28 Feb 2011

Our team in Christchurch have once again been rattled by the devastating 6.3 magnitude Earthquake on Tuesday the 22nd of February.

This time a larger number of the team were more deeply affected, with a number of them having to move out of their homes as they are now uninhabitable.

The Frucor warehouse also took a much harder hit with stock thrown across the floors and a concrete wall slab falling over. Fortunately none of our staff were hurt.

Frucors parent company Suntory, who are based in Japan, are once again deeply concerned about our team and their surrounding community. In response to the earthquake they have donated NZ$100,000 to the Red Cross Earthquake Appeal.

In addition to that the Japanese Suntory team have started a collection amongst their staff, of which proceeds will go directly to Frucor Staff. Frucor staff members are doing the same thing and have created a ‘Value You Fund’ to help meet the immediate and longer term needs of Frucor people in Christchurch. It is hoped this money will help our team get back on their feet in whatever way this means for them and their families over the coming days and weeks.

Frucor have also been working alongside the army and police to supply bottled water, which is in high demand in the area due to the water supplies being either cut off or contaminated. The Kaiapoi team rallied together to get our water bottling plant up and running first thing Wednesday morning. Frucor has since supplied several truck-loads of water to the army, emergency services and centres. They also delivered juice and other products to community groups by van in some of the affected areas and have been working closely with the supermarket chains to support them in getting their stores re-stocked.

This is a terribly traumatic time for the Christchurch community, and from the entire team at Frucor our thoughts are with you all.