Our Story
Phoenix Organics is a big, bustling group of people, working together to make a difference - to the community, to the planet and to the health of its people.
We're people who are driven by a desire to create wonderful things! And we love to enjoy our work as much as our play.
Not so long ago (1986 to be precise), three adventurous souls set out on a mission to change the world. Their vision was to create something that would be good for the planet and good for the health of its people. And so Chris Morrison, Roger Harris and Deborah Cairns created the first Phoenix product.
We started with "Ginger Fizz", a naturally fermented product that was often determined to get out of the bottle before the top was cracked. Recycling was our mantra - we collected used beer bottles from local pubs, soaked them in a bath to remove the labels and sterilised them in a commercial dishwasher.
It was a simple science, with the fermentation process left until the right carbonation was achieved. The ones that didn't blow their stacks were distributed to eager health food stores in Auckland. An explosive start! Phoenix Ginger Beer (made with fresh ginger, lemon juice and yeast) is still our favourite product over 20 years later.
Jumping forward a bit - in December 2005, Phoenix had become a bustling business selling six delicious product ranges.
We'd created a purpose built manufacturing facility in beautiful west Auckland. Not only was this where we made and bottled our produce, but also where we practiced what we preach - making sure every part of our business is sustainable, now and in the future.
This "natural" success caught the eye of Marc Ellis & Stefan Lepionka, who decided that a purchase and merger with juice-meisters Charlie's would be a great thing. The two organisations combined networks to become NZ's most widely distributed fresh drinks company!
You'll now find Charlie's and Phoenix in cafes, servos, supermarkets and restaurants around New Zealand, serving up the goodness to thirsty Kiwis. We're also sending the fruits of our labours to appreciative drinkers around the globe!