| 17 Whāriki Business Network: The Brothers Green REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Making inroads on Asian markets Karen Phelps The Brothers Green began with a vision of using New Zealand grown hemp as a tool to combat the health issues being faced by people and to create a market for South Island grown hemp. Canterbury hemp company, The Brothers Green, is set to break into international markets. It has just shipped its first order of bulk volume product to Vietnam and Korea and company director Michael Burnett says that the Southeast Asian market has been extremely interested in The Brothers Green way of processing hemp, which results in a golden oil that is lighter in taste and a hemp protein powder that is more soluble and higher in protein. The success comes on the back of challenges thrown at the company growth trajectory due to the pandemic. The silver lining was that it gave Michael, a prior operational expert, and fellow directors Brad Lake, a former rural bank manager, and Brendon McIntosh, a pharmacist, time to focus on the business and define where it was they wanted their burgeoning company to go. Market feedback showed them that functional health products were the main area of interest for consumers, a trend accelerated by the pandemic. The Brothers Green functional health products include hemp seeds, hemp seed oil, superfoods garnish and gut health protein powder. “It’s been about going backwards to go forwards,” says Michael of the past two years. “By focusing the business it’s been very positive with online sales going up.” Michael says that The Brothers Green began with a vision of using New Zealand grown hemp as a tool to combat the health issues being faced by people and to create a market for South Island grown hemp. “We know that our people are struggling to be healthy, and our food is the biggest contributor to health or sickness. “Our initial goals included simple things such as providing a pure, plant based protein in New Zealand and educating people on the benefits of a pure, plant based, high protein diet; and we only grew from there. “Food can be our medicine. We need to be able to look after ourselves before we can properly help our planet,” he says. Michael says that hemp has great anti-inflammatory properties and consistent feedback from customers has indicated it can help alleviate a raft of associated health issues. It’s also a good source of omega-3 fatty acid and a form of omega-6 fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid. The Brothers Green supplies bulk product to food and skincare companies. The business also includes two other brands: organic skincare range Kōaka and plant based protein range Ritual & Rise. “Our initial goals included simple things such as providing a pure, plant based protein in New Zealand and educating people on the benefits.” The Brothers Green is part of Whāriki Business Network and being a Maori owned business heavily influences how the company operates, he says. For example every team member is an owner of the company to ensure everyone benefits and is essentially investing in their own future as they go to work each day. “We take a long-term approach to business and that impacts what we do. The Brothers Green is about looking after land for future generations. We believe that hemp is a plant that has the power to heal our people and our earth.” We are proud Maori women who look to our traditional practices for guidance, passionate about making beautiful, affordable, organic goodness. We hand make all our products and they are safe for the whole family to use. This Kawakawa + Hemp Body Balm contains all the benefits of natural ingredients without nasty chemicals. It is a beautiful blend of natural goodness that helps to keep your skin soft, supple and deliciously moisturised. Check our website for more info Kawakawa + Hempseed Balm Featured Product www.behumblenz.com
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