The nationwide search for the tastiest, most satisfying Kiwi snacks to have onboard has seen a flurry of expressions of interest from passionate foodies and boutique suppliers alike.
Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty says the response has been amazing, and the airline is thrilled to see so many local snack providers stepping up to the plate.
"We've been inundated with thousands of suppliers from all corners of the country visiting our EOI and more than 250 making submissions, and we're loving the creativity, passion and diversity that's coming through. It's clear that Kiwis are serious about their snacks and are eager to see their favourite treats onboard our flights.
"We'd love to spill the beans on the exciting snack ideas we've received, but we're keeping things under wraps for now. What we can say is that chips in all shapes and flavours are a hot topic, along with nutty and grainy options, and products made from locally-sourced fruits and veggies. High protein snacks are also whetting appetites, along with a really great response from diet diverse companies, particularly plant-based food entrepreneurs, and approaches from social enterprises working with disabled New Zealanders and those reducing food waste.
"We dish out around 15 million snacks onboard every year, but the neat thing about the Great Kiwi Snack Off is that we are looking for snacks that cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs - from the mainstays on our domestic network to surprise and delight.
"We're also committed to doing the right thing by prioritising social impact and sustainability, and celebrating some of the amazing climate-friendly options Kiwis are cooking up, along with those showcasing unique flavours from indigenous ingredients and the provenance of our regions.
"We're excited to have discovered so many new and exciting boutique-type food and snack suppliers that we might not have come across otherwise. It's great to see so many small, local businesses putting their best foot forward and putting their products on the national stage."
With expressions of interest closing on 1 May, there is still time for local snack providers to apply and get their products onboard. New Zealand food providers should enter here: https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/snacktastic
13 most imaginative Kiwi infusions suggested to Air New Zealand so far:
- Kiwi Onion Dip with Veggie Dippers - A crowd favourite, this classic Kiwi dip is made with onion soup mix and reduced cream, served with a colourful array of fresh vegetable dippers.
- Sausage Sizzle Snag Roll - The time-honoured Bunnings BBQ sizzle snag rolled up in soft bread, Heinz ketchup and topped with an authentic mix of raw and burnt onions.
- L&P gummies - gummy bears infused with the iconic lemon and paeroa soda flavour.
- Spaghetti Toastie - Melted cheese sandwiched between two slices of toast with a hearty serving of Wattie's spaghetti inside.
- Lemon Meringue Pie flavoured popcorn -A mash up of two crowd favourites, coated in with a white chocolate drizzle.
- Snifters Slice - a nostalgic chocolate and peppermint slice reminiscent of the original Kiwi candy.
- Marmite and Cheese Scones - savoury scones made with classic Kiwi spread and cheddar cheese.
- Hokey Pokey Popcorn - popcorn coated with honeycomb chunks, another iconic Kiwi flavour.
- Māori Fry Bread - Soft, fluffy fry bread filled with a choice of flavourful fillings, such as whitebait, pāua or spiced taro.
- Pavlova bites - Mini meringue bites topped with fresh kiwifruit and whipped cream.
- Hangi pies - A take on the classic New Zealand pie, filled with savoury beef mince seasoned with traditional hangi spices.
- Hemp Chocolate Bar - a chocolate bar infused with hemp seeds, a nod to New Zealand's growing hemp industry.
- Kai Moana Chowder - A creamy and flavourful chowder made with a variety of fresh seafood, perfect for warming up on a chilly flight.
