When Artemis founder Sandra Clair moved to New Zealand from Switzerland, she was captivated by the landscape, lifestyle and people of Otago. The name Artemis derives from the Greek goddess of the wilderness who used natural resources to protect and care for women and children. The team spoke with Artemis to learn more about their passion for traditional plant medicine.
What is your company background, how did you start the business?
"Artemis happened quite organically. In 1995, Sandra Clair started her clinic in Dunedin after moving from Switzerland, where she was practicing as a medical herbalist. The traditional plant medicine she prescribed in Switzerland wasn’t available. Upon exploring more of Otago, she discovered the amazing quality of medicinal plants growing wild in Central Otago and was astounded at their potency. The Artemis team continue to harvest St John’s Wort, Thyme and many other plants from this area every year; their quality is unmatched globally. Through necessity, Sandra created her own traditional plant medicine – teas, tinctures and creams. Word spread of “Sandra Clair’s Teas” and soon local health stores were calling up with orders to stock the range. A range that didn’t yet exist! However, Sandra felt a sense of duty to meet this demand and share traditional plant medicine with everyone who wanted to experience it. And so, Artemis was born."
What is the current product range and variants and how do these products stand out in the market?
"Artemis' products are traditional plant medicine in multiple formats: teas, oral liquids, oral sprays, topical creams, topical oils and tonics. We are New Zealand’s most trusted source of proven medical knowledge of plants and we understand how traditional plant medicine can heal and enhance people. Our premium range of products, carefully formulated from medicinal plants, is suitable for the whole family. Our formulas are several centuries old, each of the ingredients has a comprehensive body of evidence of traditional proof and is approved in international pharmacopoeias. The medicinal plants in Artemis products are organic or wildcrafted, and sourced from the highest quality suppliers in New Zealand and Europe."
Has there been any recent company news?
"We have just released ViroGone Concentrate - a portable oral spray adding to their ViroGone range, which supports and boosts the immune system. Perfect for on the go, it slips easily into a handbag or backpack and is your best defence against bugs this winter! At 50ml it’s the perfect size for air travel. We have also recently appointed a General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Jodi Tong."
What are the plans for the business moving forward, is there any expansion on the horizon?
"Artemis will move into a new office space in August, at 123 Vogel Street in Dunedin’s popular warehouse precinct development. The move is from their Fingall Street premises in South Dunedin, where we've been since 2006. The move is part of a strategic decision to focus our resources on growing the brand. Artemis has experienced over 300% growth in the last three years and we have ambitious goals for expansion, not only within New Zealand but also internationally with a focus on Asia Pacific."
Where are your products currently available to buy, and are you looking at or wanting to expand your availability?
"Artemis products are sold in health stores, pharmacies and online, both locally and globally."
