Named after the Maori word meaning love for the land and its people, Aroha Drinks is a brain-child of Mark Dillon, who founded the brand nearly ten years ago to craft all-natural drinks and cordials, getting as much fruity goodness into the bottle as possible.
Mark Dillon
What is your company background? How did you start the company?
I started the company in 2007 upon returning from Europe. Elderflower was a popular flavour in the countries I had been travelling yet it was not available commercially here in New Zealand. That being said, a lot of people were familiar with the taste as their mothers, like mine, had been making it. There was a large amount of it growing wild on our farm and the idea grew from there. Now we have 14 different members in the range of cordial, sparkling, and still drinks.
What are the current product range and variants and how do these products stand out in the market?
We have three ranges of drinks which are selling primarily in cafés and New World supermarkets. The sparkling line is our most popular product range and includes Elderflower, Rhubarb, Feijoa, and Blackcurrant as flavours. Our still juices include Apple & Pear, Elderflower & Greencurrant, Ginger Lemon Honey, and Sauvignon Blanc and Saffron. The cordial range includes Elderflower, Rhubarb, Ginger lemon honey, Quince & Lime, Gooseberry, and Wild Rosehip.
Has there been any recent company news?
We have recently completed putting in a new bottling line and warehouse facility. This enables us to have all the elements of the business on one site which has been a goal of the business for a while now.
What are the plans for the business moving forward? Is there any expansion on the horizon?
With the new bottling line in place we will be looking to begin new product releases for the 2016/17 summer. Still under the hat as to what these new products are but watch this space…
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 always looking to grow our distribution amongst cafés throughout New Zealand. If there are any cafés owners interested in stocking the range we would encourage them to get in touch to get some samples sent out. We have recently completed our first container order to China so it is exciting to see things progressing in that exciting market.
Entries are now open for the 2016 New Zealand Food Awards, register your interest at http://www.foodawards.co.nz/.
