Yuyo has reported growing sales for its range of organic infusions made with South American super herb, yerba mate, coming hot on the heels of the Bath-based producer announcing a new listing with Selfridges this spring. Having carved out a new category for its energising alternative to tea and coffee since taking The Seed Fund's annual prize in 2015, Yuyo is now available from the likes of Ocado, Whole Foods Market and Planet Organic, as well as many other independent retailers across the UK.

Since coming through The Seed Fund Academy, a philanthropic project set up to help food and drink start-ups turn their big ideas into big business, founders Rosie Marteau and Charles Grummitt have wasted no time in shaking up the UK's hot drink scene with yerba mate's clean, green caffeine hit without the crash. With support from The Seed Fund's mentors in areas such as a distribution, finance and retail, as well as a rebrand led by The Seed Fund's founder, Jayne Noblet from The Collaborators, Yuyo has made its way into delis, farm shops and food halls. Export trade has also flourished, with the products now available in nine different countries, including the USA, Canada, Germany and France.

Remaining true to the passion and principles that led them to begin their voyage in yerba mate following a trip to South America, Rosie and Charles now source their leaves from a sustainable and organic permaculture project in Brazil. Partnering with Berlin and Brazil-based Meta Mate, Yuyo is currently working towards a longer term strategy to secure livelihoods and protect forests where this awakening herb is grown. Going full circle, Rosie has also joined The Seed Fund's panel of industry mentors, sharing her own experiences with this year's class of fledgling food and drink entrepreneurs.

Six different Yuyo infusions, as well as a loose leaf pure yerba mate, are available to purchase from independent retailers across the UK, as well as online at www.yuyo.co.uk. RRP £4.35 per pouch of 14 bags.

ENDS

For more press information or images, please contact Sam Brice at Freshly Ground PR on 07961635960 or email sam@freshlygroundpr.co.uk.

Notes to editor

The Seed Fund

Established in 2013, The Seed Fund is an entirely philanthropic project supported by branding and marketing consultancy, The Collaborators, and Great Taste, the world's most coveted food awards, set up to help fledgling food and drink businesses to grow and flourish. Each year, 12 ambitious start-ups from across the UK are enrolled into The Seed Academy, an intensive programme run over the summer months and hosted by hand-picked industry experts, including Renée Elliott, founder of Planet Organic, John Farrand from the Guild of Fine Food, top baker, Tom Herbert, and Emma Murphy from Sourced Market.

Offering an insight into all areas of business, from brand design and marketing to distribution and finance, Academy members benefit from invaluable advice and support, before pitching for The Seed Fund's annual prize. The winner is selected by The Seed Fund's panel of mentors and receives a further year of business support, brand development and on-going guidance from industry experts, a prize estimated to be worth over £100,000.

Previous winners include:

2017: FIREPOT by Outdoorfood www.outdoorfood.com 

2016: Adam's Chocolate www.adamschocolates.com

2015: Yuyo – Yerba Mate beverages www.yuyo.co.uk

For more information about The Seed Fund, visit www.theseedfund.co.uk.