A healthy pet food brand called Scrumbles will soon be available in selected Co-op stores after the owners appeared on BBC’s Dragon’s Den.
Aneisha Soobrooyen and Jack Walker from Market Harborough, in Leicestershire, were inspired by their cat Boo, when it made a miraculous recovery from severe digestive problems after being prescribed a probiotic paste.
Making the most of Aneisha’s background in natural sciences and Jack’s experience in the food industry, the couple created a whole range of 100 per cent natural products for their furry friends.
The husband and wife team were invited to pitch to the BBC Two Dragons – which aired this month – following an interview with BBC Radio Leicester.
The pair went on the show looking for £60,000 in exchange for a 10 per cent stake in the business.
They said getting an investment from the Dragons - particularly businesswoman and dog-lover Deborah Meaden - would be a game-changer for them.
But to the surprise of both the dragons and viewers, they rejected her offer of £60,000 for 20 per cent of the business.
Although they "really liked her" they decided it was more than they wanted to give.
Now Central England Co-op has announced that it will be stocking Scrumbles Products in some of its stores.
The brand is also sold on online platforms such as Ocado and Amazon.
Jack said: “We always wanted to start our own business, we just weren’t sure what that would be.”
The big idea came about after the couple finally found a solution to their cat Boo’s sensitive stomach.
Overnight, the cat “went from a grumpy little kitten to a loving pet,” Jack said.
Aneisha said: “We’re really excited to be working with Central England Co-op – we love their business ethos and their drive to support local businesses.
“Serving cats and dogs with gut friendly food that’s kind to tummies and to the planet is our mission and being able to pick of Scrumbles from your local Central England Co-op makes this possible for thousands more.”
Scrumbles offers a range of healthy, guilt-free meals and treats that were developed in the pet owners’ own kitchen.
It has B Corp certification, which means the business aims to have a positive impact on the environment and the communities it serves.
Central England Co-op buyer Jennifer Hargreave said: “We are delighted to work with a business like Scrumbles which not only offer great homemade products, but which also share common values with ourselves and sustainability and concert for the environment.”
Scrumbles products will be available in selected Central England Co-op food stores from Monday, September 2.
