Sanitarium named most trusted Breakfast Food Brand

10 August 2016

Sanitarium named most trusted Breakfast Food Brand - Survey

Sanitarium’s recognition as the country’s most trusted breakfast food brand is a reflection of the high esteem and loyalty Kiwis have for it, according to the New Zealand company’s head.

The 116-year-old business opened it's doors in Christchurch in 1900 creating New Zealand’s first breakfast cereal - Granola at its Papanui based factory.

Executive general manager Pierre van Heerden says today along with breakfast cereal the company produces soy milks, spreads and healthy vegetarian foods.

He says generations of Kiwis have grown up with Sanitarium’s breakfast products with Weet-Bix and Marmite both household names here and across the Tasman.

“We are committed to offering the best to Kiwis and their families. We are proud to have been recognised with this award which shows clearly that New Zealand families know, trust and enjoy our products,” he says.

Van Heerden says the company remains committed to giving back to New Zealand and has plans to expand it national Weet-Bix TRYathlon series - now in its 25th year. Already more than 20,000 children take part in the world’s largest under 16 triathlon series event annually. The series grew by over 20% last year alone.

Sanitarium’s work in Kiwi schools has also been recognised with its KickStart Breakfast program established alongside Fonterra, recently awarded 'Best New Initiative' at the annual Prime Minister's Social Heroes Awards.

Van Heerden says Kickstart has served over 13 million breakfasts in nearly 900 schools since inception.

It is these initiatives says van Heerden which help the company connect with New Zealand communities.

“While these types of programmes have their roots in meeting a community need they also allow us the opportunity to help inspire Kiwi children and their families to adopt healthy long-term behaviours towards food and exercise,” he says.

The recent award was part of an independent survey commissioned by Reader’s Digest which surveyed more than 1200 Kiwi adults on their perception of the most trusted brands.

-ENDS-

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