Acorn Group is on a mission to make better happen and their new, exclusive partnership with Oatly is a great example of this commitment.
Oatly is the world’s original and largest oat drink company, with a mission to help people eat better and live healthier lives without recklessly taxing the planet’s resources in the process. It was these values that Acorn Group saw a close alignment with when choosing to partner with the brand.
“Since 2007 Acorn Group has been making better happen for brands in the NZ market. We are delighted to be partnering with Oatly, a globally disruptive brand, that is changing how people perceive and consume the plant-based category," said Elliot Keys, General Manager, Acorn Group.
Created in the 90s, at Lund University, the idea for Oatly was born out of a desire to create a product that everyone could enjoy, without worrying about allergies or the exploitation of the planet's resources, using natural enzymes that could convert fibre-rich oats into a nutritious liquid food, perfectly adapted for human consumption.
For over 30 years, Oatly has exclusively focused on developing expertise around oats: a global power crop with inherent properties suited for sustainability and human health. Their commitment to oats has resulted in core technical advancements that has enabled them to unlock alternatives the breadth of the dairy category. Today they operate in almost 20 countries, with headquarters in Malmö and multiple production facilities.
With the emergence of plant-based options across many food and beverage categories, markets are gradually moving from “niche” to “daily” when it comes to oat milk consumption. This is turn makes it easier for a broader consumer base to swap plant-based for dairy into their diets for the benefit of the planet.
Acorn Group was founded in 2007. Founder Tim Oakes held a vision to offer a better specialist brand representation business, that would launch challenger brands to help the retailers grow categories through unique, high quality products. This would allow Acorn Group to give back to communities and charities.
From small beginnings, the business has grown steadily over the 17 years since, whilst remaining privately New Zealand owned.
Acorn Group’s extensive sales and marketing experience have created a track record of success in nurturing partnerships and creating opportunities that deliver sustainable and profitable growth. They are a full-service marketer and distributor business that successfully balances the structured approach and thinking of a blue-chip FMCG company, with the entrepreneurial outlook and energy of a disruptive challenger business. This, combined with the early uptake of the latest technology, is helping to drive category growth.
“We know that success in the food industry depends on a brand providing better choices for consumers and better solutions from retailers. As a specialist in global brands, we see ourselves as bridging the gap to New Zealand FMCG success for international brands.”
One example of this is Flying Goose Sriracha sauce. With the segment being cluttered with a sea of red bottles, green caps and animal logos, Flying Goose has soared above the competition, strategically attracting new consumers to the segment while increasing purchase frequency among existing fans. Flying Goose Sriracha is now experiencing value growth at 75 percent*.
Acorn Group people are passionate, experienced and focused on delivering positive outcomes. They have effective, existing relationships with all major retailers. Local warehousing in both islands provides a robust distribution footprint with national reach. Acorn Group have a national sales team developing successful partnerships that deliver results inside & outside of the supermarket channel.
Simply put, since 2007 Acorn Group have been Making Better Happen. To find out more contact Elliot Keys email elliot@acorngroup.co.nz
*Circana MAT to 31/12/23
