Our Excellence Award Winner – Zingibeer’s Sweet and Zingy Taste of Victory

We just wrapped up our Lion’s Den Start-up entrepreneurship event at the Dublin Food Chain Producer Showcase, in partnership with the four Dublin LEO’s. This year, we split the event into two categories: one for the newer brands hustling for up to two years (Start-Up Award) and the other for those in the game for two to five years (Excellence Award). Six finalists had the nerve-racking task of pitching their goods to our panel of three judges. And who caught the judges eyes? Born Again Bites and Zingbeer!

Brimming with a mix of shock and joy, Rachel took us on the journey from her initial pitch to the sweet taste of victory. Her brand Zingbeer, an Irish ginger beer with a “zingy” kick, struck a chord with our judges, earning her the well-deserved win.

A Story Waiting to Unfold

When asked about standout feedback from the judges, Rachel is now contemplating a non-alcoholic version of her product, recognising its potential appeal. In the startup hustle, she initially went all in on perfecting the quality and taste, but now sees a world of possibilities. Rachel also acknowledged the opportunity to weave a compelling narrative that aligns with the brand – a story waiting to be crafted.

When the Risk Turns to Triumph

Back in 2021, when Rachel took the leap from her stable job, a twinge of doubt crossed her mind that she was crazy for diving into the unknown. But, her unwavering love for this creation she’s embarked on with her father won out. For Rachel, sharing a product that she loved with her audience was a risk worth taking.

Going Global

Rachel mapped out her dreams for international expansion, acknowledging the uncharted waters they’re about to navigate. She stressed the importance of pinpointing the perfect markets and securing the necessary funding, throwing down some big questions about where and how Zingbeer will make its mark. At Bradley, we’re excited to collaborate with Rachel and her crew, supporting their fearless journey into the unknown. Congratulations, Zingbeer! 

Check out our other articles on our Judges, Start-Up and Excellence Award Finalists and our other winner, Born Again Bites. Find out more about Lion’s Den at lionsden.ie or through our Lion’s Den Instagram and follow our socials – Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter. Also check out our youtube channel where we’re posting all of our interviews from Lion’s Den in full!