Kirsty Cools Down The Dragons!
On Wednesday 14th July, the BBC broadcast the first episode of Dragon's Den Series 8. The episode saw ‘Dragons’ Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne co-invest in Food NW member 'Worthenshaws'.
At 24, Kirsty Henshaw, a mum and entrepreneur from Preston, became one of the youngest entrepreneurs to receive investment on the show. The Worthenshaws brand is a healthy alternative to ice cream that not only tastes delicious but is also free from sugar and an array of common allergens including dairy, soya and nuts.
Kirsty was inspired to create the range by her 4 year old son Jacob who has serious food allergies. Says Kirsty: “Four-year-old Jacob was, and still is the inspiration for my products. He has a serious nut allergy and is intolerant to dairy and gluten. Therefore like many parents have to do, I closely monitor what he eats 24/7. Not an easy job for anyone!”
Food NW assisted Kirsty in securing a listing with Tesco and even travelled to Cheshunt (Tesco HQ) with her to help Worthenshaws secure their national listing with the retailer, which the Dragons took particular interest in.
Worthenshaws currently has 2 brands and 5 products available including Coconice Strawberry Frozen Desert and should see its products being distributed to the major supermarkets soon. They are low in fat (less than 3%) and has no sugar. The only sugars are those in the fruit extracts, so this is also a great low carb ice cream.
Worthenshaws is an ethical, family-run food company, producing healthy and allergen free frozen desserts. All of its products contain only 100 per cent natural ingredients, are low in calories, and do not contain; dairy, gluten, added sugar, artificial preservatives, artificial sweeteners, cholesterol, nuts or soya.
Kirsty says; “What was once an exciting idea has now become a reality and in the last six months we have seen the business really take off.”
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