Putting Down Roots In Omaha
Born from a desire to provide the freshest greens direct to restaurants without compromising on flavour or sustainability, Eat Your Greens has been a leader in the field since 2017.
Founded by ex-chef Ian King, Eat Your Greens was established to supply organically grown greens within hours of harvest. With over a decade of hospitality experience across Australia and New Zealand, Ian grew frustrated with greens stored for days, ultimately losing nutritional value and flavour. Coupled with a background in Geography and Environmental Science, Ian studied organic growing practices before returning to Auckland.
Based on nutrient-rich peat soil on Omaha Flats Road, sustainability remains central, using on-site composting and surrounding perennial flowers to create a regenerative system that enriches both the soil and produce. As production has increased, Eat Your Greens has nearly tripled in size along with Ian’s wife Kat, who recently joined as co-founder, bringing vast commercial experience and a passion for innovation.
This expansion was made possible with the support of like-minded locals Wendy and Garry Inger, who resonated with the couple's ambition and plans for Eat Your Greens. Through this connection, Ian and Kat have managed to provide long-term security for both the business and their young family. With a blank slate, the 1 hectare farm and harvest space were designed with deep consideration, featuring three purpose-built greenhouses and increased land capacity. This has allowed Eat Your Greens to expand its range, offering a variety of produce alongside its core selection of salad greens, microgreens, herbs, and seasonal heirloom varieties.
As demand has grown, so has their network of stockists. Eat Your Greens supplies some of Auckland’s top restaurants and retailers, including IE Produce, Naturally Organic, Farro Fresh and a handful of New Worlds. Locally, their greens can be found on the menu at The Sawmill Brewery and The Farmers Daughter, and on the shelves at New World Warkworth, Omaha Beach Superette, Charlies, Matakana Smokehouse, and Matakana Four Square.
With their organic certification underway and plans for continued expansion, Ian and Kat remain dedicated to growing greens that are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and delivering them within hours of harvest. Looking ahead, their commitment to sustainable practices and innovation will ensure they remain ahead of the curve. “We feel incredibly lucky to be supported by an incredible community, working with such a great team with unwavering support from our family. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them,” says Kat.