Low carb food producer SRSLY has secured UK£500k from the East of England Regional Loan Scheme to support the company’s next stage growth.
Hemel Hempstead based Keeto Life, which produces a range of keto-friendly foods under its Seriously Low Carb brand, has produced a range of keto/diabetes-friendly foods that includes artisanal style loaves, rolls, not cross buns, fruit loaf, pizza, Mediterranean style wraps, flour and bread mixes, with pasta up next.
The company’s 200,000+ customers are seeking low carb foods for a variety of reasons that include managing serious health issues such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, drug resistant epilepsy and others.
The funding will be used for ongoing product development, beefing up sales and marketing initiatives, next stage packaging innovation and recruiting new staff, enabling the business to build from its B2C online into bricks and mortar retail, hospitality and foodservice all while reacquainting itself with a number of active export opportunities across Europe.
“We’ve created a range of innovative foods that have disrupted the low-carb market, attracted a vocal loyalist community and delivered thousands of five-star reviews. Pre-Brexit we were selling into 15 EU countries but mounting logistical issues temporarily halted this arm of our business,” said Andy Welch, Founder and CEO of Keeto Life.
“With recent developments in courier services once again making the EU both accessible and financially viable, we’re finally in a position to re-visit a vibrant export opportunity that’s once again within reach. Other openings include bricks & mortar supermarkets, an increasingly receptive NHS and foodservice. Thanks to this significant financial injection (regional growth loan), our pioneering operation can truly capitalise on its first-to-market status.”
In spite of the NHS’ endorsement of keto and low carb diets, according to the company, clinicians admit it remains difficult for patients to make the conversion due to the lack of enjoyable keto and diabetes friendly food within the market – something Keeto Life is looking to change.
“Andy and his team have looked beyond the snack market to fill a gap for real low carb foods and their 80 per cent repeat purchase rate speaks for itself,” added Simon Eliott, Investment Manager at the FSE Group. “Despite being a new company, Keeto Life has achieved significant traction and brand recognition with a growing pipeline of opportunities within the food service and retail sectors, as well as a significant lift in export enquiries, that place this trail-blazing operation on a high-growth trajectory.”
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