can-do attitude.
Founded in 2012 by software specialists David Hallett and Jeremy Hughes, Company-X immediately won contracts with New Zealand government departments and a US multinational.
The team has grown to more than 50 New Zealand-based software specialists, with only the best and brightest passing the Company-X interview and assessment process.
The Company-X team prides itself on experience in a wide range of technologies and languages and loves challenging problems.
Company-X ranked on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ Asia Pacific, a list of the fastest-growing technology companies in the Asia Pacific region, in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Cerulean Labs, a New Zealand startup with a sketch-based conceptual design tool for architects, is moving its headquarters to Atlanta. The announcement comes after the early-stage startup landed a seed investment round led by Atlanta-based Shadow Ventures.
Shadow Ventures is known as a venture firm focused on using tech to transform the built environment (think architecture, landscape, urban planning, and the like). KP Reddy, Shadow Ventures’ Founder and CEO, told Hypepotamus that while specific numbers about funding and hiring plans will not be disclosed at this time, Atlanta will serve as the “beachhead” for Cerulean and the team will be “hiring sales and marketing resources in Atlanta.”
The move will be about “developing and commercializing” the startup’s iPad-based design tool, Spaces, according to a press statement by Cerulean Labs.
“It’s been a long process to get to this point, but I am thrilled to have Shadow Ventures lead our Series Seed round,” said founder of Cerulean Labs Campbell Yule in a statement. “For a start-up like Cerulean Labs, it was essential to find an investor who understands our market. I have been impressed from day one by the entire Shadow Ventures team and I’m excited about partnering with them in 2023.”
Mr. Reddy added that “unlike many VCs that prioritize warm introductions, we prioritize meritocracy. Like most of our portfolio, [Cerulean Labs] first met us by applying via our website. From first meeting to close, we generally take 12 weeks on average. This deal was slightly longer due to some of the holiday slow down at the end of the year.”
Shadow Ventures makes investments around the globe, but has Southeast companies like PropTech startups Ecobot, Kairos, and Green Badger in its current portfolio.
Cerulean Labs’ move to Atlanta comes as the Southeast has seen more momentum in the overall PropTech, ConstructionTech, and built environment tech scene recently. Some of the bigger headlines over the last two years include Louisiana’s Levelset being acquired for $500 million, Nashville’s Built Technology closing a $88 million funding round, and Atlanta’s cove.tool securing a $30 million Series B.
That momentum could mean more opportunities for startups like Cerulean Labs.
“While residential construction has slowed, commercial construction is still growing. With talent shortages and supply chain challenges, the industry continues to seek innovation to execute on record project backlogs,” added Mr. Reddy.
Source: https://www.globalatlanta.com
Mark Wahlberg has shared a special message for his Kiwi fans after the opening of his first Wahlburgers restaurant in New Zealand last week.
The actor took to Instagram to share a video message for his New Zealand customers, saying, “Kia ora! Massive congratulations to the New Zealand Wahlburgers team and the Mustaca family for opening our first ever Wahlburgers in Viaduct Harbour at Princes Wharf at Shed 22.
“Our first ever restaurant in New Zealand, what an honour.”
The Hollywood star went on to say that he “cannot wait” to visit New Zealand and enjoy a cold beer and a Kiwi-style burger with his fans.
“God bless you and your beautiful country, I cannot wait to visit soon,” he added, before recalling his time in Aotearoa filming The Lovely Bones with Sir Peter Jackson.
“I had the most remarkable time in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I can’t wait to see you again, God bless you and thank you.”
Wahlberg spent some time in Wairarapa in October 2007 shooting the film at several locations near Greytown and Masterton. He starred in the film alongside Saoirse Ronan and Rachel Weisz.
It comes after Aotearoa’s first-ever Wahlburgers restaurant opened last week at the former Euro restaurant site as eager diners queued up to experience the actor and his brothers’ joint venture.
Wahlberg, who has an estimated US$350 million net worth, founded Wahlburgers in 2011 with his brothers Donnie and Paulie Wahlberg. Two more Wahlburgers restaurants are set to open in Tauranga and Queenstown this year.
The NZ branch will be operated by the Mustaca family, which owns Australia’s largest independent cinema chain, United Cinemas.
Last year, Wahlburgers Australia and New Zealand chief executive Sam Mustaca scouted locations across Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch.
He said the team are “thrilled to bring Wahlburgers to guests in New Zealand”.
“We had been following the concept for years and with its natural ties to the entertainment industry, bringing Wahlburgers into the experience at United Cinemas just seemed like a perfect fit,” he said.
He said the decision to expand to New Zealand was motivated by their Kiwi staff overseas.
“They’ve always spoken so beautifully about the place. If it wasn’t for those people we probably wouldn’t have come here.” Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Kiwi-based non-alcoholic drinks company Alcohol-Free (AF) is launching across the United States this April.
Founder Lisa King said the company has “just done a really soft launch online” on its website and Amazon US, and is now preparing for its launch with premium US grocery retailer Sprouts Farmers Market.
Set to market in the US as Free AF, King says, “We very much play to the meme. Sometimes we’re called curious AF, sometimes it could be sexy AF or posh AF. We wanted to make it really fun and not boring.”
King told the Herald: “From April 1, we are going to be arranged in almost 400 stores nationwide in the US.”
She said AF will be sold at 393 of Sprouts’ 400 outlets across America. She says Sprouts is similar to NZ-based grocery retailers Farro Fresh and Moore Wilson’s.
“That’s a really massive win for us,” King said.
Sprouts is an Arizona-based retailer that attracts smaller, health-focused suppliers in the US including food startups. The company reported US$1.6 billion in total sales in its latest quarterly earnings last November.
Kings said US retailers are “where New Zealand supermarkets were a couple of years ago”, having limited options for non-alcoholic drinks.
“AF will be one of the first products that they will stock in this new category.”
She said: “We always wanted it to be a global brand, and so the way we’ve kind of designed it and the business model around it was to always take it beyond New Zealand.”
AF drinks are available at most supermarkets in Aotearoa and on their website coming in at around $45 for a 12-pack of 250ml cans.
King said the AF team first visited the US last June to gauge the market.
“There was this big opportunity. There weren’t many products like ours and the supermarkets hadn’t quite got into it and so we just saw this window for us to get in there,” King said.
“Only six months ago, we were standing in LA with no plans. Now we’ve just made our first production of AF over there before Christmas.”
AF launched the Curious AF Bottle Shop in Ponsonby last year, which King said was initially a pop-up store.
She said the store gave Kiwis access to global brands “people hadn’t seen in New Zealand before”.
“There were alcohol-free beers, wines that actually taste decent, champagne, spirits.”
“We actually went and tasted about a hundred different products from around the world and we curated the best 30 and bought them in,” King said.
She said: “That was so popular that everyone asked us to make [the store] permanent. And so we opened up a permanent shop on Crummer Rd in November.”
“I’m still quite surprised with just the amount of people that are coming,” King said.
King started AF after she stopped drinking alcohol a few years ago.
“I was really missing my gin and tonic and I could see this trend was happening overseas, particularly in places like the UK,” she said.
King said the “sober curiosity movement” was gaining traction internationally and saw an opportunity to fill the gap in the market at home with products “that just tasted really good, were really complex, and not highly filled with sugar”.
“I just thought something that was ready to drink, really convenient, tasted really good and sophisticated was missing in the market, so it became a bit of a lockdown project,” King said.
She said a factor in the brand’s success is their pioneering Afterglow ingredient which AF’s website says “is a 100 per cent natural botanical extract that mimics the pleasant warmth of drinking alcohol without the alcohol”.
King said: “Afterglow is really unique in making you feel like you are actually drinking something alcoholic.”
She said her team has focused on food science and reconstructing the “depth and texture” of alcohol in their products.
“When you take alcohol out of something, it tastes quite thin and watery so we knew we needed something to give you that kind of complexity and mouth feel,” King said.
Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/
© American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand Inc • Site by HighlandCreative.com.au
