Spice brand Aunty Jenny launches in Melbourne, blending culture, ethics and flavour

Melbourne’s culinary scene has gained a new homegrown venture with the official launch of Aunty Jenny, an ethical spice brand founded by Melbourne entrepreneur Evangeline Tee and co-founder Ramneek Wayne.

The launch took place on September 25 at Elchi restaurant in the CBD, drawing guests from Melbourne’s business and cultural communities, including City of Melbourne Cr Rafael Camillo, who praised the brand as an example of the city’s multicultural creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Aunty Jenny brings spices sourced directly from farms in India to Australian consumers under the guiding motto “No nasties. No middlemen.” The company aims to redefine the way Australians buy and use spices, offering fresh, high-quality products while ensuring fair compensation for growers through direct trade partnerships. Its founders describe the brand as one that “honours tradition while modernising supply chains”, with every batch traceable back to the farmers who produced it.

For Ms Tee, the business has deeply personal roots. The company is named after her mother, Jenny, whose dietary sensitivities and love of flavour first sparked the idea.

Frustrated by the lack of pure, pesticide-free options that offered richness without overwhelming heat, Ms Tee began sourcing directly from farmers who shared her values around freshness and integrity.

I wanted to create a brand that brought back honesty and quality to the way we experience spice,” she said. “Australians shouldn’t have to sacrifice health or flavour for convenience.

Ms Tee, who previously told CBD News she founded Aunty Jenny as part of her journey toward greater visibility for women entrepreneurs, said the launch was about more than just a business milestone.

“It’s not just about selling spices – it’s about showing what’s possible,” she said. “There are so many women quietly doing incredible work in industries like food and agriculture. I hope this helps encourage more of them to step forward.”

The brand’s debut at Elchi was followed by its first public showcase at NAB’s Diwali celebration on October 6, where Aunty Jenny sold more than 220 packs within weeks of launching. The initial range features six core products – including Butter Chicken, Tandoori, Garam Masala, Mild Curry, Turmeric, and Red Chilli Powder – each packaged in resealable pouches and suitable for both vegetarian and vegan cooking. All products are available online at auntyjenny.au, with expansion into independent grocers and specialty food retailers planned in 2026.

Co-founder Ramneek Wayne, who has written extensively about the role of migration and entrepreneurship in shaping modern Australia, said the venture reflected a shared belief in bridging cultures through food.

“When we support ethical trade, everyone benefits – from the farmers in India to families here in Melbourne cooking their favourite dishes,” he said.

Aunty Jenny’s farmer-first model ensures producers are paid above commodity rates, and its small-batch process means spices are packed within weeks of harvest, preserving the intensity of their aroma and flavour. The founders are also exploring ways to introduce refillable packaging options to further reduce environmental impact.

Speaking at the launch, Cr Camillo described Aunty Jenny as “a celebration of everything Melbourne stands for – diversity, innovation, and connection through food.” “Migrants make Melbourne richer and warmer, and this brand is a perfect example of how culture and commerce can work together for good,” Cr Camillo said.

From a simple idea inspired by a mother’s love of flavour, Aunty Jenny has grown into a symbol of ethical entrepreneurship and cultural pride. For Ms Tee, it’s also a story about taking control of one’s path.

“There was a time when I didn’t think I could do something like this,” she said. “But I decided to stop doubting myself. You show up, you work hard, and you take charge of your own life. That’s what Aunty Jenny is really about.” •