Ocado has crowned Hiver – maker of a craft beer brewed with honey called The Honey Beer – as the winner of its Next Top Supplier competition.
Hiver wins a listing with Ocado and a £10,000 marketing package to help the brand promote itself on Ocado’s website and through PR and social media.
The beer is the brainchild of London resident Hannah Rhodes, who won after delivering a winning Dragon’s Den-style business pitch to a panel of experts including Ocado chairman Sir Stuart Rose and TV chef Tom Kerridge.
Rhodes found the inspiration for Hiver Beers after attending an urban beekeeping course.
“Once I’d tried a few honey beers, I felt that there was a lot more that could be done and so I set about developing a recipe that really showcased the honey and its story through a great-quality beer,” she said. “It was so exciting to pitch to Sir Stuart Rose and Tom Kerridge and can’t believe I’ve won!”
Sir Stuart Rose said all the finalists were hidden gems, but Hiver Beers stood out among them,
“Hannah and her Hiver Beers had it all – an intriguing back story, a passion for the industry, a great-tasting, quirky product and one that will hopefully fly out of the Ocado warehouse,” he said.
Other finalists were West Indian-inspired ready meal brand Adunni Foods; Lushice alcohol sorbets; spice extract brand Holy Lama Naturals; and Mo’s Cookie Dough.
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