Ethical food firm gets help to grow

A SEVEN-FIGURE finance package from HSBC will help a south Wales food company grow.

The ethical food and drink distributor Bravura Foods will use the investment to support product development.

Bravura, which has a portfolio of 10 vegan and vegetarian brands, will streamline its operations process as the company continues its fastgrowth strategy, with two new product launches later this year.

The business, founded by Team GB athlete Lisa Gawthorne and business partner Karl Morris in 2011, has a portfolio of European vegan brands, including Panda Liquorice and Captain Kombucha, which are distributed exclusively in the UK.

The company also sells its own brands, including Peanut Hottie and Free From Fellows, to countries including Australia, Sweden, Iceland and Slovakia.

Mr Morris said: “Moving our banking to HSBC UK and securing this funding means we’re able to grow the business faster as demand increases.

“We are thrilled to have the support of the bank during this exciting time for the business and are confident we have secured the best finance facility to suit our fast-growth strategy. Our relationship manager Andrew Jones has been incredibly helpful in making sure of this and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the team.”

Phil Sargeant, HSBC UK area director for south Wales business banking, said: “The market for independent, vegan and vegetarian products is booming in the UK and around the world, so we are delighted to be supporting Bravura Foods as it continues its ambitious growth strategy. Karl and Lisa are both passionate about the business and we look forward to supporting them in their success in the years to come”