New Zealand’s fresh organic food company Pitango has unveiled the world’s first carbon neutral meals in a move that’s sure to delight the tastebuds as much as satisfy the environmental conscience.
Pitango, recipient of the 2007 OANZ Organic Exporter of the Year Award and ranked #37 of the Deloitte Fast 50, was established in 2000 by passionate entrepreneurs Ofer and Yasmin Shenhav. The pair had a vision to create fresh, organic and healthy meals that stand the test – and the taste – of time.
That vision is already paying big dividends with Pitango’s existing range of organic soups and natural dips distributed around New Zealand and throughout Asia, North America and Australia. In fact, Pitango is the nation’s number one fresh soup manufacturer, accounting for an impressive 38.5% of the market.
Not the sort of people to rest on their laurels, the Shenhavs have now combined their focus on sustainability and their proven culinary skills to create a brand new range of rich Risottos and delectable Curries that provide convenient yet premium solutions for today’s busy lifestyles and lead the world in carbon neutral performance.
“We felt very strongly about identifying opportunities to pioneer planet-friendly food preparation practices that delivered beautiful and natural meals without compromising our global sustainability values,” says Yasmin.
“We have been so incredibly blessed by the success and popularity of Pitango’s existing range and believed we could do more as a company to lead the world in terms of reducing emissions and ensuring a healthier, safer and cleaner planet today and for the future.”
That belief is now a reality with Pitango teaming up with carboNZero™ to become the world’s first carbon neutral fresh food manufacturer. The carboNZero™ programme is managed by LandCare Research NZ and encourages and supports individuals and organisations to minimise their impact on climate change by providing them with tools to measure, manage and mitigate their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
According to carboNZero™ spokesperson Ann Smith, Pitango’s commitment to the programme was never in question, despite a lengthy certification process.
“Becoming certified is certainly not easy but Ofer and Yasmin were 100% behind the move and they have now shown others that creation of premium products that deliver on consumers’ growing concerns about the environment is not only possible, but also realistic.
“Together we have identified Pitango’s current emissions, created all-new strategies for minimising those emissions and then developed a solution to offset those through the purchase of carbon credits in New Zealand – keeping the benefits local while making a global statement.”
Pitango’s new carboNZero™ gourmet range includes:
Risotto: – Pitango Organic Pumpkin, Leek and Spinach Risotto with Parmesan
– Pitango Organic Chicken and Garlic Risotto with Red Capsicum and Wine
– Pitango Organic Feta and Tomato Risotto with Basil
Curry: – Pitango Organic Lamb and Pumpkin Curry
– Pitango Free Range Butter Chicken Curry
– Pitango Organic Vegetable Korma Curry
– Pitango Free Range Red Thai Chicken Curry
– Pitango Organic Moroccan Vegetable Tagine with Chickpeas and Raisins
Porridge: – Pitango Organic Blueberry, Cream and Vanilla Porridge
– Pitango Organic Honey, Apricot and Sultana Porridge.
Each of the new meals is ready to heat and serve, providing delicious, convenient options for today’s busy lifestyles.
Already proven exceptionally popular in early supermarket trials, the brand new range will be released with a full roll out across the country very shortly.
There is little doubt that consumers will take full advantage of Pitango’s innovative approach to fresh food – after all, there’s nothing like satisfying your hunger for fine cuisine, and minimising your carbon footprint. Healthy eating never felt so good.
For more information contact:
Yasmin Shenhav
Pitango Innovative Cuisine Marketing Director
yasmin@pitango.co.nz
www.pitango.co.nz