Thirteen years ago Jonathan Davies was a cabinet maker and ran a thriving business from his house just outside of Maleny.  Then, a visit in 1990 from a childhood friend with whom he ran a flight business back in his native Trinidad changed his life around.

Together with Edward Goddard, Jonathan has built up Partner Foods, a business which markets Chicnuts and other chickpea products nationwide in over 400 stores and supermarkets and internationally to Sweden and Hong Kong.   Plans are afoot to expand to include New Zealand, the UK and US. But just where did it all begin?

“The whole idea was spawned from a conversation at the Maleny pub with Edward about a new, healthy snack,” said Jonathan.  “We started this business with salvaged equipment and a wing and a prayer, but now we can process as much as three tonnes a week with state of the art equipment!” Photo right:  "Jonathan Davies....  "IGA has been great in helping us establish our brand"

Chicnuts are made by roasting and flavouring chickpeas … they are a very healthy snack which is in great demand since being classed as a ‘functional food.’  That’s because they have a low GI, help lower cholesterol, are good for people suffering with diabetes.  They can also lower the risk of certain cancers.   In fact, you’d have to be nuts not to try a Chicnut … and you can run down to the IGA right now and buy a pot.  “The local IGA has been great in helping us establish our brand,” said Jonathan.   “They have always been very supportive and provided us with excellent shelf space.”

And it’s good news all round, because chickpeas aren’t just good for you, they are good for Australia.   Chickpea plants actually restore depleted soils, break disease cycles in wheat and barley crops, use little or no fertiliser yet enhance the fertility of the soil.

What’s more they are a dry land agricultural crop which uses no agricultural water and which has a natural insecticide in their leaves.   Jonathan Davies ... “IGA has been great in helping us establish our brand”.

Chicpeas  Web site