Lady Alchemy has redefined everyday flavour through innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to clean, natural ingredients.
The small, founder-led business was founded on a simple observation of people choosing healthy salads only to undermine those benefits by drowning them in dressings loaded with oils, sugars, salt, preservatives, and hidden calories.
Amy O'Neil, founder and condiment curator, entered the NZ Artisan Awards not only to share her products and story but also to seek validation and recognition for the innovation, creativity, and work that go on behind the scenes.
“Being part of the awards was a way of asking, 'Does this idea that I believe so strongly in resonate with others?'” said O’Neil.
“Winning was an incredible affirmation that there is a place for new thinking, creativity, and innovation in New Zealand’s food landscape.”
She felt incredibly proud to be recognised for the bigger vision behind Lady Alchemy of creating innovative food products that bring joy, flavour, and simplicity into people’s everyday lives.
Since winning, O’Neil has continued to innovate and expand the Lady Alchemy Salad Spritz range, and has developed a Butter Bomb collection, which takes a circular approach, reducing waste from the infusion process to maximise ingredient value, showing that sustainability and product innovation can work hand in hand.
O’Neil added that the awards have become an important part of the brand story, helping communicate the quality, passion, and craftsmanship behind the products across various digital channels.
Winning an NZ Artisan Award gave Lady Alchemy increased credibility and helped more people discover our brand.
“As a growing artisan business, recognition like this helps build trust with customers, retailers, and potential partners. It also built confidence to seek out a distributor and start exporting to Australia.”
To producers entering the NZ Artisan Awards this year, O’Neil suggested entering because every story matters. As artisan producers, she said that often so much time is spent creating, refining, and building behind the scenes that one might forget to step back and recognise what makes the products special.
“The NZ Artisan Awards are an incredible opportunity to share your passion, connect with other like-minded producers, and have your hard work recognised. Be proud of what makes you different. Authenticity, creativity, and a genuine connection to your product are what set artisan businesses apart.”
