Our history


Frucor Suntory

We’ve been making juice since way back in the sixties with Fresh Up, the brand that kicked it all off. In 1999, we moved into the Australian market with V Energy and, since 2009, we’ve been proud to be part of the Japanese Suntory Group .

Here’s a rundown of some of our milestones over the years.

2016

Our new, world-class aseptic manufacturing line opens in Manukau.

2015

The 1 billionth can of V is produced, Sparkling OH arrives in NZ and the reduced sugar Pepsi Next is launched.

2014

2014

Frucor opens R&D centre in Manukau; first NPD project with Suntory, OVI Hydration, hits the shelves; Sparkling OH launched in Australia, Suntory acquires Lucozade Ribena

2013

2013

Frucor Australia named Aon Hewitt Best Employer, while the NZ business was one of only three companies nationwide to receive the accolade.

2012

2012

V Blue launches over summer and is a real hit!

2011

“V” launches in Spain and Frucor is again named as an Aon Hewitt Best Employer.

2010

2010

‘V’ goes to Europe with the launch of Frucor Brands International, based in Amsterdam. V Isokinetic, a hydration and guarana energy mix, launches in NZ and Australia.

2009

2009

Suntory, Japanese global beverage company acquires Frucor from Danone. The NZ business acquires Simply Squeezed and the Australian team acquires distribution rights to Angostura Lemon, Lime and Bitters RTD. Dilmah Ice Tea launches in New Zealand.

2008

2008

The big V 500ml can launches; supplement water launches; release of new Moccona Chilled Coffee range was released and Australia places its 10,000th fridge.

2007

2007

Frucor NZ acquires Arano orange juice company; Frucor’s first hypotonic sports drink ‘Mizone Rapid’ goes on sale in NZ.

2005

2005

V Berry launches; McCoy Fruit Smoothies refresh the juice market. Frucor hosts more than 50 Group Danone managers to learn about our style of innovation, in product and process.

2004

2004

Just Juice Bubbles launches and wins the Groupe Danone innovation award. The H2Go sparkling range launches and Frucor Australia moves to SAP as its core business system.

2003-

2003

Danone launches ‘Mizone’ sportswater in China. Launch of H2Go flavoured range in Australia and NZ.

2002

On 9 September 2002, five years after V Energy’s launch, the 100 millionth 250ml slim line can of V was produced. That year, Frucor de-listed from the NZ and Australian stock exchanges and the new ‘push and go’ sipper top launched on G-force.

2001

Spring Valley distribution network purchased in Australia. ‘Mizone’ launches in Australia.

2000

‘V’ launches in UK and Ireland; Frucor lists on the NZ and Australian stock exchanges; Mizone launches in NZ.

1999

1999

‘V’ launches in Australia and South Africa; Frucor buys h2go brand from Lion Nathan; Frucor acquires franchise for Pepsi NZ.

Fyers Wickham and Pacific Equity buy Frucor from the NZ Apple and Pear Marketing Board.

1997

1998

Launch of ‘V’ energy drink in new 250ml slimline can.

1997

NZ$8 million bottling and warehouse facility built in Auckland; Just Juice leads the way with the 125ml junior tetra pack; release of Wobbly 125ml, NZ’s first ever jelly drink.

1995

Frucor becomes the first company outside Europe to introduce a 1 litre tetra recap pack; Frucor buys 75% of Stefan’s to create the first nationally distributed, chilled squeezed juice; launch of Fruition, a sparkling fruit-flavoured mineral water.

1992

1994

Purchase of NZ Natural company to become NZ’s leading mineral water producer; Citrus Tree’ Orange juice launches; Frucor becomes one of the first companies in the world to hot fill juice into plastic PET bottles.

1989

1989

Launch of NZ’s first premium juice – McCoy – the genuine article.

1985

1985

Just Juice claims 40% market share.

1982-1985

1982-1985

New Zealand’s Juice Market Trebles

1982

Introduction of the Tetra-brik packaging. Launch of Just Juice, a tropical blend of fruits.

1978

1978

John Walker, New Zealand Olympic Gold medal winner, becomes the face of Fresh Up with the catch-cry ‘It’s gotta be good for you!’

1972

1972

Fresh Up introduces the tear-tab can

1962

1962

It started with the first drink, Fresh Up, produced by parent company, the New Zealand Apple and Pear Marketing Board in Stoke, at the top of the South Island.