In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Abi Adefisan co-founder of Yumchop Foods. Abi shares her inspiring journey of making African flavours accessible to the mainstream, starting from a grassroots initiative to now being stocked in Tesco.

Listeners will discover how Yumchop Food was born from a passion to bring traditional African meals to everyday consumers, particularly in universities and hospitals. Abi discusses the evolution of their product line, which includes a variety of ready-to-eat frozen meals that cater to vegan, gluten-free, and meat-loving customers alike.

Abi also shares the challenges of navigating the retail landscape, including the rigorous processes of securing listings with major retailers like Sainsbury's and Tesco. She highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience, especially when faced with the unexpected challenges of the pandemic.

Throughout the episode, Abi emphasises the significance of effective marketing, building relationships with retailers, and the ongoing need to pivot in response to market demands. Tune in for a wealth of insights from a passionate entrepreneur dedicated to expanding the reach of African cuisine.

(00:00) Introduction
(01:00) The Birth of Yum Chop Food
(10:00) Product Range Overview
(20:00) Transitioning from Local Sales to Universities
(30:00) The NHS Experience
(40:00) Securing Listings with Supermarkets
(50:00) The Importance of Marketing and Brand Story
(60:00) Future Plans for Yum Chop Food

Connect with Leisa here:

https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/

Abi can be found here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abi-adefisan-45991248/

Follow Yum Chop Foods here:
https://www.yumchop.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/yumchopfoods/

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Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy Leisa a coffee and help support the Market to Shelf Mastery podcast.

In this episode we are excited to welcome Sanda Condratiuc, owner of Deuke's Honey, who shares her fascinating journey from a third-generation beekeeper to launching a premium monofloral honey brand in the UK.

Sanda delves into the rich history of her family's beekeeping legacy and how her upbringing shaped her approach to the honey industry today.

Listeners will gain insights into the unique characteristics of Deuke's Honey, including its commitment to quality and traceability. Sanda explains the importance of monofloral honey and how Deuke's stands out in a market saturated with generic products.

She also discusses the challenges of navigating the retail landscape, including securing listings with prestigious retailers like Selfridges and the strategies she employed to maintain those relationships.

Throughout the episode, Sanda highlights the significance of customer feedback and the value of face-to-face interactions during tastings, which she believes are crucial for understanding consumer preferences and improving product offerings. She shares her thoughts on resilience in the face of rejection and the importance of adapting to feedback to ensure continued growth.

Join us for an enlightening conversation that not only showcases the art of beekeeping but also offers valuable lessons for aspiring food entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the retail world.

(00:00) Introduction
(01:00) Sandas Background in Beekeeping
(10:00) The Concept of Deuke's Honey
(20:00) Understanding Monofloral Honey
(30:00) Securing Listings with Retailers
(40:00) The Importance of Customer Feedback
(50:00) Future Plans and Opportunities for Deuke's Honey

Connect with Leisa here:
https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/

Sanda can be found here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandacondratiuc/

Follow Deuke's Honey here:
https://deukes.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/deukes.honey/

Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy Leisa a coffee and help support the Market to Shelf Mastery podcast.

In this episode of Market to Shelf Mastery, we are thrilled to feature Kathryn Bumby, Founder of The Yorkshire Pasta Company. Kathryn shares her inspiring story of launching a British pasta brand that aims to rival the premium Italian offerings, all while navigating the challenges of starting a business during the pandemic.

Listeners will learn about Kathryn's journey from the initial idea sparked during a family holiday in the Lake District to creating a range of five unique pasta shapes, all produced sustainably in North Yorkshire. She discusses her commitment to using plastic-free packaging and locally sourced ingredients, highlighting the importance of sustainability in today's market.

Kathryn also delves into her innovative approach to launching her products, including pre-sales and the pivotal role of farm shops and delis in her distribution strategy. She shares valuable insights on building relationships with retailers, the significance of social media in connecting with both customers and stockists, and her ambitious plans for future growth, including expanding into food service.

Tune in for a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from a passionate entrepreneur who has turned her pasta dreams into a thriving reality.

Connect with Leisa here:
https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/

Kathryn and The Yorkshire Pasta Company can be found here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-bumby-192ba4a7/

https://www.yorkshirepasta.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/yorkshirepasta/

Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy Leisa a coffee and help support the Market to Shelf Mastery podcast.