Tip Top shifts some iceblock production to Australia to keep up with demand

Thursday, 21 December 2017

Rico and Isaac Moore enjoy a lemonade iceblock at Waterlea Race Course in Blenheim. (File photo)

The classic Kiwi lemonade iceblock is being made across the ditch 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.'

**READ MORE:

First it was concerns about an icecream shortage, now Tip Top has turned to Australia for lemonade Popsicles.

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Earlier this week, the company announced it was reprioritising production so 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.

'That's putting pressure on the supply chain.

'It's created demand that we'd typically be carrying into January and February.'

Tip Top had not stopped production in New Zealand, Carter 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 'they are no longer required', he said.

'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 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.

In addition, Countdown deli and 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 double-digit growth.