Should I Choose NZ Made or Offshore Toiletries for My Hotel?

When it comes to in-room toiletries, it’s not just about what smells nice; it’s about telling the right story to your guests, aligning with your brand values, and balancing budget with experience. One of the most common questions we hear from hoteliers is:

“Should I choose New Zealand made or offshore toiletries?”

The truth is, both options have their pros and cons. Here’s a transparent breakdown to help you decide what’s best for your property and your guests.

Advantages of NZ Made Toiletries: 

• Showcase your local story
  NZ-made toiletries help reinforce your New Zealand identity. Whether you’re a boutique lodge or a city hotel, supporting local adds authenticity to your guest experience.
• Lower carbon footprint
  With shorter transport distances, choosing local products can help you reduce emissions, a great talking point if sustainability is part of your brand story.
• Smaller minimum orders
  Many NZ producers offer smaller production runs, which means more flexibility and easier customisation (without needing to commit to massive volumes).
• Confidence in ethical sourcing
  You can rest assured NZ made products follow strict ethical labour and manufacturing standards, including no child labour and clear ingredient traceability.
• Genuine NZ production
  Some brands may carry a ‘NZ story’ but manufacture offshore. Choosing truly NZ made products gives you confidence that your guests are experiencing the real thing.

Disadvantages of NZ-Made Toiletries: 

• Less international brand recognition
  While locally made brands carry strong ethical and sustainability credentials, international travellers may not immediately recognise or connect with the names.
• Higher production costs
  Local manufacturing can come with a higher price tag, especially for more complex packaging or ingredient profiles.
• Limited lead time buffers
  Smaller producers may not have the same volume of stock on hand, which can sometimes impact availability during peak seasons.

Advantages of Offshore Toiletries:

• Often more cost-effective
  Depending on the brand and specs, offshore options can offer significant savings, especially at scale.
• Global brand familiarity
  Internationally recognised brands can build trust with travellers, particularly those who associate certain names with luxury or comfort.

Disadvantages of Offshore Toiletries:

• Higher carbon footprint
  International shipping and logistics increase environmental impact, something many guests are more conscious of.
• Harder to customise
  Offshore suppliers often have higher MOQs (minimum order quantities), making it harder or more expensive to personalise for your property.
• Longer lead times
  Planning ahead is essential. Offshore production and freight can mean longer waits and less agility when demand changes.
  
  

So, what’s right for you?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your guest profile, brand positioning, sustainability goals, and budget.

Some hotels lean into NZ-made to support local producers and reinforce a homegrown hospitality feel. Others opt for international brands to match guest expectations and align with a luxury position. Whichever path you take, the key is consistency and transparency, that if you have an NZ Brand, it is an NZ Made item, not an NZ Made brand that is manufactured offshore. Choose an option that reflects your brand values and complements the experience you’re working hard to create.