Plant-based foods have absolutely exploded in the past few years, but it's still difficult for some to find a plant-based alternative that they love.
At least that was the story of Bree Gaudette, co-founder of Hello Friend Foods.
Ms. Gaudette says after being unsatisfied with the options on supermarket shelves in 2015, she went home to mix her own version of a plant-based cheese.
“I had no formal culinary training, but I had a lot of perseverance. That's why I worked in a café kitchen during the day and experimented in my own kitchen at night, ”she explains.
"After testing and failing many times, I was able to create the product that I couldn't find on the shelves."
One day, Ms. Gaudette called an Uber, unaware that she was going to meet her future business partner, Matthew Ronalds.
“Matthew picked me up as a passenger when he was driving for Uber.
Bree Gaudette
"We became quick friends and when I asked if he would like to start a vegan cheese business with me, he enthusiastically agreed."
Ms. Gaudette manages social media and customer relationships, while Mr. Ronalds uses his spreadsheets and systems skills to figure out how to build the back end and keep the business going.
Hello Friend Food was launched in 2018, supplying both vegans and non-vegans with hand-made cheese from their commercial kitchen in Cheltenham, Victoria.
Mr. Ronalds says: “We supply retailers, cafes and caterers with first class vegan cheese. We also sell directly to customers from our online shop, which allows us to continue serving our community across Australia during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. "
Their products are free from lactose and palm oil, without gluten or nuts – which distinguishes them from other vegan nut-based cheeses.
Growth of the Hello Friend Food Revolution
Hello Friend Foods has launched a crowdfunding campaign for stocks through Birchal.
Robin Holt from Birchal says: “The dairy-free industry is booming and showing no signs of slowing down. Hello Friend Foods' products are a perfect fit for this market and we are very excited to be able to offer Australian investors this opportunity.
To register interest in an investment, please visit: birchal.com/company/hellofriend.
Visit the Hello Friend Food website to find out more about their offerings.
