Stepping into Macknade’s bustling food hall last week, an air of excitement filled the room as 20 visionary food startups prepared to pitch their products. These entrepreneurs, participants in the Growing Kent & Medway Food Accelerator programme, have come a long way from initial ideas to this pivotal moment, guided by Programme Lead Valerie Pondaven from the Natural Resources Institute (NRI).
One standout innovator was Cajunel, who introduced a unique plant-based biltong snack made from cashew apples. Transforming food waste into a tasty, plant-based treat, Cajunel started in a home kitchen and has now scaled up to professionally packaged products ready for the retail market. Nearby, Cecii Health showcased her inventive fermented health shot, a product refined with the support of NRI food scientists and the Medway Food Innovation Centre’s (MFIC) cutting-edge facilities. Set to launch in early 2025, this health shot is the result of dedicated refinement and collaboration.
As Macknade’s buyers, Louise Darby and Natasha Walsh, reviewed each product, their questions to the startups were insightful yet encouraging. Managing Director Shane Godwin nodded approvingly at the entrepreneurs’ dedication to sustainability and local sourcing, values that resonate deeply with Macknade’s mission.
“This is more than product development—it is transformation,” Valerie remarked. “These are solutions to genuine market needs, shaped by our research teams at NRI and honed through hands-on guidance at MFIC. More than just shelf-ready products, these represent sustainable food businesses ready to make an impact.”
With a new cohort set to begin in February 2025, this showcase exemplifies how the Food Accelerator programme turns kitchen-table ideas into market-ready realities. It’s about building sustainable businesses that contribute to the UK’s thriving food and drink landscape.
The event concluded with handshakes and promising discussions about store placements. For these entrepreneurs, the pitch marked more than just a milestone—it was the culmination of a journey from concept to shelf, signalling the start of their retail success stories.
Are you ready to transform your food and drink idea into reality? Contact Valerie Pondaven for information on joining our February 2025 cohort.
🔗 Learn more about the Accelerator Programme