PHOTO: The store is also collaborating with local producers, including CJ’s Hāngi, to create a unique “Hāngi Pie” exclusive to Plenty Foods.
🏪 Independent Supermarket ‘Plenty Foods’ Takes on Duopoly in Upper Hutt
🛒 A Fresh Face in Upper Hutt’s Grocery Scene
A brand-new supermarket, Plenty Foods, officially opened its doors in Brewtown, Upper Hutt, on Thursday — and it’s already generating buzz for taking on the powerful supermarket duopoly that dominates New Zealand’s grocery industry.
Owned by Wellington businessman Henry Hutcheon, who also operates Supersave in Naenae, the new store promises to deliver competitive prices, local employment, and community partnerships.
👨💼 Local Ownership, Local Jobs
Despite a few technical hiccups on opening day — a database crash that forced staff to rebuild product information from scratch — Hutcheon said the launch was a success.
“We’ve hired most of our staff locally and we’ve got a lot of young people for the local workforce as well,” said Hutcheon.
The store has committed to employing 40 staff, primarily from the Upper Hutt area.
🏷️ Challenging the Supermarket Giants
Hutcheon admits that starting an independent supermarket isn’t easy in a market dominated by the Foodstuffs and Woolworths duopoly.
“Some suppliers have been really supportive, some needed convincing, and others have been difficult. The bigger they are, the harder they are to deal with,” he said.
Plenty Foods aims to stock a full supermarket range, including:
🥦 Produce department
🥩 Butchery
🍞 Bakery
🐟 Fish cabinet
🔥 Hot chicken bar
☕ Café area
The store is also collaborating with local producers, including CJ’s Hāngi, to create a unique “Hāngi Pie” exclusive to Plenty Foods.
🌻 Backing Local and Building Community
Upper Hutt Mayor Peri Zee praised the move as a win for local business and youth employment.
“It’s awesome to see they are using local suppliers like Dough Bakery and The Pickery. It’s beneficial for our local economy and helps address competition issues in the supermarket sector,” she said.
Brewtown — once known primarily for its breweries — is evolving into a thriving retail and event precinct, now bolstered by a full-service supermarket.
📈 A New Era for Consumers
With high grocery prices remaining a major concern for Kiwi households, Plenty Foods’ arrival represents a welcome alternative. Local shoppers now have another option — and potentially, a reason to save.
SOURCE: RNZ
