Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has officially opened ‘Herb House’, Pukka Herbs’ eco-themed new offices near Bristol.
The new offices form part of the historic Chocolate Factory (the site of Cadbury’s former chocolate manufacturing operation), in Keynsham. Pukka’s long-term concern for the environment is followed through in some of the design features in the new office. All of the furniture in the Herb House has been hand crafted using recycled materials. Every single piece of timber used in the office refurbishment is reclaimed.
Talking to over 70 VIP guests, the broadcaster and food campaigner, said: “Pukka’s products are great – and I’m a big fan – but it’s their commitment and vision to go beyond the products that most impresses me. And I know how utterly dedicated that Tim and Sebastian are to making positive change in the world.
“Just one of the phenomenal successes of their journey so far, is setting up Fairwild certification. Those of us in the business of feeding people, which we both are, have to acknowledge that we take from the planet – we take crops, we take wild ingredients. Many of the herbs used in Pukka’s teas are harvested in the wild. That’s a huge responsibility. But I’ve never met anyone in business who I could say are as 100% committed to this as Sebastian and Tim. They always go the extra mile to care for the people who grow or harvest their herbs, and the place where they’re grown. That’s why I’m proud to be part of this wonderful gathering here to celebrate the next phase of Pukka’s journey.”
“Those of us trying to create businesses with a lighter touch, and sustainable goals, mustn’t be afraid of growth. We want to get out there and colonize the planet with better businesses, that really care, and want to make a difference!”
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“Those of us trying to create businesses with a lighter touch, and sustainable goals, mustn’t be afraid of growth. We want to get out there and colonize the planet with better businesses, that really care and want to make a difference!”
Pukka Herbs was acquired by Unilever in September 2017, and the company’s co-founders Tim Westwell and Sebastian Pole took the opportunity to emphasize that Pukka’s commitment to put purpose before profit was more important the ever.
“Our mission continues, with greater ambition and purpose,” explained Westwell. “We’re going to do our little bit to help make a big change across the globe. We will carry on championing the power of plants, shouting about organic, promoting fair business and doing all we can to help make the world a better place – whilst helping our customers enjoy lots of amazing Pukka herbal moments”.
In recent weeks, Pukka has appointed a new CEO, Karel Vandamme. Vandamme joins with over 16 years’ experience accelerating growth and scale to businesses in the food and drink industry, but says: “Pukka’s growth over the coming months and years will be based on thoughtful decisions. Growth is inevitable, but we will also use these opportunities to influence and act as beacons for positive change.”
