Auckland, New Zealand – Independent grocery leader The Kennerly Group is entering a new phase of growth, announcing the expansion of its flagship grocery delivery brand, Paddock to Pantry, and continued momentum for its premium meat delivery service, The Meat Box. Through strategic investment in infrastructure and customer experience, the group is positioning itself at the forefront of a new wave of ethical, locally driven grocery retailing — one that prioritises transparency, sustainability, and community connection over corporate scale.
Building a More Connected Grocery Network
Paddock to Pantry’s upcoming expansion is one of the most significant milestones since its founding in 2017. The brand will soon triple its product range, supported by the construction of a new warehouse facility and the opening of a second physical retail store. The development is set to dramatically improve distribution efficiency, allowing faster delivery times and better stock management across both the online supermarket and its brick-and-mortar stores. For customers, this means more variety — from locally grown produce to sustainably sourced household essentials — all under one independent banner. “Our focus has always been on building something authentic,” said Kennerly, founder of The Kennerly Group. “We’re not trying to replicate the big supermarket model. We’re proving that a values-driven approach can scale — and that there’s enormous demand for food systems built on trust, not just convenience.”
A Homegrown Alternative to the Grocery Duopoly
The group’s vision arrives at a time when both New Zealand and Australia’s grocery sectors remain heavily concentrated among a few large players. Rising consumer frustration over limited competition and price control has opened the door for innovative independents like The Kennerly Group to lead meaningful change. Both Paddock to Pantry and The Meat Box share the same philosophy: make quality, local products more accessible while supporting regional farmers, producers, and artisans. The group’s leadership team is also preparing a formal submission to the Australian Federal Government, highlighting how independent grocers can help rebalance the market and deliver fairer outcomes for both producers and shoppers. “It’s about restoring choice,” said Kennerly. “When customers have access to transparent, community-led alternatives, everyone wins — from growers to families at the dinner table.”
The Meat Box: A Case Study in Trust and Growth
Meanwhile, The Meat Box continues to thrive as one of the region’s most successful direct-to-consumer meat delivery services. The brand has grown rapidly thanks to its emphasis on traceable, high-welfare meat, custom subscription boxes, and exceptional customer service. Customers across New Zealand and Australia are responding to this quality-first approach. “I’ve been with The Meat Box for more than three years and recommend it to everyone I know,” said Sarah T., a long-time customer from Melbourne. “The taste, freshness, and the ability to see exactly where your food comes from — it’s something the big chains just can’t match.” As The Meat Box continues to scale, the focus remains on maintaining that same sense of connection between customer and producer. Every order tells a story about the farms, the people, and the care that goes into each product.
Innovation Meets Integrity
The new Paddock to Pantry warehouse will incorporate advanced inventory systems, sustainable refrigeration and energy practices, and streamlined logistics that minimise waste and improve efficiency. This infrastructure will support the introduction of hundreds of new product lines, from artisan baking goods to eco-friendly pantry staples. The second retail outlet will be designed as a community showcase, featuring seasonal displays, tastings, and collaborations with local growers — extending the brand’s “farm-to-home” ethos into a physical experience. Kennerly says the long-term goal isn’t just growth for its own sake, but reshaping how Kiwis connect with their food. “We want to make it easier for people to choose better — better for them, for the planet, and for the people who produce it.”
Championing the Future of Independent Retail
With this expansion, The Kennerly Group cements its place as one of the few New Zealand-owned grocery groups achieving cross-Tasman growth while retaining independent ownership. It’s a model that blends tech-enabled logistics, local sourcing, and values-driven leadership — demonstrating that the future of grocery can be both innovative and ethical. The company’s success also signals a wider shift in consumer priorities. Shoppers increasingly value origin transparency, sustainability, and authentic storytelling — all areas where independents can outperform the big-box chains. As the group continues to grow, its message remains consistent: independent doesn’t mean small — it means accountable. “We’re building something that lasts,” Kennerly said. “A grocery ecosystem that works for families, farmers, and the future.”
About The Kennerly Group
The Kennerly Group is a New Zealand-owned grocery collective focused on transforming how food reaches consumers. Its portfolio includes: Paddock to Pantry – an online supermarket and physical grocer offering ethically sourced groceries, fresh produce, and household essentials; and The Meat Box – a premium subscription and home delivery service specialising in traceable, high-quality meats. For more information, visit paddocktopantry.co.nz or themeatbox.co.nz
