New Zealand peanut butter maker Pic's has had to ramp up its manufacturing operations ahead of a decision by Woolworths to stock its all-natural products nationwide.
More than 900 Woolworths supermarkets are now stocking Pic’s Crunchy and Smooth 380g peanut butter jars.
As a point of difference, Pic’s jars and lids have been made to encourage re-use in the home, with the labels specifically designed for easy removal.
Some of the peel-off labels have secret messages, poems by New Zealand poet Bill Smith, or coupons for goods and services.
The company's founder, Pic Picot, said he had to create a second factory and employ eight more staff members to keep up with demand.
“It has meant we've been able to increase our staff numbers from 17 to 25 full-timers in the last 12 months,” he said.
The company's product is also now sold in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the UK and the US.
Pic's says its wholesale sales grew 277 per cent over the past year, before Woolworths' decision to stock the product.
Pic started making peanut butter in 2007 out of frustration over a lack of sugar-less peanut butter on the shelves.
Pic's sight was deteriorating – macular degeneration runs in the family – so Pic sold his laundromat business and started selling jars of peanut butter.
The products are made from 100 per cent hi-oleic Runner Australian roasted peanuts, with a light pinch of salt.
