Prem Epice is a start up business based in Derry City which was inspired by Indian cuisine after founder Antima Basu started experimenting making various chutney and pickle recipes after having a large crop of apples in her garden.
Prem Epice wanted to develop a retail ready apple pickney product, in response to family and friends requests to pursue further and get the product into stores and/or markets. Prem Epice required support to get the product shelf-ready covering from initial product production to finished product.
To assist with the development of her concept, Antima made contact with North West Regional College (NWRC) Business Support Centre (BSC) who supported her through the InnovateUs programme which is funded by the Department for the Economy.
NWRC Food Technology Technical Consultant, Christina Perry provided 30 hours of upskilling support in recipe standardisation and development, understanding shelf-life, production upscale, labelling support including ingredient declaration, nutritional and allergens.
On completion of the project, Prem Epice with her love for both chutney and pickles combined them together to produce Apple Pickney which are now supplied to two local Indian convenience shops in Derry City.
Antima Basu, Owner of Prem Epice, described the benefits of working with NWRC’s Business Support Centre via the InnovateUs programme: ‘’I had thought about making my ideas a reality for some time and I was delighted with the support I received from Christina Perry at Foodovation which helped to make it happen. The skilled knowledge and guidance provided on all aspects encouraged and enabled me to launch the product. I would recommend Foodovation to any business and feel the programmes offered by NWRC are extremely worthwhile & beneficial.”
