Business Excellence Awards: Winning award helps Portsmouth firm Chilli Mash Company to grow

Chilli Mash Company was awarded Small Business of The Year Award at the News’ 2019 Business Excellence Awards.

Formed in 2016, the company produces chilli mash, puree and ferment, as well as being a manufacturing partner to a number of chilli sauce, kimchi and condiment producers, and a supplier of raw ingredients to the chilli industry.

Since being named Small Business of The Year, Chilli Mash Company has seen products used per week increase from between 2,500 and 3,500 to over 5,000.

Amazon-sold products have grown from 20 to over 100 and are now available in 11 countries, with the Carolina Reaper Chilli Ketchup being the third-best selling Ketchup on Amazon.

The company has also doubled their employees, and set up premises in Rwanda.

The award not only boosted sales and statistics, but also helped in ways that cannot be measured.

Chilli Mash Company business consultant, Stewart Woolston said: ‘As a small company, the award acts as an endorsement of your professionalism.

‘A visual indicator to stand out from the crowd that you’re doing things well, it helps bolster your credentials to potential and current clients.’

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Co-founder and director of Chilli Mash, Natt Boarer said: ‘We’ve never been a company who searches for accolades, we’re more of a "get your head down and do it” business.

‘Initially goaded into applying by one of the team, we never expected to win. I would 100 per cent encourage others to apply because the hidden benefits of application reach far beyond kudos only. The mentorship we received post winning, along with the exposure it brought us, has been invaluable.’

There’s still time to enter. Applications close on May 14. It is free to enter and businesses can enter two categories. Firms can also put forward an unlimited number of apprentices in the Apprentice of the Year category.

Winners will be announced on July 8 at Portsmouth Guildhall.

Awards recognise best businesses in region

The News is proud to host the 2021 Business Excellence Awards.

These awards recognise a cross section of businesses and the vital role they play in the success of the region.

The awards ceremony will take place on July 8 at the Portsmouth Guildhall and will be attended by more than 300 guests, as well as being live streamed.

For more information go to portsmouthbusinessexcellence.co.uk or e-mail Linda Pritchard, event organiser, on [email protected] or call 07837308942.

This year's categories:

Small Business of the Year (Sponsored by Solent LEP)

Medium Business of the Year (Sponsored by Citrus IT Support)

Large Business of the Year (Sponsored by Portsmouth City Council)

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Sponsored by the University of Portsmouth)

Start up Business of the Year

International Business of the Year (Sponsored by Giant Leap)

Employer of the Year (Sponsored by HSDC)

Leisure, Retail & Tourism Business of the Year (Sponsored by The Guildhall Trust)

Training Programme of the Year

Company CSR Initiative of the Year (Sponsored by BAE Systems)

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by Portsmouth College)

Entrepreneur of the Year

Sustainable Business Award (Sponsored by Portsmouth Water)

Lifetime Achievement Award

Overall Business of the Year (Sponsored by Verisona Law)