Tesco backs ‘game changing’ Scottish seaweed entrepreneur
Edinburgh-based Mara Seaweed is just one of six UK food and drink brands, and the only one from Scotland, to be included in Tesco’s 2019 Incubator Programme, with Tesco describing the Scottish company’s co-founder as a ‘game-changer’.
Over the past two years, 28 suppliers have participated in the programme, with brands such as Brewdog, Fevertree and Graze going on to become household names.
Mara Seaweed was established in 2013 by Fiona Houston and Xa Milne who first met in 2003 and discovered a shared love of seaweed foraging. Their seaweed flakes are marketed as a healthy alternative to salt.
Fiona Houston, who founded the company in 2013 with Xa Milne, said: “To have been accepted onto the incubator programme is a game-changer for Mara.
“It will allow us to learn from industry leaders and develop our brand and long-term partnership with the UK’s biggest retailer.”
Mara Seaweed selected, along with the other 5 selected businesses, will complete a comprehensive year-long programme that includes advice and guidance on marketing products effectively, responding to Tesco customer insight, as well as tips and mentorship from Tesco’s product team.
The six participants in the food and drinks category include the probiotic Kefir food company, Biotiful; seaweed products manufacturer, Mara Seaweed; vegan and free-from food brand, Just Love Food Company; natural and sparkling water business, Ugly Drinks; meal-kit maker, SimplyCook; and brewer, Thornbridge.
