5 food and drink startups to watch

Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2018 took place in London a few weeks ago, with hundreds of food and drink producers gathering to share their innovative and delicious creations. Among them, forty were selected to be awarded illustrious prizes, including those for innovation, flavour and crowdfunding success. We’ve selected five of our favourite – have you come across them yet?

Ballylisk of Armagh

On the hunt for the perfect cheese experience? You’re in luck with Ballylisk of Armagh, whose motto is “begin with perfection”. Dean Wright has become the first of five generations to produce cheese on the Wright family farm. His pedigree herd produces some of the richest, creamiest milk in the world and is the key ingredient in the first of the Ballylisk of Armagh range – a decadent Triple Cream cheese called the Triple Rose. Ballylisk of Armagh pride themselves on their commitment to sustainability and complete traceability of their products. Stockists of Ballylisk of Armagh’s Triple Rose include Arcadia Deli, Chapmans Farm Fresh and Deli on the Green.

Burning Barn

Burning Barn was inspired by the craft drink revolution and founded with the objective of offering the same choice to rum drinkers that’s been enjoyed by gin fans over recent years. Burning Barn currently manufactures two rums: a spiced rum and a smoked rum. Managing Director Katherine Jenner describes the spiced rum as the perfect product for the rum drinker looking for a better offering, while the smoked bottle opens a multitude of delicious new cocktail opportunities. Harvey Nichols currently stocks Burning Barn, but nationwide distribution is next on the list for the brand. With gifting already having been noted as an area for development, keep your eyes open for miniature bottles and gift sets in time for Christmas!

Hunter & Gather

Founder of Hunter & Gather, Amy Moring, believes anything is possible when it comes to food. After being told there was no way of creating a mayonnaise without sugar or mustard, she set about to prove people wrong. With the launch of her Classic Mayo, she succeeded. Containing just four ingredients of avocado oil, British free-range egg yolks, apple cider vinegar and salt, Amy’s mayonnaise won her “Innovative Better For You Product Of The Year” award at Food Matters Live within two months of launching. Amy has since gone on to release two more flavours of mayonnaise – Chilli & Lime and Garlic. Sticking to her sustainability values, Amy’s mayonnaise is shipped in cardboard boxes packed with paper, eliminating the need fo plastic. She also enjoys educating her consumers about a healthy lifestyle which her products can support. You can find Hunter & Gather’s mayonnaise at a variety of U.K online stores, including Nature’s Health Box, Paleo & Co. and Whole Foods Market.

Kaako

Looking to satisfy that sweet tooth without the guilt of all that sugar? Stephanie Seege’s confectionary brand, Kaako, could be just what you’re looking for! The EU defines chocolate as a mixture of cocoa and sugar – and Kaako is far from that. Organic and vegan-friendly, Kaako uses the natural sweetness of dates to provide a moreish treat that will satisfy even the most eagle-eyed chocolate fans. There are currently two flavour options – Original and Strawberry & Vanilla – with more in the pipeline. Ingredients include cocoa, cocoa butter, Madagascan vanilla, coconut milk and freeze-dried strawberries. Keep your eyes open for Kaako’s stand-out packaging in Planet Organic, As Nature Intended and Modern Baker.

Silver Swift

Silver Swift has burst onto the drinks market with three ready-blended bottles of award-winning spirits. These flavours are Wild Rose Gin, Tipsy Iced Tea and Fresh Venture. Using vodka and gin as the alcoholic bases, Silver Swift source natural British ingredients to create refreshing and perfectly balanced drinks. Free from gluten, artificial ingredients and refined sugar, bottles range from just 85-98 calories. If you’re looking to treat yourself to a flavoursome burst of freshness, you can find Silver Swift drinks at stockists including Drink Supermarket, Gin Kiosk and Natural Grocery.

So, there you have it. Five food and drink startups creating major excitement among consumers within their sectors. If you have an idea for a disruptive or innovative startup, head to swoopfunding.com and see how we can help you turn that idea into a recipe for success.