YourZooki secures £950,000 funding package from Investec
The UK nutrition brand has reported a spike in sales and market demand for its liposomal vitamin C, omega-3, and CBD supplements
YourZooki, a British manufacturer of all-natural liposomal vitamin C, omega-3, and CBD supplements, has secured a £950,000 funding package from Investec to fulfil a significant spike in sales and market demand.
Headquartered in Blackpool, YourZooki uses patented technologies, including encapsulation and liposomal delivery systems, to create the products it brings to market.
YourZooki claims its products can help combat fatigue, increase collagen production and bolster the immune system.
Products are sold through global distribution partners, including Harrods, Holland & Barrett, Wholefoods and Selfridges. The company has a direct-to-consumer channel on its website, and ships products across the UK and 14 other countries in Europe.
YourZooki said the cash injection from Investec will support stock increase, maintain high levels of service for the coming months, and position the business for the next phase of growth.
Sean Thompson, regional director at Investec, said: “Coronavirus has hit businesses hard, but for many businesses, there are real opportunities amid the disruption – and with the right support, companies like YourZooki are able to make the most of them.”
Sales and demand in upward trend
With an increasingly health-conscious customer base, YourZooki has seen a significant peak in sales during the UK lockdown period.
Marcus Mollinga, Yourzooki’s co-founder, explained: “Covid-19 has acted as a significant driver of demand for our business. Consumers are a lot more health-conscious, prioritising their physical and mental state more than ever before, and our sales are soaring as a result.”
For Mollinga, having the network and support to increase stock and maintain high levels of service is crucial to benefit from the upward trend in demand.
“With the help of Investec and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme initiative, we’ve been able to deal with the extraordinary trading conditions that have accompanied the pandemic,” said Mollinga. “The business is excelling in this very dynamic market environment and that will only accelerate in the future.”
YourZooki is now looking to expand overseas and extend its international distribution network further.
The company also revealed that it is gearing up for the launch of a new range of liquid-based liposomal supplements formulated to increase cellular absorption of vitamins. The products are due to hit the shelves in September this year.
“YourZooki has a credible business model and has proven itself through an extraordinary challenging period,” said Investec’s Thompson. “It has been a real privilege to work with co-founders Marcus and Jack on this latest phase of growth, and I look forward to seeing what the company achieves in the coming months.”
A Rosebud Fund-backed company, YourZooki has received £300,000 in funding to date through the fund, which is managed by GC Business Finance on behalf of Lancashire County Council.
The company said the investment has helped to increase warehouse capabilities and create four new jobs in the Lancashire region, which led to increasing turnover four-fold and invest in new stock for in-demand products.
