Name: Claudi & Fin
Based: London
Website: www.claudiandfin.co.uk
We first came up with the idea for Claudi & Fin frozen yoghurt lollies when we became frustrated searching for a healthy alternative to ice-cream for our children.
Not long after we entered the ‘Pitch Up with Sainsbury’s’ competition, which invited startups to pitch their food innovations.
From 400 applicants, we were chosen as finalists and awarded a 12-month contract with Sainsbury’s, starting in May 2014. This listing took us from being a brand that was yet to sell a single lolly to a brand that was stocked in 250 stores nationwide.
Around this time we secured a £14,000 loan from Start Up Loans, and our first investor, Joe Woodhouse, a former managing director with Credit Suisse.
As a result of extremely strong sales, Sainsbury’s confirmed at the end of last year it would be increasing the number of stores from 250 to 431. And there was more good news to follow – Ocado, Waitrose and Budgens also confirmed listings for 2015. We are also currently in the final stages of securing a major retailer in Ireland and launching our impulse lollies with a food service provider for top children’s attractions such as the Science Museum.
It’s been a busy start to 2015, and we have also been to Downing Street to meet James Caan as we were chosen as one of the 15 most promising startups from 25,000 Start Up Loan businesses. January also saw us secure our second investor, Ben Southgate, founder of High Beam.
Lucy Woodhouse is the co-founder of Claudi & Fin
