December 7, 2024

New brand brings exotic dried fruit to the UK market

A fruity new brand, Kooky, has launched a range of exotic snacks to the UK market. Available from today, the products include freeze dried jackfruit, mango and mangosteen, and gently dried banana and dragon fruit. Farmed in Thailand and produced with no added sugar, each product aims to be as nutritious as it is healthy. 

Born out of the founders’ desire to share the beauty of exotic fruits in ways people haven’t experienced before, the Kooky range promises striking colours, deliciously different textures and flavours, and remarkable nutritional benefits. Considered extraordinary wonders of the natural world, exotic fruits have previously been difficult to attain for those without the resources to travel. Now though, thanks to Kooky, these delicacies are both more accessible and affordable.

Dried to keep the goodness inside, Kooky’s range of unusual snacks are 100% fruit, making up one of your five-a-day. Convenient, guilt-free and full of flavour, the snacks are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that will keep customers looking and feeling great whilst allowing them to travel with their taste buds. 

In development for two years, Kooky’s journey began when mothers Aline Burgmann and Deena Tan met while dropping their daughters off at school. What started as regular school-gate natters soon blossomed into a fast and furious friendship. Bonding through their Asian roots and Western upbringings, Aline and Deena found themselves sharing stories and challenges involving their East-West fusion of traditions, cultures and mindsets. Recognising a shared passion for exotic fruit, the duo created Kooky, intending to bring the best fruits of the East to the West by utilising unique relationships with Thai farmers that serve to empower local producers.

Discussing the new venture, Deena said: “Dried fruits come with an extensive shelf-life without compromising on the nutritional value, which is why their consumption is rising – especially amongst health-conscious consumers. Having a love for this type of food ourselves, we noticed a distinct lack of exotic fruit options available within the UK market. Consequently, we have selected a range of fruit that is lesser known and yet just as delicious.

“Our aim is to introduce consumers to a different taste palette and broaden their minds with a variety of uncommon fruits that are beautifully unusual, just like how we are all unique in our own ways. We do this while ensuring the farmers themselves receive fair treatment. Ethical business is core to our beliefs, and this is inherent within the Kooky brand.”

Kooky is also proud to hold a philosophy that goes beyond its product, believing in open-mindedness and diversity in all aspects of life and encouraging people to embrace difference. The brand seeks to embody its values of community, curiosity and kindness throughout its business practices and supports many good causes such as Women for Women International. Devoted to helping women in post-conflict countries rebuild their lives and create a brighter future for themselves and their families, this is a cause that will remain close to Kooky’s heart. 

Discussing their plans for Kooky, Aline added: “Following Kooky’s launch, our focus will be on breaking into new markets and as such are looking to partner with retailers across the UK. We would welcome anyone interested in stocking Kooky to get in touch, and we look forward to introducing you to our pretty unique fruit.”