Flourishing food businesses have thanked a university for its recent support.
Root2Ginger and Sam Joseph Chocolates have credited their recent growth to NoWFOOD, the centre of excellence based at the University of Chester’s Exton Park campus, which helps emerging food businesses grow.
NoWFOOD offers research, technical advice and production support to early-stage businesses, as well as established food and drink manufacturers.
Manchester-based Root2Ginger, launched in 2021 and specialising in organic ginger drinks inspired by founder Deanne Blake’s Caribbean heritage, has grown from a home-based start-up to manufacturing with the help of NoWFOOD’s facilities.
Ms Blake said: "NoWFOOD has been invaluable in upscaling our production and giving us confidence to amend recipes and problem-solve issues with manufacturing on a larger scale.
The support has helped her business move into commercial production, refine recipes and develop manufacturing know-how.
Root2Ginger was selected as one of the winners in the Fortnum & Makers open call competition in June 2025, which led to its drinks being stocked at Fortnum & Mason for more than three months, featured in store events and showcased in a window display in Piccadilly.
Root2Ginger’s full range has received two-star and three-star Great Taste awards from The Guild of Fine Food.
Ms Blake also credited NoWFOOD with helping the company secure certification from the Organic Food Federation.
Sam Joseph Chocolates, founded in 2014 by husband-and-wife pastry chefs Sam and Claire, has also benefited from the centre’s support.
The business began at farmers’ markets and later established a permanent outlet at Altrincham Market before moving production to NoWFOOD in 2023.
It now produces its chocolates at its Chester kitchen and recently opened a shop in Chester Market.
"We couldn’t believe our luck when we found the kitchen unit at NoWFOOD.
"It was perfect for our needs and ready for us to move our equipment in to and start making straight away.
NoWFOOD provides kitchen and production space, technical expertise and advice to help businesses scale up.
Both businesses emphasised the value of specialist guidance and facilities on their journeys from start-up to commercial success.
NoWFOOD continues to work with a range of emerging and established food and drink manufacturers, offering expertise to scale up.
For the full story, see Chester Standard