New Zealand spread maker, Pic's Peanut Butter, has had to ramp up its manufacturing operations ahead of a decision by Woolworths to stock its all-natural products nationwide.
More than 900 Woolworths supermarkets are now stocking Pic’s Crunchy and Smooth 380g peanut butter jars.
The company's founder, Pic Picot, said he had to create a second factory and employ eight more staff members to keep up.
“We’ve set up a second factory to ensure we meet demand,” said Picot. “It has meant we've been able to increase our staff numbers from 17 to 25 full-timers in the last twelve months. We have had tremendous support from our home community in Nelson, and it has been neat to be able to provide a few more jobs.”
The company's product is also now being sold in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the UK and the US.
Pic's says its wholesale sales grew 277 per cent over the past year, before Woolworths' decision to stock the product.
Picot started making peanut butter in 2007 out of frustration over a lack of sugar-less peanut butter on the shelves. Picot's sight was deteriorating - macular degeneration runs in the family - so he sold his laundromat business and started selling jars of peanut butter.
The products are made from 100 per cent hi-oleic Runner Australian roasted peanuts only plus a light pinch of salt.
Pic’s is now available from Woolworths and Coles nationally, as well as leading independent supermarkets for RRP $7.49 for a 380g jar.
