TUX, the iconic Kiwi dog food brand, has today celebrated its 70th birthday at a special community event held at its Nestlé Purina Marton factory.
To mark the occasion, the factory team and local community came together for the official unveiling of a stunning new mural, specially commissioned for the factory’s exterior.
Created by local realism artist SwiftMantis, the larger-than-life artwork represents seven decades of keeping Kiwi dogs ‘fit as a fiddle and sharp as a knife’, while also integrating the Marton factory into the vibrant community art scene.
Originally created in 1954 by a local dog lover, passionate about providing better nutrition for rural dogs running the country’s farmlands, TUX quickly became famous for its unique triangular-shaped biscuit and catchy jingle. Today, it’s known for quality dog food, feeding Kiwi dogs for generations.
Nestlé Purina New Zealand Country Manager, François Le Berrigaud, said: “Today is truly a special day, not just for the TUX brand and its generations of employees but for the Rangitikei district and its community, who are very much part of our 70-year heritage.
“This remarkable piece of art symbolises what TUX stands for: a down-to-earth, quality brand that unites urban and rural Kiwi communities.”
SwiftMantis, a Palmerston North local, is well known for his hyper realistic murals. He said:
"With a passion for animals, realism and large-scale storytelling, I was excited to get involved with TUX to create this milestone mural.
“I spent a lot of school holidays on farms around Marton growing up, so I really enjoyed the rural/urban theme, with the classic NZ Huntaway, and his muddy little city friend.”
Also joining the celebrations was Rangitikei District Mayor Andy Watson.
“This is a stunning image from a local artist that showcases TUX as both a rural and an urban brand. We’re proud that what has become such an iconic brand, has been made right here in Marton for so many years,” said Mayor Watson.
To find out more about how TUX has been keeping Kiwi dogs full of life, fit as a fiddle and sharp as a knife for over 490 dog years, visit purina.co.nz/brands/tux.