GMSV has revealed that Australia and New Zealand will be amongst right-hand drive markets which will receive the all-new 2023 Model Year Corvette Z06.
“It was announced this morning that the Corvette Z06 will be manufactured in both left and right-hand drive and we’re incredibly excited to confirm GMSV in Australia and New Zealand will be part of the global programme,” said Joanne Stogiannis, Director of GMSV.
“News that the C8 was available as right-hand drive was reason enough to make Corvette enthusiasts cheer, but this latest update is absolutely phenomenal.”
The 2023 MY Corvette Z06 will be manufactured at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant and left-hand drive production will commence in the North American summer of 2022, with right-hand drive production to start some months later.
The 2023 MY Corvette Z06 debuts an all-new naturally aspirated LT6 5.5L DOHC V-8 engine and features an all-new flat-plane crankshaft design which allows the engine to rev to 8,600 rpm.
The LT6 is hand assembled by master engine builders at the Performance Build Center within the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky. Builders use precision tooling and hand fit pieces of the engine to meet Chevrolet’s exact specifications. Each engine features a plaque on the intake manifold with the signature of the technician who crafted it from start to finish.
Performance credentials of the Z06 build on the already impressive foundation laid by Stingray. For example, the Z06 delivers greater braking capability, with larger 14.6-inch-diameter (370 mm) front and 15-inch-diameter (380 mm) rear Brembo® rotors, compared with the Stingray. The Z06 also features 6-piston front calipers compared to 4-piston calipers on Stingray.
Additional highlights of the 2023 Corvette Z06 include:
"Details such as price, anticipated arrival timing and number of vehicles allocated to our market will be revealed next year,” said Ms Stogiannis.
“In the meantime, we’re looking forward to the first C8 customer cars shipping from Bowling Green to Australia and New Zealand in coming weeks and can’t wait to deliver these to their new owners.
“It is an incredibly exciting time to be a Corvette fan!”
Canned wine exporter Joiy Wines has launched a multimillion-dollar expansion into North America, after turning the head of supermarket chain Whole Foods.
The Wairarapa winemaker said it was approached by the US$16bn retail chain after a win in a major canned wine competition.
It was now launching into the retailer and expected to double its current production of 700,000 cans for five export markets this year. Long-term plans would see it increase production volumes to more than seven million units per annum.
Joiy Wines co-founder Cath Hopkin said the company’s focus from the outset has been taking premium wines into small format packaging.
“Originally we could see that the spirit and beer categories were thriving in small format and yet wine was nowhere to be found. If we ever made a 375ml bottle it was a lower volume run for a hotel group or airline. We then saw an opportunity to specialise in this category and moved our entire product range into cans.
“The domestic and export demand is now there, and we are seeing small format wines resonate strongly with millennials as well as our core target demographic aged 35+ who are choosing these products for a range of convenience and health reasons – such as portion control, lower alcohol, sugar and calories.”
The international market for canned wines was growing at a rate of 13% per annum and was projected to reach over $807m by 2028. This compares with the bottled wine category, which remained stagnant with a growth rate of 4%.
Joiy Wines exported to five markets and has found success in government-run monopoly markets like Canada and more recently Norway, where it could compete on a level playing field against much larger suppliers.
Hopkin said that in addition to providing a vessel that connects with consumers from a design perspective, development of canned wines has allowed the company to address a number of shortcomings of the bottled wine format – including the challenges around heavier shipping weight and fragility of glass.
“The technology we use has now advanced to the point that the lining of can protects the premium wine better than glass, preventing light strike and allowing us to produce a product that is shelf stable for four years – a significant competitive advantage for us on the international market.”
Co-founder and winemaker Chris Archer said that when the duo first brought forward the idea of producing canned wine, they were initially met with a lot of resistance from the local wine industry.
“When we first set out to develop a market for canned wine it was at a time when the industry had not been telling a compelling story which was able to connect with the next generation of consumers and was losing share to competing products like RTDs,” he said.
“Today there is much greater recognition that the level of innovation we are introducing is the way forward for New Zealand wine and are now spending a lot of time on the speaking circuit as a case study.”
Archer said the successful entry into the US market would put pressure on an already limited local grape supply, with projections suggesting their production volumes could increase tenfold overnight.
Joiy Wines latest innovation was a range of wine seltzers, as well as its Mimosa canned wine cocktail, which has already secured a listing with the world’s largest liquor buyer LCBO in Canada.
Source: https://www.foodticker.co.nz/
ATLANTA, GA – September 20, 2021 – Xplor Technologies, LLC (the “Company”) today announced that it has submitted a draft registration statement on a confidential basis to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) relating to its proposed initial public offering of common stock. The Company intends to commence the public offering following completion of the SEC review process, subject to market and other conditions.
This announcement is being made pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 135 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). As required by Rule 135, this press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of that jurisdiction. Any offers, solicitations or offers to buy, or any sales of securities will be made in accordance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
About Xplor Technologies
Xplor Technologies is a global platform integrating software, payments and Commerce Accelerating Technologies. Xplor provides enterprise software solutions for businesses in ‘everyday life’ industries: Childcare & Education, Fitness & Wellbeing, Field Services and Personal Services – and a global, cloud-based payment processing platform.
To learn more visit: https://www.xplortechnologies.com/
New Zealand Trade Commissioner, Los Angeles, Haylon Smith, and supermodel and actress, Rachel Hunter, recently joined T&G Global in Los Angeles to celebrate the Envy™ apple brand’s outstanding success in the North American market.
Over the past year, more than 2.1 million cartons of Envy™ apples were sold in the U.S. The in-demand premium apple brand has skyrocketed to the top of the sales charts for a branded apple, earning 18.3% dollar sales growth and 18.0% volume growth (Source: Nielsen, Total U.S., Apple Category, L 52 weeks ending September 11, 2021).
In addition, the apple was recognized as “Best in Produce” by Kitchn in its 2021 “Kitchn Essentials: Grocery Edition,” an annual selection of the must-have grocery items hand-picked by Kitchn editors.
First launched in North American produce departments in 2010, after years of extensive evaluation by New Zealand researchers and apple growers to ensure the variety meets and exceeds consumer expectations, Envy™ is an apple renowned for its beautifully balanced flavor, uplifting aroma, crisp texture, and slices that stay white for longer. These are qualities prized by consumers around the globe, including in the U.S., with T&G Global’s recent U.S. shopper study finding Envy™ outperformed popular branded and mainstream apple varieties in frequency of shopping trips, spend per trip, buy rate and average basket size.
Today, Envy™ apples are grown in 15 countries, each carefully selected for its prime growing regions to produce Envy™ apples at the quality international consumers now expect from the brand. In the U.S., Envy™ apples are grown only in Washington state’s pristine apple growing regions.
New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner in Los Angeles, Haylon Smith says “It’s great to see Envy™ supported by its hard working and dedicated apple growing community and its strong supply chain, succeeding in the U.S. market. The U.S. is crowded and competitive, so here at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise we work alongside Kiwi brands to help them grow and succeed. Envy™ has really captured and shared its New Zealand origin story and commitment to harnessing innovation and high quality as part of its premium positioning.”
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), which proactively supports the international growth and success of New Zealand products, has supported Envy™ apples in the U.S. with its “Made with Care” campaign, a global marketing initiative designed to grow awareness, preference and demand for New Zealand food and beverage products around the world.
Another proud New Zealand “export,” internationally acclaimed supermodel, actress and television host Rachel Hunter, has partnered with T&G Global to raise awareness of Envy™ apples. Rachel commented, “Coming from New Zealand, I’ve always had an appreciation for the care and dedication that our growers put into their produce. Almost every industry has faced unique COVID-19 related challenges over the last year and a half, and our community of growers have shown true New Zealand spirit in overcoming these challenges. It was great to meet with Trade Commissioner, Haylon Smith, to celebrate the 2021 season of Envy™ apples grown back home, and the continued success of these beautiful apples which are also grown here in the United States. I have long been a fan of Envy™ apples and it’s wonderful to see delicious Envy™ apples in stores worldwide.”
T&G Global’s Head of Marketing for North America, Cecilia Flores Paez was honored to accept recognition from these well-respected New Zealand representatives. “It is a joy to be a part of this beloved brand that exists today thanks to incredible dedication to innovation and commitment. New Zealand’s apple industry brought a beautiful piece of fruit to the world, truly providing the ultimate apple experience,” she said. “Envy™ continues to earn its success with every single bite, and we are introducing it to more and more consumers now that it is sold in nearly all major supermarkets in North America.”
Envy™ is marketed by CMI Orchards, Rainier Fruit Co. and Oppy. Visit envyapple.com
Source: https://www.thepacker.com/
Nelson snack food startup Little Beauties is scaling up and chasing export growth following a $2.5m capital raise earlier this year with the US the latest country in its sights.
While retail sales are the ultimate goal, Little Beauties has gained a foothold in America via New York-based e-commerce platform SnackMagic, which was launched in 2020 to deliver customised snackboxes to American office staff now working from home.
“It’s been more challenging getting into the US bricks and mortar space, however, we have been able to make some good progress with our online sales,” chief executive Rob Simcic told the Ticker.
“The appetite for risk and the sheer capacity for buyers to make time for a conversation has been reduced because there has been enormous staffing pressures in the US [due to Covid-19].”
The US is the third export market after Australia and Japan for the three-year-old company, which was founded by the Wastney family to turn third-grade fruit from their family orchard into what is now a six-product range of high-value dried fruit products.
Simcic came on as chief executive in 2019 from ANZ Bank as a food and beverage specialist. Tasked with scaling up the business and taking it on its export journey, Simcic led the Series A funding round via his network of investors earlier this year. He is also a shareholder.
“There’s been significant investment in people, a capital component in terms of our [capital expenditure], and a significant investment in building our path to market now through sales and marketing,” he said.
“When you’re growing at 100% or more and you’ve got designs on long-term export growth you’ve really got to resource that and I don’t think you can ever resource that enough.”
Now, it was about executing those plans with Simcic wanting to grow export revenue from the current 40% to 80% over the next five years. It forecast total revenue growing from less than $2m annually now to $10m within the next 3-5 years.
Australian sales – around 25% of revenue – were currently all direct through Little Beauties website but Simcic said there were some “pretty promising” negotiations underway with retail buyers and distributors on the ground.
The company also had a foot in the door in Japan, with its gold kiwifruit and boysenberry products stocked in around a dozen boutique organic foods stores around Osaka and also sold online through Japanese importer Koru Japan.
“We’re broadening our reach in Japan with some listings through three online platforms. We’re in conversations with a partner who’s looking to get us stocked on platforms Rakuten, Amazon Japan and Yahoo! as well.”
As for new markets, Simcic said he was “aiming to replicate our direct-to-consumer model in other offshore markets – that’s up the top of our list of priorities.”
The company currently processed around 150-180 tonnes of fruit at its Nelson factory annually and had expanded its team from 10 employees to between 15-20 in the past year, depending on the season.
The Acquisition Accelerates Growth of Rocket Lab's Space Systems Business and Strengthens Position as Leading End-to-End Space Company
Long Beach, California. October 12, 2021 – Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Advanced Solutions, Inc. (ASI), a Colorado-based aerospace engineering firm delivering mission proven space software, mission simulation and test systems, and Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) solutions, for $40 million plus the potential for an additional $5.5 million performance earnout based on CY 2021 results.
ASI’s industry-leading advances in flight software, mission simulation, and GNC significantly strengthen Rocket Lab’s Space Systems portfolio, which encompasses the Photon spacecraft line and a growing suite of spacecraft hardware solutions, including those brought to the portfolio through the acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary in April 2020.
“Both Rocket Lab and ASI have built leading space businesses with mission proven technology and have a shared vision of making it easier to get to space and do incredible things there, so we’re excited to welcome ASI aboard to further enhance our space systems portfolio and deliver enhanced end-to-end space solutions," said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “The ASI team revolutionized flight software and have enabled some of the most significant space exploration missions. For more than 20 years they have been delivering industry-first, off-the-shelf spacecraft flight software products that enable cost-effective and highly capable constellation and interplanetary missions. By joining forces, we believe it will have a transformative effect on the way spacecraft are designed, built, tested, launched, and operated, further unlocking space’s potential.”
“We’ve found a great fit with Rocket Lab and we’re thrilled to be teaming up with them to continue making space faster, easier and more affordable,” said John Cuseo, ASI Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “The two companies complement each other very well. By coming together, we will continue to serve our customers and innovate in our areas of expertise, including space software and GNC, but now with more rocket fuel in the tank to play with. We look forward to also becoming an integral part of Rocket Lab’s Space Systems business, supporting Photon missions, satellite components, and space and ground software.”
ASI’s team of almost 60 people will continue to be led by John Cuseo in Colorado, enabling Rocket Lab to grow its presence within the nation’s second-largest aerospace economy and home to cutting-edge space programs, military commands and renowned research laboratories and universities. The ASI team will continue to serve its existing customer base, while leveraging the ability to scale by tapping into Rocket Lab’s resources, team, and technology.
Founded in 1995, ASI has developed an industry-leading suite of software and technology solutions for reliable space mission design and operation. It’s off-the-shelf spacecraft flight software, MAX, has been operating across more than 45 spacecraft for a cumulative 135 years in space. ASI’s customers include leading aerospace prime contractors, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. DOD organizations, NASA, and commercial spacecraft developers including several of the exciting new space start-ups.
The ASI team have supported some of the most ambitious Earth, interplanetary, and human spaceflight missions flown. These missions have explored distant planets, connected people on Earth, and pushed the boundaries of what is possible in space. Now, ASI’s engineers and space software products are enabling a wide variety of missions with speed, capability, and reliability.
About Rocket Lab
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 105 satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand, one of which is currently operational, and a second launch site in Virginia, USA which is expected to become operational by the end of 2021. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com
Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg is a step closer to bringing his American burger chain to New Zealand after announcing a first Australian venue.
The famed Wahlburgers will open its first Australian store in Circular Quay, Sydney, before Christmas 2021, Wahlberg said yesterday.
His Australian business partner, Sam Mustaca, told the Herald that plans were still on track to open one restaurant in Auckland and potentially another in Mount Maunganui, although he was vague about the opening date, indicating "mid next year" for the Auckland one.
The initial plan was to open mid this year but the rollout had been delayed by Covid-19.
The Wahlburger chain is a casual dining restaurant and bar founded by Mark and his brothers Donnie and chef Paul Wahlberg.
They are planning on opening 19 restaurants in Australia over the next five years, plus at least one in New Zealand."Australia will open, subject to Covid-19 restrictions, by Christmas 2021, creating 65 jobs," Mustaca said.
"It will be open all day from breakfast to late at night and offer a full menu with a couple of Aussie classics, premier bar, full breakfast, coffee/espresso bar, merchandise and souvenirs."
"It's a big sports bar experience sort of that big American Hollywood flair.
Wahlburgers is known for its beef burgers, loaded tater tots, boozy shakes, and house beer. It also servers other American items like sloppy Joes and chilli mac and cheese.
The 20 restaurants to be opened over the next five years will create over 500 jobs and represents a $50 million investment, Mustaca said.
The Auckland restaurant, planned for the CBD would host about 250 diners, he said, adding that the Mount Manganui venue could be located inside the complex of the United Cinemas at Bayfair.
"One to two [stores] until we get to five and then we'll regroup and just see where the market lands for Wahlberg in NZ," Mustaca said.
The United Cinemas is owned and operated by the Mustaca family, across Australia since 1987.
Bayfair Shopping Centre in Mount Maunganui was a $115 million development project which was completed in December 2020 and was opened on Boxing day the same year.
October 01, 2021' WASHINGTON – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today met with New Zealand Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor. Ambassador Tai and Minister O’Connor discussed the importance of the U.S.-New Zealand trade and investment relationship. Ambassador Tai reaffirmed the United States’ strong support for APEC and commitment to working collaboratively with New Zealand as it finalizes its APEC Host Year. Ambassador Tai and Minister O’Connor also discussed their shared commitment to work toward a successful 12th Ministerial Conference. They also discussed digital trade and the importance of ensuring that trade policies are resilient and inclusive, advancing the needs of workers, consumers, and businesses. Ambassador Tai reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and and importance of collaboration among those with open, free, democratic systems.
Source: https://ustr.gov/
Big Picture New Zealand today announced the acquisition of Spot-light Systems by parent company NEP Group, the leading technology partner for content creators around the globe. Headquartered in Auckland, Spot-light Systems is a lighting production and design company servicing live events, corporate communications, and broadcast sectors with an outstanding reputation for smart delivery.
The deal strengthens NEP’s Live Events business in New Zealand by adding lighting assets and capabilities to Big Picture’s strong offering in the region.
Big Picture continues its success as the leading video solutions provider in the region, with its array of cutting-edge technology in camera systems, media servers, projection and LED displays, serving the live events, broadcast, corporate and virtual production sectors.
“By combining Spot-light Systems with Big Picture we are able to provide a comprehensive video and lighting solution for our clients” commented Joe Bonanno, CEO of Big Picture “This is the natural next step for Big Picture New Zealand”.
“We have had a long-standing relationship with Spot-light Systems, dating back ten years and often working on the same projects” Paul Carppe, General Manager of Big Picture New Zealand, added.
“Big Picture shares a similar culture and commitment to that of Spot-light Systems. This partnership will ensure both companies will evolve into the future with a broader client reach. Our aim is to continue to provide exceptional service to our customers and be at the forefront of live event and broadcast technology innovation,” said Benjimen Cooper, Founder of Spot-light Systems.
Simon Garrett broadens his role at Big Picture as Head of Broadcast and special events Lighting, supported by Matt Tong. Spot-light Systems will continue to operate as usual. Ben Cooper and Alex Oldham along with their core contractors will remain at Woodson Place. “Big Picture’s technology, resources and expertise complement Spot-light Systems and position us to better meet the needs of an evolving event landscape.” Simon commented.
To learn more about Big Picture’s range of video and lighting solutions, visit www.bigpicture.com
SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 13, 2021 — Nyriad Inc. announced it has relocated its global headquarters from New Zealand to the U.S. as it prepares to launch the industry’s first storage solutions based on a new architecture that redefines how data is stored. The architecture combines the power of GPUs and CPUs to deliver an unprecedented combination of performance, resilience, and efficiency, enabling massive amounts of data and multiple data types to be managed in a single storage system that is simple to deploy, operate, scale, and maintain.
The new Nyriad global headquarters is in the San Francisco Bay Area. While development and engineering continue to reside in New Zealand, such capabilities will be expanded in other places wherever talents reside, including Silicon Valley.
“The fundamental nature of storage hasn’t changed much in 15 years, even as the world’s data and our reliance on it has grown exponentially with no end in sight,” said Herb Hunt, Nyriad Chief Executive Officer. “The performance and resilience of data systems has never been more important to business success, but the approaches being used today are not fast enough, not resilient enough, inefficient and not up to the task.
“Data and data management have the potential to be huge competitive advantages, but existing storage products focus on compensating for technical inadequacies,” added Hunt. “Nyriad is building a new storage architecture from the ground up that empowers businesses to grow, adapt, and stay competitive in a data-driven world. We are excited to have closed a funding round and be bringing our headquarters closer to our customers as we bring our revolutionary architecture to market.”
The headquarters move follows a refocusing of Nyriad in late 2020, led by serial entrepreneur and Nyriad Chairman of the Board, Guy Haddleton. At the time, the company completed a funding round from existing shareholders and began to expand its executive leadership team. The expanded executive team includes:
● Herb Hunt, Chief Executive Officer and Director. 30+ years’ experience in senior leadership and strategic operational roles in global tech companies, including IBM, Siebel, and several startups. ● John Scaramuzzo, Chief Operating Officer. 30+ years’ storage industry experience as an entrepreneur who led several successful exits, including Smart Storage, and executive positions with Western Digital, SanDisk, Seagate, and Maxtor. ● Steve Lance, Chief Financial Officer. 30+ years’ financial experience with tech companies, including SugarCRM, SumTotal Systems, KLA and Taulia, with multiple exits including an IPO and M&As. ● Dr. Stuart Inglis, Chief Technology Officer. 25+ years’ experience in IT architecture and software development and lead investor in numerous New Zealand tech companies.
● Kevan Pennington, Chief of Engineering Operations. 30+ years’ experience in software and systems development, with emphasis on quality in agile paradigm, with companies such as Cubic Defense, BAE Systems, Airbus, General Dynamics, and Westinghouse Rail. The company’s Board of Directors and Board Advisor are:
● Guy Haddleton, Chairman. 20+ years’ experience in investing and high-growth startups, including co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Anaplan, which completed a $3 billion IPO and is listed on the NYSE.
● Joanna Perry, Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. 15 years’ experience in corporate governance on numerous boards, former partner of KPMG New Zealand, and former Chairman of the New Zealand Financial Reporting Standards Board.
● Tim Miles, Director. 20+ years’ experience in senior leadership roles including Chief Executive Officer of Spark Digital, Vodafone New Zealand, and Vodafone UK, and group Chief Technical Officer of Vodafone plc.
● Derek Dicker, Director. 20+ years’ technology experience including senior executive roles with Intel, Integrated Device Technology, PMC-Sierra, Micro-Semi, and Micron Technology.
● Herb Hunt, Chief Executive Officer and Director.
● Dr. Chong Sup Park, Board Advisor. 30+ years’ technology experience in leadership roles including CEO of Hyundai Electronics, Chairman and CEO of Hynix Semiconductor (renamed SK Hynix), Chairman and CEO of Maxtor, and on Boards including Seagate, Cloudian, and others.
About Nyriad
Nyriad Inc. is developing the industry’s first storage solutions based on a new architecture that redefines how data is stored. The architecture combines the power of GPUs and CPUs to deliver an unprecedented combination of performance, resilience, and efficiency, enabling massive amounts of data and multiple data types to be managed in a single storage system that is simple to deploy, operate, scale, and maintain. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with development and engineering teams in New Zealand, Nyriad is building a new storage architecture from the ground up that empowers businesses to grow, adapt, and stay competitive in a data-driven world. For more information, visit us on the web at www.nyriad.io
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