— Our History

Maison Therese

Heritage

Maison Therese was founded in 1965, over fifty years ago by Therese Mooren. Therese was born in Holland and emigrated to New Zealand in 1957.

She started producing in her kitchen at home, that is how the name ‘Maison Therese’ was derived, ‘Maison’ meaning ‘the house’. Maison Therese produced its first jar of pickled Onions and Gherkins in 1965 and has been preserving favourite New Zealand flavours ever since.

 

– 1919 –

Beginning

Founders of Maison Therese

Therese Mooren – born 1933 – Venlo, Holland
Paul Mooren – born 1919 – Krefeld, Germany

 

– 1957 –

The Journey

Across the ocean

Therese Mooren and Paul immigrate to New Zealand from Holland sailing 12000 miles on the Sibajak ship.

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– 1957 –

Beginning

Marriage

Not long after arriving in New Zealand, and looking forward to their new life future, Therese and Paul are married.

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– 1979 –

Red & Gold

The First Label Version

Therese couldn’t find the pickled onions she’d grown up with back home, so she used her family’s traditional recipe of pickled onions and gherkins in her Hawke’s Bay kitchen, using fresh produce. Some 15 years later, in full production, the classic first label version is born.

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– 1979 –

Red & Gold

The First Label Version

Therese couldn’t find the pickled onions she’d grown up with back home, so she used her family’s traditional recipe of pickled onions and gherkins in her Hawke’s Bay kitchen, using fresh produce. Some 15 years later, in full production, the classic first label version is born.

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– 1981 –

Early Days

Production

Preserving antipasto vegetables at the first factory store in Frimley Road, Hastings.

– 1984 –

The Big Move

The Operation Expands

Due to the ever increasing popularity of Maison Therese’s products, the operation shifts to larger premises to cater for increased production volumes.

 

– 1985 –

Production

Quality Control

As the quality of ingredients is such an important aspect of operations, Paul grades and sorts gherkins outside in the sunny Hawke’s Bay summer.

– 1986 –

Keeping up with the Times

The Second Label Version

The 1980’s see’s the second change of label to reflect a growing market. The classic white and gold label is created.

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– 1988 –

Hands-on Approach

Traditional Methods

Whilst production and operations increase, the hands-on approach still remains and is an essential part of the success of Maison Therese. Therese Mooren (Oma) – founder of Maison Therese bottling antipasto vegetables.

– 1995 –

New Label

The Third Label Version

The third label version, the green and gold label is launched.

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– 1996 –

Commercial Production

Food Service

As the ‘homemade’ taste of Maison Therese is so popular with chef’s and commercial kitchens, the operation expands into food service – Paul produces Gherkin chips for Foodservice.

– 2005 –

A Fresh Approach

The Fourth Label Version

The second generation develops the new contemporary label.

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– 2018 –

A True Family Business

3 Generations

As a true family business the 3rd generation bring their expertise – Emma & Kate – Moniques daughters are now involved in the business.

Maison Therese Products Example
— Our Products

Homestyle

Preserves

Created using quality ingredients free from artificial preservatives, colours, or flavours, our range of products taste just like “homemade!”

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Maison Therese History Timeline Photo
— Our Heritage

Family-owned

Since 1965

Maison Therese produced its very first jar of pickled Onions and Gherkins back in 1965 and since it’s inception gradually expanding the range, preserving favourite New Zealand flavours ever since.

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Maison Therese History Timeline Photo
— Our Recipes

Tasty

Food Ideas

We’ve collaborated with other like-minded foodies to offer a collection of recipes that are suitable to fit all occasions.

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Setting the benchmark in quality since 1965.