“The ice cream typically available to UK consumers could be a whole lot better. We’re looking to set a new benchmark, not just in terms of quality but also in terms of sustainable practices.”

Peterlee-based Beau’s has secured £400,000 in a new investment round as it looks to scale its presence in the UK.

After its initial investment round in 2019, the vegan gelato company has secured additional funding from investor groups including TRICAP and venture capital firms Dismatrix and Northstar Ventures Limited.

Beau’s will use the money in part to set up a state-of-the-art ice cream manufacturing facility in the North East of England, which it will move into in early 2021. This will greatly increase the company’s   production capabilities and allow them to seek a wider range of market opportunities going forward.

The new financing has also enabled Beau’s to launch the UK’s first vegan ice cream subscription service – Beau’s Pint Club – which sends subscribers a dessert box of gelateria-quality vegan gelato, along with additional toppings cones and other extra items each month.

While an ice-cream pint club has been a tried-and-tested concept in the US, it is relatively new in the UK.

However, with the rapid rise of online shopping and increase in consumers opting for subscription services in lockdown, Beau’s is confident that this model will appeal to UK customers.

Quality vegan products

 “Beau’s plans are far-reaching and innovative and I’m delighted to lead such a talented team to grow the business and bring quality vegan products to the mainstream market,” Joseph Eyre, the CEO and co-founder of the company said.

“We believe we have a product that can appeal to vegans and non-vegans alike, making it a perfect option for families with mixed dietary preferences to explore.”

Co-founder Amber Fox-Eyre added: “We believe the ice cream typically available to UK consumers could be a whole lot better.

“We’re looking to set a new benchmark, not just in terms of quality but also in terms of sustainable practices.”

Beau’s Gelato

Joseph Eyre and Amber Fox-Eyre set up Beau’s in 2017 with a mission to prove that plant-based ice cream tastes better than dairy-based alternatives.

The firm’s dairy-free gelato – which has received multiple Great Taste Awards – contains only natural, whole-food ingredients with no artificial additives or flavourings.

As part of Beau’s commitment to sustainability, the team has adopted an innovative ‘doorstep-safe’ fully-recyclable packaging solution for its Pint Club deliveries.

It is also on its way to become a Planet Mark-certified company.

Planet Mark is an internationally recognised sustainability certification which ‘recognises continuous improvement, encourages action and builds an empowered community of like-minded individuals who are working to make the world a more sustainable place’.

 “Beau’s dedication to sustainably producing gelato has given conscious consumers the choice to purchase products from a responsible business that is committed to improving their sustainability,” Steve Malkin, the CEO and Founder of Planet Mark, said.

“We look forward to working with Beau’s to shape a brighter future.”

• Read: Boursin just launched its first vegan cheese at major US retailers

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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