The Hastie brothers have created a top-notch, healthy and sustainable peanut butter that tastes good, feels good and is better for the environment.
What is your company background, how did you start the business?
Brothers, Mick and Mark worked as builders and were looking for a new challenge. They wanted to bring an industry to Dunedin that was not currently present and make a positive impact on the environment and the local community.
“We started at the Otago Farmers market almost two years ago and have since set up a little factory/café in the wharf area of Dunedin. Customers can come and see us directly and watch the process while enjoying some fresh peanut butter on toast and local coffee.”
What Is the current product range and variants and how do these products stand out in the market?
“Currently we have our Smooth and Crunchy 480g jars available for retail. We sell other varieties and sizes at our factory and the farmers market every Saturday. We stand out in the market as we don’t use pre-roasted peanuts or contract manufacture. We are sustainable. We roast all our peanuts in an old coffee roaster in small batches then chuck them straight into the grinder, making the freshest peanut butter possible. Our jars are fully reusable. Labels are screen printed on the glass to eliminate label waste, we collect them, clean, refill, and donate to charity for each one returned.”
Has there been any recent company news?
“We have recently launched in three New Worlds in Christchurch following The Food Show. New World Durham Street have set up a jar return station and we created a slide show for their screens explaining the process. We also just picked up a silver medal in the best awards packaging category.”
What are the plans for the business moving forward, is there any expansion on the horizon?
“We are establishing jar return stations around the lower South Island and in a few spots in the North Island such as GoodFor Wholefoods Refillery. We want there to at least be an option to return jars in each city before we expand in those areas.”
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?
“We are Foodstuffs SI registered and looking to grow within this region predominantly. Currently, you can find us at Factory Direct, 8 Roberts Street, Dunedin. The Otago farmers market every Saturday morning & NW Centre City, Gardens and Mosgiel in Dunedin. In Christchurch, Durham Street, St Martins and Halswell and NW Timaru. In Auckland, GoodFor Wholefoods Refillery. Plus, many small retailers and cafes around Dunedin who have been so supportive. We will work on becoming Foodstuffs North Island registered when the time is right and when the demand is there.”
For more information contact Mick directly at 0226796420 or email michael@bayroad.nz.
