Nettle

Idea

Introduction

Nettle is an exciting food startup aiming to shape the future of food.

Using methods of fermentation and with minimal processing, we develop raw, organic, plant-based products that are nutritionally dense and full of bold, complex flavours.

Stocked in Planet Organic, Abel & Cole, Daylesford, Bayley & Sage and a number of independents across the UK, all of our products are made from natural ingredients and are free from dairy, soy and gluten.

Independently reviewed as the UK's best plant-based cheese, we are now ready for rapid domestic and international growth, and are aiming to upscale our operation.

Working closely with a microbioligist and a factory design consultant, we are looking to enhance our production capability, making us capable of supplying high-volume orders all across the UK and Europe. We also intend to increase output into food service and generate further revenue through our own online store.

Substantial accomplishments to date

- ORGANIC, FERMENTED, PLANT-BASED - part of three growing sectors

- In first three months of trading, began supplying some of London's best restaurants, including Elystan Street, The Dorchester Hotel and Ottolenghi's NOPI

- Best vegan cheese overall on the market, winning Independant Indy/Best Buy 2022 + five star review from Huffington Post

- Awarded best vegan cheese by PETA Vegan Food Awards 2021

- Received over 70 five star reviews on major retailer Abel & Cole

CURRENT PRODUCT RANGE

MACADAMIA WHITE- Macadamia nuts, cashew nuts and spring water form the base of this soft tangy cheese. Marinated in a blend of EVO oil infused with garlic, black peppercorns and thyme.

NEWINGTON BLUE- Aged using real penicillium Roqueforti to develop a mild blue flavour. Infused with juniper berries and bay leaves, balanced beautifully with pink peppercorns.

CULTURED GOLD- Our take on butter. Traditionally cultured. Made from a fermented cashew milk. This buttery spread is perfect on warm toast.

THE SCIENCE

Fermentation is at the core of what we do at Nettle. This process not only creates incredible umami flavours, but also changes the chemistry of the nuts, producing lactic acid bacteria and lowering their overall PH. This in turn, creates beneficial enzymes and b-vitamins which are amazing for your gut.

Gut health has been widely researched. Our products, as well as kimchi, sauerkraut and kombucha are all examples of gut friendly probiotic food.

Monetisation strategy

We have a multi-channel distribution network.

We currently work with three main distributors: The Cheese Merchant, Buchanans Cheesemonger, Harvey & Brockless, who cover distribution for the bulk of our Retail and Food service.

We attend 3 food markets per week across London which has driven sales but also has been a fantastic way to engage with our customers and raise brand awareness.

This year, our own online store will allow us to deliver products DTC across the whole of the UK, offering a subscription service.

The e-commerce market has seen a 45.8% increase in market share sales, and this figure is expected to grow even further in 2022.

We are now poised to move into a much larger facility allowing us to massively increase our capacity and streamline our production.

Our growth will be supported by outstanding NPD. We have a number of new highly scalable products lined up to launch later this year, each one bringing something entirely new and exciting to the category.

Use of proceeds

£60k - Unit fit out, design and implementation. We are working closely with a food factory consultant to design our new facility. To move into our already identified production facility, purchase equipment to increase our capacity and create substantial production efficiencies. Achieve BRC accreditation.

£20k - Branding/ Marketing- fine tuning of brand, label design and website, including DTC e-commerce store. Develop social media presence, and begin marketing products.

£20k - Develop our production team. We're looking to hire a small efficient team who will focus solely on production.