A young woman enjoys a drink while seated at a wooden table, smiling and holding a wine glass filled with a light beverage. In front of her are a variety of dishes, including a black bowl of pasta salad topped with tomatoes, and a blue bowl filled with mixed vegetables. Two bottles of Pepler's salad dressings—one labeled "Mustard & Caper" and the other "Moroccan Spiced"—are prominently placed beside the food. The scene is set outdoors, with green foliage in the background and warm natural lighting.

Our
kitchen.

our
story.

A new beginning

In the early 1980s, the Pepler family of Te Kauwhata transformed a challenge into an opportunity. With grape prices plummeting due to economic shifts, June and Colin Pepler turned to their orchard, crafting exquisite handmade jams initially sold roadside. As demand grew, they established Pepler's on Te Kauwhata’s main street, where it still thrives as a beloved local institution.

A Fresh Chapter

In 2021, Paul and Jane Menneer, founders of the Cambridge Picklery, embraced Pepler’s, marrying their expertise in artisan pickling with Pepler’s tradition of using local ingredients to create exceptional, flavour-rich products. Together, they continue to champion the philosophy that 'good food is the foundation of great memories'.



The Heart of Our Community

Today, our Te Kauwhata store remains more than just a place to buy food; it's a vibrant community hub where locals and visitors gather, share stories, and enjoy new tastes. At Pepler's, we believe a small spoonful of something special can transform any dish into a memorable experience. Join us for good food, good company, and unforgettable moments.

THE PEPLER'S TEAM

A smiling man, Paul, in a white shirt and a woman, Jane, in a black shirt with yellow accents stand in front of shelves stocked with various bottles and sauces labeled "Pepler's." The background features a dark wall and wooden shelves displaying colourful product packaging, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Meet the Menneers!

Since taking the helm at Pepler's in 2021, Paul and Jane Menneer have been stirring up the flavour pot with their insatiable curiosity for new taste adventures. It's this zest for innovation that keeps our shelves brimming with excitement. Whether it’s Paul’s penchant for the bold Orange & Date Vinaigrette or Jane’s love affair with the zesty Harissa with Lime, their picks are always on the menu for change.

A woman, Anna, with shoulder-length brown hair and glasses stands in front of a shelving unit filled with various bottles and jars of Pepler's products. The shelves display a range of sauces, marinades, and spices, featuring colourful labels in shades of green, yellow, red, and black, all arranged neatly against a dark wall. The woman is wearing a light-coloured t-shirt and a denim jacket, smiling at the camera.

Anna: The Shop's Heartbeat

Meet Anna, our front office superstar and the queen of multi-tasking at Pepler's. From juggling orders to crafting our gorgeous flax gift baskets, Anna is the pulse of our operations. She's the friendly voice you'll hear on the phone and the flavour influencer behind the scenes. Her current obsessions? The punchy Japanese Chilli Oil and the decadent Pear and Mustard Fruit Paste—because why settle for ordinary?

Three women standing together in front of a wooden shelf filled with various food products, including jars and bottles. The woman on the left wears a bright pink shirt, the woman in the middle is dressed in a white sweater and glasses, and the woman on the right is in a gray hoodie. They are smiling and appear to be in a welcoming, retail environment.

The Dedicated Kitchen Team

Behind every jar and every pour at Pepler's, there’s our kitchen team: Carol, Sharon, and Tracey. With a combined tenure that spans over two decades, these ladies are the unsung heroes of our flavour factory. While they prefer to let their creations do the talking, their personal favourites like the scrumptious Onion Marmalade and the tasty EVERYTHING Burger Sauce are often the talk of the town.

A group of nine people is gathered outdoors on a sunny day, smiling and posing for the camera. They are surrounded by lush greenery and trees, suggesting a rural or agricultural setting. The individuals are wearing summer clothing and hats for sun protection. One man in shorts is sitting on a bucket filled with blueberries, while others stand around him, some with their hands raised in a welcoming gesture.

The Tasting team

Tasting at Pepler's is a full-team sport where everyone from the part-timers like Baylee and Charlotte to any visitor who walks through our doors at the right time, gets a say. It’s a mix of serious business and serious fun. Baylee admits to being hopelessly hooked on the Portuguese Peri Peri Sauce, while Charlotte, our veggie garden guru, can’t live without a drizzle of the Blackberry Balsamic Splash.

sustainability commitment.

Turning Scraps into Delights

At Pepler's, we don't just reduce waste; we creatively repurpose it. When life gives us leftover food scraps, we pass them on to our team’s cheerful pigs, making for some extra delighted snouts. And then there's our star, 'Drunk Doris.' Born from the remnants of a local gin distillery's process, she's not just any plum preserve; she's a tipsy treasure turning waste into a taste sensation.

Squeeze More Out of Life

Listening to your struggles with stubborn jars, we've made a switch to something a bit more squeezable. Our new recyclable squeeze bottles aren't just easier on your wrists; they keep your frustrations at bay, letting you get every last delicious drop without the hassle. Made right here in New Zealand, these bottles support local production and keep our carbon footprint in check.

A wooden table set outdoors displaying a variety of dishes, including a round pizza topped with chicken and barbecue sauce, a plate of breaded chicken tenders, and a vibrant green bean salad garnished with red peppers and feta cheese. A bottle of Pepler's Smoky Blackberry Sauce is prominently featured in the center, alongside two glasses: one filled with white wine and another with a yellow drink. The background showcases lush green grass and soft sunlight, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Two jars of Pepler's Chilli Oil are displayed on a gray countertop, with one jar slightly tilted. The first jar features a vibrant label with the words "Far From Ordinary" and has a barcode visible. The second jar, which is black and round, displays an emblem and text on its lid, suggesting it contains a gourmet seasoning or condiment. The background is minimalistic, emphasising the jars.

Our
Community.

Heart of Te Kauwhata

For over three decades, Pepler's has been more than just a part of the Te Kauwhata community; we've been its beating heart, pouring love and support into local initiatives. Whether it's backing fundraisers or bringing smiles with our contributions, we're all about giving back to the folks who stand by us.

A Flavourful Comeback

In 2023, after a much-missed hiatus, our beloved Black Raspberry Vinaigrette made a grand return. We celebrated with a special edition presentation box, turning every sale into a $10 donation to our brave volunteers at the Te Kauwhata Fire Brigade—because we believe in making every drizzle count.



Supporting Local Traditions

As staunch supporters of the annual Te Kauwhata A&P Show, Pepler's takes pride in fuelling the competitive spirit with prizes for home preserving and providing jams and enthusiasm for the kids' pikelet sessions. The legendary June Pepler, original founder of Pepler's, continues to grace us with her expertise as a judge, keeping the tradition alive and tasty!

5 main road, te kauwhata • far from ordinary•