Co-founded by Melissa Hurst and husband Avi Kewalramani in 2006 out of their true love of Indian food, Mel’s Gourmet Foods Ltd provides real Indian spice mixes online from their website as well as several discerning gourmet stores, butchers and supermarkets.
Melissa Hurst
How did you start the business?
“Along with my husband and business partner Avi, we have a background in hospitality, having owned and run resorts in India. When we moved to New Zealand in 2000, we just could not find enough Indian food here in New Zealand. With pining for food from our homeland and what started out as just cooking for friends and colleagues soon became a business idea as there was a real need in the market to have quality and authentic Indian food packaged for the Kiwi household. In 2006, we officially created Mel’s.”
What are the current product range and variants, and how do these products stand out in the market?
“Mel's gourmet range is gluten-free and created in a HACCP approved kitchen in Auckland. Our spice mixes are unique as we have whole herbs and spices in every pack and a taste like no other. There may be other Indian spice mixes on the market but, once you taste ours, there is no turning back.
Our range includes Mels Butter Chicken Masala, Mels Korma Masala, Mels Madras Coconut Masala, Mels Tandoori Marinade, Mels Rogan Josh Masala, Mels Tangy Tamarind Chutney, Mels Hot Vindaloo Masala, Mels Bhajia Mix and Mels Homemade Ghee.”
Has there been any recent company news?
“We have recently moved to a HACCP approved, new location at 46E, 18 Lambie Drive, Manukau. Mel has also been in the news as we support a few charities in New Zealand.”
What are the plans for the business moving forward? Is there any expansion on the horizon?
"Our plan for the near future is to take our range to Australia and the world."
Where are your products currently available to buy, and are you looking at or wanting to expand your availability? If so, where would you like to see the product situated?
"Today we provide real Indian spice mixes online from our website www.mels.co.nz and also are available in several discerning gourmet stores, butchers and supermarkets around the country."
Entries are now open for the 2016 New Zealand Food Awards, register your interest at http://www.foodawards.co.nz/.
