Throughout October, as part of Indigenous Business Month we're celebrating our Five Friday Favourites. So far we've had clothing brands, tourism business experiences and this week: our favourite Mob-owned foods & beverage companies.
Much like art and tourism, there is no better way to who we are than with what we eat and drink. It's something that we all do in our lives, so the ability for Indigenous-owned companies to get on board and thrive in this space helps not just advance the Mob but is part of that great sharing of our ancient culture.
So let's dive right in, in no particular order:
Meaning "help yourself" in Torres Strait, Mabu Mabu have been kicking goals for five years now offering up catering, pantry items and an amazing dining experience, Big Esso, at Fed Square in Naarm / Melbourne. With over 75 staff, they've also created a cookbook with First Nations chef Nornie Bero unlocking the secrets of Australian native herbs, spices, veggies and fruits in everyday cooking. Recently Nornie took Big Esso to a pop-up in South Australia as part of the SA Nature Festival as well as the Mabu Mabu brand keeps on growing.
We've previously written about one of our Friday Favs: the legendary Dreamtime Tuka. Founded by Wiradjuri man and Aboriginal Elder Herb Smith, Dreamtime Tuka not only creates and shares great Indigenous-inspired recipes but also bakes amazing biscuits and slices full to the brim of native ingredients like wattle seed and lemon myrtle. Dreamtime Tuka supports over 10 young Indigenous people across their company which makes their offerings that much more enjoyable.
Our favourites wouldn't be complete without Warndu. They've been creating Indigenous food and pantry items since 2014 and have not taken a step backwards. For one: you can't go past their trove of recipes which leverage the very best Australian native ingredients for you to make at home. Not only does Warndu educate with their recipes, cookbooks and online resources; but they have put more than $130,000 into supporting other Indigenous businesses across the 90+ native products they've made.
Can you get a better combo than tea and chocolate? That's exactly what Jala Jala, which means 'very good' in Wajarri language, has done since starting in 2019. Founded by powerhouse Yamatji/Noongar woman Sharon Brindley, Jala Jala has a mission to not only share native-infused food and drinks but to educate, communicate, collaborate and showcase First Nations people and our foods across Australia and the world.
Sharon is not only the founder of Jala Jala but she holds active positions as a Director for Black Duck Group, the Victorian representative for First Nations Bush and Botanicals Association of Australia, a mentor at Culture College with the Yolgnu community and an active member of Kinaway Indigenous Chamber of Commerce.
Living up to their slogan of being 'more than water', Yaru has gone from strength to strength since launching in 2011 as a partnership between the Martin family and Bundjalung descendants of Northern NSW.
We couldn't put it better than Kyle Slabb from the Budjalung nation and an original co-founder of Yaru: "For thousands of years we as indigenous people have understood the power and energy of what flows from this land. We want to share that understanding and connection.
That's the heart of what Yaru is all about". Yaru isn't just about selling water, they support many social enterprises to help improve the lives of the Indigenous community.
