Who we are
Wild Pepper Isle is a team effort. At its core is Chris and Anna who share a love of the environment and all things Tasmanian.
In the beginning
It all began way back in 2015, when Chris was looking for something new and got this pepperberry thing rolling. With a degree in Agriculture and a PhD in microbiology, he ditched his lab coat for an apron, his pipette for a picking ladder, and strode out in search of Tasmanian Pepper.
In the middle
Chris was joined by Corinne Ooms for a few years. Together they focussed on product development. Corinne widened the focus to incorporate foraging of various fruits for our preserve range. Most of our products currently on offer were developed during this period.
A family business
Anna joined Chris in 2020 and then things got really busy! With a background in life sciences and as a course coordinator in a sustainability course at UTAS, Anna brought her own slant to Wild Pepper Isle. Anna held Wild Pepper Isle accountable for its harvest methodologies and shaped our sustainability focus.
Together it is fair to say we got a bit carried away with this whole pepper project when we bought Mt Ponsonby. Yes we bought a mountain! History will be the judge on that decision! We love it, even if sometimes it all seems too hard. Yes we have developed a vision for this industry and business. Oh and we’re also raising two toddlers!
Behind the scenes
Central to Wild Pepper Isle but largely out of sight is Paul. Paul is an experienced baker who has been with us since 2019 or thereabouts. Paul mans our warehouse, packs orders, invoices and works with Chris to make all of our preserves.
Our small team swells at harvest time to include up to 10 people from diverse backgrounds to help out with the harvest.
