Eureka moment
We were foraging for fruit, having run out of energy bars during a world record attempt in Brazil for the longest unsupported distance travelled by kite. We realised firstly that indulgent food doesn't have to be bad for you and secondly that we could work well together. On our return, Charlie got in the kitchen to try and make a healthier version of the most indulgent treat - ice cream. After 2,000+ attempts he landed on a recipe that was 1/3 of the calories in regular ice cream, and that according to blind taste tests, tasted every bit as good.
Oppo is now in about 9,000 stores in the UK and Europe including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Ocado. We have become a B-Corp and have earned Great Taste awards as we continue our mission to deliver feel good indulgence that's better for health and planet.
Finance
We went from 0 to 117 Waitrose stores, so needed to raise money quickly for production. Serendipitously, while giving out ice cream in a café below our flat we met the wife of the founder of Seedrs equity crowdfunding platform. Helped by kind family and friends, we went live and hit our funding target in one minute. We have since done two further rounds, the second of which Sir Andy Murray invested in, and are now backed by a private family office who are experienced in the food industry.
Regrets
So many! But we believe everything happens for a reason and helps you to learn.
What would you have changed ?
Bringing on board our current great team of 15 people has been our best decision, and if we could have brought on more experienced people earlier we would have been able to move faster and make better decisions.
For more information visit Oppo Brothers Ice Cream
