What more could you knead?
Bellbird Bakery began as a grassroots Kiwi story back in 2010 when Jeremy McCormack started baking sourdough and pastries in his backyard using a wood-fired oven. What began as a humble neighbourhood endeavour soon grew, moving through a couple of production kitchens before finding its home in The Tannery in 2012.
Dave O’Brien, the production manager who joined in 2017, recalls how the team has expanded to around 15 bakers, supplying not only multiple farmers’ markets, including Riccarton House Market and South Christchurch Farmers’ Market, but also wholesale clients like restaurants, cafés, and wholefood stores. Now with three locations, including The Tannery, Riverside Market, and the most recent addition on Holmwood Road, Bellbird continues to grow steadily while maintaining their artisanal focus.
Bellbird’s hallmark is its dedication to quality and seasonality. Their breads, like the beloved seeded sourdough with linseed, sunflower seeds, and a sesame crust, undergo an 18-hour natural fermentation process, resulting in complex flavour and excellent shelf life. They combine spray-free flour from Farmers Mill in South Canterbury and organic flour from North Canterbury’s Millmore Downs, proudly supporting local growers and maintaining strong relationships that allow them insight into the farming season and flour quality.
Dave emphasises the skill, knowledge, and engagement of their bakers, highlighting a coaching pathway for newcomers and constant learning, even for himself, after 23 years in the craft. Their pastries also reflect this care, made with premium butter and careful lamination for that perfect flake and texture.
Despite their growth, Bellbird prioritises slow, sustainable expansion to preserve product quality and workplace culture. Bellbird are excited about future plans and their latest retail location, where customers can step into a space scented with warm bread and butter. Sourdough loaves, still warm to the touch, line the shelves, while trays of pastries emerge from the oven, their golden layers crisp and delicious. Bellbird is a place where the aromas alone could convince you that two almond croissants are always better than one. Great barista coffee is also served from their Holmwood and Tannery stores.
For Bellbird, it’s all about passion, community, and a relentless commitment to craftsmanship. And really, what more could you knead?