From the heart of Lower Hutt to dinner tables across New Zealand, Zany Zeus has been serving joy — one handcrafted bite at a time — for 25 unforgettable years.

Founded in 2000 by siblings Michael and Meropi Matsis, Zany Zeus was born from a family dream and their mother Lefki’s cherished Cypriot halloumi recipe. What started as a small operation with authentic handmade halloumi and feta quickly grew into one of New Zealand’s most beloved artisan dairy brands.

Their mission was always simple but powerful: to bring people together with honest, high-quality food, made with love. And they did just that — winning hearts and tastebuds nationwide.

The Taste of Tradition, Elevated

Zany Zeus became a household name thanks to its:

• Traditional halloumi & feta – rich in heritage and flavor

• Cultured dairy like yoghurt, mascarpone, and paneer

• Zorganic milk – their certified organic line launched in 2003

• Award-winning ice cream, including the famed Ghana Chocolate flavor (Best Boutique Ice Cream of NZ 2018)

• And of course,

• The iconic chocolate cake so divine that Scarlett Johansson called it “the best piece of chocolate cake I’ve had in my entire life”

Every product reflected Zany Zeus’s core values: sustainability, craft, and community.

Resilience Through the Storms

But this success wasn’t without challenges.

In 2019, expansion delays led to financial pressure, and the company entered receivership. Many feared it was the end. But instead — it marked a new beginning.

In 2020, with immense support and determination, the brand was reborn as Zany Zeus 2020 Ltd, thanks to new investors including founding family members. Their doors reopened, staff were retained, and the ovens began baking joy again.

Even in 2024, facing another round of financial hurdles, Zany Zeus stood tall. Why? Because the love from the community never wavered — and neither did their commitment to their craft.

As one advisor said:

“Zany Zeus is a great brand and a great core business.”

A Brand Loved by the Nation

Zany Zeus is more than cheese and dessert — it’s a feeling.

• The buzz of the Moera shop, with lines out the door

• The pride of locals saying “That’s our chocolate cake”

• The chefs and cafes building entire menus around their halloumi

• The joy of biting into something made with real care

Whether you discovered them at a Wellington café or at the Sunday market — their legacy is in every spoonful, slice, and smile.

Celebrating a National Treasure

So today, we celebrate Zany Zeus — not just for their mouthwatering products, but for their heart.

To the Matsis family, every staff member past and present, the loyal customers, the fans who never gave up — thank you. You are the reason this beautiful journey continues.

Here’s to 25 years of excellence, culture, resilience, and flavor.

And here’s to many more — because New Zealand just wouldn’t taste the same without Zany Zeus.