Vasantha had an accident a few years ago and is still undergoing recovery. During this time, she felt the need to share some of the family’s favourite recipes and gave instructions and advice to the family to begin product development.
They now share many of their favourite recipes on the back of their products so others are inspired to make delicious, healthy meals in in their own homes, Aishu adds.
“Mum is well known for her culinary skills. Friends and family have fantastic memories of the extraordinary taste of all her dishes. The secret is the knowledge she inherited from her mother, mother-in-law, and other elderly family members and friends!”
Spice Tree started with six products and over the last two years developed and released twenty-six more. Their production and packing facilities are based in Wainuiomata, with large, high-capacity machinery and processing stations.
With Covid restrictions easing, the family are now back at the Harbourside Market where they get to see their regular customers. Many of their customers have become close family friends, says Prashanth.
“Having a stall at the market has really helped. People from within Wellington as well as other parts of the country that visit the market buy our products. A great majority of them are now regular customers and place their orders online or pop in to meet us on Sundays,” says Yesh.
Spice Tree’s Butter Chicken Masala has won the Bronze at the 2022 NZ Artisan Awards, and now their products are available across a range of supermarkets and stores in the Wellington region, adds Prasanth.
“Our passion and commitment to supplying premium quality, authentic and traditional products is what has helped us grow to this level. We think we make a delicious Chai Masala, and people keep coming back for it!”