Member Article

Nim’s looks to raise £20k on Tesco ‘BackIt’

A Kent entrepreneur will become one of the first food companies in the country to raise finance on a new Crowdfunding platform launched by one of the UK’s largest supermarkets.

Nim’s Fruit Crisps, set up by Nimisha Raja in 2014, is looking to secure £20,000 of funding from Tesco’s new ‘BackIt’ campaign, which encourages individuals and investors to support new and exciting food and drink businesses.

The former coffee shop owner is hoping that the nation’s increasing desire to discover healthier snacks will help her reach the target, with the money raised being directed into launching a new children’s range.

This will include dedicated packaging, the introduction of new varieties like carrots and courgettes and an extensive marketing campaign to turn interest from high street and online retailers into approved stockists.

The campaign kicks-off today and is looking for people to pledge their support, starting from as little as £5 and going up incrementally to larger figures of £120, £200, £1000, £1200 and £2000.

In return, you will receive different rewards as a ‘thank you’ and these range from trying the Nim’s Kids Range before it launches and a 12-month subscription of fruit crisps, to having the unique opportunity for your child to select their own choice of fruit or veg to be produced and sold… along with their names being displayed on the packs.

“We are really excited about this and being part of the first tranche of firms to raise money through such an innovative platform like ‘BackIt’, with all the support and promotion that goes with it,” explained Nimisha, who has won a string of awards for her products.

“Our air dried fruit crisps are different to any other snack on the marketplace and we want our Crowdfunding bid to reflect that. We want it to be fun and get people involved so they are invested in the future success of Nim’s.”

She continued: “It has taken us a long time to come up with the Rewards and we hope they appeal to lots of different people who want to back a product that tastes great, but is also healthy for them and their children.

“We have even put together a pledge for schools, where for £1000/£1200 we will arrange for the ‘Rainbow Fairy’ to put on interactive workshops or a show to educate pupils on the benefits of eating fruit and veg.”

Nim’s fruit and vegetable crisps, which are fat, gluten and dairy free, are manufactured at its bespoke ‘BRC’ accredited facility in Sittingbourne where it is capable of producing over 12 million packs of crisps a year.

They are currently available in eight different varieties, including apple, beetroot and parsnip, pear, pineapple and peppers & courgettes and are just 39 to 77 calories per pack, constituting one of your ‘five a day’.

At the moment, Nim’s are available at www.nimsfruitcrisps.com, as well as other online and independent retailers.

“Our products should not be confused with dehydrated, vacuum fried, freeze dried or chewy baked fruit. The range is made up of thin slices of 100% natural fruit and veg crisps that have been air dried to produce a deliciously authentic ‘crunchy taste’ that adds a sense of fun to healthy eating,” added Nimisha.

Katie Hewitt, New Business Manager at Tesco BackIt, added her support: “This new initiative is giving small food and drink businesses the chance to tell their story, show off their products and campaign for funding to help them grow.

“You can discover and back products you like, choosing from a range of rewards as a thank you for your support. Plus you’ll get that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you make a difference to up and coming brands like Nim’s.”

The ‘BackIt’ campaigns lasts for 60 days and the target has to be reached in full before any money is given over.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Russ Cockburn .