In the mid-1970s in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, a group of like-minded people shared a vision of healthier food and a better life for their families. They formed a co-operative to buy organic and natural wholefoods. One of the families had a daughter named Chantal, so the name Chantal Organics is a permanent reminder that organic and natural whole foods care for families, environment and future generations.
What is your company background, how did you start the business? Who are the owners (first and last names)?
“With growing local support and an increasing appetite for whole food, this small business was about to grow big. Its first retail store in 1983 was also the first independent organic food store in Napier, with wholesale orders processed out the back of the shop. Within a year it outgrew its location and in 1999, Chantal wholesalers opened its first warehouse. Now a national business making spreads and muesli, milling grains into flour and farming vegetables, our vision is to bring certified organic foods to people across the world. We want quality organic and whole foods to be affordable and believe they should fill every Kiwi pantry. Family run and proudly made in heartland New Zealand, we simply care about what you eat.”
What is the current product range and variants and how do these products stand out in the market? (Are they gluten free? Do they utilise unique or new ingredients or techniques? Are they the only one of its kind?)
“We offer an organic version of most pantry essentials – grains, seeds, flours, beans, condiments and breakfast cereals. We stone grind all of our flours in house, slowly and carefully, the artisan way. We also offer a range of Zentrofan Flours. Zentrofan flour is air-milled by spiralling grains inside a stone cavity, keeping the flour cool and preventing its nutrients from being compromised by the heat. Air milling creates a finely ground flour, which makes for lighter and softer baking. Our Zentrofan flours are made from a mix of either four or seven nourishing grains.
“We also offer a range of refined sugar free sweeteners. Our apple syrup is one of a kind - Made with nothing but organic, New Zealand apples our apple syrup is refined sugar and preservative free. Drizzle over fresh fruit or root vegetables pre roasting, or add to sparkling water as a refreshing summer spritzer.
“Brown rice syrup: A natural sweetener and our vegan alternative to honey, our rice syrup is made from 100% organic brown rice. It’s refined sugar, gluten and preservative free, making it an ideal alternative to sugar for desserts, baking and beverages.
“Barley Malt Syrup: Our barley malt syrup is made from activated barley grains. The grains are dried and milled into flour, then mixed with water, creating natural enzyes before being reduced to a thick, rich syrup. It's a mild sweetener that's half as sweet as sugar, with a pleasant malty taste.”
Has there been any recent company news?
“We’ve recently launched black tahini (black sesame seed paste), barley malt syrup (a refined sugar free sweetener made from activated barley grains) and a limited edition range of 5 New Zealand native honeys sourced from all over the North Island.”
What are the plans for the business moving forward, is there any expansion on the horizon?
“Not just yet!”
Where are your products currently available to buy, and are you looking at or wanting to expand your availability? If so, where would you like to see the product situated?
“Our products are available at New World, Pak N Save, Fresh Choice, Greenstores throughout NZ – Huckleberry, Commonsense.”
