Norwich Mustard crowdfunding passes halfway mark
Robert Ashton, left, and Steve Morphew, who together want to launch Norwich Mustard. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2018
A community campaign to keep Norwich's historic mustard industry alive has passed the halfway mark in its seed funding bid.
The Norwich Mustard logo, which has been designed as part of the campaign to retain mustard production in the city. Picture: Norwich Mustard. - Credit: Archant
Norwich Mustard was launched following Unilever's decision to close the historic Colman's Mustard factory in Bracondale by 2019.
Since it was launched last week, the campaign has secured more than £3,000 of its £6,000 initial target.
The company has also unveiled a logo, and organisers are now turning their minds to the practicalities.
READ MORE: Norwich Mustard: New campaign wants YOUR support to continue city's proud history
Robert Ashton, who helped to found the project, said he was racing against time to secure a grower for the business's first crop of mustard, which ideally needed to be planted in March.
He said: 'The first thing is to complete the crowdfunding and get it match-funded, then we need a grower.
'We are keen to get a small crop in: if we can get 100kg in the first year that would be fantastic.'
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Mr Ashton said he had spoken to some likely candidates and was hopeful of securing an order soon.
As well as contributions to the campaign on funding website Crowdfunder Mr Ashton said he had received plenty of support from the public.
'There are people that have a lot of fond memories of Colman's,' he said. 'It was a big family employer and we have had huge support for the brand.'
Two former employees of Colman's have been supporting the project and Mr Ashton said he and fellow founder Steve Morphew were keen to bring in people with experience of the industry once a co-operative had been formed.
He said: 'We have seen the opportunity and will create the business plan but then we need those people that have experience of the market to take it on and make it work as a business.'
The aim of Norwich Mustard is to be a legacy brand rather than competition for Colman's after the company moves its production.
Unilever announced in January that operations would move to Germany and Burton-on-Trent with a smaller mustard milling facility remaining in Norfolk, after site neighbour Britvic confirmed it would also leave.
To support the crowdfunding campaign, click here.
