Nikki Frith – one half of the team behind preserve company Granny Cool – speaks to JLife’s Sarah Nelson about familial inspiration and her Dragons’ Den appearance.
What is Granny Cool and how was the concept born?
My granny makes amazing marmalades from old family recipes and she shared with me how to create them too. After doing some research into the market, I realised that there was a gap for homemade preserves so I established the products – with her approval – and the business has grown from there.
The company was originally known as Granny Marmalade but my business partner, Lindsey Oldroyd, and I have since rebranded and a lot of lucrative listings have followed. As well as regional stores, our stockists include supermarket chain Booths, London deli Partridges, Natural Kitchen, and Dean & DeLuca, which has taken the products to Kuwait. We’re also launching in Selfridges and have had export requests in Helsinki and New York.
How did you and Lindsey meet?
Our daughters went to the same nursery which led to us meeting up for playdates and becoming friends. I had the concept and Lindsey had been talking about getting into different work so it seemed like a perfect match.
How did your appearance on Dragons’ Den come about?
It was only recently televised but we were actually contacted by the show’s researchers in January 2014 after they came across a big write-up we had in a publication. We were quite resistant at first but realised that if we came across well and achieved exposure then it was worth a go. We were then selected from the audition process and filming took place in May 2014.
How was the experience?
Even though we didn’t secure the £50,000 investment we wanted, it has been the best thing that the business has done. We had 12,000 hits on our website the night that the episode aired!
The problem for the Dragons was our branding and their belief that we would only ever be a regional line. But they liked our ethos and Peter Jones thought the product was fantastic.
What did you learn?
That we were determined to prove the Dragons wrong! We had actually already gained national success by the time we went on Dragons’ Den and sales have continued to increase.
What makes Granny Cool stand out in the market?
Our USP is that the marmalades and curds are homemade from start to finish, as well as being contemporary. The brand is also really inclusive – it’s suitable for vegetarians, and is kosher and halal-style too.
What has been the company’s greatest accomplishment?
I think that being available in Selfridges is a massive accolade for the brand and something I’ve always hoped for; the same goes for the opportunities we’ve had through Dean & DeLuca. Also, getting reorders and letters and emails from consumers enjoying the taste is amazing.
Have there been any challenges?
Lindsey and I are both working mums so we come across challenges every day, trying to get the balance right.
What’s next for Granny Cool?
The aim is to keep growing and building interest. We want to be available for the masses without compromising any of the company’s integrity.
Do you have any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Just keep going and believe in yourself. Take your brand to the market, see if it grows, and don’t lose faith.
For more information about Granny Cool, visit Grannycool.com.
