A North East couple who run a superfoods business are aiming to secure new contracts with a range of national retailers.
Charlotte Bailey and Sean Ali are the founders of Super U, an online retailer based im Newcastle which specialises in superfood powders that aim to enhance users’ health and wellbeing.
The business was started in 2017 while Ms Bailey and Mr Ali were in their final year of university, but was put on hold in 2018 when Mr Ali was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
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After treatment that included chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Mr Ali was declared cancer-free last summer and the couple were able to continue with the business.
They are currently selling products in organic grocery stores As Nature Intended and Whole Foods, as well as online on Amazon and Selfridges. They are also in talks to secure another contract with a national retailer.
Ms Bailey said: “When we started the business, we spent a lot of time getting it right. We worked with food scientists at the university to develop the product, and we took the products to food fairs and shows to build our brand awareness.
“Things were going really well, and we had a steady stream of orders. But when Sean was diagnosed with cancer, we obviously had to refocus our priorities. Fortunately it was caught very early and was very curable, and we were very lucky.
“When he was given the all clear, we knew we wanted to put more energy in the business and it has flourished. We have been through a lot and have come out the other side, and just want the business to continue to thrive in 2020.”
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Super U has recently launched mushroom products which can be blended into coffees and teas.
The company’s development has seen Ms Bailey and Mr Ali join the NatWest Accelerator on Newcastle’s Quayside, which provides office space, coaching and other support to start-up and larger businesses.
Melissa Beckett, entrepreneur development manager at NatWest, said: “Charlotte and Sean have without question been on an incredible journey that has challenged and tested their resilience as people and as entrepreneurs. Their commitment to Super U is evident and we wish them every success with their business.”