A staple of many a Dunedin pantry has been taken off the shelves of some of the South Island’s biggest supermarkets.
A Dunedin man contacted the Otago Daily Times this week after being unable to find his usual Gregg’s coffee products at Pak’nSave Dunedin.
He approached Gregg’s via social media, and it responded that Foodstuffs South Island had "unfortunately ... decided not to stock our Gregg’s coffee products."
Foodstuffs South Island confirmed it had "reduced" its range of Gregg’s instant coffee to two products after conducting a months-long review.
Special Blend, an instant coffee manufactured by Gregg’s but without its branding, would still be available from all Foodstuffs stores, a spokesman said.
Gregg’s Red Ribbon Roast would still be available in New World supermarkets only.
The spokesman said Foodstuffs South Island regularly reviewed its category ranges to ensure they were striking the right balance of products.
A review of the coffee range had led to a reduction in some Gregg’s products, particularly where similar products were already available, while retaining the options which were "most important" to their customers.
"It’s not a decision we take lightly.
"Ultimately, we must ensure we can meet the needs of our customers and provide the best value possible."
Gregg’s has been producing coffee products from its Forth St, Dunedin, factory for 155 years.
Instant coffee is its largest product line.
The factory, which also produces food and other drink products, was sold to the Kraft Heinz Company in 2017.
In the South Island, Foodstuffs operates Pak’nSave, New World, Four Square, Raeward Fresh, On the Spot and Trents stores.
Kraft Heinz did not respond to a request for comment.
