Latest news with #WaiMānuka
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Bay of Plenty beverage company Wai Mānuka expands in New York, prepares for Amazon launch
'To navigate US tariffs, we have to go big,' chief executive Joe Harawira said. Their US distribution partner is covering most of the 15% tariff, a move Harawira said reflected confidence in market-fit and product potential. Wai Mānuka is also preparing to launch on Amazon in New York City, giving 10 to 12 million local users the option to have the non-alcoholic elixir delivered directly to their doors. 'This will give us an opportunity to engage directly with customers, build loyalty, and expand our reach,' Harawira said. Interest is also growing from other key states, including Texas, Chicago, and Los Angeles. But for now, the focus remained on building a strong foundation in New York before expanding too quickly. Wai Mānuka is seeking investors who bring not only capital but strategic value to help accelerate growth. 'It's capital-intensive to grow a brand in the US,' Harawira said. Joe Harawira and Hayley Hiroki at The Bean in Whakatāne, one of the local outlets for Wai Mānuka. 'We're gaining 25 new accounts every month, and the key is consistent sell-through at scale.' To reduce landed costs, minimise environmental impact, and navigate tariff hurdles, the company is exploring US-based manufacturing. Harawira is working closely with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, his US partners, and other industry leads to assess the opportunity. In a further boost, Harawira has been selected to join a New Zealand trade delegation meeting with native American investors and executives, exploring new pathways for indigenous business collaboration. He will meet them later this month.
NZ Herald
21-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
On the Up: Bay of Plenty's Wai Mānuka sees growing demand in New York market
According to the company's website, Wai Mānuka is a non-alcoholic beverage infusing Mānuka honey with a touch of lemon juice and sparkling water. 'We shipped over four pallets of Wai Mānuka, which landed two weeks ago, and we're now in discussions to manufacture and send a full container ahead of the US summer months,' Harawira said. A single container of Wai Mānuka holds more product than the company has sold through New World supermarkets across New Zealand in the past 15 months. 'In our original plan, we expected to ship our first container within 12 to 18 months — not as part of our second order,' Harawira said. He is feeling positive about the future and is already in discussions with a US-based global beverage investment company. 'We're building the foundations to scale rapidly into the wealthiest city in the world. 'The key is staying grounded, fostering sustainable growth, and playing to our strengths - especially in a time of global uncertainty and geopolitical tension,' Harawira said. 'My hope is that our journey inspires young people from Whakatāne to raise the bar and back themselves to pursue bold goals. 'Our greatest strength lies in our uniqueness and in our ability to create meaningful impact.' He said Finesaler had reported the Wai Mānuka brand resonated with high-end customers in New York. 'Wai Mānuka is a unique heritage brand from New Zealand, grounded in Māori culture and values. Their customers choose brands that reflect their beliefs - prioritising both personal health and the health of the planet. 'Purpose-driven consumption is shaping purchasing decisions, and Wai Mānuka delivers on that through both its story and its product,' Finesaler said. Meanwhile, exports to Japan have been building steadily, reflecting growing interest and long-term potential. 'We're taking a long-term approach with Japan, that's how business is done there, and we're really pleased with how things are progressing. 'The opportunity to expand into two high-value markets at the same time is exciting, both from a business development and investment perspective.' Harawira has even begun talks with a chief executive of a sports entertainment company in China who is interested in bringing Wai Mānuka into some of the country's luxury hotels.
