FDBusiness.com

Award winning Irish start up business, The Cool Bean Company, has officially launched into the UK with premium retailer Waitrose following less than one year of trading in Ireland. Cool Beans is a potted, healthy, bean-based meal that comes in two flavours – original tomato and hot chilli, which will retail at £1.99 in 135 Waitrose outlets week in a 300g microwaveable pot created exclusively for the store. The move marks the Cool Bean Company’s first foray into the UK market with a deal estimated to be worth between £600,000 and £1 million  in 2016.

Founded by Sarah O’Connor and  Isolde Johnson in 2013, The Cool Bean Company aims to create a no fuss, no nonsense, superhero food. Similar to other successful food brands such as Innocent and Pieminister,  the company had their start on the music festival circuit before progressing to a retail ready offering in Ireland in September 2014.

Isolde Johnson comments: “Launching with a partner like Waitrose in the UK is a huge milestone for us.  Waitrose is renowned as innovators in the convenience food market and they have identified the niche that Cool beans fill in that sector – an uncompromisingly fast, healthy, delicious meal or side dish for those who don’t have time to cook from scratch but care about what they eat and serve to their families.”

Sarah O’Connor says: “One of the greatest trends that we have noticed in the past year is that our products are more far-reaching than the expected young professional market. Through regular in store sampling, it’s become apparent that Cool Beans are popular amongst busy, conscientious parents too looking for something simple yet diverse to feed their children.”

Prepared Produce Buyer, Tom Moore of Waitrose says: “We are delighted to launch two fantastic new products from Cool Beans into Waitrose, who will be the exclusive retailer. Cool Beans are a fun and unique brand and most importantly the product tastes brilliant, is hugely versatile and healthy!”