Paul and Jane Menneer
Pepler's began in the mid-80s when grape growing was no longer available for the Pepler family due to the CER (Closer Economic Relations) agreement made with Australia. Current owners, Paul and Jane Menneer, bought the business in 2021 and were keen to create more novel and unique condiments inspired by Europe, Asia, and North African cuisines.
With the upcoming summer season, the Menneer couple said consumers were looking forward to a summer with long, warm, and dry days. Many want to come together with friends and family to share food and enjoy the outdoors.
"Grazing platters remain popular easy options, and with more people looking for healthy eating choices, vinaigrettes remain in demand," said the Menneer couple.
"We're seeing people being more budget conscious, and sharing food at home with family and friends can be a more cost-effective option than eating out."
While novel and unique flavours emerged, the Menneer couple said that traditional flavours would always remain popular as comfort and nostalgic options for consumers.
"New and innovative flavours are the sparks that create lifelong memories, but sometimes we just want the comfort of our favourites."
Demand for unique and innovative flavours is growing as travel and social media have introduced people to delicious foods and exotic flavours, such as Peri Peri sauce.
The couple said that the ability to recreate exciting meals at home easily was appealing, and Pepler's wants to provide versatile and memorable flavours to trigger delight in customers.
Pepler's keeps an eye on what customers are interested in, where the couple engages with customers at food shows and shop tastings, which is a key way that the Menneer couple learns about their customer's preferences.
One challenge Pepler's has faced is due to extreme weather events around the world, which has impeded Pepler's ability to source ingredients. This includes everything from Pepler's beloved Black Raspberry to mustard seeds.
To align with customers and their values, Pepler's uses jars and bottles due to the availability and eco-friendliness of glassware and its potential for recycling.
Moving forward, the Menneer couple said that they would carefully choose fruits for sauces, emphasising the importance of building positive relationships with suppliers and sourcing ingredients come down to these relationships and the cost and availability.
"Understanding our supplier's and growers' challenges helps us better manage supply and availability. Now we need to organise the weather gods."
Read more from Summer Entertaining below.
