Alex Wyllie out to sell juice

Press, 29 February 1984, Page 1

Alex Wyllie out to sell juice

By

KEVIN McMENAMIN

What next for Alex Wyllie? The former All Black and Canterbury captain seems to be continually venturing into new fields since the Canterbury rugby team, under his guidance, won the Ranfurly Shield. A few weeks ago he was a guest conductor for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, a dream for many to match that of becoming an All Black. Just before that he was on television explaining how he made his Christmas pudding. Between times he was spotted judging a beauty show , in a suburban mall. Yet while the celebrity circuit beckoned he remained a farmer, and a not-so-simple one, at Omihi, North Canterbury. But now he has become a farmer-businessman. He was back in the Christchurch Town Hall last evening, the scene of his symphonic experience, for the unveiling of his new venture — Mr Wyllie is going into the juice business. He is the franchise holder, for the South Island as far as the Waitaki River, for a new venture that the Apple and Pear Board is undertaking with its flagship product, Just Juice. The scheme is to take Just Juice into hotels, schools, and sports clubs, and it will be sold mainly from a specially designed container. The scheme was. outlined last evening before an audience representing the Canterbury licensed trade, and its associates. The main theme seemed to be that pure fruit juice has a big future in hotels, both as an alternative to alcohol and as a mix. But is success in business, assuming that success will

follow, likely to change the sometimes gruff “Grizz”? “I doubt it,” Mr Wyllie said, “This is an opportunity which has come along and these days you can’t afford to let such chances go by.” What about his farm? “I will be staying put, at least until we see how things work out.” But who will run it while he is away at the office? (Mr Wyllie is going to be a busy man as he is in charge of sales, distribution, promotions, and administration.) “It will go on much the same as usual,” he said, which could be interpreted as a big vote of confidence in his wife, Karen. Will he still be able to devote himself wholeheartedly to the preparation of the Canterbury rugby team? “I foresee no problems in that regard,” he answered with a snap that gave the impression the question was as silly as a request by Victor Simpson to play in the front row. The one question left unasked, however, was how good will Just Juice be for Alex Wyllie? Many of the hotel-keepers present thought that his chances of success were on a par with Canterbury’s holding the Shield against West Coast.