Foster’s adopt new name and logo to demonstrate complete beverage offering
Foster’s International (NZ) has announced it will become Foster’s Group (NZ) from February 24, 2003 – a move designed to
better reflect the company’s complete alcoholic beverage offering.
Foster’s is acknowledged as one of Australasia’s leading brewers and has traditionally been most well known for its beer
brands such as Crown Lager, VB and Foster’s Lager. Foster’s says the name change and adoption of the new triple glass”
logo (pictured above) better communicates the company’s complete portfolio which includes an impressive selection of
beer, wines, spirits and most recently cider.
The name and logo change was announced by Foster’s Group CEO Ted Kunkel who was in New Zealand to officially open the
company’s new head office building in College Hill Auckland.
Foster’s Group (NZ) Vice President Andrew Bonner said the move was the next important step in the growth of the company
which had become a respected and innovative player within the NZ liquor industry since it was established a little over
two years ago.
Mr Bonner said the company planned to build on its recent successes and would work hard to strengthen its already
impressive beverage portfolio.
“2002 saw many excellent wins for Foster’s International (NZ). VB’s double digit growth continued while the new HIT
system, recently introduced in many key on-premise accounts, demonstrates our continued commitment to growing the New
Zealand beer market through innovation. Crown and Foster’s, our other flagship brands, also continue to grow in double
digits,” Mr Bonner said.
“Our acquisition of Bulmer’s Harvest offers an exciting challenge for 2003, while Bill Spence and the team at Matua
continue to produce world class wines – Ararimu Chardonnay being just one of the many Matua wines that won awards in
2002.
“Meanwhile in our spirits portfolio, innovations like the Wilson’s Whisky re-blend and packaging, the launch of Wilson’s
Empire Gin, and the growth of South Pacific Distilleries ‘Bounty Rum’, gives us a firm platform to continue to build our
sales in this segment.”
Mr Bonner said the newly named Foster’s Group (NZ) would continue to work hard to be regarded as premium across all
areas of the business.
“We will continue to supply premium products, we will pride ourselves on offering a premium service, we will work hard
to develop and maintain premium relationships and we will continue our commitment to being a premium, innovative player
in the New Zealand liquor industry.”