Getting to Grow

What does it take to turn bubbling jars of kombucha into a supermarket success story?In this episode, Emma Thackray shares her journey — from running Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the UK, to discovering fermented foods in America, and finally co-founding Hip Pop, one of the UK’s fastest-growing gut health drinks brands.She talks about scrappy beginnings (literally selling cans out of her car), raising millions of pounds in investment, and the wild reality of scaling a challenger brand into Sainsbury’s, Co-op, and beyond.We also cover…→ What happens when everything goes wrong on moving day→ Why flavour — not fads — drives Hip Pop’s success→ How Emma raised investment without a background in FMCG→ The lessons from rebranding for mass market growthIf you’re into food & drink, startups, or the behind-the-scenes of building a modern brand — you’ll love this one.Zoe Fox:https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/Emma Thackray, Co-Founder--Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmathackray/Drink Hip Pop:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drink.hip.pop/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrinkHipPopWebsite: https://drinkhippop.com/#gettingtogrow #gettingtogrowpodcast #fmcg #foodanddrink #drinks #hippop #kombucha #startup #entrepreneurship

What does it take to become one of the most influential voices in the drinks industry?In this episode, Dawn Davies shares her wild journey — from running legendary fine dining spots with no experience, to becoming the head buyer at The Whisky Exchange.She talks about curating spirits from across the globe, making million-pound decisions, and why she’ll always back brands that stand for something.We also cover…→ Industry myths→ How consumer tastes are shifting→ What it takes to earn shelf space todayIf you're into drinks, branding, or the business of taste — you’ll love this one.Dawn Davies, Head Buyer at The Whisky ExchangeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawndaviesmw/The Whisky ExchangeWebsite: https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskyexchange/Follow Zoe FoxYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gettingtogrowLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/#gettingtogrow #gettingtogrowpodcast #fmcg #foodandbeverage #alcohol #thewhiskeyexchange #whiskeyexchange #wine #spirits #beer #drinks #dawndavies

In this episode, we dive into the story of Better Nature and how co-founder Elin Roberts helped bring tempeh to the masses. From early-stage experiments to landing on Tesco’s shelves, Elin shares the behind-the-scenes of building a purpose-driven food brand in an industry dominated by big players.We cover what it takes to educate customers about something new, how to stand out in the alt-protein space, and why tempeh might just be the future of plant-based eating.If you're passionate about food, sustainability, or building something that matters, this one’s for you.Elin Roberts, Co-Founder of Better NatureInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elin.mari/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinmroberts/Better NatureInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/betternaturetempeh/Website: https://betternaturetempeh.co/Follow Zoe FoxYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gettingtogrowLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/#gettingtogrow #gettingtogrowpodcast #fmcg #foodandbeverage #tempeh #plantbased #betternature #betternaturetempeh

She never planned on becoming a founder — but Olivia Louise Jenkins’ journey from a steady 9–5 to building a global jewellery brand is anything but ordinary.In this episode, we dive into how Olivia co-founded D. Louise, the challenges she faced juggling a full-time job while launching, and the viral moments that changed everything.From bootstrapping her first collections to navigating the pressures of massive growth, she shares the raw truth behind building a business she never expected to run.If you're a creative, side hustler, or dream of starting something of your own — Olivia’s story will hit home and inspire action.Olivia Jenkins, Co-Founder of D. LouiseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivialouise.jenkins/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-jenkins-055663151/D. Louise JewelryWebsite: https://www.dlouise.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.louise/Follow Zoe FoxYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gettingtogrowLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/

How do you take a brand from startup to industry leader? Vince Lawson, CMO of Biotiful Gut Health, shares how he’s pioneering Biotiful Gut Health and making gut health more accessible to everyone.In this episode, we dive into the challenges of…→ Launching and marketing health-focused brands→ The science behind Kefir and natural probiotics→ Strategies for building brand loyalty in competitive markets.Plus, we explore the future of dairy, plant-based alternatives, and clean-label products.Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or health enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on branding, scaling, and the future of wellness.Zoe Fox YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@gettingtogrowpodcast]LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/]Vince Lawson, CMO of Biotiful Gut HealthLinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-lawson-015a93b/]Biotiful Gut HealthWebsite: [https://biotifulguthealth.com/]

In this episode, we dive into the journey of building Grubby, the challenges of scaling a food subscription business, and the unexpected pivots along the way. From dealing with the name controversy to navigating the complexities of forecasting, I share insights into what it really takes to grow a direct-to-consumer brand in the food industry. We also explore customer retention, the early struggles of launching during lockdown, and how we adapted to serve NHS workers during the pandemic. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a food industry enthusiast, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.

Cafe Pod, a UK-based coffee company, was co-founded by Peter Grainger and his colleagues in 2011. Grainger's inspiration for the company came during a trip to Cape Town, where he recognized the cultural significance of coffee and the potential for high-quality coffee pods in the UK market. He, along with two friends from his previous job, identified a gap for Nespresso-compatible coffee capsules, leading to the establishment of Cafe Pod to offer a better coffee experience at home. Zoe Fox: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/ Find Peter on socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafepod_peter/ Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-grainger-86162612/ Website: https://www.cafepod.com/

In this episode, Juliet Barrat, co-founder of Grenade, shares the incredible journey of turning a bold idea into a game-changing name in sports nutrition. From their early vision of being the “Red Bull of Sports Nutrition” to navigating tough moments like having just £27 in the bank, Juliet gives a behind-the-scenes look at the determination, creativity, and grit it takes to succeed. She talks about the importance of timing, the power of standout packaging, and how delivering a phenomenal product built Grenade’s reputation as a leader in the industry. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a fan of success stories, or someone curious about what sets challenger brands apart, this episode is packed with insights. Juliet discusses why they avoided protein bars initially, how their unique grenade-shaped container became a symbol of innovation, and the role of gut instinct in decision-making. With stories of experimenting with products on military friends and landing unexpected shelf placements in major retailers, it's a fascinating conversation about the highs, lows, and lessons of building a business that disrupted an entire market. Zoe Fox: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/ Sponsored by: - Sam Lawrence Recruitment: Personalized recruitment solutions for finding the right opportunities and team members. - We Are All Marketing: Results-driven marketing and storytelling strategies to help businesses grow. - The Coconut Collaborative: Delicious plant-based, dairy-free treats, including creamy yogurts and indulgent desserts.

In this episode I talk to Will & Abbie Sandbach of Amie Wines! We dive into the biggest challenges of juggling time while running a business. From managing production mishaps to balancing an e-commerce store, marketing, events, and creating new product ranges—it’s a wild ride! 🏃‍♂️💼 We talk about avoiding burnout, finding moments to step back, and why downtime is crucial for staying sane in the chaos. If you’ve ever felt like you’re sprinting on a treadmill that won’t slow down, this one’s for you. Tune in to hear relatable struggles, practical advice, and a little encouragement to hit pause when you need it. Don’t miss this candid chat—watch the full episode now! Zoe Fox: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/ Amie Wines Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkamie/ Website: https://drinkamie.com/

Zoe Fox: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/ Sam Matanle, CO-Founder BATCH LDN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuelmatanle/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-matanle/ Website: https://batchldn.com/

Join me as I dive into the inspiring journey of Lucy Busk, co-founder of Nice Wines! From her early days in the on-the-go breakfast industry to the exciting launch of Nice Wines, Lucy shares the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, offering a candid look at the challenges of getting the sales wheel turning and navigating the constant firefighting that comes with building a business from the ground up. Lucy takes us behind the scenes of disrupting the wine industry, revealing how she and her team have crafted a brand that’s not only inclusive and fun but also functional. With a keen eye for branding—like the iconic pink boiler suits worn by the Nice Wines team, which I LOVE—she demonstrates the power of creating a strong, recognisable identity. As a working mom and female founder in the traditionally male-dominated wine industry, Lucy opens up about the unique challenges she’s faced and the triumphs she’s achieved along the way. She emphasises the importance of building a supportive, values-driven team that prioritises direct feedback, agility, and employee well-being. In this episode, Lucy also shares the growth strategies that have propelled Nice Wines forward, from expanding product offerings to entering new markets. She discusses the pressing need for sustainability and diversity in the wine industry, imparting valuable lessons she’s learned throughout her entrepreneurial journey. Tune in to discover how Lucy Busk is shaking up the wine world with innovation, passion, and an unwavering commitment to her brand’s vision. Please follow @gettingtogrow on Instagram & if you like the episode then please do give it 5 stars! Season 3 kindly sponsored by The Coconut Collaborative, https://coconutco.co.uk/ Sam Lawrence Recruitment, https://lawrencerecruitment.com/ Sweet Thyme Foods, https://www.sweetthymefoods.co.uk/

Join us for an insightful discussion on scaling your brand from $5 to 50 Million with some amazing industry leaders. Featuring success stories from: - Vlora Salihi (UK&I Sales Director Tony's Chocolonely) - Pip Murray (Founder, Pip & Nut) - Jon Walsh (Founder, Bio&Me) - Shani Higgs (Head Of Sales PerfectTed) This episode explores key strategies for growth. Learn about staying true to your brand's ethics, leveraging media for expansion, the importance of science-backed products, and being first to market. This panel shares valuable insights on supply chain management, rapid business growth, building the right team, and the risks involved in entrepreneurship. Discover how these brands overcame challenges and built stellar teams to achieve remarkable success. Whether you're a startup founder or an established business owner, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration for taking your brand to the next level! All guests' links Pipp Murray - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pippamurray/ Shani Higgs - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanihiggs/Vlora Salihi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlora-salihi-21432647/Jon Walsh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-walsh-57b211/ Liked this episode? I'd love for you to tell me who else you'd like me to have on 👇 https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/ https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of branding and marketing with Mark Allen, the founder of Lunchbox and the man behind the "Getting to Grow" branding. We cover a lot of exciting topics in this mini-pod! - The difference between brand strategy and brand identity - Mistakes brand owners often make and how to avoid them - The importance of building a community for a brand, and when it's not the best focus - The differences between B2C and B2B branding, and where the biggest opportunities lie - Mark's dream brand to work on and the excitement around brand revivals Timestamps: 00:55 - The man behind Getting To Grow 03:56 - Mark's origin story 09:02 - Brand Strategy vs Brand Identity 11:06 - Balancing Brand Marketing vs Performance Marketing 13:00 - Mistakes brand owners make 14:26 - How important is a community for a brand? 15:59 - Why run clubs are popping up everywhere? 17:20 - Do some industries need to focus on brand more than others? 18:42 - Dream brand Mark would like to work with? This insightful conversation covered a wide range of branding and marketing concepts, providing valuable insights for businesses of all sizes looking to stand out and connect with their audience. Find Mark on socials: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-allen-a4a3249a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markallennn/ Looking for branding work, reach out to his agency Lunchbox! Lunchbox: https://www.lunchboxbranding.com Keep up to date with my shenanigans and live events (there's one every month!!): https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/ I post about marketing weekly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/ Until next time! -zf

Ed Foy, co-founder of Press, shares his journey before starting the company and how the concept of cold-pressed juice came about. He discusses the process of making cold-pressed juice and the importance of flavour and nutrition. Ed also talks about the challenges and lessons learned in starting and growing the business, including the importance of choosing the right location and the struggles of being a small business owner. He talks about the importance of partnerships and leveraging brand names, as well as the challenges of selling to retailers and diversifying the product range. Ed emphasises the focus on health, natural ingredients, and customer service. He also shares advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlights some of her favourite food brands. Keywords Press, cold-pressed juice, journey, flavor, nutrition, challenges, small business, Press London, cold-pressed juice, partnerships, brand names, selling to retailers, diversification, health, natural ingredients, customer service, advice for entrepreneurs, favourite food brands Takeaways Cold-pressed juice is made by chilling the fruit and vegetables, then crushing and blending them without generating heat, resulting in a more nutritionally valuable and flavourful product. Choosing the right location is crucial for the success of a retail business. Starting a business requires perseverance and the ability to adapt to challenges. The journey of entrepreneurship can be tough, but it can also lead to personal growth and resilience. Partnerships with established brands can provide leverage and exposure for a growing business. Selling to retailers and diversifying the product range are important strategies for growth. Health, natural ingredients, and customer service are key priorities for Press London. Entrepreneurs should consider the size of the market, profit margins, and the expertise of their team when starting a new business. The Challenges of Starting and Growing a Small Business Please follow @gettingtogrow on Instagram & if you like the episode then please do give it 5 stars! Season 3 kindly sponsored by The Coconut Collaborative, https://coconutco.co.uk/ Sam Lawrence Recruitment, https://lawrencerecruitment.com/ Sweet Thyme Foods, https://www.sweetthymefoods.co.uk/

Olly Hiscocks, was a young optimistic olive lover who wanted to rejuvenate the world of olives with new flavours, colour and character. He began marinating olives in his kitchen (to his parents' dismay) and selling them at farmers markets. People loved them, in fact they loved them so much he decided to pivot away from my path to becoming a doctor and focus on olives (to his parents' dismay again!). His brother Sam, and close friend, Yingdee, decided to join forces with him for the journey. And the HMS Olive set sail… Olly shares his journey of starting a food brand and the importance of taste and innovation in the health and wellness space. He discusses the success of his olives and pretzels, the challenges of getting listed with retailers, and the power of branding and marketing. Olly also talks about future trends in the industry and gives advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. Takeaways Focus on taste and quality in the health and wellness space Start with an MVP and get feedback from consumers Don't be afraid to outsource and delegate tasks Stay true to your brand and find a point of difference Keep an eye on future trends and be open to innovation Take risks and learn from mistakes Build a strong digital presence and align it with real-life marketing efforts Embrace the power of branding and create a feel-good experience Consider the merging of health and food in unique ways Don't hold on to too much responsibility, learn to delegate Enjoy the journey and have fun with your brand Please follow @gettingtogrow on Instagram & if you like the episode then please do give it 5 stars! Season 3 kindly sponsored by The Coconut Collaborative, https://coconutco.co.uk/ Sam Lawrence Recruitment, https://lawrencerecruitment.com/ Sweet Thyme Foods, https://www.sweetthymefoods.co.uk/