Mingle Seasoning is helping consumers make the switch to healthier spices for everyday cooking needs. This article was first published in Food & Drink Business September/October 2020.
Three years ago, Mingle Seasoning founder Jordyn Evans looked to shake up the seasoning shelf and introduce a range of spice blends free from preservatives, vegetable oil, added sugar and high amounts of salt.
Now, Mingle Seasoning is launching an additional three flavours to its existing range available in 850 Coles stores nationwide, including Garlic and Herb, Spicy Mexican and All Purpose.
According to global market research Mintel, concerns over ingredient transparency are driving the demand for condiments and seasonings with simpler ingredient lists.
Evans says that she wants people to see cooking as an opportunity to create together, experiment, learn, nourish one another and connect with family.
“Often it takes an extreme event (COVID-19 being one of them) to shake things up, change our behaviours and for us to realign with what’s important to us,” says Evans.
“My mission goes far beyond just selling healthy seasonings, but I’m really passionate about people being more aware of what’s in their food and also reframing the way people look at cooking and not to be burdened by it.”
Initially, Evans had worked with a contract manufacturer in Melbourne to develop the range, but as the business has continued to grow, Mingle Seasoning is now moving into a warehouse as the team looks to take a larger role in the operations in the business.
“There are still some specialist functions outsourced to facilities with the scale to grow with us during this high growth period,” Evans told Food & Drink Business.
“Development is largely kept in house with our NPD team and our main manufacturer is in Melbourne. COVID-19 presented some curveballs for us with manufacturing as we did have one of our fillers close down through Stage 4 restrictions, but we were lucky to have a great contingency plan in place with some interim partners ready to support within a week.”
Evans has partnered with doctors, nutritionists and dietitians to help educate consumers on what to look out for when it comes to spices and seasonings.
In addition to the advocacy from health professionals, Evans has built a following of 60,000, all looking for “a flavoursome brand that gets people excited to create the kitchen”.
Mingle Seasoning is available in more than 1000 stockists Australia-wide and online in cannisters, sachets and seasoning shakers, with Coles stocking five varieties, and Nocelle and Unique Health Products covering the independent market.
The business is also trialling its range in around 20 Woolworths stores across Victoria, with hope to expand to national distribution.
