As a B Certified organization, we promote business for good and emphasize social and environmental responsibility.
During B Corp Month and Women’s History Month, we proudly highlight the amazing women-led businesses and their products.
Read through the conversations with our women-led suppliers about their journeys, product ranges, and sustainability efforts.
HALEN MÔN: Alison Lea-Wilson MBE, Co-Founder & Managing Director
Based in Anglesey, Halen Môn is a family-run salt maker passionate about the environment and quality. Their pure, white sea salt crystals, blends, and condiments are served in some of the finest restaurants worldwide.
Journey to Starting the Business:
After falling in love with Anglesey, my husband and I sought ways to live and work there. In 1997, we discovered culinary gold by boiling seawater on our Aga. Today, our Welsh sea salt is enjoyed globally. As MD, we remain a family business. Though David is mostly retired, our three children are deeply involved. Jess handles communications, product development, and illustrations.
What Makes Our Products Unique:
We are known for our hand-harvested, organic-approved Welsh sea salt from Anglesey, offering a delicate balance of minerals and no bitterness. Our condiments are expertly developed by Alison and Jess, with your kitchen in mind. Alison's expertise ensures top quality.
Sustainability Journey:
At Halen Môn, the environment is central to our mission, as we rely on clean seas for our sea salt. As a B Corp certified business, we strive for sustainability in all aspects. This commitment underpins everything we do, alongside our Grade AA BRC and Protected Designation of Origin. We achieve zero landfill annually by reducing, reusing, and recycling all waste and coproducts, including repurposing pure water from our sea salt harvesting for our Wild Seaweed Baths.
View our Halen Môn range here.
Les Fruit Rouges: Melanie Marchand, Operations Director
Fruits Rouges & Co. is a frozen fruit company committed to providing the highest quality fruit. Their frozen fruit range is a great substitute for fresh fruit, making it possible to savour the fruits you love all year round, with guaranteed taste, quality and consistent availability.
Journey to Starting the Business:
I joined Fruits Rouges & Co in 2004 after studying at Kedge Paris. Initially focused on fresh fruit, our CEO, Sylvie Cathelain, challenged me to develop the frozen and processed fruit segment. Today, this area is essential to our business, complementing our fresh fruit operations and serving a global clientele.
Partnering with Classic Fine Foods UK:
Our collaboration with Classic Fine Foods UK is built on a shared commitment to quality and innovation. Their exceptional product sourcing aligns with our high-quality fruit, ensuring the essence of fresh, seasonal fruits reaches the UK's top culinary professionals.
What Makes Our Products Unique:
We select the finest fruits globally, crafting purées and coulis with minimal processing to preserve natural taste, colour, and aroma. Combining traditional expertise with modern technology, we ensure consistency and quality. Our Laon production sites follow strict quality control standards.
Sustainability Journey:
Sustainability is core to Fruits Rouges & Co. As a co-founder of Demain la Terre, we commit to eco-friendly farming and biodiversity. We reduce our carbon footprint and align with Net Zero 2030 objectives, viewing sustainable agriculture as a driver of innovation and success.
Role of Women-Owned Businesses:
Women bring unique perspectives and leadership styles, fostering diversity and innovation. Companies embracing gender balance are more resilient and successful. By valuing diverse talents, we drive economic growth and sustainability.
View our Les Fruits Rouges & Co. range here.
The Original Black Garlic: Katy Heather, Founder & CEO
Based in North London, what began as a culinary experiment is now the largest manufacturer of Black Garlic in the UK. They take great pride in the quality of their operations to produce a product cherished by chefs for its ability to transform dishes with its distinctive umami depth.
Journey to Starting the Business:
In 2008, I discovered black garlic in Korea. Back in North London, I perfected the aging process. What began as a passion project grew into supplying chefs, specialty shops, and international markets.
Partnering with Classic Fine Foods UK:
Partnering with Classic Fine Foods UK was transformative. Their commitment to quality and sustainability helped us reach new markets while maintaining our artisanal approach.
What’s Special About Our Products:
Our black garlic is crafted with precision, aged to enhance deep umami notes of balsamic, molasses, and caramel. We ensure consistency and high quality in every batch.
Sustainability Journey:
Sustainability is a priority. We source responsibly, work with ethical growers, and make our production energy efficient. We're reducing plastic and shifting to biodegradable packaging.
Role of Female-Owned Businesses:
Female-led businesses bring diversity, fresh perspectives, and collaborative leadership, driving innovation and improving industry standards.
Our range from The Original Black Garlic: CFF211, VEG192, VEG191 & VEG193.
For more information on The Original Black Garlic, visit www.blackgarlic.co.uk.
YUMGO: Anne Vincent, Co-Founder
Yumgo is a pioneer in the world of plant-based eggs, offering professional chefs a solution to plant-based cooking without having to alter their recipes. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability is reflected in the range of impressive egg alternatives that have the same properties and uses as eggs.
Journey to Start the Business:
After a career in consulting and pharmaceuticals, I co-founded Yumgo with Rodolphe Landemaine. Inspired by the need for a plant-based egg alternative, we developed Yumgo to be delicious and ethical. The journey has been challenging but rewarding.
Partnering with Classic Fine Foods UK:
Partnering with Classic Fine Foods UK in 2021 was fantastic. Their support and commitment to gastronomy and sustainability helped us grow and reach a wider audience.
What’s Special About Our Products:
Yumgo is the only complete range of plant-based eggs that truly replicate chicken eggs' functionality. Developed by chefs for chefs, our products are versatile, easy to use, and sustainable.
Sustainability Journey:
Sustainability is core to Yumgo. Our vegan, low-carbon products help transition to a sustainable food system. We've saved 404 tons of CO2 and 20,000 chickens since our launch.
Role of Female-Owned Businesses:
Female-led businesses bring unique perspectives and innovation, driving positive change and prioritizing social and environmental responsibility.
View our range from Yumgo here.
Conclusion:
As a B Certified organization, we are committed to social and environmental responsibility, and our partnerships with these inspiring women reflect this mission. Through their unique journeys and exceptional products, these women are driving change and setting new standards. We are honoured to support and collaborate with them, and we look forward to continuing to champion women in business.
Let's celebrate their successes and strive for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.
