Meet brother and sister team who own and operate the newly opened Eastridge store. Both share a zest for food, healthy living and exercise, plus a growing interest in sustainability, waste reduction and eco-friendly living, and both are passionate about their new business.
Tell us about The Source Bulk Foods
The Source Bulk Foods was born in 2012 by Emma and Paul Medeiros in Mullumbimby, near Byron Bay, Australia, and is now the largest specialised bulk foods retail store business in Australasia. The concept was brought to New Zealand by Robert and Andrea Watt in 2017 with 6 stores now operating located in Milford, Kumeu, Taupo, Tauranga, Christchurch and here at Eastridge Shopping Centre, Mission Bay.
What sets you apart from other retailers?
The focus of The Source Bulk Foods is to create a warm and inviting environment for people to shop in, and to feel comfortable buying as little or as much as they need. Bulk food is as much about providing nutritious products as it is about embracing a zero waste mindset. We encourage customers to bring their own containers with our stores providing a wholesome array of ingredients delivered the way food ought to be, and not packaged in plastic.
When did your passion for wholefoods start?
Emma came from a successful career in the beauty/ spa industry with a focus on wellbeing and nutrition, and Glenn escaped the corporate life to follow his passion in nutrition and endurance training. Over time we have both developed a strong interest in healthy eating including organic and raw foods, limiting excess additives, together with a conscious awareness of environment impacts of our food chain including plastic packaging, chemical sprays, agricultural emissions and animal welfare. This awareness motivated us to change our careers and pursue a lifestyle more aligned with healthier, safer and more environmentally conscious principles.
What has been the most rewarding part of the business thus far?
The positive response and comments from local customers who have been hugely supportive of the bulk foods concept arriving in the Eastern Bays. We are humbled by the love shown to us and already have a strong number of loyal and regular customers, supporting our reasoning for choosing to open in Eastridge which had been lacking anything similar for too long.
What would you say are the biggest benefits of eating healthier with foods that are less processed generally the most nutrient dense source of nutrition?
Healthy eating benefits almost every aspect of our lives, through improved overall health, weight control, increased energy levels, improved mental clarity and fitness improvement. Real health begins with what you choose to put in your mouth, with foods that are less processed generally the most nutrient dense source of nutrition.
What are some must try food or items in the store?
Our store includes over 250 bins and 110 jars filled with favourite quality ingredients, including our affordable range of vegan, paleo, organic, keto, and gluten friendly food options. We also offer an assortment of healthy treats with the chocolate-coated freeze-dried strawberries our must try and number one selling product. From locally sourced honey and kombucha on tap, through to quality cooking oils, natural cleaning products and personal care products, The Source Bulk Foods can help create a healthier home inside and out.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Our dedicated and knowledgeable team are there to provide guidance and advice including the best ways to utilise and prepare our products, along with recipe and cooking tips. We are always interested to discover how our customers use our products so please feel free to discuss and pass on any tips, ideas, recipes and requests! Download The Source Bulk Foods app, add us on your social media for updates and promotions, or visit our website thesourcebulkfoods.co.nz and become a VIP member for a 5% credit into your account on every dollar spent instore!
