This month, our Start-up spotlight is on Savvy Sweets, a plant-based functional confectionery brand aiming to bring healthier options to the UK’s sweets category. We speak to the company’s managing director, Chris Dandridge, to find out more.
What’s the story behind Savvy Sweets’ establishment and long-term mission?
The establishment of Savvy Sweets stemmed from a desire to revolutionise the confectionery industry by offering healthier alternatives without compromising on taste. Inspired by the success of a family business in Australia, we recognised an opportunity to introduce our premium sweets to the UK market.
Our long-term mission is to provide consumers with guilt-free indulgence through our range of sweets made from natural ingredients, with a focus on health and taste. We are on a mission to help the nation eat better by offering delicious sweets that contribute to a balanced diet and healthier lifestyle choices.
What opportunities can the functional confectionery market bring to the global food and beverage industry?
The functional confectionery market offers significant opportunities for the global food and beverage industry by addressing the increasing consumer demand for healthier snack options. This segment allows companies to diversify their product offerings and cater to health-conscious consumers, leveraging ingredients like prebiotics, probiotics and plant-based alternatives to enhance nutritional profiles. Moreover, it fosters innovation and collaboration in product development, driving growth and meeting evolving consumer preferences. Overall, the functional confectionery market represents a promising avenue for industry players to tap into and expand their presence in the ever-evolving food landscape.
What are the health and nutrition benefits of Savvy Sweets’ offerings?
Savvy Sweets offers a unique combination of features that set it apart from traditional sweets. Its low-calorie, high prebiotic fibre, plant-based and gluten-free attributes demonstrate a commitment to providing healthier alternatives in a market dominated by sugary and unhealthy options.
Do you believe that consumers are more ‘savvy’ than ever about gut health and other key dietary health considerations?
Yes, absolutely. In today’s health-conscious society, consumers are more knowledgeable and aware of gut health and other key dietary considerations than ever before. With access to vast amounts of information through the internet and social media, people are increasingly educated about the impact of their dietary choices on their overall wellbeing. As a result, there is a growing demand for products that support gut health, promote digestive wellness and offer functional benefits.
What ingredients are crucial to giving your sweets the desired taste and textures that consumers crave, while remaining both healthy and plant-based?
What sets us apart is our use of soluble corn fibre, a cleaner alternative to the polydextrose used by competitors, which also promotes gut health. Additionally, we utilise Stevia instead of Sucralose, further enhancing our commitment to natural ingredients.
What has been the company’s biggest achievement to date?
Our biggest achievement to date has been successfully launching our premium confectionery brand in the competitive UK market. Despite challenges and hurdles along the way, we are establishing a strong presence and garnered positive feedback from consumers and partners alike. Our ability to deliver delicious, guilt-free sweets that meet the growing demand for healthier snack options has been instrumental in our success thus far.
Have there been any particular challenges on your journey?
As we’re relatively new to this journey, we haven’t encountered anything out of the ordinary thus far. However, like many start-ups, one challenge we’ve faced is navigating the complexities of entering a competitive market. Building brand awareness and establishing our presence amid established players has been a key focus.
How do you expect the functional sweets, and wider functional foods category, to evolve in the coming years?
In the coming years, we expect notable advancements in the functional sweets and wider functional foods sector. As consumers become more aware of the link between diet and health, there will be an increased desire for products that combine enjoyment with nutritional value. This shift is likely to drive innovation in ingredient development, focusing on incorporating functional components such as prebiotics, probiotics and adaptogens into confectionery items.
#StartupSpotlight #Australia #Functionalconfectionery #UK #sweets #SavvySweets
