Ross Killoh isn't moved to tears easily. But mention Tip Top and the Tauranga Mr Whippy starts talking of 'disloyalty” and 'betrayal”, and just about cries.
It's because the big ice-cream corporate from Auckland has muscled in on Ross' patch, depriving him of a sizeable chunk of income.
Mr Whippy Tauranga franchise owners Ann Wade-French and Ross Killoh.
'I am gutted, and sad for the kids,” says Ross.
For 10 years Mr Whippy has been the preferred supplier of ice-cream to the annual AIMS Games.
'We're a local business supporting a major local event.”
But according to Ross, that didn't count for much because two months ago he received an email from Sport BOP, and it was a bombshell.
'Dear Ross, unfortunately we are unable to use you at the games this year. We have just entered into a relationship with Anchor and Tip Top. We really appreciated your support over the past years.”
The email was signed by AIMS Games tournament director Vicki Semple.
So Mr Whippy, his truck, and his soft-serve were not wanted nor welcome at the games.
Winter is not kind to ice-cream vendors and Ross depended on the games to help him and his family through the difficult winter months.
That has now been whisked away, he says.
'Yep…I almost cried.”
According to Vicki, the games' organisers would be working with local providers of Anchor and Tip Top with a variety of product initiatives 'which align more with our relationship with the Health Promotion Agency” – the Government-funded group promoting health and well-being.
Ross suspects Mr Whippy's axing was more to do with promotional dollars than nutrition.
'The event got bigger and bigger and so attracted big business. Companies like Tip Top could sniff a dollar.
'It is not fair; it is a local event and should support local business. All our profits were returned to the local economy and we gave Sport BOP a cut.
'If it is a health issue, then I would be happy to discuss the nutritional value of a Mr Whippy cone compared to a Tip Top ice-cream.”
Ross will now scavenge around the perimeter of the AIMS Games for business, outside motels rather than the main venues.
He also feels sorry for the children.
'They come with a bucket list of Mr Whippy products they want to try during the games. Sadly they're going to miss out on the Mr Whippy experience.
'I don't want to sound mean or self-interested. I love the games and the kids and I hope they have a wonderful time in Tauranga.”
Vicki says she understands Ross' disappointment.
"Mr Whippy has made a wonderful contribution to the games over the years and we believe there will still be good business for Mr Whippy away from the main venues."
She says they review their relationships with partners every year to make the games sustainable.
"We have to make business decisions that are not going to please everyone.
'Apart from the benefits of the new association with Anchor and Tip Top, the sale of Tip Top products at the games will become a fundraiser for Tauranga schools.”
16 comments
Mr Whippy v big players
Posted on 09-09-2014 11:17 | By rosieo
Very sad that there seems NO loyalty to support locals.
Who funds Sport BOP?
Posted on 09-09-2014 11:30 | By Annalist
I believe a big chunk of ratepayers money is paid to this organisation every year? Has anyone ever asked why ratepayers should be paying for this? Now's the time. And what's this about Ross having given Sport BOP a cut? Could we get more info on that? Mind you I'm a bit confused about Ross statement that kids come with a bucket list of Mr Whippy products they want to try. A bucket list?
Sorry Ross but that's business
Posted on 09-09-2014 12:19 | By How about this view!
Where there is a big event, there will be businesses wanting their share of the free money. Street vendors in general are a huge pain in the posterior at times. Money comes before manners and if their customers get run over whilst trying to save a handful of dollars, so be it. The phrase "Ross' PATCH" didn't go unnoticed either, They are OUR streets, parks and reserves that you are on NOT "YOUR PATCH".
Real World
Posted on 09-09-2014 12:22 | By 2cents
I am a business owner in Tauranga also with a family to support. Yes it is lovely when people/organisations choose to support local but oftentimes they don't. In this case I believe it is more important to focus on the event. Perhaps organisers need to keep costs as low as possible to retain the event in Tauranga. As for the "it's not fair" comment, seriously, you look as though you're old enough to know that life is not always fair!
Condescending
Posted on 09-09-2014 13:41 | By freedomkiwis
I think Vicki sounds very condescending when she says she "understands Ross' disappointment." How can she? Unless she herself has had a small business like this, that relies on local patronage and special events. People like you Vicki Semple need to learn to think and speak with integrity. If it really was all about "aligning more with our relationship with the Health Promotion Agency" then why did you not give Ross, (who is a local small business and who has been doing this event for a number of years)the opportunity to meet your new requirements. This reeks of hypocracy and beaurocratic rubbish to me.
What price loyalty?
Posted on 09-09-2014 14:20 | By morepork
I feel for Ross. The fact is that sometimes the blanket of "helping worthy causes" is waved over the fire of greed and commercial interest to create, not a smoke signal, but rather a smokescreen. How much will the new interest from the big players help Tauranga schoolchildren? Is there really any health difference between ice cream and soft ice cream? A man and his partner work hard to create a business in their hometown. Then, just as it looks like becoming viable, it is all snatched away. Wouldn't you think the AIMS games could accommodate a Mr Whippy van as well as the other interests? Give the consumers a choice... But no, a slice isn't enough; it has to be a controlling slice...
Bigger & Better?
Posted on 09-09-2014 15:59 | By Disappointed
It is indeed unfortunate that a small local business that has supported this event for 10 years has been pushed aside. Given that this event now attracts more competitors than the recent Commonwealth games in Glasgow you would think that there is more than enough room for both Tip Top and one Mr Whippy van. Big business does not do itself any favours by demanding a "greed is good" proviso.
Gone Burger
Posted on 09-09-2014 17:01 | By Taffy
Mr Whippy is just the start now you have the big corporates ie Anchor and Tip Top brands ( Fonterra )next will be those Jaffas wanting to take over the Games and move to Auckland.What a load of BS from Vicky Semple about the nutritious value whats nutritious about a Jelly Tip!!! Does it mean Ross is barred from every venue that Aims Games are taking place it s not as if they are all at one venue I would say providing he has the proper licences he could go to the public car parks come on give him a fair go.
@Annalist
Posted on 09-09-2014 17:35 | By 2cents
Yes! About the bucket list - I also thought that most kids probably DON'T have a Mr Whippy bucket list.
Carcass
Posted on 09-09-2014 20:01 | By Carcass
The Council now can with draw its funding and let them stand on their own to feet Fonterra is the play maker BOP Sports forgot who pays for the fields and facilities where the AIM Games take place.There was a lot of BOP Sports people sucking off the system and rate payers money today and guess what I went to every venue to day.It is unbelievable what they have done but then again they think business and who pays their salaries
Support Our Own
Posted on 09-09-2014 20:04 | By Mommatum
I'm sick of seeing this kind of thing happening here (and no doubt it's the same all over the country), where after years of supporting events local businesses like Ross's deserve the same loyalty in return. Shame on Vicki Semple and her very weak excuse about the superior nutritional value of a jelly tip.
Sustainable
Posted on 10-09-2014 00:00 | By YOGI BEAR
Perhaps BOP Sports should do a little of the "self review" as they are not exactly self sustaining, they are a bit nearer a charity to thy self.
2cents annalist
Posted on 10-09-2014 06:59 | By Ellajj
My intermediate aged children and friends talk about their bucket lists all the time..... They just think it's something they really really want to do and don't often get a chance to.
Ruthless
Posted on 10-09-2014 08:02 | By Thoughtful
This is yet another example (there are a few) of the organising committee having disregard for those who have been loyal to the games over the years and chasing the almighty dollar. This has now moved to a business enterprise model and the organising committee has shown instances (such as this) of being quite ruthless in their dealings with long supporting sponsors / suppliers.
Some questions?
Posted on 10-09-2014 10:35 | By BullShtAlert
If Ross was giving Sport BOP a "cut" wasn't his deal a business deal? If someone else then offers a better deal isn't that just business? Exactly what is "the nutritional value of a Mr Whippy cone compared to a Tip Top ice-cream?" Do kids really come with a bucket list of Mr Whippy products they want to try? I know it's disappointing to lose a business deal, but keep positive and try a new approach. Personally I'd park my van just down the road and undercut the new icecream people. Icecream has become very expensive and there's room for competition. Mr Whippy could become that competitive alternative.
Why not
Posted on 15-09-2014 23:05 | By GreertonBoy
Just set up near the main entrance Ross, then you can keep an eye on the 'opposition' while you are busy selling ice creams?
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