Mahu baby care range in supermarkets

Hamilton baby skincare company Mahu has grown up, signing with Progressive Enterprises to supply its core range to supermarkets throughout New Zealand.

Mahu founder and sales and marketing manager Kathryn Fromont said her products have been stocked in Woolworths, Countdown and Foodtown since late February.

"The Progressive opportunity is a fantastic next step for Mahu."

The products had been available in pharmacies and baby stores, but Mrs Fromont said now they were in supermarkets it made it easy for mothers to buy them.

Mrs Fromont, who worked as a midwife for 14 years, launched the business with her brother, Andrew Hugill, after spending two years developing the product with midwives.

There are nine products in the range: four natural vitamin-enriched products for mothers including cream for stretchmarks, nipple cream and pure massage oil, as well as five products for newborns.

The company also plans to launch more products in the skincare area in both the baby and pregnancy categories within the next year.

Mrs Fromont said the turning point for the company was a trip to Britain in 2004 with Trade and Enterprise New Zealand where she met Phil & Teds chief executive Campbell Gower. Phil & Teds now has a small shareholding in the company.

She said getting Mr Gower on board provided expertise and contacts in the industry and experience in branding and marketing products.

- © Fairfax NZ News