In just four years, SWIG Finance customer Yumello has transitioned from a start-up to an established national business with its products stocked in some of the UK’s biggest retailers.

The fast-growing health and wellness brand produces a range of nut butters through an ethical supply chain in Morocco which supports the Berber community, an indigenous people of North Africa renowned for using simple, natural ingredients to produce bold flavours.

 

SWIG supported business owners Omar Elhajji and Esther Lopez with a Start Up Loan to launch the business back in 2016 and again in 2020, with a further investment to support the growth of the business, through a loan backed by Triodos Bank.

Yumello has since raised further growth investment through its own online community, which has helped it to accelerate sales targets and business growth.

The Bristol- based business has its roots in the Atlas Mountains, where the idea was conceived. Omar and Esther’s paths crossed while they were trekking and having both been inspired by the Berber approach to food, they decided to blend this game-changing approach into their nut butters.

To help generate positive social impact in rural Morocco, Yumello work closely with partner organisation, Targanine, to empower Berber women by creating sustainable employment, ensuring labourers are paid fairly and providing education opportunities for the farmers. All Yumello products are manufactured in the UK in a CO2 neutral facilities.

Looking forwards, Yumello are looking to invest in growth initiatives, building the marketing team and new product development.

Business owner, Omar Elhajji said “SWIG has played an important role in building our brand, as with their funding we were able to take the company from concept to national distribution with more than 1000 outlets and some great stockists like Ocado and Holland and Barrett. Right now we are growing at 500% YoY and we are now raising investment to take the business to the next stage and accelerate our growth even further.

I have to say, the process was straightforward and easy, I had a meeting with Nicola, our loan manager, she was always very supportive and keen to understand the business needs and to help us grow.”

Yumello’s dedicated business manager, Nicola Mapp, commented “At SWIG, we love to see our customers flourish. Omar and Esther have created an inspiring venture with fantastic products which are now being stocked with national retailers. We were delighted to support their journey and are really excited to see what the future holds for them”.

About SWIG Finance

SWIG Finance is the South West’s leading Community Development Financial Institution. We are passionate about bringing social and economic benefits to people and places in the South West.

We do this by providing support and finance to Startups and growing SMEs that can create and secure employment opportunities.

As the South West’s leading delivery partner for Start Up Loans UK, we can provide startup loans from £500 – £25,000. For more information visit https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/start-up-loans/

We also have loans from £10,000 to £250,000 available to South West SMEs who cannot access sufficient funding from their bank https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/funds-available/

For an informal discussion about your funding requirements, get in touch with our friendly and professional team to find out how we can help: info@swigfinance.co.uk / 01872 227 932.