CHIA, a Nelson drinks company that launched in December 2012, has had its first exports arrive in Singapore this month.
The past few years have been a whirlwind for the quickly growing company. From humble beginnings as an endurance drink, to representing New Zealand internationally in the competitive beverage industry, this is a true story of Kiwi ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and success.
CHIA will be distributed in a chain of specialty supermarkets throughout Malaysia and negotiations are underway with Australia.
Company founder Chloe Van Dyke says “New Zealand is a great place to launch a business, New Zealanders support local companies and we have a reputation for innovative quality products internationally.”
Van Dyke recently received a scholarship from Ernst & Young for the Entrepreneurial Winning Women programme. This executive leadership programme identifies a select group of high potential women entrepreneurs whose businesses show real potential to upscale – and helps them do it.
Other accolades for CHIA include winning the ANZ Flying Start business award in its first year and the NZ Food Awards Health Award in its second. The drink is made with the hydrated chia seed and then mixed with superfood juices. Flavours include Blueberry, Orange & Passionfruit, and Blackcurrant. The drink has a high nutrient profile and is creating quite a buzz amongst cafe goers.
Going forward Chloe says they are "working on a range of new products that keep in line with our philosophies of innovation, quality, and health”. For more information go to www.chia.co.nz
