Puma VCTs have invested in LOVE CORN, a leading UK snack brand
Puma VCTs have invested in LOVE CORN, a leading UK snack brand sold in over 20,000 stores across the UK and US.
The funding will help build brand awareness and accelerate further expansion in the UK and US markets. LOVE CORN was recognised as the UK’s fastest-growing snack brand in 20241 and The Grocer UK’s SME Brand of the Year 20242 and has received thousands of positive reviews across Google, Amazon and many other retailers.
With savoury snacks now the largest and fastest growing category in food & beverage (F&B), LOVE CORN has grown rapidly since launching in 2016 and is now sold in 5,000 stores in the UK, including Sainsburys, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Ocado, WHSmith and Boots and 15,000 stores in the US including Whole Foods, Publix, Kroger and Target. It also sells online via Amazon and TikTok Shop and can be found onboard airlines such as British Airways, American Airlines and United Airlines.
LOVE CORN is a Delicious Crunchy Corn snack made with simple ingredients, delicious flavours, and has a perfect crunch. A popular snack in the Mediterranean diet, LOVE CORN is made with whole crunchy corn kernels (right off the cob), is low calorie, non-GMO, kosher, gluten free and vegan certified. Their best-selling flavours include Sea Salt, BBQ, Sweet & Salty and Hot & Spicy.
The business is led by co-founders, the McCloskey family - Gavin, Missy and Jamie - who have significant experience in the sector, having previously founded Nourish Snacks. LOVE CORN was founded around their kitchen table in London in 2016 and launched in USA in 2019.
Puma VCTs also backed Lucky Saint, the UK’s number one dedicated alcohol-free beer brand in late 2023.
Jamie McCloskey, Co-Founder of LOVE CORN, commented:
"Over the past 8 years, LOVE CORN has established itself as a family favourite snack. Puma have a great reputation among their portfolio, and we are excited to partner as we look to build brand awareness, drive consumer trials, launch new products and win with consumers in the UK and USA. We’re excited to grow together."
Mark Lyons, Investment Director at Puma Growth Partners, added:
“This was an opportunity for us to back a passionate team of founders and a market leading business that is well positioned to capitalise on the expanding market for consumers seeking healthier snack alternatives.
“With strong growth in the UK and US and well-developed distribution channels with leading retailers there is huge potential to grow and expand the business further. We’re looking forward to supporting the business on their next stage of growth."