Flourishing food businesses thank University centre of excellence for support
Two food businesses are flourishing after receiving expert support from the University of Chester.
NoWFOOD – based at the University’s Exton Park campus – offers a comprehensive package of expertise for young food businesses, as well as research and support for established food and drink manufacturers.
Two of these businesses, Root2Ginger and Sam Joseph Chocolates, have worked with NoWFOOD and are going from strength to strength.
Manchester-based Root2Ginger, founded in 2021, makes authentic organic ginger drinks influenced by founder Deanne Blake’s Caribbean heritage. Root2Ginger has been using the facilities at NoWFOOD since 2022 and has been able to upscale production from a homestart up to manufacturing. NoWFOOD has provided the business with advice, support and the space to perfect and upscale recipes and develop manufacturing techniques.
In June 2025, Deanne pitched to Fortnum & Mason as part of their Fortnum & Makers open call competition to celebrate British craftsmanship. This was the first time the prestigious store had opened its doors to artisan makers and the Root2Ginger team was excited to be selected as one of the winners out of several hundred entrants. This led to Root2Ginger products being stocked in Fortnum & Mason for over three months, their drinks being featured in the store’s events, and a showcase window in Piccadilly.
As a result, Fortnum & Mason has retained Root2Ginger as a permanent listing. This significant achievement comes on top of all Root2Ginger products earning two-star and three-star Great Taste awards from The Guild of Fine Food, as well as a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot with excellent customer feedback.
Deanne said: “NoWFOOD has been invaluable in upscaling our production and giving us confidence to amend recipes and problem solve issues with manufacturing on a larger scale. We have been able to work side by side with Ian Dawson the site manager, who has been a constant source of advice and support.
“We have developed production skills and are confident in the use of machinery required to make our products. We have ordered commercial equipment to make our products and NoWFood were on hand to advise regarding the suitability of the equipment and received delivery.”
Deanne added that NoWFOOD had also assisted on food safety training and manufacturing skills, which led to a positive inspection by Cheshire East Council, and successfully obtained certification with the Organic Food Federation with support from NoWFOOD.
Deanne concluded: “We are so grateful that NowFOOD has been such a significant part of our journey.”
Another food business given NoWFOOD support is Sam Joseph Chocolates, which was founded by husband-and-wife team Sam and Claire and who both have a background as pastry chefs in hotels and restaurants. Their shared passion for chocolate led them to start the business in 2014.
Initially selling handmade chocolates and confections at artisan farmers markets, they soon became permanent residents at Altrincham (Alty) Market. Being based in the NoWFOOD building since 2023, they have made their chocolates in their Chester production kitchen and recently opened another store inside Chester Market, where visitors will find a range of handmade chocolate truffles, chocolate-dipped honeycomb, hot chocolate mixes and much more.
Claire Pugh, co-owner of Sam Joseph Limited, said: “We used to make our handmade chocolates on site at Alty Market but quickly outgrew the space. We couldn’t believe our luck when we found the kitchen unit at NoWFOOD. It was perfect for our needs and ready for us to move our equipment in to and start making straight away.
“The facilities are brilliant and being here has allowed us to grow our business further and open a second shop in Chester Market, alongside progressing with our online shop.”
Ian Dawson, Kitchen Manager at NoWFOOD, said: “There’s nothing more rewarding for us at NoWFOOD than celebrating our clients’ success. Their thriving food businesses are a true testament to the expertise, support, and kitchen facilities we’re proud to offer.”
Main image: Left, Claire and Sam Pugh of Sam Joseph Chocolates. Right, Deanne Blake of Root2Ginger.
Image 2: Root2Ginger being stocked at Fortnum & Mason.
Image 3: Sam and Claire Pugh of Sam Joseph Chocolates outside Chester Market, where they have a stall.