The Proud 111-Year History of Holly Bacon – A True New Zealand Tradition

From Butcher’s Block to Kiwi Icon – Our Story Since 1914

When you open a pack of Holly Bacon, you're not just unwrapping premium New Zealand bacon — you're tasting over a century of craftsmanship, heritage, and family pride. Since 1914, Holly Bacon has been delivering top-quality bacon, ham, sausages, and smallgoods to Kiwi families, remaining one of New Zealand’s oldest and most respected meat producers.

The Humble Beginnings

Holly Bacon was founded in 1914 by the Vogtherr family in the heart of New Zealand. What started as a small local butcher shop quickly gained a reputation for exceptional cured meats, especially their hand-prepared, dry-cured bacon and traditionally smoked hams. In an era before refrigeration, the art of proper curing wasn’t just about flavour — it was a necessity. And the Vogtherr family perfected it.

The business was built on three things:

• Quality meat from trusted local farmers

• Traditional curing and smoking methods

• Good old-fashioned Kiwi service

That foundation has never changed.

A Legacy Passed Down Through Five Generations

Over the past five generations, Holly Bacon has remained a proudly family-owned and operated business. Each generation has carried the torch — innovating when needed, modernising production, but never compromising on the traditional methods and high standards that have defined Holly Bacon for over a century.

From horse-drawn deliveries to modern cold-chain logistics, the Holly family has adapted to changing times without losing sight of what matters most: quality, heritage, and connection to the land.

Time-Honoured Methods That Set Us Apart

At Holly Bacon, we still believe in doing things the right way — not the fast way.

• Our bacon is dry-cured and naturally smoked with native woods, giving it that unmistakable Kiwi flavour.

• Our ham on the bone is a holiday staple in thousands of NZ homes.

• Our sausages and black pudding are made in small batches, using traditional recipes and the finest cuts.

You won’t find mass-produced shortcuts here. Just authentic New Zealand meats, made with care.

From Local Butcher to Nationwide Favourite

While our roots are local, today Holly Bacon products are enjoyed all over Aotearoa. We supply wholesalers, gourmet grocers, butchers, and direct-to-consumer via our online store — delivering from our upgraded facility while still curing with pride, just like we did in 1914.

Whether it's streaky bacon for Saturday breakfast, ham on the bone for Christmas, or a Toulouse sausage on the BBQ, Holly Bacon brings tradition to the table.

Why Our Customers Keep Coming Back

"I remember my grandfather swearing by Holly Bacon — now it’s all we buy too. It’s just better bacon." – Customer Review

Generations of Kiwi families trust Holly Bacon because they know what they’re getting: honest food, made by people who care.

Taste the Tradition

As we celebrate 111 years in business, we invite you to be part of the story. Whether you're buying for a Sunday fry-up or a festive feast, you can count on Holly Bacon for real New Zealand flavour.

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