Ma Healion’s was founded over 30 years ago as a culinary food business specialising in a range of dried herbs & whole spices. The company was named after a well-known herbalist (Mary Healion) in Ireland whose grand-daughter migrated to New Zealand and thus commenced this very-boutique style business. This grand-daughter, also bearing the same name, became heavily involved with the Auckland Herb Society and was eventually honoured with Life Membership. Mary Healion shortened the words to ‘Ma Healion’, which she used as the brand name by which the business is known today. For many years Mary went about creating exotic blends with her special mixes of herbs and spices for various dishes of Beef, Veal, Lamb, Pork, Poultry and Game, Fish, Eggs, Cheese, Soups, Stews and Salads. It is believed that these were the first commercial blends of herbs and spices to appear anywhere, although such are commonplace everywhere now. These dishes would both excite and tempt the palates of people over and over again. Her philosophy was simple. She wanted to keep food as pure and natural as possible by using no preservatives, artificial colorings or additives. The products contain no dairy or animal product and are therefore most suitable for vegetarian cooking.

Ma Healion’s today offer consumers a range of some 18 different herb and spice products. We specialise in a range of seasonings, blends and dips, all of which come in dry-powder/granular form. With our blends and dips we provide a base for which consumers can add their own choice of any of the following: milk, cream, sour cream, coconut milk/cream, yogurt, soy milk, goats milk or mayonnaise. This method of preparation is particularly ideal for those with allergies to certain foods and also for those on weight-watcher-type programmes who are counting their calories, and even for those who go camping or those who just love the outdoors.The full product list is:

Seasonings

All Ma Healion’s products come in a convenient and economical sachet twin-pack. The product itself is highly visible through the clear, see-through sachets which enable the consumer to sight prior to purchase. Along with our new product development here at Ma Healion’s we have strived to create a highly visual and appealing type of product so any consumer can see just exactly what they are buying.

Some years ago major packaging changes were made to upgrade our retail pack to create the ‘look’ and the ‘perceived value’ on which the company could then build its future. Marketing and graphic design experts were commissioned to create and sustain the image of just what Ma Healion’s is all about. That imagery was to portray quality, value and a feeling of a hand-crafted, well-made product that consumers would prefer and then use again and again. We wanted to build a strong loyalty factor with all our consumers. By emphasising the ‘100% natural’ theme we have come a long way to achieving that.

These packaging changes were centred on the creation of something different. We did not want to be just another ‘me-too’ type of product. The herb and spice market is very dynamic but highly competitive also. Our twin packs create a perception of value, i.e. two-for-one, and are very affordably priced. Being in sachet form, pantry storage and possible breakage are no problems.

Our Seasoning range of peppercorns and salt offers the consumer a convenient and in-expensive way of refilling their shakers, grinders and peppermills at home. Many similar products found on the shelves these days come in a ‘grinder’ only style. Grinders are expensive and should last longer than just the one fill of product, we believe.

Our range of Blends offers the more discerning cook at home a lot more than other similar types of products. Again these have the 100% natural base of quality herbs and spices selected to eliminate the guesswork for those wanting to create an authentic meal for the family. The convenient twin-pack allows for easy and no-wastage use of a single sachet (enough for 2 people) or both for the family of four. Both sachets in the twin-pack are separately sealed. Simplicity and minimum of preparation of time is another important factor. Where possible we recommend that our blends and other product e.g. chicken etc be all cooked in the one saucepan. 15 minutes is all it takes to prepare and serve a ‘restaurant class’ meal of Butter Chicken for the whole family. Simply melt the butter in the saucepan then cook the cubed chicken followed by adding cream, sour cream, yogurt, or coconut cream etc together with Ma Healion’s Butter Chicken and it’s ready. Versatility is another key. And all our spice blends are interchangeable, especially the 3 Asian mixes.

Any of these three mixes can be used with fried rice, noodles or in stir fry’s plus they can be used to season any dish.

The introduction of our Dip range has seen the company cater for a market that was only previously serviced through delicatessens and health food shops. When we launched our ‘Dukkah’ nut and spice blend we had no idea just how popular this ‘dipping’ type of product would be. Originating out of Egypt we carefully selected a combination of roasted nuts and spices to produce what is now our biggest-selling brand. The Dukkah concept has taken off and will continue to grow – similar to that of the ‘Hummus’ product that once was only found in Middle Eastern Restaurants but now commands substantial shelf space in most supermarkets. We see Dukkah ready and poised to follow the Hummus phenomenon. With that expectation we have introduced a further two variants of Dukkah – Roasted Garlic and Sweet Chilli. Both are gaining shelf space in many supermarkets. And more variants of Dukkah are about to be launched very soon. This Dukkah concept presents an opportunity for the company to own the segment in all markets, and thus drive the product to new and different levels.

Our Dip range has proven to be a real winner with many consumers. Those tired of a ready-made (full of preservatives) dip or that just mixed with reduced cream now have a choice. Ma Healion’s Dips again provide a base for which consumers can make their own dip by adding a wet ingredient of their choice. With a combination of sour cream and mayonnaise, or yogurt, or coconut milk/cream, or any low-fat/lite product there is a taste sensation second to none. Our Dips are extremely economical –one single sachet makes a minimum of one cup – and are very well priced also. Kept covered in the fridge they will last 2-3 days without any change in colour and taste whatsoever. They are most versatile and are very tasty on baked potatoes, barbecued steak and great with vegetable platters. Also they make a delicious dressing in salads and can be used to season stuffing mixes or as a rub on meat, chicken or fish.

By using only the highest quality of herbs and spices all our products carry a minimum shelf life of 12 months.

Affordability was a very important factor when we re-designed our packaging. By reducing volume and eliminating wastage we have now a high-quality, authentic and yet well-priced product that is far from expensive. Prices vary from store to store but the range is from $2.00 - $3.50 per retail pack. And that makes feeding a family of four very affordable and very healthy too.

Ma Healion’s will continue to grow and develop new products in the blend and dip segments. This represents the best opportunity for sustainable growth within the company and at the same time offers consumers a wider choice of 100% natural products without any compromise on quality and value.

We are committed to providing a healthy alternative to many competitive products already out there in the market place. More and more people are now aware of just what harmful effects there are on the human body by consuming food that contains preservatives and MSG in particular. At Ma Healion’s we are constantly reviewing our products and ingredients to ensure that we are providing only the best for the consuming public. That ‘best’ includes the ‘look’, the ‘quality’, the ‘taste’ and the ‘goodness’ of the product. With that in mind consumers can be fully satisfied that Ma Healion’s is a product they can trust and enjoy over and over again.

Our principles will never change. We will not rely on machine automation or lesser human involvement to manufacture our products. Control and quality can never be supervised my machines. We will not compromise the faith and loyalty that consumers expect today with Ma Healion’s by having mass-produced, inconsistent and inferior product.

Our products are found in all leading supermarkets throughout the country. In particular we have good representation with Pak’n’Saves and New World Stores. We continue to develop our branding with Foodtown and Countdown markets who have taken on extra lines recently – which is further endorsement that Ma Healion’s is growing with some consumers now actually asking for our products in-store that weren’t available previously. It takes time to build a business and we will take as much time as it needs!

For further information on the complete Ma Healion’s heritage and for a range of recipes, or even to register for free newsletters and find out about free offers please contact us at info@mahealions.co.nz so you can enjoy food as it should be – 100% natural.