Neide Durello was born and raised in rural Brazil of Italian origins. One of nine children, she realised at a young age that love and affection combined with good food were essential ingredients for shared moments of happiness in the family. By the age of 14, Neide’s mother chose her to help in the kitchen. She was instantly hooked on the pleasure of preparing very simple food with extraordinary flavours. The team spoke to Neide about bringing food around the world.
What is your company background, how did you start the business?
“The Durello story began more than 50 years ago around the family table in the Brazilian countryside and became reality in a small commercial kitchen in Auckland’s city centre in January 2014. Today I am always learning new ways but my home recipes captivate food-lovers in a very different part of the world. Maybe because my recipes start in my heart!
“Further generations have brought these delicacies to New Zealand with the same care and dedication with which the family has prepared great recipes for decades. Marcelo Menoita, my son, and his wife Barbara Scholten started Durello Traditional Brazilian Foods Ltd 18 months ago in a small commercial kitchen in the centre of Auckland. It had always been Marcelo’s dream to set up a food business, specialising in Brazilian food, using my recipes.”
What are the current product range and variants and how do these products stand out in the market?
“Our first product was Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo). The main ingredient, manioc starch, is imported from Brazil in order to maintain its original taste and texture. All other ingredients are local. In the beginning, the Cheese Breads were made and rolled by hand. By the end of February 2014, demand was so high that we had to find a larger location and import special machinery. In April 2014, we moved to a larger commercial kitchen in Rosedale, North Shore. A few weeks later the machinery arrived from Brazil.
“At the Fine Food Show in June 2014 Durello officially introduced the Cheese Bread and won the Fine Food Finalist Awards. A couple of months later we launched the Brazilian Chicken Delights (Coxinhas), the most famous Brazilian savoury. Both products were a success. The Chicken Delights won the NZ Food Awards in September that same year.
“In March 2015, we added two new flavours - Bacon and Garlic - to the Cheese Bread range which now is officially gluten free and carry the Crossed Grain logo of the Coeliac Association.”
Has there been any recent company news?
“Since December 2015, we have a take away shop - The Little Shop on the Corner - on Queen Street. This is probably the smaller shop in NZ. It is located on 350 Queen Street , Shop 12. We are getting ready for export this year and are looking into franchising the brand Durello in the near future. Many exciting things on the horizon!”
Where are your products currently available to buy, and are you looking at or wanting to expand your availability?
“Today you can find all our products in selected Countdowns, Fresh Choices & Supervalues nationwide furthermore in selected New Worlds & Pak ‘n Saves, Farro and Moore Wilson. Our food service packs are available at selected Gilmours and other distributors.”
