Pete’s Natural, a small family-owned business located in Motueka, is the first to market in New Zealand with a hemp
seed-infused functional beverage. Its Hemp Manuka Sparkling beverage will be launched alongside another new drink, Lemon
Manuka Switchel, at this week’s Auckland Food Show, 25-28 July at the ASB Showgrounds. The Pete’s Natural drinks are
being 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 percent 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 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 vegan-friendly.
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.