Home herbalist Wendy Kendall wanted to create a healthy spread alternative for her young children, with the result being Waiheke Herbs, a unique artisan offering from Rocky Bay, Waiheke Island. Kendall told the team about her lifelong passion for herbs, healthy living and wholesome food.
What is your company background, how did you start the business?
“After moving to Waiheke Island in 1992 to raise a family, I began experimenting with the wild herbs growing vigorously in my backyard.
Waiheke Island Herb Spread is a unique blend of traditional and wild fresh herbs in olive oil. Similar to pesto, but without basil, nuts or dairy products, this spread is made from quality, fresh and natural foods, and is an easy way to add extra flavour and nutrition to a wide variety of regular meals, adding a touch of magic.
Certified organic herbs are sourced from Sunset Coast Organics in Waiuku. Our 100 percent organic blend differs only in that we use certified organic parsley, garlic and olive oil. Otherwise, all ingredients are the same as our regular blend.
The herbs we selected for our spread were chosen not only for their culinary and traditional healing qualities but also for their ability to grow vigorously in our local environment throughout the year. This means we can recreate the exact same recipe with fresh herbs every week, every season of the year.”
What are the current product range and variants and how do these products stand out in the market?
“We grow as many of our own herbs as possible in our bush-surrounded organic gardens and wild harvest other herbs from a local organic orchard.
The range includes Herb Spread, Waiheke Herb Salt, Waiheke Herb Vinegar and Waiheke Herbs Aioli. Ingredients include olive oil, parsley, apple cider vinegar, New Zealand sea salt, garlic, rosemary, New Zealand spinach, nasturtium, calendula, dandelion, plantain, sage, oregano, thyme and lavender.
The products can be spread on crackers and bread, used to enhance savoury dips and dressings, blended with avocado or plain yoghurt, spooned into pizza, pasta, rice, soups or stews, used in marinades, as baste on roast meat or vegetables, flavour eggs or seafood, tossed with salads, and is perfect with cheese and tomato.”
Has there been any recent company news?
“Most recently launched is the new range of organic herb salts and aioli.”
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?
“Waiheke Island Herb Spread, Aioli and Herb Salts are available at a growing number of boutique food stores, supermarkets and organic shops around New Zealand such as New World, Nosh, Farro Fresh, Moore Wilson and Commonsense Organics.”
