When James and Janene Draper opened the first Farro store in Mt Wellington in 2006 with just 12 staff members, their vision was a simple one – to create a supermarket that celebrated the very best of artisan food in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Twenty years on – and with an eighth store set to open in Newmarket later this year – Farro’s greatest legacy may not be the stores themselves, but the local producers, artisans, chefs and makers whose products have found an audience thanks to its shelves, who “with our team and loyal customers, have helped shape the food community we know today”.
Long before many of today’s artisan brands became household names, Farro was backing small businesses with big ambitions “help their foodie dreams come true”. For countless food makers, the journey from a weekend farmers’ market to a Farro shelf became the first major step towards wider success.
Among them is Monty & Sons, whose handmade Wairarapa pasta first appeared at Farro when the business was still finding its feet. “Farro gave Monty & Sons a shot when we were just getting started,” says founder Monty Petrie. “Putting a small Wairarapa pasta maker on the shelf was a punt, and Farro backed us.
“Farro doesn’t just sell good food, they shape what good food means in New Zealand. Grateful to be part of that journey.”
The stories often extend beyond business to genuine friendships. Wild Wheat founder Andrew Fearnside still remembers the early days: “Janene would often call me on weekends, desperate because they’d sold out of bread at Lunn Ave. I’d rush over whatever we had spare.
“We’ve grown together over the years, with Farro championing artisan New Zealand cheese and helping establish our premium brand,” she says. “Their support has provided a valuable platform for new products, introduced us to discerning customers, and become a genuine partnership that has contributed to our long-term growth and stability.”
To mark its milestone, Farro has created seven exclusive collaborations with further local favourites including Daily Bread, Little ‘Lato, Urbanaut, and Allpress Coffee, alongside a special anniversary hamper featuring products from some of its longest-standing suppliers.
The celebrations continue on 15 August, when every Farro store will host a birthday showcase featuring tastings, supplier demonstrations and birthday cake, giving customers the chance to meet many of the makers behind the products.
Twenty years after opening its doors, Farro has shown that championing local producers isn’t just good business, it’s helped shape New Zealand’s thriving artisan food culture.
“We’ve truly grown up together,” says Mandy, founder of Mandy’s Horseradish. “There is something special about walking into a Farro store – happy 20th birthday, Farro, and here’s to another fabulous 20 years!”
Farro limited-edition Hamper Giveaway
One special Farro hamper brims with products from some of their most longstanding suppliers, with beloved NZ brands like Maison Therese, Bennetts of Mangawhai, Fresh as, and Village Press.
WIN this limited-edition hamper, along with Farro’s new look tote bag – yummy! To enter click WIN then follow the directions.
