Bootleg Food Co was born from the spirit of rebellion.

Our Mission is simple - to create the highest quality products using the best ingredients that Aotearoa New Zealand has to offer.

We have never taken no for an answer and from day one have done things our own way, even when told it was impossible.

Our commitment to the spirit of rebellion is reflected in everything we do, from the ingredients we use, to our unique, state of the art manufacturing processes, to our packaging - we do everything our way.

We have honed the ancient practice of air drying over several years and countless failures and in true Bootleggers form have rattled a few cages along the way!

Our journey began in 2018 when our founder, Ash, embarked on a transformative trip to the USA, where he encountered the dynamic craft jerky scene. Inspired by the artisan methods and bold flavours, Ash returned to New Zealand with a mission: to create jerky of unparalleled quality and taste.

Driven by a dissatisfaction with the sugar-laden, artificially flavoured options available in NZ, he established Bootleg Jerky Co. in a small garage. Here, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, he honed his craft, prioritising small-batch production and honest ingredients.

Late nights were spent packing orders while the days were spent perfecting his jerky recipes, all while juggling the demands of a growing family and a global pandemic. The weekends became his battleground, as he set up stalls at markets and tastings, introducing jerky to the masses.

In 2021, fuelled by the growing success of Bootleg Jerky, he established an industrial-sized factory, enabling Bootleg to supply over 250 stores across New Zealand. However, as his ambitions soared, so did the challenges of managing logistics on a larger scale. It was at this pivotal moment that fate intervened, leading Bootleg Jerky to a fortuitous partnership with Canterbury Biltong in 2024.

What makes this partnership particularly special is Bootleg’s existing relationship with Canterbury Biltong. For over a year now, Canterbury Biltong has been the craftsmen behind the scenes, producing Bootleg Jerky's premium products with the same care and attention to detail that they apply to their own great range of products.

With their expertise and infrastructure, Ash could comfortably entrust Canterbury Biltong to manage the operations of the business, while ensuring quality remained uncompromised.

From all of us at Canterbury Biltong, we’re excited to embark on the next phase of our journey, bringing premium jerky to enthusiasts worldwide. Join us as we continue to innovate, pushing the boundaries of flavour and redefining the art of jerky making.

All the best

David & Nicole