Braham & Murray, trading as Good Hemp, also plans to add to its product range and embark on a marketing campaign following the undisclosed investment from Inverleith.
Set up by Henry Braham and Glynis Murray in 2003, Good Hemp produces hemp-based retail products from a Devon farm.
Its range includes its eponymous ambient milk-alternative brand – said to be a similar colour and texture to milk – along with natural protein supplements, protein flours and hemp seeds.
Inverleith first invested in Good Hemp in 2014 through its high net-worth investor club. Its latest injection of funds makes the Edinburgh-based firm a majority shareholder.
Rich in omega 3
Hemp seeds are rich in omega 3 and gamma-linolenic acid, and are a source of high-quality proteins and dietary fibres.
No pesticides are needed in growing hemp, and the plant is claimed to capture four times more CO2 than trees, while requiring 14 times less water than cotton. Its Latin name is cannabis sativa, but unlike its relative, cannabis indica, it contains no psychoactive element.
Inverleith managing partner Paul Skipworth said Good Hemp was a “successful investment” within its health and wellness investment portfolio.
“The company is firmly placed to take advantage of the high-growth plant-based food and drink trend, with high-quality hemp-based products, which are nutritionally rich, while also being manufactured from a sustainable plant,” he said.
‘Perfectly positioned to reach new consumers’
“Supported by Inverleith’s experience and expertise, combined with its further investment, we believe that Good Hemp is perfectly positioned to reach new consumers and continue to flourish, both in the UK and internationally.”
Inverleith chairman Ben Thomson added: “Henry and Glynis have built a tremendous business from the ground up through their vision of what could be achieved with hemp.
“We are really excited about Good Hemp’s products and believe it has the potential to gain a significant share within the fast-growing milk-alternatives market, as well as within other plant-based categories.”
Other Inverleith investments include a majority stake in spirits club The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, English sparkling wine brand Chapel Down, and fruit and vegetable crisp manufacturer Emily Crisps.
