Purecoco are innovating in terms of business model, ethical practices and ingredient inputs. Their coconut and cocao products are free from nasty additives, and are made in support of small villages in Fiji and Asia. Supermarket News caught up with John McLachlan, who owns the family business with his wife Adrianne.
What is your company background, how did you start the business?
It all began in 2010 when I was up in the outer islands of Fiji, helping the government with a renewable energy project that would go on to positively change the lives of many local residents. Nearing the end of the project, a local village chief approached me. He had been impressed with the work I had done for the local community and asked if I would be interested in continuing my support and work in the small village communities. His goal was to create employment for the younger generation that were struggling to stay in their local villages due to a lack of jobs which often resulted in them having to move away from their families and plantations to seek work elsewhere. The chief mentioned that for generations the village had been producing natural, hand harvested, raw, extra virgin coconut oil. However, they needed help to convert these resources into jobs. So we teamed up and it became our joint goal to keep these families together. Not long after this conversation there was a small jar of coconut oil on our family dinner table – this is where the fun really started. After much research and development, Purecoco was created, and with the mindset and mantra to support the Pacific and offer only the most premium, natural, nutrient dense and ethically sourced wholefoods around. Since 2010 we’ve expanded our range of coconut and cacao products, sourced ethically and renewably from the Pacific and South-East Asia.
What is the current product range and variants and how do these products stand out in the market?
We offer a range or 100% natural, unrefined wholefoods and skincare with a base of raw coconut and cacao from small Pacific and Asian communities. All our range is allergen free (unless allergic to coconut or cacao) offering delicious vegan, vegetarian, paleo, primal, dairy-, soy- and gluten-free range safe for all ages.
Has there been any recent company news?
We are in the final process of re branding and launching our body scrub and skin care range with no nasties.
What are the plans for the business moving forward, is there any expansion on the horizon?
We are always looking at how we can continue to grow our range while keeping with our ethics and supporting small village communities. We are hoping to expand into Australia later this year and always looking for joint ventures with other amazing companies to spread the love!
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?
We work with some great retailers including Farro, IE Produce, selected New World stores, Sprint Fit, Online Store, Bin Inn and many more but always on the look out to work with other likeminded retailers.
