Food to Nourish (FTN) launched in 2013 in co-founder Danielle Minnebo's kitchen. As a nutritionist, she saw a major gap in the Australian market for whole food products that are nutrient-dense and made with integrity and love. Now in a custom-built 600m2 production facility in West Gosford, NSW, FTN produces a wide range of high-quality snacks and food products from nut butter to cake mixtures. The company also provides contract manufacturing services which currently takes up 50% of its revenue supplying to competitors as well as companies looking to enter the health food space.
What we liked about the business
Founders Danielle and Natasja had built the business to a strong point and needed to raise capital to take advantage of opportunities that would accelerate growth. Before the raise, the company was already profitable with over 800 retail outlets stocking its products and the contract manufacturing arm at capacity.
The West Gosford facility is HACCP and NASAA certified with 37 product lines produced using high-quality ingredients. The company also enjoys strong benefits from its vertical integration, since larger order quantities for contract manufacturing clients produce supply chain benefits and greater efficiency. With the business well established and in a strong position, the potential for business growth using funds raised was clear.
With some larger investors keen to get behind FTN, the campaign very quickly hit its minimum and went on to raise $446,209 - just short of the $500,000 maximum. This momentum carried through with 69 investors jumping on board to share in the potential success of the company.
Investors were also rewarded with discounts from the online store, and larger investors also received an FTN gift pack.
Looking Forward
We’re excited to see where Danielle and Natasja can take this business. Operating in a rapidly growing market that becomes more relevant every day, the sky's the limit for FTN. Keep an eye out for their products in stores near you (our favourites are the nut clusters!).