Fancy a Coffee Without the Coffee?
Ever thought to yourself during a mid-afternoon energy slump, 'well, I need a coffee to liven me up, but I don't want to struggle getting to sleep tonight'. Well, Tricia McNeilly had the exact same problem, and in response launched ötzibrew - a natural, healthy range of coffee alternatives.
Jamie: I love the idea of healthy, natural alternatives to coffee - how did you come up with the concept?
Tricia: I was addicted to caffeine, my sleep was affected and I was getting really bad headaches. I just didn’t want another coffee in the afternoon, nor did I want to drink tea. So I set about creating some natural, healthy coffee alternatives.
Jamie: What makes ötzibrew stand out?
Tricia: It’s ‘coffee without the coffee’ - a head-clearing taste that lifts brain fog, but without the burden of the buzz. Plus it’s in very cool award winning packaging that is sustainable and plastic free.
Jamie: What has been your biggest business challenge so far?
Tricia: Phew, every single day there is a new challenge! Main one at the minute is because we decided not to use any plastic in the tubs, the product clumps. So now I stay awake worrying that the company may fail because we’re trying too hard to be plastic free and more sustainable!
Jamie: Which type of marketing delivers the biggest 'bang for your buck'?
Tricia: Word of mouth has been the best, but it’s difficult to scale. We’re making a big marketing push early next year.
Jamie: Have any of your marketing efforts been a disaster?
Tricia: We did once spend £1000 on a newspaper article that brought us in 1 new customer 😂
Jamie: What's your proudest business achievement to date?
Tricia: Got 2 ‘Free From’ awards straight off the bat for the new products - a bronze award for 'Best Store Cupboard' product and a silver for ‘Most Sustainable and Chic Design’. We also got shortlisted in the ‘Better for You’ category in Food Matters Live.
Jamie: If you could have your time again, what would you have done differently?
Tricia: Take time to breathe!
Jamie: What experience/expertise, if any, did you have before you started the business?
Tricia: Hmm, well I brought a coconut drink to the market back in 2011 just before the trend kicked off - it was a crazy time. I also say here I’ve been eating and drinking for 60 years and that’s gotta count for something!
Jamie: What does future success look like to you?
Tricia: I’ll be able to go to coffee shops all over the world and order an ötzibrew. And customers everywhere will be benefiting from better sleep and improved health!
Why we love it:
Tricia knows exactly who she's picking a fight with, has found a deep, profitable niche, and is leading a crusade for better sleep and improved health, flawlessly executing three of the Renegade Rules:
Rule #1: Pick Fights
Rule #2: Own Your Niche
Rule #6: Lead a Crusade
You can find out more about ötzibrew here: ötzibrew
