Latest news with #FHG

IOL News
16-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Freddy Hirsch renews and expands SA Rugby partnership
The spice and ingredients giant renews its SA Rugby partnership and extends support to all national teams. The spice and ingredients giant renews its SA Rugby partnership and extends support to all national teams. SA Rugby has renewed its partnership with the Freddy Hirsch Group (FHG) for another four years, expanding the agreement to now include all of South Africa's national rugby teams. This partnership, which was first formed in 2023, is reinforcing FHG's commitment to building national pride at every level of the game. Part of the motivation for renewing and widening the deal is the overwhelming demand for the ever-popular Oom Freddy's range, which has become a true household staple across South Africa. In addition to continuing its support of the Springboks, Freddy Hirsch will extend its partnership to include the Springbok Women, Blitzboks, Springbok Women's Sevens, and the junior national teams (youth and U20 sides) for men and women. Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, welcomed the renewal: 'Braai is an integral part of the South African rugby experience, and Freddy Hirsch has already proven to be an outstanding partner for the Springboks. 'Our players and staff constantly tell us how much they love the Oom Freddy's products in their own homes, so we're thrilled that they have chosen to expand their support across all our teams. We look forward to four more years of this innovative and inclusive partnership.' By broadening its involvement, Freddy Hirsch aims to bring the joys of braai to every rugby occasion – from international Test matches to grassroots tournaments. As the country's 'Spice Champions,' Freddy Hirsch will celebrate South Africa's twin passions of rugby and braai. Importantly, FHG is dedicated to making this experience accessible to everyone. 'We are honoured and excited to continue our journey with SA Rugby,' said Clive Moore, Group Head of Marketing at Freddy Hirsch. 'Rugby and braai are at the heart of South African culture, and it is a privilege for us to play a part in bringing them together. We're passionate about giving fans all we have to make every game memorable. 'Over the next four years, we look forward to extending our support to all our national teams – from the Springboks to the women's and junior squads.' With this four-year extension, Freddy Hirsch and SA Rugby are reinforcing a shared commitment: to celebrate South Africa's rugby heritage and braai tradition hand-in-hand, making every moment – on and off the field – something all of us can savour.


The South African
11-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
SA Rugby safeguards another multi-faceted partnership
Earlier this year, SA Rugby announced that the organisation was 'set to buck the global trend and report a profit of more than R100m for 2025'. With the state of the game in rude health at the moment, led by the flagship success of the Springboks, the financial outlook looks to be highly encouraging in the near and long-term, with strong revenues forecast for 2026. Just this week SA Rugby also announced on that its partnership with the Freddy Hirsch Group (FHG) has been renewed for four more years, while the agreement has been expanded to include all of South Africa's national rugby teams. In addition to continuing its support of the Springboks, Freddy Hirsch will extend its partnership to include the Springbok Women, Blitzboks, Springbok Women's Sevens, and the junior national teams (youth and U20 sides) for men and women. Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, welcomed the renewal of the partnership with FHG, which was first formed in 2023 as the governing body continues to celebrate wins on and off the field. 'Braai is an integral part of the South African rugby experience, and Freddy Hirsch has already proven to be an outstanding partner for the Springboks, and we're thrilled that they have chosen to expand their support across all our teams. 'We look forward to four more years of this innovative and inclusive partnership.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


Otago Daily Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Hospo industry recognised
The best of Queenstown hospo will find out next month if they're the best in the country. Three hotels, a restaurant, cafe, bar, two suppliers and a manager have been named as finalists in this year's Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence, being announced during the HNZ25 conference, in Wellington, on June 10 and 11. Crowne Plaza Queenstown general manager Stewart Manson's a finalist in the accommodation industry leader of the year, alongside Rajeev Sharma (Sarin Hotels) and Alexander Siebentritt (Rutherford Hotel, Nelson), while in the supplier of the year, it's a Queenstown battle, with the only finalists resort-based IT business Both Brains going up against local Jill Polson (Lion). Future Hospitality Group's (FHG) Little Blackwood is once again a finalist in the best bar category — other finalists are Madame Social (Napier), Moon Under Water and Rambler at Drifter, both in Christchurch, Sprig & Fern Tawa (Wellington), The Freeport with Cleaver & Co (Mount Maunganui) and Tipsy Oyster (Paihia) — while odd saint, also owned by FHG, is in the mix for best cafe. It's going up against Christchurch's Brigittes Merivale and Hello Sunday, Brunel Peaks Cafe & Bar (Monowai), Peekaboo Backyard Eatery (Kaitaia) and The Pantry (Auckland). In the best restaurant category, Sherwood has been named as a finalist, as has Metita — SkyCity Auckland, Esther Restaurant and TALA, both also in Auckland, Craggy Range Restaurant (Havelock North), Fife Lane Kitchen & Bar (Mount Maunganui), Madame Social and Pio Pio Restaurant by Milford Sound Lodge. Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, The Rees Hotel and The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi are all in the running for the best hotel, as are Crowne Plaza Christchurch, Park Hyatt Auckland, QT Auckland and The George (Christchurch). HNZ boss Steve Armitage says the calibre of this year's finalists "speaks volumes about the talent and tenacity driving our industry". "Each one reflects the energy, care, and creativity that hospitality in Aotearoa is known for. "The Awards for Excellence are our opportunity to acknowledge those individuals and businesses who are raising the bar through their commitment to excellence, and we're proud to recognise their impact and celebrate their success." 'Future Fest' launches Queenstown's Future Hospitality Group's hosting its first 'Future Fest' next month, beginning with Little Blackwood's 10th birthday party from 7pm this Sunday. Co-owners Bert Haines and James Ace say Queenstown in June can prove to be a "holding pattern" for some businesses and locals as the resort waits for snow to fall, ski areas to open and visitors to arrive. Future Fest's been designed to connect the community, showcase the group's offerings and "have a bit of fun", Haines says. Events next month include 'Dragged to Brunch' at Margo's, featuring Yuri Guaii and Rosa Violeta from Ru Paul's Drag Race, Sip & Paint, cocktail-making masterclasses, a long lunch collab between Little Blackwood and odd saint, and a Matariki celebration with a starry night theme. Additionally, Future Hospitality's launching its loyalty programme — a random draw on July 1 will see one person win a $20,000 prize pack by signing up. For more info, or tickets to events, visit


Scoop
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Future Hospitality Group Finalists In National Hospitality Awards
Press Release – Future Hospitality Group Future Hospitality Group (FHG) co-owners James Ace and Bert Haines say the finalist nominations are proof of the hard work, consistency and passion of their 90-strong team members across the group. Queenstown hospitality legends Future Hospitality Group have done it again, scooping three finalist spots in national excellence awards. For the fourth year in a row, they are finalists in the hotly-contended Best Bar category of the Hospitality New Zealand Awards For Excellence 2025 with iconic cocktail venue Little Blackwood. The lakeside bar won the award in 2022 to be crowned New Zealand's best bar. This year they're also finalists in the Chef of the Year category for Matt Tobin (for the second year running) and in the Best Café category with local and visitor favourite odd saint. Future Hospitality Group (FHG) co-owners James Ace and Bert Haines say the finalist nominations are proof of the hard work, consistency and passion of their 90-strong team members across the group. Little Blackwood on Steamer Wharf is an icon of the Queenstown hospitality scene, beloved by locals and visitors as the perfect spot for seasonal, crafted cocktails partnered with outstanding cheese and charcuterie platters and world-class hospitality and service. Nestled in a quiet, sunny and tree-lined spot alongside a small church, odd saint's eclectic and crowed-pleasing menu of global soul food hits the spot with memorable dishes, outstanding cocktails and superb coffee. Executive Chef Matt Tobin has demonstrated extraordinary talent, innovation, and leadership in the culinary industry. His unwavering commitment to excellence, creativity, and team development has elevated FHG to new heights. A visionary in the kitchen, he's constantly pushing boundaries to create bold, vibrant, and unforgettable dishes. James and Bert say awards recognitions celebrate the dedicated hospitality professionals in their team across the six venues they operate. Winners of The Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence 2025 will be announced over two evenings in Wellington on June 10 and 11.


Scoop
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Future Hospitality Group Finalists In National Hospitality Awards
Queenstown hospitality legends Future Hospitality Group have done it again, scooping three finalist spots in national excellence awards. For the fourth year in a row, they are finalists in the hotly-contended Best Bar category of the Hospitality New Zealand Awards For Excellence 2025 with iconic cocktail venue Little Blackwood. The lakeside bar won the award in 2022 to be crowned New Zealand's best bar. This year they're also finalists in the Chef of the Year category for Matt Tobin (for the second year running) and in the Best Café category with local and visitor favourite odd saint. Future Hospitality Group (FHG) co-owners James Ace and Bert Haines say the finalist nominations are proof of the hard work, consistency and passion of their 90-strong team members across the group. Little Blackwood on Steamer Wharf is an icon of the Queenstown hospitality scene, beloved by locals and visitors as the perfect spot for seasonal, crafted cocktails partnered with outstanding cheese and charcuterie platters and world-class hospitality and service. Nestled in a quiet, sunny and tree-lined spot alongside a small church, odd saint's eclectic and crowed-pleasing menu of global soul food hits the spot with memorable dishes, outstanding cocktails and superb coffee. Executive Chef Matt Tobin has demonstrated extraordinary talent, innovation, and leadership in the culinary industry. His unwavering commitment to excellence, creativity, and team development has elevated FHG to new heights. A visionary in the kitchen, he's constantly pushing boundaries to create bold, vibrant, and unforgettable dishes. James and Bert say awards recognitions celebrate the dedicated hospitality professionals in their team across the six venues they operate. Winners of The Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence 2025 will be announced over two evenings in Wellington on June 10 and 11.