Lobby fridges and minibars default to the same three things: water, a juice, and a cane-sugar soft drink. Guests who do not want alcohol still get treated like an afterthought.
A honey soda is a small upgrade: real fruit, New Zealand honey, no cane sugar, no stevia — in a 250ml can that fits a minibar shelf and a lobby door.
Where it belongs
| Spot | How to stock |
|---|---|
| Lobby / lounge fridge | Hand-height cans next to water — treat, not hydration |
| Minibar | One or two cans per room set; Cherry as the safe default |
| Breakfast / day lounge | Same facing rules as a small café door |
Do not put glass bottles in a minibar programme. Cans only going forward: Cans vs glass for cafés.
Keep the story short for staff
Honey-sweetened, no cane sugar. That is enough for reception and FOH. Longer fridge decision: How cafés choose a better soft-drink fridge.
How lodging orders
This is wholesale, not Fridge Fill. Houses stocking for themselves use Fridge Fill. Properties selling or including drinks for guests order trade:
- 12-pack cases · 5-case minimum
- Mix flavours across cases
- GST invoices on Upstock
Walkthrough: How NZ trade buyers order on Upstock. Hub: for retailers. Email Fiona with property name and how many rooms or lobby doors you run.
Suggested first order
For a small lodge or boutique property: 3 Cherry · 1 Mango · 1 Strawberry. Scale cases with doors, not with hope. Flavour map: Flavour guide for stockists.
Tourism day venues (activity cafés, visitor fridges): What tourism venues put in the guest fridge.
