PLANET Kuku, the company behind the creation of a Middle Eastern frittata-style delicacy, supplying to various outlets including Lomond Food Group, Margiotta, Real Foods and cafes sees a increase in turnover from £37k to £90k in two years, expected to rise to £200k in 2020, and expands into larger premises, thanks to support from organisations including Business Gateway Edinburgh.
Edinburgh-based founders Mat Noniewicz and Maria Janowczyk, began making their unique dish, known as Kuku, which is 100% vegan, using chickpeas, flour, water and Scottish cold-pressed rapeseed oil, in their home in 2015 and selling at various markets and food events.
In 2017 they moved into a shared commercial kitchen which helped increase productivity from 15,200 products in 2017 to 37,000 in 2019, allowing them to take on a full-time member of staff to help meet demand.
This resulted in the requirement for an even larger site which the company has recently secured in Portobello at Telferton Industrial Estate, covering 1800 sq ft, providing the capacity to target more food suppliers, shops and cafes across Scotland.
Business Gateway Edinburgh has helped the business at various stages including start-up assistance, network building, workshops and ongoing 121 growth advice, resulting in securing various grants from other business support organisations.
Mat said: “We are delighted with the growth of Planet Kuku, especially over the last year, which is thanks to many organisations who have helped us along the way including Business Gateway Edinburgh.
“Having our own advisor has been instrumental in our ability to expand into new premises and successfully grow the company.
“Every business has a steep learning curve, however, it’s been great for us to have someone at the end of the phone or face-to-face that we can call upon for advice on everything from licenses to growing the team and getting the right premises to marketing the company, which we are very grateful for.”
Susan Harkins, Head of Business Gateway Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to be able to help Planet Kuku to grow their business with ongoing support in many different areas, including 121 mentorship, research and network building.
“They have carved out a fantastic niche product which is guaranteed to continue to grow and be a huge success.”
Business Gateway Edinburgh provides expert support and guidance to new and existing businesses, including free advice from experienced business advisers to help start-ups and growth businesses planning to expand or find new ways of doing business.
Free resources include workshops and seminars covering everything from marketing and finance to HR and e-commerce.
