4 | Raglan Food Co REGIONAL • Design & Build Projects • Industrial Electrical Installations • Control Panel Design & Build • EEHA - Hazardous Areas • Electrical Engineering • Control & Automation • Electrical Thermography • Machine Safety Systems T TKim Newth Dairy-free yoghurt scoops top award “There’s a growing movement of consumers looking to have plant-based, dairy-free diets, either because they can’t have dairy or they’re wanting to make a lifestyle change.” Raglan Food Co is in the spotlight after being named Dairy-Free Champion for its Vanilla Bean Coconut Yoghurt at the recent 2026 Outstanding Food Producer Awards, with the judges describing the plantbased yoghurt as “awesome … a Rarotongan breakfast on a spoon!” For Raglan Food Co’s CEO, Peter Simmons, and head of marketing, Sonya Stichbury, receiving the accolade on behalf of their team at the awards function was a very proud moment. “It was a thrilling experience for us being there to represent our small team of 30,” says Sonya. “There were more than 400 entries this year across all categories, so for us to receive that was quite an honour. We were super-proud to represent Raglan at the awards.” The award-winning champion yoghurt is Raglan Food Co’s top-selling product, closely followed by their creamy Natural Greek-style dairy-free yoghurt. The latest success follows previous accolades at the Outstanding Food Producer Awards. Raglan Food Co has twice received the Outstanding Sustainability Award, and in 2021 their dairy-free coconut kefir label topped the drinks category. “There’s a growing movement of consumers looking to have plant-based, dairy-free diets, either because they can’t have dairy or they’re wanting to make a lifestyle change,” Sonya says. “There are also a lot of flexitarians wanting to consume more plant-based food. We’re helping to lift the vibe on plant-based eating by providing healthy, natural options that don’t compromise on taste.” Raglan Food Co’s story started on a kitchen bench top in Raglan just over a decade ago. Founders Tesh and Seb wanted to enjoy a dairy-free diet without giving up yoghurt, so Tesh began making coconut yoghurt at home. They then started selling jars to Raglan locals. As word spread and demand grew, the fledgling business soon moved into a shipping container in the township. Today, they operate from a purpose-built plant on the outskirts of Raglan, producing a wide range of dairy-free yoghurts and kefirs for the New Zealand market. Raglan Food Co also supplies product to stockists in Hong Kong and Singapore. “We’re fortunate to have been founded by passionate people – it has been an incredible journey,” says Sonya. “When you’re innovating new product, so much work goes into getting the recipe right and sourcing the right ingredients. Raglan Food Co’s consistent award-winning track record is a testament to the ongoing hard work happening around recipes, production and sourcing of ingredients. Our new plant-based protein yoghurt range is an example of all these elements coming together.” Raglan Food Co believes business can be a tool for doing good. In their case, that means producing good product as sustainably as possible and operating as a Fair Wage Company for their team. Certified as a Toitū Climate Positive company, Raglan Food Co is committed to making a positive impact into the future. Just one of many projects they are involved with is the 1 Million Pieces Campaign, a community clean-up programme around New Zealand to remove one million pieces of plastic from our beaches. “We’ll have more to say on this milestone in a few months’ time – watch this space!” Raglan Food Co’s head of marketing, Sonya Stichbury, and CEO, Peter Simmons at the Outstanding Food Producer Awards.
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