We spoke to Susan Gafsen, Founder and Director, of Pep & Lekker to find out more about their brand!
.png?width=288&height=204&name=P%26L_Logo%2B(3).png)
Tell us more about your company.
At Pep & Lekker we make delicious prebiotic baked seed snack bites that give you energy and support your gut. Our snacks are loaded with 14 all natural allergy free kitchen cupboard ingredients. I came up with this innovative recipe when struggling to find nutritious snacks for my son Henry who had become vegan. It's all in the name 'Pep' as in a pep in your step and 'Lekker' means tasty as no point in making healthy snacks if they underwhelm on taste, but let's get taste from all natural ingredients rather than sugar, salt and sweetener!
Is there a specific product you've particularly proud of and why?
Well all our snacks are based on the same ingredients and I am really proud that with no background in food & drink I have devised a snack that is head and shoulders above others in the market for nutrition. We are a certified prebiotic, cover all 6 plant-based categories with our ingredients, are high in fibre and Omega 3's, a source of protein and magnesium, and low sugar and no added sugar or sweetener. Our snack has recently been approved as a 'menopause friendly' product. So lots to be proud of!!
What do you most enjoy about your business?
Before starting my business I was a lawyer in a large firm, but creating a product that makes a meaningful difference to people's lives really gives me meaning and purpose. Starting the brand in my 50s has given me renewed energy and it is such fun to be meeting new people and learning about a new sector.
For the founder/face of the brand - when not working, what do they enjoy doing?
For my physical and mental health as well as eating the right food exercise is important. I walk my dog twice a day, and enjoy hot yoga, spin and tennis. I have been married for over 30 years and love spending time with my family and 2 boys.
How many people work for the business?
We are a small team but I have some fantastic support from my directors and others when needed.
Who do you sell your products to?
Ocado, Amazon, Eurostar(premium), online and independent health, cafes and farm shops
What are your ambitions for the company?
My ambition is to make our product widely available and mainstream (rather than niche) so that everyone can have the opportunity to eat well and live a full and active life.
What do you think of the free Product Guru platform? What encouraged you to join?
I first came across the platform when we launched our snacks and we attended one of your online events during covid and am now very excited about all the developments to the platform as it gives me access to fantastic buyers and will help to drive awareness of my brand.
Follow Pep&Lekker
