This month we welcomed Esther Gilbert, of Gilbert’s Fine Food.
Esther was born in Switzerland, moving to Dunedin with her family in 1986. In 2006 she and her husband, Kevin, purchased their first bakery business.
Over the last 18 years, they have built their business to two sites – Gilbert’s Fine Food in Otaki Street and on Highgate as well as a weekly appearance at the Otago Farmers’ Market. Her Swiss background has had a strong influence on many of the products available at Gilbert’s and continues to be a source of inspiration.
Esther has become a known and respected face within the Dunedin business community, a business mentor, and member of boards and charities as diverse as the Otago Farmers’ Market Trust, Rudolf Steiner School Board, Dunedin Christmas Charitable Trust, and Food Equity and Education Dunedin.
Esther told us about the many initiatives in Ōtepoti Dunedin to encourage self-sufficiency and sustainability in food production, reducing food waste and education about food production.
FEED (Food and Equity Education Dunedin) is working to increase the food security and resilience for Dunedin and the wider community by establishing urban gardens and farming environments; providing educational opportunities on the production and use of fresh produce; and to encourage the development of a new generation of farmers.
Zonta Club of Metropolitan Dunedin 