Dragons' Den survivor scales-up brand
Founder Kirsty Henshaw won £65,000 backing for her Preston-based frozen dairy-free desserts firm from TV ‘Dragons’ Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne last July.
And she told FoodManufacture.co.uk that full details of Worthenshaws turnover growth would emerge when the company filed its accounts later this year.
Under the guidance of her backers, Henshaw outsourced manufacturing last year to partners including R&R ice-cream, and introduced the ‘Freedom’ brand, which is sold in major multiples, independents and restaurants.
“Thankfully, I don’t have manufacturing to deal with any more and have left that to the experts, and so I am able to focus on the brand and developing the company,” she said.
Possible licensing deals
Henshaw said she planned to launch a new range of foods in January, focused on well-being and the healthy eating sector in general, rather than just allergies and food intolerance.
For instance, the company recently launched a new range of Freedom-branded rice and oat drinks, which have already won listings in 100 Asda outlets, and are low in saturated fat.
She said that Worthenshaws plans to extend distribution to other supermarkets, and has also seen interest from countries including Japan, Australia and mainland Europe.
Henshaw added that she was keen to speak to cereal and confectionery manufacturers about possible licensing deals regarding the brand.
Worthenshaws began at the end of 2009, when Henshaw created a range of lactose-free Coconuka and Coconice frozen desserts for her dairy-intolerant son.
She confirmed that her Dragons' Den backers continue to play an active role in the company.
