Ocado announces the shortlist for Britain's Next Top Supplier_Holy Lama MS

• Hatfield local is named a finalist in national Ocado competition
• Gouri Kubair from Hatfield shortlisted to pitch to Sir Stuart Rose and Tom Kerridge in a bid to be crowned Ocado’s Britain’s Next Top Supplier

LONDON: Gouri Kubair from Hatfield has beaten off hundreds of applicants from across the UK to be shortlisted for Britain’s Next Top Supplier, a competition by online supermarket ocado.com to find the next big thing in food and drink.

Gouri entered Holy Lama Naturals, a range of natural spice extracts. The Holy Lama Naturals range caught the judges’ eye thanks to its delicious and unique flavour which infuses in cooking without altering colour or texture.

Gouri will now head to London to deliver a ‘Dragons’ Den’ style business pitch to a panel of experts including retail legend and Ocado Chairman, Sir Stuart Rose, and Michelin starred chef and TV personality, Tom Kerridge who will be on the hunt for a product of high quality and unlike anything else on the market.

The winner of the national competition will secure an exclusive listing at ocado.com and a £10,000 marketing package to promote their product through Ocado’s website, PR and social media channels.

Gouri Kubair, Holy Lama Naturals said, “I am thrilled to be bringing our revolutionary Spice Drops® to the judging panel. Our versatile range of ethically made, 27 natural spice extracts, bursting with intense true flavours can be used for cooking, baking, drinks, sauces and more, at any stage without affecting texture. The moment of inspiration was when I amazed guests by preparing mulled wine in under 5 minutes and everyone wanted seconds and thirds!”

Tom Kerridge, host of BBC’s Proper Pub Food said, “I am really looking forward to the pitch. The products shortlisted all look delicious – I can’t wait to try them! Of course, winning will be a life-changing opportunity for one of them and will be a great opportunity for home cooks across the country to try something new.”

Sir Stuart Rose, Ocado Chairman said, “All of the finalists are hidden gems and it’s going to be a jolly tough decision to pick a winner. In the pitch, each of the shortlisted producers will have to prove the quality of their product and also show flair, passion and excitement for their brand. I will be looking for a product that has the potential to be a big seller but also something original and quirky.”

Britain’s Next Top Supplier builds on Ocado’s history of supporting new, up and coming purveyors including Yorkshire Provender, Muddy Boots, Higgidy and What on Earth. The competition has already given applicants the chance to meet Ocado’s buyers and benefit from expert guidance on how to secure a listing with a large supermarket.

The winning product or range will be announced in March.