Family-owned and operated since 1987, totallykiwi specialises in the production of NZ-grown Flax Seed Oil, being involved in every stage of the process. The company’s mission is to deliver top-quality, all natural products that are traceable, healthy and made from sustainable sources.
Debbie Prebble, owner of totallykiwi
What is your company background, how did you start the business?
“Many people are familiar with Flax Seed Oil as an Omega 3 supplement in a capsule or as a health supplement. But health supplements tend to only be consumed when one needs them for an illness, ailment or concern,” said Debbie Prebble (pictured), owner and director of totallykiwi.
“With Flax Seed Oil being a very functional, health superfood, very rich in Omega 3, we wanted to educate and create a product for people to use on a daily basis. Our aim was to bring Flax Seed Oil into the kitchen, to be seen as a food source of Omega 3, alternative to fish oils, rather than it being perceived as just a supplement. Our product not only has functional health benefits for all, but that also tastes great and is a joy to use to enhance food creations and tastes.”
What are the current product range and variants, and how do these products stand out in the market?
“Our product is currently available as a Pure unflavoured oil, or in four delicious infusions – Chilli & Lime, Garlic, Mixed Herb or Citrus. The TK oils are all gluten and GMO-free and suitable for vegetarians and vegans. The oils are also cold-pressed with no artificial flavours, additives, preservatives, chemicals or colours.
All TK oils are fully traceable back to the farm and paddock in which the flax seed was originally grown in Canterbury. In addition, TK oil products carry a unique traceability code on the label – a distinctive feature whereby the consumer can then visit our website and see the farmer location, photos of the seed at different growth stages, and so on. This supports our New Zealand-made story and is a highly valued feature of our product, particularly for overseas customers wanting guaranteed New Zealand products.”
Has there been any recent company news?
"We have launched our new Kitchen Selection Packs with 3 x 100ml bottles, a perfect gift idea or a great way to try a selection of flavours. The innovation is available in two varieties: ‘Zing & Zest Pack’ (containing 1x Original, 1x Chilli & Lime and 1x Citrus) and our ‘Flavour Favourites Pack’ (containing 1x Original, 1x Mixed Herb and 1x Garlic)."
What are the plans for the business moving forward? Is there any expansion on the horizon?
"We would like to work with more overseas distribution partners to make the totallykiwi products more accessible in global markets."
Where are your products currently available to buy, and are you looking at or wanting to expand your availability? If so, where?
"The TK products are currently available in New Zealand in Nosh Food Markets (Auckland); Selected New World supermarkets (South Island); Raeward Fresh stores; Boric Foodmarket; Moore Wilson Wellington; J Ballantynes – Christchurch; Vetro Mediterranean Foods and selected gourmet food markets, delicatessens and cafés. Also available online at www.totallykiwi.co.nz and, overseas, in Malaysia and Taiwan."
Entries are now open for the 2016 New Zealand Food Awards, register your interest at http://www.foodawards.co.nz/.
