Chiwi Oil

Fred's Story

Founded by Fred, a talented Chinese Kiwi (Chiwi) chef and food stylist known for working on blockbuster productions like LOTR: Rings of Power and Disney's Mulan, Chiwi Oil is all about flavour. Inspired by a lifelong love of chilli oil, Fred crafted a signature recipe that quickly became a hit among friends and fans alike - and it won a 2024 Inspire+ NZ Artisan Award. The turning point came with a guest appearance on Topp Country that lead to it being featured in the Topp Country Cookbook. Read Fred's story now.

TGFC/ How did you get started?
Fred/ I am a chef and food stylist for commercials and movies/tv shows such as LOTR Rings of Power, and Disney's Mulan. I have been a chilli oil addict since I was a kid. I have my own recipe, and I would make jars of chilli oil to give as gifts to friends and they all rave on about it. 

A few years ago, I was asked to be a guest on the Topp Twins TV show on TV1 called Topp Country in their Spice Episode - and they wanted to feature my chilli oil. It created a big impact with their audience and my recipe went in their Topp Country cookbook. I have always dreamt of creating my own product, hence I have decided to bring my chilli oil to market so everyone can enjoy Chiwi Oil.

TGFC/ What makes Chiwi Oil special?
Fred/ Chiwi oil is a uniquely Kiwi Chilli Oil, hence the name Chiwi Oil (Kiwi Chilli combination of words)! We only use 100 percent NZ extra virgin olive oil from the Wairarapa and Kapiti region of Aotearoa. We also use horopito pepper in our umami rich recipe. These ingredients make our product special and uniquely Kiwi.

Also, I am a Chiwi (Chinese Kiwi and I have called myself a Chiwi for decades!) so it's a double play on words. I trademarked the brand Chiwi, to expand the Chiwi brand with more products in the future.

TGFC/ What is your favourite creation?

Fred/ We only have one product right now and it is my favourite! Although the Chiwi OIl giftbox dishes are uniquely Kiwi with birds of NZ designs. We currently have the fantail and the kereru design. 

As published on the Good Food Collective