After 25 years of making TV commercials, co-founder Craig Jackson decided it was time for a change and jumped feet first into creating delicious, nutritious, high-quality ice blocks. With help from Melanie Bridge and Murray Lithgow, Dr Feelgood was born. We sat down with the team to talk to them about the world of all-natural tasty icy pops.
What is your company background, how did you start the business?
“Myself, Craig Jackson (Jacks) and Melanie Bridge launched Dr Feelgood around 4 years ago, both from the film and advertising industry. After 25 years making TV commercials Jacks decided it was time for a change and Dr Feelgood was born. Jacks now spends all of his time running Dr Feelgood, while Melanie a founding partner with international production company, The Sweet Shop has a day job as a TVC director.”
What is the current product range and variants, and how do these products stand out in the market?
“Currently we offer six flavours, Chocoholic, Banoffee, Raspberry JellyTop, Passion Fruit JellyTop, Pink Lemonade, and Cosmic Cola. The pink and the Cola are both dairy free vegan options. We offer both singles and 3 pack multis.”
“Our pops are made with no refined sugars, are gluten-free, and use only natural and organic ingredients. Our creamy pops are made with Lewis Road Creamery organic milk, all with huge flavour profiles that has something for everyone.”
“Our packaging is compostable, sustainably grown and tracked by the PEFC chain of custody system, in addition to the inks we use being soy based and not toxic. We have picked up 3 gold awards for our packaging at the NZ Pride in Print awards and have won awards at the NZ Food Awards in the indulgent and range categories.”
Has there been any recent company news?
“Murray Lithgow, ex Lion, Kato and Nosh, has had an extensive career in FMCG and has come on board to run sales. A new Flavour or two will be rolled out for summer with Dr Feelgood tubs following soon after.”
What are the plans for the business moving forward, is there any expansion on the horizon?
“The 2017/2018 summer stretched our facility and responses, and as such we are in the middle of a large expansion exercise. This means more staff, more efficient production and greater volumes.”
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?
“Dr Feelgood has been in the market for around 4 years and growing rapidly, we are now available from Invercargill in the South to Kaitaia in the North. At present we are available in around 100 supermarkets split evenly between FoodStuffs and Progressive Enterprises. We are in around 250 other outlets ranging from tourist spots, most quality organic stores around the country, cafes, hospital cafes and quality markets like Farro and Moore Wilsons.”
Dr Feelgood, better for you, better for the planet.
For more info visit www.drfeelgood.co.nz or contact:
Craig Jackson (Jacks) Founder,
jacks@drfeelgood.co.nz
Murray Lithgow - Sales
murray@drfeelgood.co.nz
