Countdown’s first premium store opens in Ponsonby

2 June 2016: Countdown’s newest supermarket was officially opened today by Hon Nikki Kaye, with 2,200 new products on offer in the company’s first premium store.

Countdown Ponsonby is the first retailer to open in the $120 million Vinegar Lane and Cider development, with the wider retail development expected to be completed in the coming months.

Speaking at the opening today Minister Kaye says the new store is a welcome addition to the area, and she knows it will be very well received by those who live and work in Ponsonby.

“The new supermarket has been much anticipated and it’s exciting that the first stage of the development is now open to the public. It’s fantastic that this new Countdown has resulted in around 100 new jobs, and I know that Ponsonby locals are going to love having a new store just nearby,” says Hon Nikki Kaye.

The new supermarket boasts a deli section with cut and wrapped cheeses, a focus on loose organic produce, along with specialist food and wine experts on hand to offer tips and advice. There are also 450 new products in the health foods and wellness section alone, reflecting the local customer base increasingly looking for health and wellness at the supermarket.

Among the 100 new team members are food specialists Jared Adlam, Kerri Lamb, and Tom Allison, who have extensive experience in the food industry. Joining the foodies at Countdown Ponsonby is Anton Fedorchenko, Ponsonby’s wine specialist.

• Jared Adlam has worked as a qualified chef in a variety of roles; before joining the Ponsonby team Jared was Senior Sous Chef at Ascension Winery in Matakana.

• Kerri Lamb’s experience in seafood stems from his time working on an island off Queensland. He moved back to New Zealand and started his own catering company before joining Countdown.

• Tom Allison was an apprentice at Soul Bar and Bistro, before moving to an exclusive gourmet deli in Melbourne. His time in Melbourne has set him up to help Ponsonby customers with specialty foods and ways to prepare them.

• Ponsonby’s wine specialist, Anton Fedorchenko, is an experienced sommelier. His background and passion for wine comes from his time working in Russia, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand. Anton is excited to impart his wine knowledge with his customers.

Countdown Ponsonby Store Manager, Jason McQuoid, says he and his team are very excited to finally share their store with their customers.

“I’m passionate about the food and beverage industry, and as someone who spends a lot of time in Ponsonby, I’m also very proud and excited about the offer we’ve designed for our new customers here.

“Our new food and wine experts are going to be a hit with our customers. Our specialists will provide customers with advice on choosing and preparing specialist food, along with offering expert matching suggestions,” says Mr McQuoid.

Countdown Managing Director, Dave Chambers, says that Countdown Ponsonby is an exciting store for the business, as their most premium and unique store yet.

“Customers can still expect to find our usual products at everyday low prices, but they will also get to enjoy the massive range of new and exciting products that have been sourced with our Ponsonby customers in mind,” Mr Chambers says.

The new Ponsonby store will join Countdown’s Food Rescue programme, supporting The Salvation Army, and Fair Food. The programme has donated $3.5 million worth of food to food banks around New Zealand in the last year.

ENDS

© Scoop Media