Pete’s Natural, a small family-owned business located in Motueka, says it
is the first to market in New Zealand with a hemp seed-infused functional
beverage.
Its Hemp Manuka Sparkling
beverage was launched alongside
another new drink, Lemon
Manuka Switchel, at the Auckland
Food Show, on 25-28 July. Pete’s
Natural drinks were launched in
new-look bottles with the support
of New Zealand’s only glass bottle
manufacturer, O-I New Zealand.
The functional beverage industry has
seen a huge increase in popularity,
and Pete’s Natural has taken the
opportunity to expand its range
of boutique drinks after legislation
changed in November 2018, allowing
hemp seeds to be incorporated into
foods.
“Our hemp is supplied by The
Brothers Green who grow nature’s
most nutrient-rich seed right here
in the South Island. Not only rich
in both Omega 3 and 6, but these
seeds also contain high levels of
antioxidants that support a healthy
heart, healthy skin and reduce
inflammation,” says Pete’s Natural
co-owner Pete Suy.
Pete’s passion is to be entirely
natural, and all the beverages are
brewed in the traditional way. This
means they are lightly fermented
and contain 30-50% less sugar than
other leading brands.
Many of the hero ingredients in
functional beverages are not new
to consumers: ginger and chilli are
good examples. Pete’s Natural has
elevated its range, moving into the
INNOVATION
PETE’S NATURAL RELEASES
NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST HEMP
SEED-INFUSED BEVERAGE
functional and flavourful by including
ingredients such as hemp seeds,
hops, apple cider vinegar and
manuka honey. In the past, terms like
“gut health” and “functional foods”
were limited to health food stores,
but this new range from Pete’s
Natural will see functional beverages
make their way into the consumer
consciousness via availability at
coffee shops, bakeries and selected
supermarkets.
Holding true to its belief that ‘fair
trade starts at home’, Pete’s
Natural brews its beverages using
100% New Zealand-grown freshly
squeezed spray-free fruits, and
natural ingredients sourced from all
around the country. They contain
no additives, artificial preservatives,
concentrates, colours or flavours,
and all Pete’s Natural drinks are
gluten-free, vegetarian and veganfriendly.
Pete’s Natural Hemp Manuka
Sparkling is made from lightly
sparkling water, freshly squeezed
lemon juice, manuka honey, hemp
seed infusion, monk fruit extract, and
spinach juice.
Lemon Manuka Switchel is made
from lightly sparkling water, freshly
squeezed lemon juice, apple cider
vinegar, manuka honey, and monk
fruit extract. The apple cider vinegar
boosts immunity and helps digestive
health while restoring electrolytes
and easing pain and inflammation.
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