LONDON: Morag Pavich from Glasgow 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.
Morag entered Mo’s Cookie Dough, a ready to bake at home cookie mix. Mo’s Cookie Dough caught the judges’ eye because of its ‘fresh from the mixing bowl flavour’, natural ingredients and home-baking convenience.
Morag will now head to London to deliver a ‘Dragons’ Den’ style business pitch to a panel of experts including retail legend, 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.
Morag Pavich, Mo’s Cookie Dough said:
I am delighted that Mo’s Cookie Dough is in with a chance of being stocked at Ocado. Our brand stands for convenience and quality. We use only premium, all-natural ingredients, including real Scottish butter. My product makes baking delicious homemade cookies quick, convenient, and fun to do, for even the busiest families.”
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.