The Beginning: A Legacy of Excellence
Reichardt Marine was founded in 2013 by Zarn & Sean Reichardt with a clear vision: to deliver the finest mussel spat from Te-Oneroa-A-Tohe (90 Mile Beach) to mussel farmers across the Coromandel, Marlborough Sounds, and Tasman Bay regions. This commitment to quality and partnership laid the foundation for what would become an award-winning journey in the seafood industry.
In 2022, Zarn expanded the horizons of Reichardt Marine by introducing The Kutai Guy. This new venture trades under Reichardt Marine and is driven by a mission to provide families with value and nutrition through wholesale direct-to-public 20kg sacks of mussels, and to share our world-class, award-winning smoked mussels with New Zealand and eventually the globe.
Our Mission: Bringing People Together
At the heart of our business is a simple yet profound mission: to create experiences that bring family and friends together. We are dedicated to maintaining high quality and value for money in everything we do. Whether it’s through our fresh mussels or our renowned smoked mussels, we aim to offer products that not only nourish but also foster connections.
Our Vision: A Global Impact
Our vision is ambitious: to take our award-winning smoked mussels to the world and establish ourselves as the producers of the world’s best smoked mussel. We see a future where our products are enjoyed by people everywhere, bringing a taste of New Zealand’s pristine waters to dining tables globally.
Core Values: Quality and Connection
Reichardt Marine prides itself on the close relationships we have with our mussel farmers. This partnership is built on trust, quality, and mutual respect. The same core values guide The Kutai Guy. We believe in the power of bringing people together, and this belief is reflected in our commitment to providing high-quality products and exceptional experiences.
Key Milestones: Achievements and Triumphs!
Our journey has been marked by significant milestones. Reichardt Marine has consistently delivered top-tier mussel spat to our partnered farmers, ensuring they are always overwhelmed with quality. This dedication has been a cornerstone of our success and reputation in the industry. A significant achievement for The Kutai Guy was winning GOLD at the 2024 Outstanding Food Producer Awards in our very first competition. Additionally, in early 2024, we transitioned to a skin-vac tray for our smoked mussels, enhancing product appeal and extending shelf life to 28 days.
The Heart of Our Success
Our Team
Our team is the backbone of our business. Key members include my wife Michelle, Beau the mechanic, Kutai Kelly who runs day-to-day operations for The Kutai Guy, and my father, Sean. We also have an amazing part-time shelling team. Our work culture is unique, built on collaboration, respect, and a shared vision of excellence. We are more like family than workmates, with daily communal lunches fostering a close-knit environment.
Customer Stories: Creating Positive Impact
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We frequently receive messages about our smoked mussels being the best they’ve ever tasted and our fresh mussels being exceptionally sweet and fresh. These testimonials and success stories inspire us to continue striving for excellence and positively impact our community.
Future Goals: Expanding Horizons
Looking ahead, we have exciting plans for the future. Our main goal is to create the world’s best smoked mussel and explore where that takes us. Upcoming projects include looking into exporting around the world and understanding what that entails, aiming to bring our award-winning products to more people globally.
Personal Touch: Our Unique Story
Our journey is unique, driven by a passion for quality and a commitment to bringing people together. We always think of our customers and clients’ needs and strive to support and help them in any way we can. From mussel spat to smoked mussels and everything in between, we aim to be your one-stop Kutai shop.
At Reichardt Marine and The Kutai Guy, our story is one of dedication, innovation, and a love for the sea. We invite you to be a part of our journey, to taste the difference, and to join us in celebrating the finest mussels New Zealand has to offer.
