Leading organic certification body, Soil Association has partnered with leading UK start-up organisations, Bread & Jam and Young Foodies, to launch an exclusive business support package today for organic food and drink start-ups.
The package is designed to support entrepreneurs navigating organic certification and the challenges of starting a food and drink business.
The exclusive business support package includes certification support from Soil Association, which certifies over 70% of all organic food and drink businesses in the UK. Participants in the scheme will have access to 'meet the buyer events', bespoke business support and marketing webinars, and exclusive discounts on memberships, events and trainings.
They will also be able to enter the exclusive Best of Organic Food & Drink Start-Ups category as part of the Best of Organic Market Awards 2021, the UK’s only organic awards, run by Soil Association Certification in partnership with Ocado.
Matthew Atkins, Founder of fast-rising Food & Drink brand, The Hemp Pantry, said, 'Starting a new business alone can be daunting when there are so many challenges to face and hurdles to jump. I learned so much during the first few years of setting up my business, but I always wish I had known more at the time.
'Having a start-up support package available can only be a good thing for first time business owners as they begin building the foundations of their business'.
Jason Gibb, Bread & Jam Co-Founder, said, “We are really excited to be partnering with Soil Association Certification’s new start-up package to continue Bread & Jam’s work; to support young, challenger businesses thrive in the food industry.
'The start-up package will give certified organic businesses discounted access to all Bread & Jam events and aligns with our aim to make the food industry more sustainable.”
Chris Green, Young Foodies Co-Founder, said, “Young Foodies continue to create solutions, establish relationships, and form partnerships across the food & beverage industry that empower the brands of tomorrow to thrive.
'This is yet another example of a partnership that will help to level the playing field for food entrepreneurs as they continue to innovate and unlock value for the consumer. It is our absolute pleasure to partner with Soil Association Certification to offer this tailored start-up package.”