Maleny Cuisine: Small-Batch Condiments
- Customer Stories
Nestled in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, Maleny Cuisine has built its reputation on creating gourmet condiments with a commitment to authenticity and high-quality ingredients. From their much-loved Chilli Jam to a diverse range of chutneys, sauces, and relishes, every jar is crafted with care and precision. Supplying both the retail and foodservice industries, their products are free from artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours, focusing instead on locally sourced Australian produce and ingredients.
Join us as we take a look into the story of Will and Marina, owners of the family-owned and operated business, Maleny Cuisine.
How did your journey with Maleny Cuisine begin?
“When we bought Maleny Cuisine in 2012, it was a leap into the unknown! Neither of us came from food industry backgrounds—Will was working in landscaping, and I was teaching—but we shared a deep passion for cooking and quality food. At the time, the business had solid recipes but was struggling, and we saw an opportunity to revive it. With three young children under four, flexibility was crucial for us, and this venture offered the perfect balance.”
What sets your products apart?
“Authenticity is at the core of everything we do. Our condiments are made in small batches each day, using fresh, high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. We avoid unnecessary additives like thickeners, instead using natural alternatives—like pectin—to ensure pure, nutritious flavours.
For example, our Spicy Tomato Relish is a customer favourite, is known for its chunky texture and rich taste. By using “imperfect” tomatoes—those that don’t meet supermarket appearance standards—we also reduce food waste while delivering unbeatable flavour.”
How has Maleny Cuisine evolved since you took over?
“A significant milestone was partnering with Woolworths in 2016, which allowed us to share our products with a wider audience. We also refined some recipes, reducing sugar and switching entirely to fresh, whole ingredients like whole tomatoes and onions – which we peel by hand! These changes improved both the taste and quality of our range while staying true to the brand’s original vision.”
Why do you use AustChilli’s purees?
“We’ve worked with AustChilli from the very beginning, and we’re proud to support another family-owned and operated business. Knowing their puree ingredients are made using fresh Australian chillies grown on their farm right around the corner in Bundaberg – we couldn’t have asked for a better solution!
Their Red Hot Chilli Puree is a staple in our condiment range. It guarantees us flavour consistency across every batch, and eliminates the hassle of handling and storing fresh chillies, making our production process a lot smoother.
Another benefit of using AustChilli’s aseptic puree is that the pouches are packed into boxes and can be stored out of the way to avoid losing valuable fridge space!
All in all, it’s easy to store, reliable, and saves us so much time. Plus it tastes amazing – We even keep a jar of their chilli puree at home for cooking!”
What’s next for maleny cuisine?
“We’re excited about the growing opportunities in foodservice. Currently, our Chilli Jam, Spicy Tomato Relish, and Apple Fig & Ginger Chutney are available in bulk through Bidfood, and we’re eager to expand this range. Restaurants are embracing homestyle, authentic flavours, and our handcrafted condiments align perfectly with these trends.
We love exploring food trends and seeing how our products can meet the evolving needs of both retail customers and chefs. Our goal is to continue innovating while staying true to our roots.”
Available at Woolworths, IGA, and independent retailers, Maleny Cuisine’s range of gourmet condiments showcases Will and Marina’s passion for fresh, authentic flavours. Their dedication to quality and sustainability has cemented Maleny Cuisine as a trusted name in Australian kitchens.
Discover more about Maleny Cuisine’s story and explore their range here.
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