London based Lickalix has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube to help it raise £225,000 towards the national expansion of its gourmet ice lolly business.
Established in May 2014 by Karis and Dominic Gesua, Lickalix spotted a gap in the market for natural and healthy ice lollies and successfully launched a range of products over the summer. In the first week of its crowdfunding campaign, the company attracted more than 50 investors and achieved 15% of its target.
“The ice cream, frozen yogurt and frozen treats market in the UK is worth more than £1.1bn but there are limited healthy options available,” explained Dominic. “With consumers increasingly looking for food products that are lower in sugar and fat and free from additives but that still taste delicious, ice lollies need to move with the times. We’ve already seen how frozen yogurt has taken off as a healthier alternative to ice cream… why not ice lollies too?”
By teaming up with Crowdcube, Lickalix is planning to attract investors so that it can open its own production facility, expand its team and launch four wholesale flavours for nationwide distribution in 2015. The company is offering investors the opportunity to get involved with an ethical, forward-looking start-up that has already established its brand and tested its products in the competitive London market.
Lickalix handmade ice lollies are available in innovative flavours such as mango & raspberry swirl and Caribbean twist. They contain fewer than 62 calories each, less sugar and fat than most popular ice cream, ice lolly and frozen yogurt brands, and are suitable for vegetarians, vegans and people with intolerance to lactose, dairy or gluten.
In line with the company’s social, ethical and environmental principles, Lickalix sources fresh fruit from local producers and wholesale markets, such as New Spitalfields, and endeavours to use organic and fair trade ingredients wherever possible. It employs on a social enterprise basis and minimises food waste by providing leftover produce to feed the pigs at Stepney City Farm.
“We had a really busy summer, getting to know our customers, developing new flavours and building our brand and distribution network across London,” said Karis. “Having sold thousands of lollies, the feedback we got from customers, retailers and key influencers was fantastic. We’re really excited to be working with Crowdcube and look forward to growing our share of this high-value market in 2015.”
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