Celebrating Women in Food

Written by: Rosie Collins
25 Feb

Looking for a special something to gift to an inspiring female friend or family member? This year, to celebrate International Women’s Day on Tuesday March 8th, we wanted to shine a light on a handful of the hardworking, passionate women whose produce fill our shelves.

We’re thrilled to share with you some of these tasty products and champion the women behind them. Everything can be found in-store and in our Women in Food Hamper, an ideal gift for the inspiring women in our own lives and for Mother’s Day this year.

Introducing….

Sian Holt from Fudge Kitchen

Handcrafted for 38 years using traditional methods, Fudge Kitchen produce creamy, premium, handmade fudge using fresh whipping cream. Managing Director Sian Holt has been with Fudge Kitchen from the very beginning and her passion & commitment has led to national expansion & award-winning fudge.

Amelia York from Benchmark Brewery 

Benchmark Brewery is a family business producing beers from English malts and local hops, headed up by the lovely Amelia. Here, you will find her undertaking everything from brewing the beer to designing the company's labels, as well as being heavily involved in deliveries and events. 

Laura Bounds from Kent Crisps

As the name would suggest, Kent Crisps flavours are inspired by Kentish produce such as Ashmore Cheese and Biddenden Cider. Since taking on the business, Laura has been the driving force behind its growth, and they now supply worldwide markets whilst concentrating on highlighting local businesses. Laura’s hard work was recognised in 2022, when she was awarded an MBE for her services to international trade.

Janet Simpson from Goupie

Goupie is the story of recipes handed down through the generations as the original Goupie recipe came from Janet's Grandma Noble and can still be found handwritten in her cookbook. This moreish chocolate treat is now made in vast quantities and enjoyed far and wide. It is run by mother-daughter duo, Janet and Grace and we can't get enough.

Sev Michaels from Teastones

A creative, artisan tea company, Teastones is run by Sev Michaels, from her tea mixery in Folkestone’s Creative Quarter. They opened their doors in 2019 and now ship luxury loose leaf tea blends throughout the UK. Sev creates all the blends herself, innovating with new ideas & flavours, and focussing on ethically sourced ingredients as well as eco-friendly packaging.

Maureen Suan Neo from Nonya Secrets

Nonya Secrets make authentic sauces, sambal mixes & curry pastes to Maureen’s traditional family recipes. Nonya can be translated in Malay as ‘mother’ - a woman of Chinese and Malay heritage, with a rich culinary culture and obsession with food.

Linda Barrie from Choc Affair

Choc Affair was born by a need to innovate in response to Linda’s daughter’s intolerance to milk. She has since built a fantastic chocolate business, guided by the principle of a clear conscience and doing good. All of their products are proudly free of palm oil and are all made with sustainably sourced cocoa.

Lucia Freitas from Quinta da Mariposa

Lucia is the winemaker and leader of Quinta da Mariposa – a distinct producer of Dao wines, in the traditional heartland of Portuguese winemaking. Her wonderfully typical wines all have a signature butterfly label and make for fantastic drinking.

Monica Linton from Brindisa

Founded in 1988, Brindisa has grown from being a small importer to a retail & restaurant powerhouse showcasing iconic Spanish produce. Monica is enormously respected as a pioneer in both Spain and in the UK, and Brindisa’s products have been a staple at Macknade for many, many years!

The Women in Food Hamper is available to order here for delivery nationwide. For further gifting inspiration, check out our subscription boxes and seasonal bouquets.

Wishing all our female customers, a Happy International Women’s Day!