Goa, a coastal region South west of India, was a territory of Portugal from 1500s to early 1960. Goa has strong Portuguese influences in food whether it is savoury or sweets, language, architecture and religion. Goan cuisine is so different from other cuisines in India.
Q: What is the brand story?
A: Jennifer Viegas started my artisan food business four years ago selling homemade pickles and chutneys at a market stall in Mt. Pleasant, Christchurch. From there the business has grown and the range now includes a spice rub and Goan curry powders which are available in speciality stores and supermarkets. Jen’s Cozinha (meaning kitchen and pronounced ko-zin-ya), focuses on Goan cuisine because Goa is where my heritage is from. Viegas works in her own commercial registered kitchen.
Q: What is the current product range and variants and what makes these products stand out in the market?
A: The range currently includes pickles (Chilli, Aubergine, Mixed Vegetables and Prawn Balchao), chutneys (Lemon and Mango), spice rub (Goan Masala) and Goan Curry powders (Xacuti, Vindalho and Fish). Products stand out as they are traditional family recipes which allow New Zealanders to enjoy a taste of Goa. Each product is made with fresh ingredients and spices. They are gluten, nut and preservative free.
Q: What is innovative or unique about the product?
A: The traditional method of cooking, using family recipes is what makes the products unique and stand out in New Zealand. Each product has a different cooking method with a good balance of spice and flavour.
Q: Who is your consumer and what benefit does the product bring them?
A: Currently consumers are the people of New Zealand, those who want to enjoy spice and flavour.
Q: What consumer trend does the product support?
A: All products are gluten, nut and preservative free. The priority is to support locals and use as many local New Zealand ingredients. Spices are imported from India which are of high grade quality and flavour. The prawns used for my Balchao are imported from Australia.
For more information please email info@jenscozinha.co.nz or call +64 021 350 277
