A Kent entrepreneur is using a new crowdfunding platform from Tesco to help create a range of healthy fruit and vegetable snacks for kids.
Nim's Fruit Crisps was set up by Nimisha Raja in 2014, and is now looking to secure £20,000 of funding from Tesco's BackIt initaitive, whichencourages individuals and investors to support new food and drink businesses.
The former coffee shop owner hopes that the nation’s increasing desire for healthier snacks will help her reach the target, with the money raised being directed into launching a new children’s range.
The cash will contribute to dedicated packaging, the introduction of new varieties like carrots and courgettes and a marketing campaign to turn interest from high street and online retailers into approved stockists.
Raja is hoping for contributions from as little as £5 and going up incrementally to figures of £120, £200, £1,000, £1,200 and £2,000.
Investors receive different rewards for their cash, including the chance to try the kids' range before it launches, a 12-month subscription to fruit crips, or having the opportunity for your child to choose their own fruit and veg to be produced and sold, along with their names on packs.
“We are really excited about this and being part of the first tranche of firms to raise money through such an innovative platform like BackIt, with all the support and promotion that goes with it,” said Raja.
The fruit crisps are currently available in eight different varieties, including apple, beetroot and parsnip, pear, pineapple and peppers & courgettes. They contain just 39 to 77 calories per pack and constitute one of your 5 A Day.
