A Liverpool-based pet food company specialising in the raw diet, Mersey Raw, has announced plans to expand its operations in the retail sector. This comes on the back of the company’s founder Ben McIntyre becoming a finalist in the prestigious Entrepreneurs Awards, organised by The Entrepreneurs Circle.
The Entrepreneurs Awards will be handed out at the annual Convention which will be held at the ICC in Birmingham from 9-10 September and will host 1,200 people who will be given the opportunity to network and listen to a range of business and celebrity speakers. A gala evening will be hosted by Irish comedian Dara O’Briain on the first night when the awards will be handed out.
Ben, who started out in the food industry working in a factory environment and then progressing to be a Lead Engineer for the Port of Liverpool development, Liverpool 2, has used his ambitious drive to create Mersey Raw.
Ben said: “I did not initially set out to start a Raw Dog Food company. I simply created raw minces for my own dogs, (Luna a four-year old German Shepherd and Pluto a five-year old French Bull Dog,) and then family and friends asked me to do the same for them and then from there it really started to grow. A local shop was given samples and immediately placed an order which meant I had to get approval from DEFRA, register with the local council and secure premises to start supplying our products. It took around four months to achieve this. That is how Mersey Raw was born. We now have a portfolio of 90 shops and a direct customer base of over 7,000
“The quality of our products are unrivalled on the market along with the service we provide with next day delivery seven days a week directly To Your Door and the convenience of resealable fridge safe, environmentally friendly and recyclable packaging, we take all the hassle and worry out of feeding your dog a raw diet from quality products to quality service.”
Mersey Raw has now set out ambitious plans to increase its retail side embarking on a re-brand and a trade marketing and PR campaign. “Our ideal stockist is one who wants to push the best products based on quality not just margin. If pushed our products move incredibly well and retain strong customer retention. Our stockist is one who works alongside us, gives us valuable feedback and isn’t afraid to pick up the phone. We will work together to have a mutually beneficial relationship,” added Ben.
With an impressive 300% growth rate from Year 1 to Year 2 and with sales hitting nearly £1 million, Mersey Raw has certainly got off to a flying start. They offer an impressive range of boneless and complete mince recipes as well as natural treats using quality human grade meats such as chicken, pork, lamb, beef, venison, turkey, rabbit, duck, tripe, goose and even goat. Customers can buy single varieties or in bundle packages. They also offer fish as well in their treat range. There is something there for even the fussiest dog or sensitive of tummies.
Ben said: “Our goals for the future are to expand our network and our database. We plan to feed as many dogs as possible a raw diet not just a basic diet but a quality nutritional advanced diet removing all harmful and unnecessary ingredients from their food. We will build a community of passionate dog owners leading the way in the world of nutrition.”
For further information visit: www.merseyraw.com
