Countdown helping to serve up MasterChef New Zealand for another two seasons

Countdown has today announced that an agreement has been sealed with Imagination TV and TVNZ for the sponsorship of MasterChef New Zealand series two and three.

“Countdown loved being part of MasterChef series one and helping Kiwis have a go in their own kitchens. We have now followed this up with a commitment to the next two series,” said Elizabeth Ryley, Progressive Enterprises General Manager Communications and Marketing.

Research following the end of series one indicated that New Zealanders associated closely with Countdown’s sponsorship of MasterChef, strengthening the view that ‘Countdown was for people who balanced value, range and quality’.

Nielsen research, commissioned by TVNZ indicated that 73% of MasterChef viewers were aware of Countdown as a principle sponsor of the series.

“These research results have confirmed that our sponsorship alignment with MasterChef New Zealand was a good fit and lead us to committing to another two seasons,” said Ms Ryley.

“Our 18,000 staff were great fans too, and proudly wore MasterChef t-shirts describing our link to the programme for the 13 week series.”

Watch out for in-store opportunities for shoppers to get involved with Countdown and MasterChef or visit www.countdown.co.nz

The judges for the upcoming season are Simon Gault, Ray McVinnie and new comer, Michelin star awarded chef, Josh Emett. Applications for budding chefs to demonstrate their kitchen repertoire are now open, apply at www.tvnz.co.nz/masterchef

Countdown is also sponsoring MasterChef Australia series two which is currently screening weekdays at 5.30pm on TV One.