Russell Bell: Duo get a taste of success

GROWING GOODNESS: Claire Cilliers and Rachael Dawson from The Grocers have launched their own brand of desserts and loaves.

THERE is nothing that I like better than to give shout-outs to local businesses doing really good and innovative things.

This week I have to declare how impressed I am with a small but growing enterprise which is carving out a niche in the market of quality food - The Grocers.

Started in 2013 by Claire Cilliers and Rachael Dawson, The Grocers was borne out of a shared passion for great food and a strong friendship - two qualities which shine through the business' offering.

Claire and Rachel managed to convince their respective husbands that opening a gourmet food business in Whanganui would be a good strategic move. I am told that the boys both love food, too, so it quickly and understandably was recognised as a prudent investment.

The philosophy of the business is to bring together the best of New Zealand and local produce. New Zealand and, indeed, Whanganui, have fantastic homegrown produce that is often overlooked.

The business focuses on "artisan" producers and you would be surprised at the sheer number of these who are scattered from Kerikeri to Invercargill - all making outstanding products.

So, they are bringing together excellent products so the market can benefit - quite literally one of those "why didn't I think of that?" types of business.

However, what makes The Grocers special is what its founders have brought to the mix. Claire refers to herself as an "urban hippie" who wants people to eat real food, made with real ingredients. And that is the key to the business' successful strategy.

She says: "Considering that we live in a country so rich in agriculture, why shouldn't everyone eat real food?"

The Grocers is an online business with a fully integrated e-commerce component. And, further to last week's article, there is no reason (given UFB and internet access across the country) why this business cannot reach anyone who wants to enjoy fantastic gourmet food.

While Claire acknowledges there have been steep learning curves, three years later the business is ticking along nicely.

But there's more - earlier this year The Grocers launched their own brand, Witch's Kitchen, making desserts and loaves made with whole ingredients, with no preservatives or colourants.

And the contribution by Whanganui people doesn't end there - they use local free-range eggs from Rasmusen's and buy as much as possible from local suppliers, including their wooden hampers. It has been fantastic to hear the way Whanganui people have supported them.

With Christmas coming, I suggest you check out the website at TheGrocers.co.nz.
We will, because not only are we part of the movement to access natural and good food products, but we also support this innovative Whanganui business.

Good things, like good food, are grown here.

■Balance Consulting is a Whanganui consultancy specialising in business strategy, process excellence and leadership mentoring - contact Russell Bell on 021 244 2421 or John Taylor on 027 499 5872.