86. Bold Bean Co.

Kitchen Table Award Winner

For the entrepreneurs who spotted a gap in the market, and through sheer determination and little-to-no initial funding, have delivered a disruptive business idea.

Startups 100: Kitchen Table Award

Founders: Amelia Christie-Miller and Ed Whelpton
Founded: 2021
Website: boldbeanco.com

While studying abroad in Spain – admittedly a little hungover from a night out on the pueblo – Amelia Christie-Miller, cofounder of Bold Bean Co, found herself eating creamy heirloom butter beans straight out of a jar.

We’ve all been there. But while most of us would have then done the customary thing of falling asleep on the sofa, Amelia never stopped thinking about that delicious butter bean snack. “My little legume appreciation had turned into a full-on obsession,” she recalls.

It wasn’t just about the taste. Amelia was struck by the value of legumes in food sustainability. As the world becomes increasingly environmental-conscious, the future of plant-based consumables looks bright. So far, the focus has been on meat-alternatives like Beyond Burger. But natural ingredients like chickpeas as a protein source have so far bean underexplored – until now.

Natural ingredients like chickpeas as a protein source have so far bean underexplored - until now.

After three years of working in the food sustainability space with top London chefs, Amelia spotted a gap in the market for premium, locally-farmed beans. She and cofounder Ed Whelpton decided to launch Bold Bean Co – artisan products which are sustainably-sourced and -packaged for a purchase that’s good for your tastebuds and the planet.

“I realised that beans will change the world,” says Amelia. “Someone just needs to start spreading the gospel.”

After three years of working in the food sustainability space with top London chefs, Amelia spotted a gap in the market for premium, locally-farmed beans.

In just one year, the startup has won listings in Planet Organic, Selfridges, Gorillas, and Waitrose and secured undisclosed investment from “legends” in the food and drink industry.

Aiming for international expansion in 2023, the startup is aiming to boldly go where no bean company has gone before. We’ll be following its journey closely!