What inspired you to create an organic accredited range of food products?

Chantal Organics started in 1978, in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, when a group of like-minded people shared a vision of healthier food and a better life for their families. They formed a co-operative to buy organic and natural wholefoods. One of the families had a daughter named Chantal, so the name Chantal Organics is a permanent reminder that organic and natural whole foods care for our families, our environment and future generations. Chantal Organics is certified by AsureQuality and BioGro so has the seal of approval from New Zealand's best-known organic certifiers, and our farmers ensure they maintain the highest standards of organic production. 

What were the main challenges you faced in order to get it launched; and are you still facing some of these challenges today?

Chantal Organics is now a national business making spreads and muesli and milling grains into flour, our vision is to bring the genius of nature to people across the world. We want quality organic and whole foods to be affordable and believe they should fill every Kiwi pantry. Some of the main challenges facing all organic suppliers is convincing consumers that organics really are worth the investment. Organic farming practices take longer and more care to bring pesticide, preservative and additive free foods to the masses, so there will always be a price differential. But there is a groundswell of consciously minded consumers who are willing to invest in their own health, and that of the planet by voting with their dollar for organic foods. They do this by buy foods that are certified organic which means that the they are free from synthetic sprays, fertilisers and hormones.

What were the most memorable, defying moments during this time?

Chantal Organics is one of the oldest organic suppliers in New Zealand, and in 2018 we celebrated our 40th year of bringing organic wholefoods to kiwis.

What helped you to see it through to the end?

We are no where near the end - we are excited for the future of organic food in New Zealand and really believe in the positive impact that it can have on the health of people and the planet. With a passionate team and a strong nationwide sales force, the sky is the limit for Chantal Organics.

What are your plans for the next 5 years?

Our vision for the future remains what it has always been, to bring quality organic foods that fit into everyday consumers lives. We truly believe that if more consumers switched a few more items in their trolley to organic the cost of organic food would inevitably come down and the positive impact on the environment and on our health will be huge. Chantal Organics will keep striving to bring new and innovative organic foods to people in New Zealand and around the world.