OUR STORY

Grande is more than just ice cream

We believe that taste is the entry point, and high-quality nutrition is the justification. Grande was born to prove that you can have both.

Meet the
Grande team

The Grande dream kicked off in 2023 when best mates Richard and Syavie reconnected in London. At the time, Syavie was deep in the corporate grind as a lawyer, missing the simple joy of real New Zealand ice cream. The options overseas were either packed with sugar or labelled “better for you” but tasted fake and left you wanting.

Richard, an Exercise Physiologist and Nutrition Lecturer, felt the same back home. As an unapologetic sweet tooth, he loved the taste of Kiwi ice cream but couldn’t ignore the junk in most tubs. Even the "healthy" options were often chalky and loaded with artificial sweeteners.

So they did what most good Kiwi ideas start with: they gave it a crack in the kitchen. Using a second-hand ice cream machine, they experimented with a simple goal: real ice cream, naturally sweetened, and packed with protein. Fast forward to today, Grande is proudly made in New Zealand using locally sourced ingredients, including grass-fed dairy from the Waikato. It’s ice cream made by Kiwis, for Kiwis, no shortcuts, no compromises.

The protein
you need.

The taste
you crave.

THE MANIFESTO
Grande exists to prove that ice cream can taste incredible and still fit a healthier lifestyle. Too many “high protein” desserts leave you with a weird aftertaste. We saw a gap for something better. Real cream. Real milk. Real flavor. Grande is New Zealand’s first protein ice cream that actually tastes like the real deal. No pretending. Just better ice cream.

THE SCIENCE
With over 14 years in health and nutrition, Richard understands that protein isn’t just for athletes, it’s essential for everyone, from growing kids to active parents. Grande uses 100% grass-fed dairy protein from Waikato cows. The milk is gently filtered to preserve quality, then blended into a creamy base. The result? A smooth, creamy treat that delivers 28 grams of protein per tub without the chalky texture.

THE 4 FLAVOURS

Our Team

RICHARD

Founder & Head of Innovation

Exercise Physiologist | Nutrition Educator

Hi, I’m Richard, one of the founders of Grande. I’m an Exercise Physiologist, high-performance coach, sports nutritionist, and educator, with over 14 years in the health and wellness industry.

Growing up, I was the scrawny kid who loved sport but was always told I was too small. A nudge from my mum to hit the gym in high school sparked a lifelong passion for lifting, nutrition, and performance. That journey led me into a career helping people move better, feel stronger, and live healthier lives.

I love protein, but I love ice cream just as much. Grande is my answer to both.

A high-protein snack that actually tastes like ice cream and fits real life. Especially post-workout.

Syavie

Co-Founder & Recovering Corporate

Operations | Strategist

Hi, I’m Syavie, co-founder of Grande. My background is in law and corporate strategy, but my passion has always been health, lifestyle, and building something meaningful.

Living overseas made me realise how much I missed proper Kiwi food and how hard it was to find desserts that felt indulgent without wrecking your goals. Grande was born from wanting something better, not just for us, but for everyday people.

When I’m not working on the business, you’ll find me outdoors, staying active, or thinking about the next flavour.

Fun fact: My dog Ralphy joins me on beach walks and is already auditioning to be the face of our future pet range.

Founder Bio: Tal Tal Co-Founder of Grande NZ - Artisan Lead and Tattoo Artist

tal

Co-Founder & Artisan Lead

Tattoo Artist | Creative Strategist

Hi, I’m Tal. My background is in the precise world of New Zealand tattoo artistry, a craft where creativity requires absolute discipline. I joined Grande because I care about health and building things with substance that actually last. Whether it’s the fine lines of a tattoo or the premium texture of our ice cream, I am dedicated to the craft of creating something authentic. I’m here to ensure that Grande remains a product made with integrity, for Kiwis who value a lifestyle without compromise.

MICHAEL

Co-Founder & IT Consultant

Operations | Strategist

Hi, I’m Michael, an IT consultant by day, and a passionate believer in better, healthier food by night. I’ve always loved ice cream, but I also care deeply about what goes into my body and how food makes people feel. That’s why Grande means so much to me. Our values of quality, simplicity, innovation and putting people first reflect exactly what I stand for – creating ice cream that’s honest, balanced and genuinely enjoyable, without compromising on taste or health.

Because every

great brand

needs mascots

RALPHY

Woof woof! I’m Ralphy, a proud Cavoodle and full-time adventure dog. I love long beach walks with Syavie and snacks of all kinds. If Grande ever makes dog ice cream, trust me, I’ll be the very first in line to try it out!

MILO

Woof! Milo here. Labrador mix, professional taste tester, and part-time mischief maker. I’ve sampled more Grande than my human realises and can confirm it gets two paws up. I am ready to help create a nice pet range soon!