Pioneering ready meal start-up hungry for expansion with seven-figure investment
Personalised ready meal start-up Field Doctor, based in Bath, has raised a “substantial seven figure sum” to help accelerate its launch into the B2B sector.
The financing from Perfect Redd and the South West Investment Fund will fuel the growth of its chef-made, science-driven meals, maintaining its rapid growth in D2C (direct-to-consumer) sales and taking it into other health markets.
The company said the news signalled that an appetite for quality, nutrition-forward ready-made meals at home continued to grow with UK consumers, who were seeking quick and easy ways “to look after their bodies and their minds from the inside out post-pandemic”.
Martin Dewey, CEO & co-founder of Field Doctor, said: “I’m very excited to close the funding in a tough market with great investors and focus now on making more people aware of our unique offer that really can improve our customers’ lives.
“We believe food can be the best medicine and, as awareness and understanding of this grows rapidly, we can help millions of people improve their or a loved one’s health and enjoy doing it.”
Launched in 2021, Field Doctor’s range is available in meal plans that can be personalised to support the symptoms of health conditions but also manage diets such as gluten-free, lower carb or high protein.
Every Field Doctor meal is designed by its team of expert chefs and dietitians to be nutritionally balanced, and their meals are approved for supply into the NHS. Field Doctor’s low FODMAP meals were the first – and remain the only – range of its type.
Alex Brooks, CCO & co-founder of Field Doctor, said: “We’re on a mission to not only build a brand and business but also to make a difference to the health of the nation. We think about the consumer and the planet and we have ambitious development plans. We’re delighted that Perfect Redd and the South West Investment Fund have backed those plans and that Sarah Wood, Samworth Brother’s technical director, will be joining the board to help us achieve that.”
Matt Browning, investment manager at The FSE Group, appointed fund manager for the South West Investment Fund, added: “Field Doctor has established itself in an expanding market, offering an innovative solution for its audience. its award-winning products offer a unique take on both the ready meal and the healthy food sectors and provide an opportunity to diversify into foodservices markets. We are delighted to support this experienced team as they continue to grow the business.”
