Wellington’s family-owned food emporium Moore Wilson’s has reached 100 years in business this year.
After emigrating from England to Wellington, New Zealand in 1892, Frederick William Moore worked various jobs, from labourer to shop assistant, before opening Moore Wilson & Co. Ltd in 1918. From day one Moore Wilson’s has been a family owned and run business. Frederick’s son Stanley became involved in the business in the 1930’s, followed by his son Graeme in the 1960’s who today runs the business with daughter Julie.
“It is very special to be able to carry on my great-grandfather’s legacy. I think he would be extremely proud to see how the business has progressed today”, says Julie.
Built up around the food service and hospitality industry, Moore Wilson’s began life as a General Wholesale Merchant, selling bulk dry goods to Wellington’s grocers, hotels, and restaurants. Today Moore Wilson’s operates four stores in the Wellington region (Wellington Central, Porirua, Masterton and Lower Hutt) which are open to both trade and home shoppers.
Still home to a core Foodservice range, the offering of products has grown over the years to include everything from kitchen and homewares to local and imported wines, beers, and spirits. The range extended further with the launch of the Moore Wilson’s Fresh concept in 1998, providing fresh, top quality ingredients with a strong regional focus.
Centenary celebrations are planned around the middle of the year to coincide with the official commencement of business on 1st June 1918.
