- ASX-listed RooLife (ASX:RLG) and ASX and NZX-listed AFT Pharmaceuticals (ASX:AFP, NZX:AFT) have officially launched the New Zealand branded online health and pharmacy store in China “Kiwi Health”
- “Kiwi Health” is the online marketplace in China for AFT Pharmaceuticals’ high- profile, well-known and trusted portfolio of health and wellbeing products
- Kiwi Health Store operated by RooLife launched on Alibaba’s Tmall Global platform with the support of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE)
- Kiwi Health Store launched in preparation for Alibaba’s 11.11 Global Shopping Festival to be held on 11 November
22 October 2020, Auckland – RooLife Group (ASX:RLG) and AFT Pharmaceuticals (ASX:AFP, NZX:AFT) have launched Kiwi Health, a New Zealand-branded health and well-being store on Alibaba’s Tmall Global marketplace, (as advised to the ASX on 10 July 2020) with the support of Alibaba Group and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).
The Kiwi Health store, launched in advance of and in preparation for Alibaba’s 11.11 Global Shopping Festival, markets and sells a range of health and well-being products online in China. The store aims to leverage the strong brand awareness of AFT’s product range under the “Kiwi’s thinking about health” branding and the regard for New Zealand products in China.
AFT Pharmaceuticals Founder and CEO, Dr Hartley Atkinson, said the launch of the Tmall Global store was an important step in growing the company’s reach to consumers in China, “Our products have already secured a strong following with the local Chinese consumers living in New Zealand and Australia. We believe the launch of our Tmall Global flagship store will further assist us in amplifying our online presence in the world’s largest e-commerce market.”
Alibaba Group’s Managing Director in Australia and New Zealand, Maggie Zhou, said the time was right for New Zealand brands to think about expanding their reach in the China market: “We are delighted to see the launch of the Kiwi Health Tmall Global Flagship Store. New Zealand products have a strong reputation and remain a popular choice with consumers in China who care more about their health and wellness than ever before.”
The Kiwi Health Store project is also supported by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), the New Zealand government’s international business development agency.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s General Manager Customers, Lisa Thompson commented, “COVID-19 has accelerated the importance of having a strong digital strategy, so exporters can meet their consumers where and however they shop. We are really pleased to be working alongside AFT Pharmaceuticals in this space. It is fantastic to see them set up their flagship store on TMall and we hope it is the beginning of ongoing success.”
RooLife Managing Director, Bryan Carr added, “Working with AFT Pharmaceuticals is a fantastic outcome and opportunity for all involved. We look forward to marketing and selling their well- known, trusted portfolio of health and wellbeing products in the Chinese market on Alibaba’s Tmall Global marketplace and also acknowledge and recognise the support provided by Alibaba Group and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.”
We have seen the successes achieved by large Australian and New Zealand based pharmacy chains online in China and we are excited by the opportunity to leverage the high regard for New Zealand and its products with Chinese shoppers.”
RooLife provides the digital marketing, store operation and product distribution that drives sales of AFT Pharmaceuticals products on the Alibaba’s Tmall Global platform. As China’s largest cross-border marketplace, Tmall Global is the premier channel through which overseas brands and retailers can reach Chinese consumers, build brand awareness and gain valuable consumer insights in forming their overall China strategy, without the need for physical operations in China.
