Chia Sisters: Successful Entrepreneurs in Nelson

The Chia Sisters Florence and Chloe launched their successful health and wellbeing drinks brand in 2012.

The dynamic duo were heavily involved in health and wellness before the brand launched, Chloe was a Neuroscientist living in Nelson, Florence was a New Zealand triathlete, and their dad Ben was a world champion swimmer.

Chloe noticed a gap in the drinks market, she wanted to make the most nutritious drink available in the world, but not a typical 'energy drink'. It had to be free from artificial colours and caffeine.

Humble beginnings:

With the support of Florence and their dad Chloe spent a year playing around with potential recipes.

"To make my first CHIA prototype I blended hydrated chia seeds with local blackcurrants. A local brewery helped us to bottle our first batch and the results were explosive - literally. There are probably still chia seeds on the roof of that factory and we weren't invited back..."

With a lot of work, the brand launched in 2012. It was a hit with athletes, and with rising demand in the 'free from' market, it quickly become a favorite for everyone else. CHIA, a high quality, high performance, local product that consumers loved, went on to win the Health Category at the New Zealand Food Awards.

The brand has gone from success to success, and further development has led to a full beverage product range, including hemp protein smoothies, pressed local fruit juices, sparkling coconut waters, crushed fruit smoothies, and immunity hot tonic.

Working with the planet, not against it:

In recognition of the alarming pace of climate change and inequality that exists today (with humans on trend to use the equivalent of two planets’ worth of resources), sustainability is part of the DNA of the brand.

Most of the negative impacts on the environment come from business decisions, and it is an ethos of the brand that businesses can be ethical while being profitable. In line with this, CHIA remains successful while being a certified B Corp - part of a group of global for profit companies that build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

While sustainability and ethics play an integral role in every decision for the brand, you can see its impact in some of the following areas:

Planet – "We installed 32 solar panels on our factory roof, gained zero carbon and climate positive certification, lead community workshops to combat climate change and partner with our community to reduce food waste."
People – "We have an amazing team at Chia Sisters. One way we value them is by paying each employee above Living Wage. We are accredited with Living Wage Aotearoa, an organisation that tackles poverty and inequality."
Nutrition – "Our drinks are better for you. They are all natural, made from plants, with no added sugar, no GMOs and no artificial ingredients. CHIA and Hemp Smoothies are packed with micronutrients to keep you fuelled, whatever your activity."

Working with the planet has allowed Chia Sisters overall business operations to reduce carbon in the atmosphere, not add to it. You can view their 2021 Impact Report to find out more.

Gallery:

No items found.

Read more about investment in NZ:

Read more successful NZ entrepreneur stories:

Tree icon
Retirement in NZ
Cards icon
Investor and Business Visas

Read more about doing business in NZ:

Do you want to run your own business?

Ask our Principal Immigration Adviser Dr. Carsten Hallwass what it takes.

Are you interested in buying this New Zealand business?

Mention this listing in our Free Assessment Form!

Do you want to invest in New Zealand?

Ask our Principal Immigration Adviser Dr. Carsten Hallwass what it takes.

Ready to get started?

Base your move on solid grounds: Ask us for a Free Assessment first!

south african flag symbol

Dr. Hallwass handled our application to immigrate professionally, giving us a clear picture of what was required, updating us along the way and providing excellent follow up service on our arrival in New Zealand. We are delighted with his professionalism and thoroughness. He comes highly recommended.

FB
South Africa
USA flag symbol

Anna was worth her weight in gold---she was fantastic at helping me format my CV and search for jobs that suited my skill set.  In the end, I got a great job in a great city.  Carsten and his team were very thorough and helpful when it came time to apply for and get our visas. They are now helping us with our resident visas, and I'm certain that the process will be the same. I'd recommend them highly.

KJ
USA
brazilian flag image

NZIC guided me all the way through getting my first work visa to permanent residency. Their job seeking support was key when I first arrived in NZ, communication was always easy and clear. I'm very thankful for their help and definitely recommend their services.

DO
Brazil
hong kong flag image

Dear Jannie, just want to drop a note to thank for your everything. Your help is much appreciated! You are a wonderful and professional job search coach! I am so lucky to have you supporting me!

MK
Hong Kong