ALLERGY-FREE BRAND, CREATIVE NATURE WINS TOP FOOD & DRINK AWARD

Allergen free food company Creative Nature has won a top accolade at the West London Business Awards to add to their collection of other well-deserved awards.

Creative Nature has scooped the Food & Drink Business of the Year Award and their apprentice, Ryan Scott also won Highly Commended in the Apprentice/Kickstarter of the Year Award.

The ninth West London Business Awards 2022, which is the largest event of the year for West London business, shone a spotlight on the very best of business across the West London region and celebrated talent, entrepreneurship and resilience to a national and international audience. 

The milestone event in the region’s business calendar was attended by over 500 business people at the black tie Award Ceremony on Thursday February 10 held at Twickenham Stadium.

Founder and CEO of Creative Nature, Julianne Ponan, said: “I am honoured that Creative Nature won in the food & drink category. We could not believe it especially as we were up against stiff competition from a business that has been going for over 115 years. We didn’t think we stood a chance and it felt like a David and Goliath situation! Creative Nature stands for change in the free from industry and delivers top 14 allergen-free products for all to enjoy.”

Creative Nature is based in West Molesey and Julianne came in as CEO of the business ten years ago this year – she was just 22 years old. She reshaped the business turning it into one of the UK’s leading brands in the free-from snack space. 

Her colleague Ryan Scott (19), who won Highly Commended in the Apprentice/Kickstarter of the Year Award was recruited last year on an apprenticeship training scheme to be a store and warehouse operative. 

He said at the time: “I love it here. The people and atmosphere are not only fun, but productive and supportive. I feel good working for a company that cares so much for the wellbeing of allergy sufferers and provides healthy, nutritional snacks and baking mixes that are available to everyone.”

Julianne said: “I am absolutely delighted as the founder of Creative Nature to be able to see our apprentices thrive and get the recognition they deserve. Ryan is a real asset to the team and his ward showcases his progression in the company.”

Julianne started making her own healthy snacks out of frustration at the lack of allergen-free products on the market that weren’t packed with additives. Julianne has severe and life-threatening allergies. She used superfood ingredients to improve the nutrient value and used her then fiancé, Matt, as a guinea-pig to get the flavours right. 

With her team, Julianne has taken her life experience to create products which work for people living with allergies and intolerance. However, the products are popular across the board, as they are also vegan-friendly and lower in sugar.

Creative Nature that has its headquarters in West Molesey offers bars, baking mixes, sweet treats and superfoods, which are free from the top 14 allergens and are vegan friendly and nutritious. Creative Nature products can now be found in supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Co-op and Ocado; High Street retailers like TK Maxx; online at The Vegan Store, Mighty Small and Holland & Barrett as well as overseas across Europe, the Middle East and Far East. 

The company has won numerous awards for both its products and the performance of its team. CEO Julianne Ponan has also been named as one of the Forbes 30 Under 30 to watch. For more information visit https://www.creativenaturesuperfoods.co.uk