Manfood condiments came out on top in Britain’s Next Top Supplier competition
Andre Dang and Jon Honeyball from Cambridge pitched to Lord Stuart Rose and Tom Kerridge, beating hundreds of hopefuls in Ocado’s national search for the next big thing in food & drink
Ocado.com, the online supermarket, has today announced the winner of its annual Britain’s Next Top Supplier initiative: Manfood- a new range of condiments aimed at hungry people wanting instant gratification. The eclectic range of chutneys and pickles, created by Andre Dang, came about as a solution to the lack of good chunky Piccalilli on the market. Manfood will now be exclusively listed and available to purchase at ocado.com and Andre Dang and his partner, Jon Honeyball have been awarded a £20,000 marketing package to promote their products through Ocado’s website, PR and social channels, along with mentoring from last year’s winner, Hannah Rhodes, Founder of Hiver Beers.
Andre entered the range of condiments in the national competition aimed at finding a small British supplier and launching them nationally, giving Ocado’s customers a unique and exclusive product to purchase. Manfood caught the judges’ eye with its New York style branded jars and the unusual flavour combinations including Beer Jellies and Cocktail Jams.
Andre Dang and Jon Honeyball delivered a ‘Dragons’ Den’ style business pitch to a panel of experts including retail legend and Ocado Chairman, Lord Stuart Rose, Michelin starred chef and TV personality, Tom Kerridge and last year’s winner, Hannah Rhodes, Founder of Hiver Beers.
Andre Dang, Manfood said, “Jon and I were a little knock knee’d and nervous pitching to such industry experts, but after a while we settled down and were able to wax lyrical about our range which is so lovingly created. With so many chutneys and pickles on the market, we’re really thrilled that the panel loved our different range of chunky, funky products, and I hope that Ocado
customers will too.”
Tom Kerridge, Chef Patron of The Hand & Flowers said, “I was really impressed by Andre and Jon’s flavour innovation, enthusiasm and unique branding. The entire Manfood range, from taste to packaging, has been carefully crafted and developed. They’re doing something different, which makes them the perfect winner for the competition and I’m sure Ocado.”
Lord Stuart Rose, Ocado Chairman said, “Andre and Jon had an interesting proposition and in a crowded market, their range stood out because of their passion, the products’ great taste and eye-catching branding. It was a really tough decision and the competition was rife this year, with five incredible and unique, undiscovered products but I think Manfood will bring Ocado shoppers something special.”