Business Central September 2021

68 | INDUSTRY Raglan Food Company Riding the wave of success in Raglan T T Sue Russell Raglan Food Co founders, Seb Walter and Tesh Randall - success built on collaboration and creativity. L ooking back on the journey to date, Tesh Randall is the first to admit that it’s been a bit like a whirlwind. The quietly spoken proud Raglanite says when she created the first batch of coconut yoghurt in her kitchen because of partner Seb Walter, who had an intolerance to dairy, she didn’t know it would become so quickly what it has. And from a small commercial operation in a building in Raglan’s main street the Raglan Coconut Yoghurt soon outgrew its walls, causing the decision two years ago to, not only change location, but change names to Raglan Food Company. Today, 68,000 sterilised jars and bottles filled each month with yoghurt and Kefir drinking yoghurt, whizz through sophisticated processing technology, ready for collection and distribution to retailers throughout New Zealand and overseas. Raglan Food Co. can best be described as a highly creative, vibrant business, where there’s a strong collaborative ethos driving how the business operates. And it’s this connection and ability to give back to the community that Tesh and Seb are very proud of. “We’ve been able to employ more and more locals full-time and we’ve taken on a full time food technologist and assistant and have established a research lab to look at new food products to make. We’re going beyond just being focused on coconut-based food.” The factory sits on an industrial site on the outskirts of Raglan called Nau Mai and the purchase of an adjacent parcel of land means there’s room and every intention to expand as new products evolve. Recently Raglan Food Co. received gold medals in the Drink Awards category for its Natural and Apple & Ginger Kefir Drinking Yoghurts at the New Zealand Outstanding Food Producers Awards. The company also received silver medals for their two other varieties of drinking yoghurt. And along with the production of their yoghurt ranges, Raglan Food Co pursues other community out-reach initiatives. The goal to help remove one million pieces of plastic from beaches anywhere in New Zea- land is well on its way to being realised. “So far over 613,000 pieces of plastic have been removed from our beaches. Those who pick up plastic send us a photo and we provide them with free yoghurt to say thank you,” says Tesh. The Raglan Food Co Community Fund has been established, valued at $5000 per year. Its aim is to encourage and support any local initiatives that, in their own way, give back to the community and its environment. “Groups can apply for the grant quarterly and as long as they align with at least two of the guiding criteria then they will be consid- ered. We have already had 10 applications through.” With the move to the new factory and its so- phisticated plant, employees have been freed of the more manually intensive processes, something Tesh says is important when con- sidering wellbeing from a holistic perspective. “It’s allowing people to input into the com- pany in smarter ways.” Asked what, beyond dreaming up new food lines, is on their plate at this time Tesh says they are turning their attention to increasing their recycling capability. “We’re looking for in- stance at turning the steel drums our coconut cream comes in, into braziers and furniture, and finding meaningful new life for the wood from the pallets our raw materials arrive on.” Those wishing to see the factory in action and hear the story can book an on-site tour. It’s an opportunity to see first-hand what dreams can become! With over 50 years’ experience in supplying food manufacturers with fruit preparations and functional bakery fillings, Barker Fruit Processors are Proud to Support the team at Raglan Food Company. Congratulations to Tesh, Seb, and the entire team at Raglan for the awards won in the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards. Contact: Daniel Shields 03 339 0090 admin@coolandfresh.co.nz Cool & Fresh provides 3PL and full agency service solutions to the South Island chilled and frozen food sectors.