Taking inspiration from the recovery methods of her sporty family, Chloe Van Dyke set out to make an endurance drink of her own. She spoke to the team about her journey.
What is your company background, how did you start the business?
“Chia started as an endurance drink for atheletes. My father, a world champion swimmer, and sister a New Zealand champion triathlete and used chia seeds mixed with blackcurrants to train harder and recover faster. This was the first CHIAprototype!”
What is the current product range and variants and how do these products stand out in the market?
“Since then CHIA has expanded to five flavours (orange & passionfruit, blueberry, blackcurrant, coconut water & mango and fejioa & pink guava) and a new range AWAKA Sparkling Coconut Water in New Zealand blackcurrant and New Zealand Lemon flavours. CHIA and AWAKA are gluten free, vegan, 100 per cent natural, GMO free, New Zealand owned and made.”
“CHIA is the winner of the health category of the New Zealand Food Awards and has higher nutrition content than any other natural bottled beverage on the New Zealand market. CHIA is the first beverage with chia seeds in New Zealand and AWAKA is the first sparkling coconut water beverage in New Zealand.”
Has there been any recent company news?
“CHIA has created an advisory board, changed its packaging and created a summer range (coconut water & mango and feijoa & pink guava) in the last 5 months. More flavours are on the way!”
What are the plans for the business moving forward, is there any expansion on the horizon?
“Chia has just expanded into Australia and Hong Kong. Additionally CHIA will be entering more Pak n Save stores as the desire for healthy beverages becomes mainstream. New flavours are on the cards but these are all surprises!”
Where are your products currently available to buy, and are you looking at or wanting to expand your availability?
“CHIA and AWAKA are currently available in selected New Worlds, Farros, Nosh, Countdowns, organic shops, grocers and cafés.”
