The initial seed of inspiration for Manuko came in 2007, when founder Matthew Hardie was working a corporate role in Melbourne’s CBD.

Feeling disillusioned with office life and with a growing passion for health and wellbeing, he became increasingly aware of the lack of genuinely healthy, sustainable food options.

He saw a need for high quality food options that enable people to make choices that are great for your health, your taste buds and the planet. While also connecting people with the growers behind the food we eat, just like he witnessed growing up on an organic and biodynamic dairy farm.

He wrote down the initial vision for Manuko and called it a True Food Revolution. He then decided to turn down a conventional corporate career and pursue a different path.

After completing studies in International Business, he travelled the world: climbing volcanoes in Guatemala, living in a yurt in Switzerland, studying kung fu in China, and eventually meeting his future partner, Inga, in Sweden. In 2012, after returning to Melbourne, Manuko was officially born out of a one-bedroom apartment.