Countdown has opened its first premium store in Ponsonby with 2200 new products on offer.

Countdown Ponsonby in Auckland is the first retailer to open in the $120 million Vinegar Lane and Cider development, with the wider retail development expected to be completed in the coming months.

The new supermarket boasts a deli section with cut and wrapped cheeses, a focus on loose organic produce, along with specialist food and wine experts on hand to offer tips and advice. There are also 450 new products in the health foods and wellness section for the local customer base increasingly looking for health and wellness at the supermarket.

“The new supermarket has been much anticipated and it’s exciting that the first stage of the development is now open to the public,” said Hon Nikki Kaye, who officially opened the new store. “It’s fantastic that this new Countdown has resulted in around 100 new jobs, and I know that Ponsonby locals are going to love having a new store just nearby.”

Among the 100 new team members are food specialists Jared Adlam, Kerri Lamb, and Tom Allison. Joining the foodies at Countdown Ponsonby is Anton Fedorchenko, Ponsonby’s wine specialist. Dave Chambers, Countdown managing director, said Countdown Ponsonby is an exciting store for the business, as it is their most premium and unique store yet.

“Customers can still expect to find our usual products at everyday low prices, but they will also get to enjoy the massive range of new and exciting products that have been sourced with our Ponsonby customers in mind, Chambers said.

The new Ponsonby store will join Countdown’s Food Rescue program, supporting The Salvation Army, and Fair Food. The program has donated $3.5 million worth of food to food banks around New Zealand in the last year.