Henry Dimbleby launches investment firm aiming to transform the food system

Bramble Partners will support businesses with a stated goal of creating healthier or more sustainable food, in addition to those looking to improve food security.

Dimbleby, who authored the government-commissioned National Food Strategy in 2021, confirmed that funding would go to companies across the full spectrum of food production and consumption. Alongside co-founder John Vincent, Dimbleby sold Leon to Asda in 2021 and serves as a non-executive director at several food businesses​​.

Described as a first of its kind in the UK, Bramble Partners will target co-investments in companies from the Series A phase to the growth stage. Working alongside Dimbleby will be managing partner Omar Habbal and chief operating officer Anya Claxton, while the investment firm plans to draw upon expertise in food production, commerce, technology, politics and finance.

Food system 'disastrous for our bodies and the planet'

Commenting on the creation of Bramble Partners, Dimbleby described the existing global food system as “disastrous both for our bodies and our planet”.

He continued: “It is the single biggest cause of deforestation, biodiversity loss, drought and fresh-water pollution, and the second-biggest cause of greenhouse gas emissions. In the UK, it is also by far the biggest cause of preventable illness and death.​

“Things have to change – and in fact, they already are. There are fantastic new businesses springing up all over the food system, using both cutting-edge technology and old wisdom to create better ways of feeding the world.  We believe there is a significant opportunity for Bramble to accelerate change by championing these pioneering companies. We want to help UK entrepreneurs deliver what politicians have not yet been able to.”​

In a post on LinkedIn announcing the move, Dimbleby specified that Bramble Partners wants to work with “businesses that have the potential to grow into large, profitable enterprises, thereby also maximising the beneficial impact on the global food system​”.

“I want to work with a new generation of entrepreneurs to help transform the food system from within​,” he added.

“By supporting these pioneers with money and expertise, Bramble will accelerate the change​.”

In other news, new research has found that overnight oats and coronation chicken were the top-searched food trends on TikTok in the UK last year.​​