SOUTH AFRICA – Kauai, a health food restaurant, has extended its brand into retail with the launch of range of healthy frozen ready-to-eat meals, sides and smoothies in partnership with Pick n Pay.

The Pick n Pay powered by Kauai frozen product range was propelled by shocking statistics that revealed that South Africa has been named one of the unhealthiest countries in the world with claims that healthy eating is often seen as expensive or complicated.

Dean Kowarski, Chief Executive of Real Foods, the holding company of Kauai said, “There is a major global shift as consumers seek out healthier, natural food options which are both affordable and convenient.”

“We’re also seeing a shift towards more plant-based and vegan options. We see our partnership with Pick n Pay as a natural extension of our commitment to making healthy eating accessible to more consumers,” he added.

The new range includes a variety of healthy frozen smoothies like the Strawberry Stinger smoothie, already available in-store, with frozen meals and side dishes which will be available from January 2020.

The restaurant-quality meals and smoothies can simply be taken out of the freezer and cooked or prepared from frozen in the quantities they choose, so there is no wastage.

Like the menu in Kauai stores, the ready-to-eat frozen range avoids additives, preservatives, artificial colourants or and flavourants. “We only use free-range chicken and eggs, aligned with our commitment to responsible sourcing,” said Kowarski.

“Globally, the frozen foods category is seeing renewed interest and innovation as freezing is a natural preservative, meaning it doesn’t require the addition of artificial preservatives,” concluded Kowarski.

Kauai has also partnered with the First National Bank of South Africa to offer healthy monthly benefits to customers through its eBucks Rewards programme.

Customers will redeem their rewards to purchase nutritious menu items of their choice at Kauai if all of their monthly spend is on their FNB/RMB Private Bank Credit Card or Fusion Account.

Qualifying eBucks Rewards members have a selection of more than 140 Kauai stores nationwide to redeem their monthly rewards.