Duo successfully launch food venture

Two businessmen have made a success of commercialising a Leeds’ restaurant’s popular homemade sauce, which is now sold at 120 Morrisons stores.

Seb McGowan, who opened Viva Cuba on Kirkstall Road 18 years ago, enlisted the support of  his friend and businessman James Homer to jointly launch Viva Cuba Foods and branch into the retail marketplace.

Viva Cuba’s Mojo Sauces come in two main varieties and are a regular feature on the restaurant’s menu. Now it is also stocked on shelves across Morrisons in the north and the duo have also now also agreed deals with retailers including Ocado and Amazon.

The pair have collaborated on numerous projects in the food and drinks industry over the last 20 years. Together they have developed the Mojo Sauce brand to make it retail-ready.

Homer said: “Viva Cuba’s Mojo Sauces are going from strength to strength. We have a whole range of new sauces and products waiting to hit the shelves, and will be spending this year searching for more retailer opportunities.

“With Ocado and Amazon due to start selling Viva Cuba’s Mojo Sauces very soon, the future looks bright.”

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