Air NZ decision to ditch Moa disappointing
Air New Zealand is to stop serving Moa beer and cider on flights and in Koru lounges just one year into a three-year contract.
It is believed Air New Zealand wants to move to a single beer supplier. Big brewer Lion Nathan - owned by Japanese beverage giant Kirin - is the winner and will become the carrier's sole beer supplier.
I am disappointed that Air New Zealand will be supplied solely by Lion Nathan.
I get that for Lion Nathan, as it scraps with fellow behemoth Heineken-owned DB Breweries for every market share point, it is a logical business move.
But as the national carrier I would expect Air New Zealand to support New Zealand brands rather than allowing themselves to be bought out by a multinational brand.
The decision to ditch Moa appears to have been motivated purely by profit, but there should be a large element of flag waving for "NZ Inc". After all, as our national carrier that's what Air NZ uses to encourage tourism passengers into New Zealand.
Moa being served by Air New Zealand would have been far more beneficial for Moa than Air New Zealand, so our national carrier will be unaffected by the decision.
Not so for Moa. The contract would have had a positive effect on Moa's brand, which will continue into the future albeit to a gradually lessening extent. There will be some halo effect that will linger.
But no longer will Moa have the opportunity to sample their beer to millions of passengers each year, some of whom will want to buy more Moa products and repeat their pleasurable experience with Moa beer.
And the pundits are already slagging Moa as a result of the contract cancellation. Just read the comments at the end of Fairfax's article to get a feel for the vitriol that has been unleashed.
Yes, it's a sad day when our national carrier turns its back on "NZ Inc" and allows itself to be bought out by a Japanese-owned multinational.
This article is a follow-up to an expert opinion Brandon provided to Fairfax Media for their article published at Stuff.co.nz.
Read Stuff article: Air NZ decision to ditch Moa 'disappointing'
