Bootleg Food Co was born in the spirit of rebellion.

Our mission is simple; create a premium jerky using the best ingredients New Zealand has to offer. Our commitment to the “bootlegger” spirit of rebellion means we never take no for an answer and do things our way. We know our bullets are silver and that we strike sparks with each step.

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A fateful trip to the heart of the USA led our founders to the discovery of a thriving craft Jerky and meat snack scene, where ancient, artisanal methods met boundless innovation and an exciting world of flavour.

But back in the land of the long white cloud, jerky was leaving a bad taste in our mouths. The sugar-laden, artificially flavoured options on shelves just weren’t cutting it, and quality jerky was near impossible to come by. Kiwis like us were hungry for an accessible, premium jerky that was a cut above the rest, so we set out to make it.

From a small garage, we honed the lost art of jerky making as it should be. Small-batch, honest ingredients, and no BS. At Bootleg, artificial additives, preservatives, nitrates, and MSG have all been kicked to the curb. Every piece starts its journey as a slab of prime, grass-fed NZ beef, before being trimmed down, soaked in mouthwatering natural marinade, then enriched with our simple, key ingredient: time.

Each succulent slab spends two days luxuriating in exotic spices and sauces, before a slow, 16-hour drying process removes moisture, trapping in the irresistible flavour that’s made Bootleg the talk of the town. From there, it’s cut into bite-sized pieces, packed, then smuggled to stockists and jerky lovers in the know. Serious snackers, gym junkies, taste connoisseurs, it’s time to join the rebellion. Get it before it's outlawed.

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.