Chia Sisters

"So, we looked into other industries. As far as we’re aware, no one is supplying juice in kegs, but it’s normal to supply beer this way. So we thought: ‘It could be a game changer for juice too’.”

The switch to providing its pressed juice from local fruit in kegs to hotels is another step on the Nelson-based company’s sustainability journey. It’s seen Chia Sisters win multiple accolades for sustainable business practice and become B Corp certified.

B Corp Certification is a designation that shows a business is meeting rigorous standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency, with Chia Sisters achieving the top five per cent of all B-Corps certified globally.

Chia Sisters started as a concept 10 years ago, when Chloe Van Dyke, a neuroscientist and medical herbalist, began her research to create the best drink for long-lasting natural energy and hydration.

After two years of research and testing, in collaboration with Callaghan Innovation, the well-known chia superfood drink was born, and sister Florence joined Chloe in the venture. Since then, the range has extended into tonics, superfood smoothies, a pressed juice and sparkling range.

A purpose‑led partnership with Kiwibank

As the brand’s sustainability story gained prominence, it became clear that they were a natural fit for Kiwibank’s purpose-led approach and B Corp values. Chia Sisters stood out not only for their impressive leadership and innovation, but for the way sustainability was embedded in every decision they made.

One example is the brand’s inventive use of kegs. Traditionally used only for alcohol, Chia Sisters recognised that the same system could reduce waste, cut emissions and streamline distribution for non-alcoholic drinks, a simple shift that benefits both businesses and the environment.

Chia Sisters also reflects the type of business we aim to support through our sustainable finance offering, providing lending options that reward sustainability improvements and help Kiwi businesses continue to innovate.

We're proud to back the Nelson-founded company, whose founders turned the idea of a nutritious chia drink into a fast-growing range of health beverages now reaching international markets.

Chloe says Chia Sisters and Kiwibank are both values-driven companies working to do business in a way that has a positive impact on people and the planet.

Van Dyke says Kiwibank has acknowledged the steps that Chia Sisters has taken to incorporate sustainability into its business model, such as becoming solar-powered, measuring and reducing carbon emissions and paying its team the living wage or higher.

“These steps have strengthened Chia Sisters' resilience. Kiwibank has recognised that this makes our business a lower risk and more likely to succeed in the long term - which is reflected in a lower interest rate in the form of sustainability-linked lending.”

As Chia Sisters plan for growth in neighbouring Australia and the United States, Van Dyke says the company is focusing on strengthening its relationships with like-minded key players that will support the business in that journey.

“For us, doing business with values-aligned partners is important. We’re on the same journey – and that’s important in a banking partner.”