Kiwi iceblocks cross the ditch
The classic Kiwi lemonade iceblock is being made across the Tasman in an effort to ramp up production due to high demand.
Fonterra, the owner of Tip Top, has been forced to send its lemonade Popsicle recipe to a supplier in Australia, to help meet demand in New Zealand.
‘‘To help alleviate some of the pressure on supply, we’re temporarily sourcing our lemonade Popsicles from a supplier in Australia,’’ Fonterra Brands New Zealand sales director Tim Carter said. ‘‘This supplier is using our recipe and our ingredients to ensure the taste is the same.’’
Earlier this week, the company announced it was reprioritising production so that the more popular products, including Trumpets, Popsicles, most Frujus and vanilla icecream, would not run out.
Carter said this was a result of ‘‘unprecedented’’ demand for the frozen summer treats.
Tip Top allows for higher demand over summer each year, but the hot weather had increased demand 25 per cent above last year, Carter said.
Tip Top had not stopped cancelled production lines in New Zealand, he said. ‘‘The lemonade Popsicles being made in Australia are additional to those being made here, and will help us address the recent surge in demand.’’
The Australian supplier would be used until it was no longer required.
‘‘This is a short-term measure so we can increase production of all our ice blocks and ice cream on a stick, and we look forward to making these products in New Zealand again soon.’’
On Wednesday, Foodstuffs spokeswoman Antoinette Laird said that, contrary to rumours, there was no impending shortage of icecream or frozen yoghurt at its supermarkets, including New World, Pak’n Save and Four Square.
Countdown perishables merchandise manager Nikhil Sawant said sales for boxes of iceblocks, ice, single-serve and two-litre tubs of icecream were much higher than last year, and in some cases seeing double-digit growth.