67. Bare Naked Foods

Founder: Ross Mendham
Founded: November 2011 (launched March 2013)
Website: www.barenakedfoods.co.uk

On a diet and unable to eat pasta and rice but frustrated with the lack of other options, Ross Mendham decided to create his own. Fast forward to 2016 and low-carb alternatives have become big business, with gluten-free food brand Bare Naked Foods one of the companies leading the charge.

The business specialises in low-carbohydrate, gluten-free noodles, pastas, rice and ready meals and currently sells its wares in Morrisons, Holland & Barrett, GNC, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Musclefood and even exports to Dubai and South Africa. In 2011, Bare Naked Foods received a boost when it successfully secured £60,000 investment from Peter Jones on Dragons’ Den to gear up for its official launch in early 2013.

The noodles are derived from the Konjac plant – a type of yam that’s naturally low-carb, gluten-free, sugar-free and low calorie – and so are not just good for dieters but also for those with a gluten intolerance or diabetes.

Mendham has big plans for the next 12 months including the launch of a new range of ready meals featuring a “patented pouch design” and trying to secure distributors in the US, Canada and Europe. Currently on course to achieve £1m in revenues for 2016, the entrepreneur is targeting £5m, with £1m net profit in three years’ time. Driven by a founder with a story many can relate to and who’s clearly hungry for success, Bare Naked Foods is one to watch.