Project Local: Small Batch

Small Batch Nut Butter - Fresh, Local, and Made with Heart

Mount Maunganui’s Small Batch Nut Butter doesn’t just grind nuts—they bring a whole new flavor experience to life. Founded on a passion for quality and fresh, small-batch production, Small Batch has carved out a niche in the New Zealand market by going beyond the typical grocery store jar of peanut butter.

The story of Small Batch is a unique one. In 2012, the current owners became loyal fans of Small Batch's nut butters, which they bought from friends who had started the company. By 2020, they made good on a long-standing promise: after selling their own business, they purchased Small Batch, set up a new kitchen, and jumped into the world of peanut butter with a chef’s passion. Today, chef-owner Nick oversees every stage of production, which takes place right there in Mount Maunganui. His chef's touch brings a depth of flavor to each jar, setting Small Batch apart with a unique approach to roasting and blending.

What makes Small Batch special is its refusal to compromise on freshness. Their products don’t sit on supermarket shelves for months; instead, Small Batch works with retailers who value fresh, high-quality stock. Nick is all about the “taste, taste, taste”—a mantra he says makes all the difference, especially with nuts. Instead of using a traditional grinder, they use a high-powered food processor, a method that creates smoother blends and enables them to experiment with unique textures and flavors. Signature creations like the Honey Peanut Butter and Super Butter have won over customers, making Small Batch’s flavors stand out in a sea of conventional options.

Small Batch is also deeply rooted in community values. They source ingredients locally whenever possible, using Solomon Gold chocolate in some of their blends and proudly supporting the Otumoetai Community Supermarket. With only a small team managing everything from production to market stalls, Small Batch is a true labor of love. And, living just a stone’s throw from the beach, they’ve embraced the lifestyle balance that comes with Mount Maunganui’s surf scene—so if the waves are good, you just might find the kitchen quiet!

For Small Batch, running a business is full of adventures (and the occasional mishap, like spilling 35kg of Honey Peanut Butter on the floor!). Despite the challenges, the flexibility of their work fuels their creativity and keeps them grounded in the mission to create sustainable, value-driven products. While Small Batch keeps its core lineup consistent, they also love experimenting, often rolling out new varieties for customers to taste at the Hamilton Farmers Market.

By sourcing locally, recycling, and keeping production small and fresh, Small Batch Nut Butter brings genuine heart and innovation to every jar they make. This is nut butter with a difference—made not just to fill shelves but to connect with a community that cares about quality.