Artisan food and drink start up Meltedinside.com celebrates its second birthday this month (September).

​From a spark of an idea when she was struggling to purchase local artisan products herself, founder Candy Bowles has created a unique business that is helping both consumers and producers to connect with each other.​

There are now nearly 200 makers featured and around 2,000 products, including sweet and savoury foods, spices, snacks and drinks. Many take inspiration from all across the world and appeal to a real mix of tastes and dietary choices, from vegans to chocoholics. One of the most popular sections is the ‘Free From and Healthy’ category, with makers such as Alexi from Cru8. Alexi first developed products to meet her own health and dietary needs before deciding she could help others with similar challenges and go into production.

​The platform allows makers to tell the stories behind their products through video, podcasts and articles. Consumers can earn loyalty points called ‘Melts’ for each purchase as well as for other activities which can be redeemed against future orders.

​Meltedinside.com’s second anniversary has coincided with expanding the team through the Government’s Kickstart programme. Two young people are now employed to help with digital marketing activities including social media, design and photography.

​Meltedinside.com founder Candy Bowles explains: “Many of our makers are too busy producing delicious products to have time to focus on how they present and market what they make to customers. Along with giving them a content-rich e-commerce portal to use, we work with makers as required to help them tell their stories while achieving growth.​

“Launching a business is always incredibly hard and especially in the first two years. I do feel like I am doing the right thing as my business is helping other smaller businesses to flourish, supporting local community initiatives when we can and now, through the Kickstart programme, I am helping young people to gain valuable experience.”

Recent developments have included Melted Inside’s first export project with 70 British products being shipped to Hong Kong. This is helping makers expand their customer base internationally for the first time. Melted Inside has also been shortlisted in the Best Rural Retail Business category of the regional Rural Business Awards 2021.

“I am also very thankful to both the makers who have chosen to work with us and the team, including the advisors, who have been very patient and supportive to us. Without these people Melted Inside would not have come this far.”

To celebrate this big milestone, Meltedinside.com is offering 20 percent off drinks and bakery items on the site during September. It’s an ideal opportunity to try some new products and support the independent makers.

More about Melted Inside

Meltedinside.com exists to share the love of what artisan makers do every day and the love they put into creating products for shoppers looking to buy real food from real people. If you are an artisan food maker and interested in joining Melted Inside please email artisanteam@meltedinside.com  ​

Melted Inside is a member of the Good Market community - a curated platform that makes it easier to find and connect with social enterprises, responsible businesses and changemakers who are creating a better world. 

ENDS