Sustainability Hero

Raglan Food Co

Outstanding Food Producer Awards Double Sustainability Champion Raglan Food Co has regularly wowed the sustainability judging panel. Sustainability Champion in 2023 and 2020 and a regular finalist for this category, Raglan Food Co has also won dozens of Award medals for the outstanding flavour and quality of its products. Feedback from the specialist sustainability judges has been consistent over the years with them commenting Raglan Food Co ‘has impressive sustainability initiatives across the whole business’.

It all started when Tesh began to create coconut yoghurt at home for her partner, Seb, who has dairy allergies. They both wanted to enjoy a dairy-free diet without giving up yoghurt, so an alternative was found. With a couple of jars sold to Raglan locals, the demand organically grew and grew. It was then that Raglan Food Co was born (and thus they became Mr and Mrs Coconut!). 

A lot of time has been spent learning and honing the skills required to produce consistently delicious yoghurt, as coconut yoghurt is a much more delicate product than traditional yoghurt. Temperature, pH, and the length of fermentation can all affect the end result. Over time the team have become experts in what they do, allowing for the delivery of quality coconut yoghurt for those up and down New Zealand. Dairy-free, gluten-free, no added sugar, preservative-free, nut-free, soy-free, gum-free, GMO-free, probiotic AND vegan. No wonder their yoghurt has captured the hearts, and tastebuds, of many.

There are a few things that set Raglan Food Co apart from the rest: a genuine passion for their product and processes, Living Wage employers, and they make everything themselves in Raglan. Not contract manufacturing like other brands, the team tackle everything themselves to ensure they understand their product and how to make the best coconut yoghurt. In addition, they have been Carbon Zero certified for the last several years. They track and offset their emissions, package in glass jars, donate yoghurt to charities each week and are part of the Climate Leaders Coalition. A brand that truly does their part for the environment, setting an example for fellow food businesses across the country.

Customer feedback helps to fuel the team. Regularly told that their yoghurt tastes better than any other on the market is a huge compliment – and testament to how the business is run by Tesh and Seb. Knowing that their product has helped those with intolerances/allergies is wonderful, and in Tesh’s words, “And that’s really what we’re all about here; lifting the vibe!”.

During their much-needed time off from work the pair love to spend time with their rescue pup, Willow, who was welcomed into the family during the initial Level 3 phase earlier this year. Tesh is an avid reader and writer, with three published works so far; Abigail Knightly, Button Thief and The To-Be List.

Raglan is not only home, but their favourite spot in New Zealand. Willow and Tesh can often be found strolling around at the Wainui Reserve. A place so special to them that Tesh and Seb have sent their Raglan Food Co team to help maintain the reserve alongside the wonderful volunteers at “Friends of Wainui”.

Find out more about Raglan Food Co by visiting their website