We are The Brothers Green, a team of people passionate about all things health and the environment!
What did your lives look like before The Brothers Green?
Brendon - Maori Pharmacist seeking ways to change the health system.
Brad - Rural Banker in North Canterbury and injured rugby player.
Michael - Wandering overseas looking for a way to change the ag industry.
So, what's The Brothers Green?
The Brothers Green is a hemp company with the mission to eliminate chronic disease in Aotearoa, New Zealand through plant based food. Based in Christchurch, we create value-added food and beverage products utilising the amazing plant that is hemp.
What sparked the idea of starting The Brothers Green and how did this all begin?
Brothers Brad and Brendon met while each exploring natural plant based ways of improving health, and called in Brother Michael from climbing mountains overseas to come back and join in. Brendon's career as a pharmacist and Brad’s as a rural banker was a perfect combination to create a business with the aim of curing health and a broken agricultural system.
Why Hemp?
It is the most nutrient dense seed in the world. The genetic profile of the hemp seed will play a key role in one of the most obese nations in the world fighting inflammation. It has a long history of being used in many ways that has only recently become stigmatised against. It cleans up the soil and is a natural carbon sink (more efficient than pine trees). Hemp is a tool for our farmers to use in their systems to both make a profit, while also becoming more environmentally sustainable.
You have such an amazing range of products, where did you find inspiration to create these?
From our day to day lives. None of us are perfect but we do strive to improve ourselves and are constantly looking for new natural ways of improving our own individual wellness.
Where do you source all your hemp from?
All of our hemp is NZ grown. This is very important to us as it means we can maintain quality control and utilise the benefits of NZ farming practises and soil conditions. We have set up a sister company - Mainland Hemp - based in Culverden. Mainland Hemp works directly with carefully selected family farms to grow hemp for us. The hemp is then harvested and processed in the Hurunui district of North Canterbury.
Any exciting projects you are currently working on and can share with us?
We are working on a new Hempy Bar flavour, some easy to take hemp seed oil capsules combining various healthy ingredients, a plant based mince product, and a coffee alternative!
Any advice to someone wanting to start their own business?
Have a purpose and passion that truly means something. This will keep you going when times are tough. And people. People are the most important part of a business. Surround yourself with likeminded passionate humans.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thebrothersgreen_/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thebrothersgreen19
Website:
Edited by Kate Broadley:
kjmb-259@hotmail.com