Getting ahead in the food business

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Getting ahead in the food business

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Monday, March 30, 2015 · 6:30 - 9:30pm GMT+1

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

Learn how to stop worrying and love the food industry

You don't need a background in the food industry to launch a successful comestible. Ask Jim Cregan, founder of the Jimmy's Iced Coffee brand, which in less than three years has gone from being a backroom experiment in a Dorset cafe to a recognised, celeb-endorsed brand stocked by Tesco, Ocado and Whole Foods. Now, at this inspiring event, Jimmy explains the basics of setting up a food business for the novice entrepreneur.

This lively evening explains, in plain English, what to expect when setting up a new foodie business. You'll learn not just how to find suppliers and stockists, but also how to deal with them, what to expect from them, and what questions you should ensure you ask them. All aspects of starting a business, building a brand and marketing your products will be explored, with the benefit of Jim's personal experience and vast reserves of enthusiasm. Come along and find out how a bit of elbow grease can make the impossible easy to achieve.

This course is for you if...

  • You have an ambition to launch a food product but don't know where to start
  • You've already developed a food product you think is commercially viable, but find bringing it to market a daunting prospect

Course description

This large-scale evening seminar explains the fundamentals of launching a food business – from product development to marketing a brand through social media – explaining best practice in the industry, and some of the more common pitfalls. Topics covered include:

  • How to get your product right
  • How to find (and win over) stockists for your product
  • Presentation tips that work
  • Financing and investment
  • Marketing and PR

Tutor profile

Jim Cregan went to Oz after getting fed up of UK winters. During his trip, he found the phenomenon of ready-to-drink iced coffee. After returning home to the UK, he realised that nobody made anything close to what he had on his travels and decided to make his own. He teamed up with his sister Sooz, and formed Jimmy's Iced Coffee in November 2010. Five months later they sold their first carton in Selfridges. Since their launch, they've gained listings with Tesco, BP, WHSmith, Waitrose, Budgens, Welcome Break and Ocado. Their strap line is 'Keep Your Chin Up' and is the foundation of what Jimmy's is all about.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

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