Success Stories: Nadia Lim
Nadia Lim is a name that many New Zealanders recognise, whether from her time as a celebrity chef, her co-founding of the hugely successful My Food Bag, or her passionate journey into the world of regenerative farming.
Recently honoured as an officer of the NZ Order of Merit, read on to learn more about Nadia's remarkable journey to becoming one of New Zealand’s most influential - and most loved - figures in the food industry.
Nadia Lim is a name that many New Zealanders recognise, whether from her time as a celebrity chef, her co-founding of the hugely successful My Food Bag, or her passionate journey into the world of regenerative farming.
Recently honoured as an officer of the NZ Order of Merit, read on to learn more about Nadia's remarkable journey to becoming one of New Zealand’s most influential - and most loved - figures in the food industry.
A Culinary Journey Begins
Nadia's journey began in the kitchen, where her love for cooking blossomed. After studying at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Wellington, she quickly gained recognition as a chef, blending creativity with a strong commitment to using fresh, local ingredients. Her culinary career began to truly shine when she appeared on New Zealand's popular MasterChef television show in 2010, where she captivated audiences with her talent and personality. It wasn’t just her recipes that won hearts, but her ability to create dishes that were both delicious and accessible.
Her rise to fame on MasterChef paved the way for her to write cookbooks, launch cooking classes, and appear regularly on TV, all while continuing to promote her philosophy of cooking fresh, nutritious meals. But, Nadia’s ambition didn’t stop there. She had bigger plans—plans that would elevate her impact on the New Zealand food industry and beyond.
Co-Founding My Food Bag
In 2013, Nadia took a game-changing leap in her career by co-founding My Food Bag alongside business partner Teresa Pires. The concept was simple yet revolutionary: offer Kiwis fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered right to their doors. At the time, New Zealand’s food landscape lacked a convenient, sustainable solution for busy families looking to cook healthy meals without the hassle of grocery shopping.
My Food Bag took off, with the company quickly becoming one of the country’s most popular meal delivery services. But Nadia’s involvement in My Food Bag wasn’t just about business success—it was also about promoting a healthier way of eating. The company embraced a farm-to-table ethos, emphasising the use of locally sourced ingredients. Nadia’s commitment to sustainability and her love of fresh, seasonal produce made My Food Bag an instant success.
Venturing into Regenerative Farming
As her business ventures grew, Nadia began to reflect more deeply on the state of New Zealand’s food system and the importance of sustainable practices for both the environment and future generations. This led to a natural pivot in her career: the transition from celebrity chef and businesswoman to regenerative farmer.
Regenerative farming is a holistic approach that focuses on improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and restoring ecosystems through sustainable agricultural practices. It’s a method that goes beyond just organic farming—it’s about enhancing the land, fostering resilience, and creating long-term sustainability in the food system. For Nadia, this was the next logical step in her commitment to food and sustainability.
In 2020, Nadia and her husband, Carlos, took the plunge into regenerative farming, purchasing a farm in New Zealand's picturesque Waiheke Island. The farm serves as both a personal project and a platform to advocate for the change she believes is necessary in New Zealand’s farming industry.
As a regenerative farmer, Nadia's focus has been on growing nutrient-dense food while maintaining the health of the land. Her farm produces a wide variety of crops, including vegetables, herbs, and fruits, and she’s deeply committed to the principles of agroecology and permaculture. By prioritising the health of the soil and ecosystems, Nadia is helping to lead the way in regenerative practices, proving that farming can be both profitable and restorative.
Combining Culinary Expertise and Farming Philosophy
Nadia’s move into farming also brings her full circle to her roots in the kitchen. She now has the opportunity to grow the ingredients that she once prepared and cooked in her restaurant. Her culinary expertise and knowledge of what makes food truly special are now informing her farming methods, helping her produce fresh, high-quality ingredients for herself and others. She also uses the farm to teach others about the benefits of regenerative agriculture, offering workshops and sharing her journey through social media and public speaking.
By combining her love for food with her dedication to sustainability, Nadia is redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur in the food industry. Her success is no longer solely measured by the sales of meal kits or TV appearances but by her ability to impact the food system at a fundamental level.
Advocacy for a Sustainable Future
Nadia's journey from celebrity chef to regenerative farmer is also a reflection of the broader trends within the food industry, where consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their food choices. As an advocate for ethical farming, Nadia is on a mission to change the way people think about food production. She’s a vocal supporter of local, sustainable farming practices that prioritise environmental health over profit margins, urging the industry to embrace best practices that restore the land rather than degrade it.
The Future of Nadia Lim’s Legacy
Nadia’s journey is proof that success is not a destination but a continuous process of growth and reinvention. By shifting her focus to creating a more sustainable and regenerative food system, Nadia has achieved something far beyond business success. She’s helping to pave the way for a more sustainable future for food and farming in New Zealand and beyond.
Today, Nadia is a thought leader, entrepreneur, and regenerative farmer, and her story is one of adaptability and vision. She’s proven that it’s possible to make a meaningful impact by combining personal passion with a drive for change. Whether it’s through her work with My Food Bag, her advocacy for sustainable food practices, or the regenerative farm she now runs with her husband and business partner, Carlos Bagrie, Nadia's success is proof that environmental sustainability is good business practice.
Today, Nadia is a thought leader, entrepreneur, and regenerative farmer, and her story is one of adaptability and vision. She’s proven that it’s possible to make a meaningful impact by combining personal passion with a drive for change. Whether it’s through her work with My Food Bag, her advocacy for sustainable food practices, or the regenerative farm she now runs with her husband and business partner, Carlos Bagrie, Nadia's success is proof that environmental sustainability is good business practice.
Looking ahead, Nadia’s mission remains clear: to continue leading by example, inspiring others to embrace sustainable living, and fostering a food system that benefits both people and the planet.
Love to hear Nadia speaking about lessons learned on her success journey, along with other game-changers?
Secure your tickets to INSPIRE + SUCCEED coming to New Zealand for the first time this Apr-May 2025!
#