Addington enhances status as harness racing "Heartland"

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

As promotions go, Addington Raceway's pretty "chipper" about this one.

They have done a deal with South Canterbury-based Heartland who are now selling special New Zealand Cup-themed potato chips at supermarkets the length and breadth of the country.

"Heartland reckon they'll sell around 940,000 bags of these chips over the next three months," says a very excited Graeme Jones, Addington's Culinary Operations Manager. 

Jones came up with the idea after seeing a similar Heartland promotion they did with iconic Dunedin brewery Emersons.

He knew straight away it was a winner by literally taking racing, Addington and Cup week to the people.

"I mean who doesn't love a chip!" says Jones.

The chips come in packaging that includes the New Zealand Cup and an external shot of Addington Raceway's main grandstand, with tattie-snackers getting the choice of two flavours - Southern Salt or Salt and Vinegar.

Every packet sold gives chip-lovers a chance to win NZ Trotting Cup Day tickets, $5,000 cash and a year's supply of Heartland Chips just by scanning the QR code and going into the draw.

Heartland is a family business, headed by husband and wife Raymond and Adrienne Bowan. It was established in 1975 with 250 hectares of potatoes being planted every year at their Fallgate Farm in Geraldine. The chips are then produced at their own factory just down the road in Washdyke. Such is their success story that they are the largest 100% New Zealand owned and operated potato chip maker.

Jones hosted the Bowan family and other company representatives at their Heartland Chips Race Night on July 17.

"They loved it," says Jones

So much so that he's expecting them back on Tuesday, November 10 for a special staff function on New Zealand Cup day.

All they need now is for a winner on Cup day to be sired by Captain Crunch.