Stockist Spotlight: Be Organics, Mt Maunganui

If you’ve ever wandered the relaxed backstreets of Mount Maunganui and stumbled upon Be Organics, you’ll know the feeling – calm, fresh, and full of good energy. For over a decade, this neighbourhood favourite has been bringing organic produce, natural products, and healthy living to the Bay, with a loyal following that feels more like family than customers.

From Sydney Inspiration to a Mount Institution

Owner Beth first dreamed up Be Organics after living in Sydney in the early 2000s, where organic food stores were everywhere.

“I fell in love with the organic shops there. Knowing there wasn’t much like it here in New Zealand, I always dreamed of opening one. My best friend was studying Naturopathy at the time, and I was her guinea pig – that really sparked my passion for natural living and bringing it all back home.”

That dream turned into a thriving Mount Maunganui store that’s now been serving locals for 11 years – a milestone any small business can be proud of.

A Day in the Life

There’s no such thing as a slow day at Be Organics. Mondays kick off with a truckload of fresh produce – the heart and soul of the business – and from there, it’s all hands on deck. The team spends their days arranging vibrant fruit and veg, chatting with customers, packing veggie boxes, and heading out for afternoon deliveries.

“It’s go, go, go right from the get-go – but we love it.”

Life at the Mount

Being just a few streets back from the beach gives the shop a laid-back feel that perfectly suits Mount Maunganui’s health-focused community. The local surf crowd, families, and regulars all come for the same reason: real food, good people, and that unmistakable Be Organics vibe.

“Our customers have become friends – they’re like family now.”

Staff Favourites and Local Loves

Ask what product they can’t live without, and the answer comes quick:

“Dr Hauschka Aftersun – I’ve used it for 20 years! It gives your skin the perfect glow and hydration, and it’s my go-to after a beach swim.”

Customers, on the other hand, can’t get enough of the shop’s fresh organic produce – and the grab-and-go chocolate treats at the counter don’t last long either.

Bread, Naturally

Be Organics joined the Volare family a few years back after falling in love with our loaves from afar.

“Despite Volare being over the hill, we still receive bread seven days a week, baked fresh that morning. It doesn’t get better!”

The Olive & Thyme and the Turmeric, Onion & Cumin Sourdoughs are clear crowd favourites, often disappearing before the day’s out.

Eleven Years and Counting

Surviving and thriving as a small independent business for over a decade is no small feat. There have been challenges, of course, especially the lockdowns, but what’s kept Be Organics going is community.

“When we were thinking of closing, our customers were genuinely so sad. The love and gratitude that came from them is the reason we’re still here.”

What’s Next

The future’s looking even brighter (and tastier). Be Organics is expanding its offerings to include coffee, hot drinks and elixirs, takeaway food, and real-fruit ice creams – a perfect fit for Mount life.

So next time you’re heading to the beach, swing by Be Organics, grab a Volare loaf, and see what’s new.

📍 Be Organics, Mount Maunganui
🕊 Open 7 days — fresh produce, real food, and good vibes always.

Click here for a full list of our stockists around the upper North Island.