Four directors and 15 farmers from the ESG have pooled their own money into the venture, led by chairman Nicolas Marston – chairman of the UK berry industry body British Summer Fruits.
The other three directors investing into Growers Garden include ESG managing director Andrew Faichney, Denvir Marketing chief executive Suzanne George and George Douglas and Co agriculture and business consultant Malcom Morrison.
‘World first’
Claiming to be the world’s first extruded snack that uses fresh vegetables, Growers Garden is vegan, gluten-free and made with at least 27% fresh broccoli – unlike other similar snacks that reportedly contain 2–3% dry vegetable powder.
The snacks are high in fibre and contain less than 100 calories per 22g pack.
The product is made using the farmers’ excess harvest in a bid to reduce food waste. Growers Garden is also working with sustainable farming organisation LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming).
Commenting on the new snack brand, Marston said: “This fresh new brand is truly innovating within the healthy snack category and we’re proud to say it’s truly delicious, with early product trials showing an 82% likeliness to purchase after taste.
International interest
“We are in a great position now to introduce the product to market, with high interest already received from international markets.”
The past month also saw a number of new products launched by food and drink manufacturers.
Kallø has secured a major new listing for its low-calorie snacking range Popped Snacks. Meanwhile, food manufacturer Napolina has launched two brand new product ranges: Napolina Risotto Bowls and Napolina Pulses and Grains Pots. The company claimed the move had been in response to consumer demand for premium and convenient meals.
Meanwhile, farm and butchery Buffalo Farm is to use a £500,000 grant to become Scotland’s first producer of buffalo mozzarella.