Investment
Biavest Interview in Checkout Magazine April 2021
Offbeat Donuts embarks on international expansion with investment from BiaVest
Well-loved Irish food brand Offbeat Donuts has partnered with Ireland’s only food-focused investment vehicle BiaVest to support an ambitious growth plan.
With the investment from BiaVest and its co-strategic investor Noel Smith – managing director of Fresh the Good Food Market – founders Brian and Sandra O’Casey plan to open stores outside Dublin for the first time and are looking to expand internationally to the UK, USA and Middle East.
Offbeats Donuts started in 2016 in Brian and Sandra’s family home. Their mission was to revive the traditional Irish bakery and ‘to make donuts magic’. Offbeat has continued to expand, despite the difficult backdrop for retail during the pandemic, with its most recent store opening at the Blanchardstown Centre in December 2020.
BiaVest was formed by two of Ireland’s leading food executives, Hilliard Lombard and David McKernan. The pair have accumulated more than fifty years’ combined experience, knowledge, and industry success in Ireland and across Europe in the food sector. BiaVest is committed to partnering with high-quality and innovative food brands such as Offbeat Donut,
Brian O’Casey, co-founder, Offbeat Donuts, said:
“I had spent 25 years working in the food and bakery sector in product development and marketing, Sandra in retail and IT. We always had a dream of starting our own business and Offbeat Donuts has been the realisation of that dream. We are very proud of what we have created and delighted with the consumers response. We see this partnership with BiaVest as the next chapter of the Offbeat Donuts story. With BiaVest support we now look forward to opening more stores in both Ireland and internationally to bring our unique, ultra-fresh donuts to a larger audience.”
Hilliard Lombard, CEO of BiaVest said:
“Offbeat represent the best in innovative Irish food brands and is led by two ambitious and passionate founders. We’re looking forward to partnering with them as they embark on an exciting new growth phase which will allow many more customers to experience the Offbeat magic!”.
David McKernan, executive director of Biavest said:
“The growth of Offbeat Donuts over the past five years has been truly impressive. Brianand Sandra have gone head-to-head with international competitors and always succeeded. The Offbeat brand is recognised as the super premium, fresh donut experience in the Irish Market. We’ve admired their progress from afar and couldn’t be happier to now be investing alongside them”.
BiaVest was advised on the investment by Brian McDonald and Rory Butler of Bay Advisory and Alan Ryan of Wallace Corporate Counsel.
Nobó prepares for healthy growth through partnership with strategic investor BiaVest
Award winning health food brand Nobó has partnered with Ireland’s only food-focused investment firm BiaVest to accelerate its growth into new products and new international markets.
Nobó came to life in the kitchen of husband and wife Brian Nolan and Rachel Nolan. Its multi-award winning dairy free ice-cream – made from just 4 simple, natural ingredients including coconut milk and avocado – was the first of its kind in the world. More recently, the pair have launched their own healthier take on milk chocolate, made with no refined sugar or dairy. Their unique, creamy vegan chocolate is now being sold across Ireland and Canada, and due to launch in mainland Europe this summer.
With the investment from BiaVest Brian and Rachel will build on the success of Nobó’s ice-cream, chocolate and healthy, wholesome treats.
BiaVest was formed by two of Ireland’s leading food executives, Hilliard Lombard and David McKernan. The pair have accumulated more than fifty years’ combined experience, knowledge, and industry success in Ireland and across Europe in the food sector.
“We are delighted to partner with Irish investors who are committed to staying true to our ethos and values. David and Hilliard share our vision in becoming a global leader in health foods and this partnership will help make that a reality. The journey ahead will be rooted in more innovation, more channels and more countries but we will always stay true to our amazing, loyal customers and to working with ingredients of the highest quality.” Brian Nolan, Nobó
“Since we launched from our own kitchen in 2012 we’ve strived to not only create the purest treats possible but ones that taste absolutely delicious too. We’re very proud of how far we have come, and couldn’t be more excited about the next step of our journey with Biavest as we work together to realise our ambition and vision for Nobó” Rachel Nolan Nobó
Ireland’s first dedicated food investment company, BiaVest is committed to partnering with high-quality food brands such as Nobó to support them with both domestic and international growth, through strategic investment, marketing, and product development.
“BiaVest was born out of a passion for food and a desire to help outstanding food brands maximize their potential. We look forward to working with Brian, Rachel and the team and helping Nobó to grow both in Ireland and internationally.” Hilliard Lombard, CEO Biavest
“Nobó has created a range of delicious treats using healthy, simple ingredients and built a strong, loyal customer base. Rachel and Brian have created incredible, premium products and we share their vision for global success.” David McKernan, Executive Director Biavest