THE MAGIC OF GROCERY DELIVERY
A new addition to the grocery landscape launches in Queenstown shortly – promising a new way to get groceries delivered on top of an amazing instore experience.
The e Teddy app (which will be available on Android and iOS) is designed to make a grocery shop faster, easier and more convenient. Operating out of a Queenstown-based grocery store stocked with around 600 items at launch and growing to 1000-plus pre-Christmas, the product range is very similar to what you would expect to see from a grocery store or supermarket.
Teddy will have delivery options available to suit – Turbo will get you groceries inside 30 minutes and if you’re not in such a hurry, Pool will be there inside two hours. Either way, the goal is to get customers what they need and when they need it. Teddy is in the process of applying for an alcohol licence. If approved, any sale of alcohol will operate under entirely different systems and processes specific to the nature of alcohol sales
A mobile-first experience, the easy-to-use app is the centerpiece of the Teddy consumer experience, featuring hundreds of grocery items filtered into relevant categories for quick and easy browsing.
Founders Chaz Savage and brothers Ricki and Daniel Taiaroa saw grocery delivery apps springing up around the world. Fuelled by existing business understanding and knowledge of global trends and consumer insights they identified a space in the New Zealand industry. “Teddy solves issues around time and priorities for people,” says Chaz.
Teddy founders Daniel Taiaroa, Chaz Savage & Ricki Taiaroa
“People are time poor and desperately seeking ways to have more meaningful time back in their lives. Most people hate the grocery shop, and supermarket layouts are designed to make consumers spend more time in the aisles, not less.”
“Teddy will make shopping simpler, faster and more convenient so you can spend your time on moments that matter. “Sometimes you’re stuck at home, unable to make it to the supermarket and don’t want to wait 48 hours for grocery delivery. Teddy delivers your day-to-day essentials when you need it.
“We’ve had amazing support from founding investors including Sir Stephen and Robbie Tindall at K1W1. The investment community has been really compelled by our vision and we’re humbled by their support.”
The Teddy team is finding Queenstown the perfect initial market to test, learn and excel, with teams of flat mates, young families and empty nesters trying it out. “Feedback’s been very positive, with customer satisfaction ratings through the roof and our estimated delivery times being as we expect. Importantly, we’ve also hardened operationally so we’re in good shape to deliver an amazing experience whether customers chose to engage with Teddy via delivery or instore.”
The team has a fair and local focus. Local drivers are Teddy ‘heroes’, and Teddy treats them as such. It supports its drivers with career pathways and job security, concepts often not seen in the gig economy. “With our employee equity scheme we’re giving our people the opportunity to be part owners of Teddy. We’re proud to say ‘our people are our people’ and get fairly remunerated, unlike gig economy setups which in our opinion are often driven out of greed, versus genuine staff wellbeing.”
Teddy will partner with entrepreneurial New Zealand electric utility bike innovators UBCO to ensure “delivery in the most environmentally friendly way possible”.
Register for a grocery trial with Teddy:
Business Innovation
As a new addition to New Zealand’s grocery landscape, Teddy is an innovative competitor looking to disrupt the supermarket duopoly which Chaz says has long needed a shakeup. “Obviously we’re not directly competing with bricks and mortar outlets such as Foodstuff s or Woolworths YET - it’s more about offering consumers an alternative option.
“Teddy will force change into the landscape with a more consumer-centric view. We respect the incumbents and look forward to working and competing with them. ere is plenty of space in the sector for someone who does things a little differently.” And Team Teddy isn’t alone in thinking the industry needs a change.
Investors have flocked to support them, with Teddy’s initial angel round funding oversubscribed by corporate entities and individuals in financial or advisory roles. Leading New Zealand investment company K1W1, established by Sir Stephen Tindall, is an avid backer of start-up and early-stage businesses and jumped on board.
“We’re thrilled to support Chaz, Ricki, Daniel and the Teddy team. We see Teddy as an innovative leader in the grocery space in New Zealand. e concept has taken o overseas and Teddy has recognised that and seized the opportunity. It’s exciting to help them achieve that,” says K1W1’s Robbie Tindall.
The Teddy Team
Teddy is the brainchild of three Māori co-founders who have a solid track record working with leading tech, media and telco companies while also founding and operating their own both large and small businesses.
Collectively, Chaz Savage and Ricki and Daniel Taiaroa have worked in senior management and digital product development roles for companies like Sky NZ, Neon, Foxtel, Vodafone and Telstra for close to 20 years.
They have also owned and founded businesses such as designer footwear and bags retailer Scarpa, kids’ retailer Four Little Monkeys and a range of bars in Wānaka, Queenstown and Christchurch including Whakatipu Brewing, Bungalow, LaLaLand and Botanic.
The trio consider operating Food On Q, with an existing team of local drivers and a knowledge of the Queenstown district, gives them a head start with Teddy, their innovative instant grocery delivery service.
Story in partnership with QT Business Magazine & written by Paul Taylor