Butler Market Gardens has been established for decades, CEO Rick Butler is the 6th generation of the family owned business based in Heatherton, Melbourne.
The company specialises in a wide range of vegetables and herbs. In 2018 they launched the Butler Gourmet Pantry range.
"From a strategic perspective we assessed our customer base and realised we needed to diversify to allow the business to continue on its growth path," explains Andrew Smith, General Manager - Sales & Marketing at the company.
"To do this we needed our own brand which would represent Butler Market Gardens as a grower. We also recognised that consumers are increasingly asking questions about where their food comes from. Our brand allows a link to our farm, and the ability to engage more with end consumers.
"It also allows us the ability to market and promote herbs and grow it as a category."
The Butler Gourmet Pantry range is sold to independent retailers and wholesalers, mainly in Victoria and more recently in New South Wales.
The range has 20 varieties of a small-serve punnets: Basil, Chives, Coriander, Dill, Mint, Oregano, Continental Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Curry Leaves, Lime Leaves, Bay Leaves, Lemon Grass, Thai Basil, Vietnamese Mint, Lemon Thyme, Tarragon, Marjoram, Curly Parsley.
18 varieties of large size bunches: Basil, Coriander, Mint, Continental Parsley, Curly Parsley, Thyme, Watercress, Living Basil, Chives, Dill, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Thai Basil, Marjoram, Lemon Thyme, Vietnamese Mint.
The best seller among these are coriander, basil and mint.
"Butler Market Gardens as a grower is recognised for quality and consistent supply, which sets us apart from others this is now reflected through our brand. No other herb brand in Australia has such an extensive range of punnets and sleeves which are fully barcoded."
The wet weather on the east coast of Australia has been well documented and Andrew said that last winter was the most challenging they have ever experienced.
The Butler Gourmet Pantry range is not yet available for export but according to Andrew they are open to it in the future after they have expanded their growing capacity.
For more information:
Andrew Smith
Butler Market Gardens
Tel: +61 402 273 330
andrew@butlermarketgardens.com.au
www.butlermarketgardens.com.au