Innovation boosts business into export markets

When faced with the closure of her juice bar outlet, Jacquelyn approached Invest NI for help and received support through an Innovation Voucher and Technical Development. The support enabled Jacquelyn to get advice and guidance from experts at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute in Belfast to extend the shelf-life of the juice. 
 

As a result Jacquelyn has been able to extend the shelf life of her 100 per cent natural wheatgrass juices from two hours to twelve weeks which opened up the potential to export the juice to new markets.  By considerably expanding her customer base and selling the juice online the company is now selling over 500 shots a week and exporting to US and Spain.

 

The award was one of thirteen IGD Food Industry Awards announced at the IGD Convention in London. The awards recognise achievements of companies in food manufacturing, farming, retail, distribution, wholesaling and foodservice.
 

Jacquelyn Stewart said: “I was amazed to make the shortlist in the first place and couldn't quite believe that I was one of the three finalists.  As a small, independent business this is great recognition for the work I have done in producing and marketing my natural Wheatgrass Shot. I am absolutely delighted to have won this award.  PR is important to all businesses but for a small operation like my own, winning an award like this is an invaluable boost for building brand recognition.”
 

Maurizio Brusadelli, president of Kraft Foods UK & Ireland, presented Jacquelyn her trophy at the ceremony in London and said: “Jacquelyn Stewart stood out with the challenges she had overcome on both a personal and business level.  Her passion and commitment to the product and her determination to build her business sustainably is truly inspirational and marks her out as a Leading Light in every sense of the word.”

 

Squeeze Juice Café delivers worldwide and currently has customers in NI, UK, ROI, Spain, Belgium and US and 85 per cent of customers order wheatgrass shots more than once.