Interview with Keith Maloon, Co Founder of Mareeba Orchards

1.    Can you share with us the beginnings of Mareeba Orchards?

Mareeba Orchards was founded in early 2021 with the purpose of providing Australian consumers with a healthy alternative to dried fruit. We at Mareeba are exceptionally proud to be supporting Aussie farmers, with Australia being amongst one of the countries producing some of the best tasting, high quality fruit in the world. Most current dried fruit products on the market are imported and contain unnecessary sugars, preservatives, and other unhealthy ingredients. Mareeba is the first company to produce small retail packets of tropical dried fruit using Australian grown product, a naturally sweet and healthy snack for the whole family.

2.    What does ‘natural health’ mean to you?

My personal health journey has always been centred on living a clean and healthy lifestyle, sticking to eating produce in its truest form and free from unnecessary ingredients. And so, 100% pure Australian dried fruit was a no brainer. We as a wider team hope to improve the lives of everyday Australians through health and convenience.

3.    Which is your favourite SKU in the range?

 That’s definitely a difficult question as all of our SKUs are delicious. I guess pineapple would be my favourite, closely followed by banana.

 4.    Tell us about your new SKU!

 We are super excited to be launching our NEW mango variety 57g packets. Our team has been working around the clock for months sourcing the best quality, Australian mangoes available. The end product is simply amazing, and we believe it will be a big hit, already complementing our successful range.

5.    Has there been any hurdles that Mareeba Orchards has had to overcome?

Some of our biggest challenges have been to source and process all fruit varieties all year round. As you are aware, some fruit like mango and pineapple is seasonal and there may be slight differences in taste depending on the season and fruit variety available at the time.

Mareeba Orchards has been successful in providing all our range all year round.

6.    What has your experience with GBN been like?

 Global by Nature had the foresight at the beginning and passion for the brand and have been very successful in ranging our brand in independent grocery, health food and pharmacy stores. Our experience has been excellent especially the professionalism, drive and enthusiasm for our range.

At Global By Nature, we distribute 250 brands and over 2,500 health and wellness products to trade. Our knowledgeable team are passionate about connecting you with the best quality health brands that support the growth of your business.

globalbynature.com.au

How Tropeaka developed the most delicious health bars on the planet

Article by Caleb Marshall, Tropeaka CEO

Between 2011 and 2014, I developed chronic fatigue syndrome. The impact was nothing short of shockingly painful and dreadful.

From physically feeling like I’d been hit by a bus every day to the accompanying depressive side effects, the symptoms seemed almost endless and subsequently ground my life to a halt for three and a half years.

This life-altering event led me down a path of discovery to functional and integrative medicine and nutrition in late 2014. In what could only be described at the time as a miracle, my life completely changed around through functional medicine interventions, where I integrated the power of high-quality nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices.

After seeing the results of this incredible moment of change, my housemate and I decided to start our health company called Tropeaka, which launched in February 2016. It had a central focus to create the highest quality health products on the planet and to positively impact millions in their health.

Since launching, our products have proudly been free from nasties, packed with powerful organic ingredients, and taste amazing!

With these decisions have come very happy customers. We have the largest combined social media following of any health food company in Australia; we have over 17,000 5-Star Reviews on our website and have happy customers in over 70 countries around the world. These stats, and more importantly, this impact, is something we are truly grateful for.

Our principles around product quality have come to life yet again with our recently launched Goodness Gut Bars! These bars came off the incredible success of our Protein Energy Bars, which sold over 100,000 units via our website in their first 9 months of launch and have since successfully moved into retail via our partnership with Global By Nature, Complete Health Products and Perth Health.

Our Goodness Gut Bars are nothing short of incredible. They came off the back of extensive research and development with our manufacturing and supply partners, culminating in a perfect balance of taste and function.

Launching in two flavours, Double Choc Fudge and Caramel Choc Fudge, they combine a delicious and highly effective blend of prebiotics that help feed beneficial bacteria. It’s a bar that not only tastes great but plays a part in restoring a happy, healthy gut!

They’re 100% natural and packed with organic ingredients while also being gluten-free, soy-free and vegan friendly. So, best of all, they’re made for everyone!

The Double Choc Fudge Goodness Gut Bar has a deliciously rich chocolate flavour from premium organic Dutch cocoa and decadent chocolate chunk pieces, while the Caramel Choc Fudge bar has a delectable smooth caramel flavour and the same decadent chocolate chunk pieces.

Wellness never tasted so good, and we’re so proud of it. We know these bars, alongside our Protein Energy Bars, will be a huge win for any retailer wanting to stock these products.

They’re a fast-moving SKU, have a competitive advantage over other bars on the market both in product quality and package design, and taste great! Best of all, they’re made by a brand that truly believes in what they stand for and have an incredibly loyal and passionate customer base in every part of Australia.

We hope that you come on the journey with us as a retail partner to help us in our mission to positively impact millions of people in their health, and we truly thank all those that have done so already.

At Global By Nature, we distribute 250 brands and over 2,500 health and wellness products to trade. Our knowledgeable team are passionate about connecting you with the best quality health brands that support the growth of your business.

globalbynature.com.au

Interview with Johanna Clark, Director & Naturopath at Franjo’s Kitchen

1. How was Franjo’s Kitchen born?

Franjo’s Kitchen really started when Fran (the Fran to the Jo) was experiencing issues with breastfeeding. We were two new mums taking our babies for a walk on a sunny afternoon and got chatting at a set of traffic lights. As the lights turned green we went for a walk and this very instant and organic friendship began. At the time I still worked as a Naturopath in clinic and Fran shared with me that she had been working on some homemade lactation biscuits. We swapped out some ok ingredients with some amazing ingredients to improve the level of nourishment. After two weeks of experimenting with recipes Fran saw a real business idea. As new mums we’d heard so many stories of women having difficulty breastfeeding but there wasn’t really a clean, high quality and commercial solution out there. So, my new friend and I of 2 weeks started a business! We initially thought it would just be an online business hence the cylinder packaging but by the 6 to 9 month mark we were getting numerous calls from retailers asking how they could purchase our product for stores and soon had 90 stockists. There wasn’t much in the lactation or even the maternal nutrition space and everyone started to really see the value of our brand.

2. What has been your biggest motivation in the creation of your brand?

Our biggest motivation would be finding that solution to the problem. Many mums struggle with milk, they struggle with mental fatigue, struggling with mental health and struggle with nutrition and putting themselves first. When it comes down to it we are a brand of mums producing for mums. We not only wanted something clean, nourishing and was designed to produce galactagogues to boost milk supply but something that was just nice for mums to enjoy with a cup of tea. Hence, the beautiful packaging and what we stand for as a business. Mums need both internal and external nourishment.
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3. You’re a busy mum, are there any particular things you do to maintain your physical and mental health?

It may not be of popular opinion, and I know most mums always put their families first. I’m probably a bit more selfish in that I really value movement, exercise and training which is an absolute priority and my family even notices when I don’t get that time in. Sometimes it’s a walk, a swim or a bike ride, just something everyday that encourages me to move my body. I’m a naturopath so naturally, nutrition and supplements are part of my daily routine and I take a bucket load of vitamins to fuel myself. I also prioritise sleep and the ability to say no, spending time with the people you want to makes an enormous difference. In combination I love the way it makes me feel and feeling good is addictive. As fluffy as it sounds, I also like to be a good example to my kids that mental and physical health is so important to live a well life

4. What was your product development process like?

The product development process began in both mine and Fran’s kitchen in between our babies sleep cycles. We also lived a street apart so after I’d cook up a batch and run them around the corner for Fran to try. We played around with formula’s quite a bit and eventually had a factory make a few batches and decided to trial selling them on a local mums and bubs Facebook group. 200 bags sold in the blink of an eye and we both personally drove around handing out our little bag of biscuits to mums in the inner west of Melbourne.

5. Can you identify any big hurdles Franjo’s has had to overcome?

One big mistake we made in the product development phase was making a product that was almost too high quality and not commercially viable. I was using products that were way too expensive and almost unnecessary to the nutritional profile. But we learnt this along the way and were able to easily adopt better suited ingredients. Our product isn’t too far away but the original formulation but it’s something we’re mindful about. Our biggest hurdle, no questions asked, has been cash flow. We started the company with very little money and Fran and I went halves on all invoices, ingredients and all the rest of it. We went along as we could for a long time. I think most people can recognise that businesses take time to grow and we’re still fairly new, but I do think that we could have done some things differently in the early days if we had some cash to back us up. But in saying that, Fran and I have 6 children between us, we were extremely busy, often exhausted and things really happen for a reason. The only way to the end is to push through and we’re pushing through!

6. Tell us about your new product!

It all started with Fran sending me a link to Arepa and their new nootropic formula. We wanted a product that worked on brain function, nervous system, adrenal glands and energy but made specially for mums. I’m a big fan of mushrooms and have always wanted to use them in a formula, cordyceps are perfect for endurance, so it was always going in there. Motherhood is an endurance test every single day! The faba bean protein is grown and manufactured in a purpose built factory near the town where I grew up and we’re passionate about supporting amazing local farms and businesses. Fran is also from New Zealand and has a connection to Arepa, further supporting local businesses. To summarise this amazing formula, we have Blackcurrant that is packed with antioxidants and has been known to help with cognitive performance. L-theanine, found in green tea, gives you a nice yet calm buzz without the negative effects of caffeine and has also shown to help symptoms of anxiety. Enzogenol from pine bark extract has been found to support healthy brain function, performance, mental clarity and focus. Combined with the faba bean protein, maca, raw cacao powder, mushroom and nootropics, it’s a very functional blend with real purpose.

7. What has your experience with GBN been like?

Global By Nature was our very first distributor and its 7 years later … what more is there to say? Other than clearly, we’ve all done something right and continue to do so. The ongoing support, excitement and knowledge that Global By Nature brings to the conversation and the selling of our product is superior. We’ll be together for a long time because you’re authentically invested in the product and value working side by side.

Interview with Ally Mellor, CEO & Founder of Locako

Both trusted and responsible for developing low carb and keto friendly products in an array of formats. The extensive Locako range is made with clean, quality ingredients and cleverly designed to be incorporated into your daily routine. The team at Locako focus on nourishing and trending ingredients, to enhance the mind, body and beauty of its many loyal consumers. What stays consistent across the Locako range is celebrating the role nutrition plays in the body and the impact on your overall health. Ally Mellor founded Locako in 2017 after recognising some distinct gaps in the Australian market for keto and low carb diets. Since bringing life to her vision, Locako has pioneered an ever expanding, innovative range that is beloved by the industry.

1.    What was your biggest motivation in the creation of Locako?

I think my biggest motivation is creating innovation in the industry, being the first to do something and creating an offering absolutely no one is doing. Keto and Low Carb comes with so many amazing benefits and knowing we can potentially make a difference in someone’s life is extremely rewarding.

2. Why did you choose to focus on keto and low-carb based products?

For me personally, this way of eating is something I’ve practiced for many years, and I have a strong understanding of these dietary principles. After travelling to the US in 2017, I discovered hundreds of low carb and keto products, and recognised a huge gap in the Australian market which inspired me to create the strong offering that you see today.

3. What the most challenging part of building a brand?

I would have to say that your customer is the most important thing and so understanding them is key. Creating a brand, design and story around our consumer has contributed to our success. This is something that took me a while to recognise and getting it right was challenging. At a time, we tried expanding to vegan and organic mushroom filled coffee creamers that were unsuccessful with our audience – it was something our customers weren’t in the market for.
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4. You have a busy and innovative line of product development. What is your process and how do you stay trending?

Lots and lots of research. I tend to look to the US market for ideas and inspiration. Getting the timing right for trends can be risky, we are sometimes too early for the Australian market and the trend is not yet understood by consumers. When working on product innovative we come up with a concept, we identify what problem we are solving and then workshop a way we can stamp it with a cool Locako twist that relates back to our audience. Australian natives are really popular at the moment, especially when considering so many beautiful flavours and health benefits, this is a perfect trend for our business right now.

5. What has been your biggest hurdle as a business owner, and how did you overcome it?

There have been many hurdles over the years, and I am always working on overcoming something. Anything from cash flow, staff, facing competitors in the market to entering a new country, they all come with their own set of challenges but overcoming them only makes us stronger.

6. What is your favourite Locako product and how do you use it?

That’s a little like asking which is my favourite child haha! If I had to choose, I would have to say the coffee creamers range. I use Keto Adapt as my preferred and add some Glowing Marine Collagen for a beauty boost. The Beauty Brownie Bites are definitely my favourite snack!

7. How do you balance being a business owner and busy mum?

Well, I certainly don’t work a regular 9 to 5 business week. I would say I work across 6 split shifts 7 days a week and that suits me well at the moment. I think my boys add that extra drive of motivation which makes it a lot easier knowing I am creating a future for them.

8. What is next in store for Locako?

For our team, growth has always come from being different and adding value to our consumers. Over the last 6 months we’ve been working on some TGA listed keto supplements, a big step for us and something we’re really excited to launch to market next year, hopefully.

9. What has your experience been like with Global By Nature?

We have been working with Global By Nature since the very early days of our business and when we only have 4 products. We are very grateful they believed in us from the beginning and now range over 30 Locako products. The partnership with GBN has helped us reach more customers and retailers so we can spend time focusing on marketing and NPD.

At Global By Nature, we distribute 250 brands and over 2,500 health and wellness products to trade. Our knowledgeable team are passionate about connecting you with the best quality health brands that support the growth of your business.

New from Loving Earth | New Pocket 45s

At Global by Nature, we’re excited to support the launch of Loving Earth’s new Pocket 45s range with fresh new flavours!

Loving Earth is an ethically driven company offering plant-based, organic, dairy and gluten free chocolates, and other health based pantry products. With every bite, you’ll feel good knowing you’re buying from a company that sources regenerative cacao ethically, and using solar-powered factories for manufacturing.

The Pocket 45s range comes with a beautifully designed packaging printed with vegetable ink. The packaging, including the film and the recycled fibreboards used on the boxes, are all home compostable.

  • Cookies N Cream: Made with crumbly vegan chocolate biscuits mixed with their silky smooth vegan white chocolate.
  • Double Hazey: 40% roasted hazelnuts mixed in with hazelnuts chocolate. It is pure nut heaven.
  • Caramel Swayzee: Two-layer chocolates, one with salty caramel on a bed of 60% dark chocolate.
  • Dirty Rose: Rose infused cashew milk chocolate and sweet, tangy cranberries.

To further support the launch of this range, retailers will have access to instore merchandising, social media assets and point of sale. Please get in touch with us via your Global By Nature representative, our customer service team (02 9415 5200) or visit our website to place your order today.

At Global by Nature, we distribute 250 brands and over 2,500 health and wellness products to the trade.

If you own a retail business and are interested in selling Loving Earth’s range or looking for other products, please visit globalbynature.com.au

When Should I Be Taking Protein Powder?

Tropeaka Lean Protein

What is protein? Like fats and carbohydrates, protein is a macronutrient that provides energy in the form of calories. Each gram of protein provides the body with 4 calories, but it’s much more than a source of energy. Protein is made up of organic compounds called amino acids that are essential to many biological processes, making protein one of the most important nutrients for your health.

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