Former Innocent food boss secures £1.25m Lloyds funding for Bõl Food range

The former head of food at Innocent has secured funding from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking to launch new range of healthy quick cook meals.

The Yorkshire Mid Markets team has provided working capital facilities worth £1.25m to Powder Bowl Trading.

Paul Brown, who previously led Innocent’s food division since 2008, is heading the newly-founded business which has launched a range of veg and noodle pots under a new brand of Bõl Foods.

Consisting of ten products inspired by cuisine from across the globe, the new range includes four Noodle Bõls, four Vegetable Bõls and two Superfood Bõls, and are stocked in Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Ocado.

The launch of Bõl Foods follows the news that Innocent announced it was ceasing its food production arm in March 2015 to focus on drinks.

Paul Brown, founder of Powder Bowl Trading, said: “Bõl has been launched to shake up ready meals with fresh flavours and textures, and bring innovation to a category largely dominated by own label. While similar in format and appearance to Veg and Noodle Pots, the meals have been developed by a new team of chefs and are manufactured by a new supplier.

“Bõl’s plan is to constantly innovate and push the boundaries – the world is full of incredible dishes we can take inspiration from and make part of our range. We also want customers to get involved and contribute to the evolution of the brand, as we’re pretty sure our flavours will inspire and excite them.”

Adam Barraclough, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, added: “We have worked with the Innocent brand since the early 2000s and this development is a fantastic opportunity to support a new and innovative company with investment.

“It has been fantastic to see the commitment of Paul Brown and his team to ensuring the success of Bõl Foods and we look forward to supporting them further develop the brand in the ready meal market.”