BY KATHRYN STEANE

According to The New Zealand Juice & Beverage Association, Kiwis spend $1.2 billion on cold, non-alcoholic drinks every year – that amounts to 640 million litres of soft drink, fruit juice, bottled water, flavoured milk, and sports and energy drinks. And while the market has traditionally been dominated by large companies like Coca-Cola Oceania; many smaller, boutique businesses are beginning to appear. There has also been a noticeable return within the industry to old-fashioned values (natural ingredients, classic flavours, less sugar); as well as a trend in non-alcoholic alternatives for adults. We take a look at some of the options currently available.

By Robyn Yousef

The background music is always upbeat, including anything from Shirley Bassey through to Barry Manilow or Nana Maskouri, and while the decor also screams retro 70s, the food on offer is definitely contemporary cafe style. Café Kaos has moved from Tuakau to a new base in Pukekohe.

It’s been an extraordinary year in Christchurch since Cantabrians were shaken from their beds on September 4, 2010 – followed by thousands of aftershocks, lost lives, shattered homes and businesses. People in Christchurch’s food, beverage and hospitality industries have shown incredible strength, and support for each other through these exceptionally challenging times – here’s three inspiring stories from Garden city-based Linda Bennett.