Lockdown sales skyrocket for Leeds business Bottled Baking Co as owner forced to take on more staff

Greg Fraser, 36, runs Bottled Baking Co. - a range of home baking mixes contained in reusable glass bottles.

Greg - from Leeds - first started to sell his creations at Kirkstall Deli Market but has now grown to be listed in John Lewis, Selfridges, Ocado, Notonthehighstreet.com, two distributors and around 200 independent retailers.

The entrepreneur said lockdown had been an "amazing success" for his business, with orders rocketing by more than 200%.

Greg combines his business with a full time job working for Sky and balancing home schooling at the same time.

He now says his sales are set to double this year and has even had to take on more staff to keep up with the new found increase in demand.

Greg, speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, said: "Lockdown has been an amazing success for me here at The Bottled Baking Co despite still working full time at Sky and balancing family life andhome schooling with the two school shut down periods we've had so far.

"In 2020, sales grew 200% compared to 2019 and so far 2021 is looking like we'll at least double last year's sales again!

"This time last year I had one person making my products for me for 20-30 hours a week and I packed my orders to ship myself.

"Now I have seven people making them full time and we still can't keep up!

"I have two people packing and shipping web and wholesale orders too."

Greg explained his innovative business concept.

He said: "I make a range of home baking mixes contained in reusable glass bottles, they're fantastic grab and go items to bake a treat at home with.

"They make for a fun activity to do with the kids whilst stuck at home and they are also a lovely gift to send to a loved one.

"Since last July I have stocked a range of accessories online and this grew to include food items from other small businesses.

"Many of them are Yorkshire based like Laura's Confectionery and Fearne & Rosie's honey.

"I've produced bespoke lines for White Stuff and Kerrygold butter and I'm now working on something special for Mattel (Barbie) and Coca-cola too!"

The business is based in Leeds although the products are made in Driffield, East Yorkshire.

"We're looking for distribution and potentially retail premises in Leeds", Greg added.