Nutry Nuts, a Liverpool-based nutritional snack company, has grown significantly following a £70,000 investment from NPIF – GC & River Capital Microfinance, managed by River Capital in partnership with GC Business Finance and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
Specialising in high-protein, reduced-sugar nut butter cups, the investment has facilitated the expansion of its product lines to include five more variations, including pistachio butter, as well as developing a five figure social media presence. The business now aims to expand globally into the United States, with aspirations to become the largest protein nut butter brand in the EMEA.
Created by brothers Mario and Tom Niszler, the pair originally began creating a protein packed, milk chocolate peanut butter cup from their kitchen, as a healthier alternative to a favourite treat. After six months, the pair relocated to a warehouse in Speke to meet growing demand, and the product was relaunched as Nutry Nuts, three weeks before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Since securing a £70,000 investment from NPIF – GC & River Capital Microfinance, Nutry Nuts has launched two new variations of the product, in both white chocolate and dark chocolate. The launch of the products was facilitated through NPIF investment, and it saw a significant boost to the business’ revenue, bolstering its position in the market during a challenging economic period, keeping the business afloat.
The founders attended the Liverpool City Region Angel Network pitching event in 2022, where they secured support to purchase goods for a short-term loan. As a result, Nutry Nuts underwent a remarkable transition and grew its production run by 29% in two months,
Mario Niszler, Co-Founder at Nutry Nuts, said: “As a child, I became wheelchair-bound which had a significant impact on my health and wellbeing. As I recovered, I became interested in nutrition and fitness, which taught me that you can still enjoy treats and fit them into your recommended daily nutritional needs. This is where the idea for the business stemmed from, and I co-founded Nutry Nuts as a healthier alternative to my usual cheat-day treat.
“We cannot put into words how much of a difference the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund has made to us. The number one goal for any start-up is to keep going, even when you’re hit by difficult periods like the COVID-19 pandemic. Attempting to maintain financial stability can take a toll which many SME’s are unable to survive.
“With NPIF, things were different. The fund managers help you from the very beginning and stay with you to see the business grow. The finance is a great benefit, but the support they provide is second to none.”
Sue Chambers at River Capital said: “Throughout each investment, we have witnessed the growth of Nutry Nuts, which is a demonstration of the business’ potential to continue expanding and reach global markets. Its location in Liverpool makes it a great place to attract further investment in the North, particularly in the health and wellness sector. We are proud to have supported Mario and Tom on their journey, and we look forward to continued growth and success in the future.”
Keira Shepperson at British Business Bank, said: “The expansion of Nutry Nuts following its investment is a testament to the impact the right investment at the right time alongside dedicated guidance from NPIF and its fund managers can have. It’s inspiring to hear Mario’s personal story, and to see how a difficult childhood experience can be channelled into creating an innovative product like Nutry Nuts.
“The health and wellness market is more popular than ever, and it is a great time for Nutry Nuts to capitalise on the thriving market. We look forward to seeing the businesses grow as it expands internationally.”
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.
The MSIF group of funds are managed by River Capital Management Ltd which is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the course of investment business. Financial Conduct Authority Registration Number is 180891.
BFS Funding Managers Limited is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as a Small Authorised UK AIFM under firm reference number 608682.