Organic vegetable soups go down a treat

• Published date: 02 June 2023
• Publication title: Oamaru Mail

Oamaru Organics, the largest organic vegetable grower in the South Island, began selling soups just over a month ago

The soups went on to shop shelves in late April and are now in 45 retail stores throughout New Zealand.

Oamaru Organics director James Porteous said he was surprised by the demand for organic soups.

‘‘We’re astounded by how well it’s been received,’’ he said.

He said the demand was due to the high-quality ingredients and taste.

‘‘People are after a bit of quality.’’

Mr Porteous had experimented with ready-made organic meals and began selling soup at his roadside stall in Totara.

After seeing how quickly it sold, he began producing more.

‘‘I’ve never seen a product, in all my days, sell like this,’’ he said.

The soups were made from vegetables grown organically on an Oamaru farm, which appealed to consumers.

‘‘You know where the vege is coming from.

‘‘There’s quite a large concern from consumers about the integrity of food.’’

Mr Porteous has received plenty of positive feedback and repeat purchases of his soups.

One customer told him: ‘‘I’ll never make another soup again.”

Mr Porteous has also partnered with...