Speciality Food Magazine June 2024

24 @specialityfood Ryan Moore and Chris Farnworth BLENDSMITHS Growing up, Ryan’s parents loved walking, and his bargaining chip to join them was a visit to a local cafe – a scene which would later become a passion and obsession! Following many years working in a global brand supply chain, he grew agitated in his quest to pursue something more aligned to his interests, and was given the opportunity to work alongside the renowned team at Square Mile Coffee Roasters. Unfortunately, after a few years in the coffee industry, Ryan developed Overactive Bladder Syndrome (OAB), significantly reducing his caffeine tolerance. At this point, he researched alternatives he could enjoy daily, finding himself underwhelmed. And so Blendsmiths was born, alongside lifelong friend Chris, who was seeking a new challenge. The duo share an unwavering passion for the pursuit of all things quality- focused, and are on a mission to ‘change the world of drinks’ with their vegan superfood, matcha and hot chocolate blends. blendsmiths.com Rhian Caffull VEG LIFE Plant-based food pioneer, Rhian, founded Veg Life during the pandemic, with an aim to position delicious, sustainable, artisanal products that challenge perceptions in the fine food space. Her standout creation, the Scotchee, puts a vegan twist on a picnic and snacking classic, offering the same appearance, texture and taste as its traditional counterpart, with fewer calories and less fat. Committed to the UN’s sustainable development goals, Rhian’s business not only provides delicious food, but puts the environment first every step of the way. All retail products are served in home compostable packaging, and she is determined to help reduce food waste, using crumbs created by bread slicing at local bakery (which would otherwise be thrown away), and turning any broken ‘eggs’ into sandwich fillings. Rhian’s background as an expedition leader further underscores Veg Life’s dedication to impactful projects, ensuring it helps community endeavours (such as the Community Fridge in Malvern) through its artisanal offerings. veglifeeats.com Kier Kemp and Jennifer Dreier CONDIMANIAC Condimaniac was an accident. It all started back in 2018 after a few beers at a barbecue - like most good ideas tend to. Kier and Jen had been drunkenly discussing whether Kier should take his obsession with condiments to the next level by posting reviews online. Usually, these things end there. This story doesn’t. Kier was looking for a palate cleanser after years of being a professional musician, so for fun he did just that: adorning the reviews with beautiful images and outrageously in-depth flavour examinations. Those reviews struck a chord with other Condimaniacs around the world, and before long the two were being sent hundreds of products to review. From hot sauce to kimchi, they tried it all, and developed a great idea about what was out there, and also what wasn’t out there. By 2019 they’d incorporated a company with the aim of filling the gaps left behind by more traditional retail, aiming to serve people just like them - the condiment-obsessed. Since then, Condimaniac has gone on to win numerous awards, featured in a plethora of national press, and been selected by Gordon Ramsay for his TV show Future Food Stars. Most importantly though, they’ve created a club of like-minded condiment enthusiasts. condimaniac.com Fan Yang OTHER FOODS A health-conscious foodie and mushroom fanatic, Fan Yang has turned her favourite childhood ingredient into a phenomenal product that encourages people to ‘dare to snack differently’. Fan is on a mission to end unhealthy and boring snacking with real, wholesome fungi and plants. Officially launched into eight Whole Foods Market stores in 2019, the Other Foods snack range (including a variety of mushroom and artichoke crisps) is now available in more than 800 stores in the UK and exported to 10 countries. As the first company to offer ‘mushrooms on-the-go’ in the UK and Europe, Fan is proud to be able to bring a snack that is minimally processed, great in taste, packed with nutrients, and completely vegan and gluten free, to the market. Other Foods has six lines, with a focus on specialty mushrooms and now additionally supplies Holland & Barrett, Ocado, Planet Organic, Selfridges and many independents across the UK and around the world. otherfoodsuk.com Andrew Jones and Hannah Springham FARMYARD FROZEN Farmyard Frozen is the brainchild of the culinary creatives behind Michelin-listed Farmyard in Norwich. It was founded during the pandemic as a way for chef-patron Andrew Jones and managing director (and partner) Hannah Springham, to continue to bring restaurant quality dishes to their customers, for them to enjoy in their own homes. Hannah, a founder of award-winning TV production company, Knickerbockerglory, brings her bold, infectious spirit to the brand, while Andrew (who has previously cooked in the kitchens of Claude Bosi and Richard Corrigan) works with his team to celebrate the flavours of Norfolk in a frozen, easy-to-cook format. Every dish is handcrafted by restaurant chefs, with no added nasties, across a range that includes starters, main courses, sides and desserts, winning multiple Great Taste awards in 2023, in addition to the Innovation Award from the British Frozen Food Federation, for the Farmyard Chocolate Bar. As well as delivering nationwide, the couple are proud to supply multiple artisan food retailers, and provide luxury Farmyard Frozen desserts to private jet owners. farmyardfrozen.com farmyardfrozen.com