Thanks Plants – The Handmade and wholesome food
What is your name?
Aisling Cullen
What is your business about, tell us when did it start and what products or services do you offer?
Thanks Plants is a range of wholesome meatless meats. We’ve launched with three types of sausages: Apple & Sage sausages Sundried Tomato & Herb sausages The Frankfurter It started in my own kitchen. When I turned vegan a couple of years ago, I was excited by the new angle some bloggers and YouTubers had with plant based recipes. I never thought I’d be able to have creamy sauces again but soon I learned how to cook plant based without compromising on taste and old favourites. I had the vegan cooking buzz. And although I enjoyed some meat substitutes from the supermarket, I was never wowed by them. I started my my own seitan sausages after seeing a blog about them and I was really impressed by the taste and texture. Also it can be difficult to understand the ingredients on the back of the packet of some meat substitutes, so when I was making my own sausages at home I knew exactly what was going into them. They are a simple mix of seitan flour, cannellini beans, vegetables and spices. I then saw applications for Supervalu’s Food Academy and the rest is history!
How are you guys dealing with the pandemic situation?
We launched during the pandemic 5 weeks ago and so far, we’ve had a great response. It’s early days for Thanks Plants… I’m looking forward to being able to give samples in supermarkets and grow interest in our products but that may not be for a few more months.
Who are your costumers?
As I haven’t been able to do sample tastings in supermarkets, I haven’t met my customers first hand. But from social media, 20 – 30 year olds definitely engage with the brand more.
How do you see the vegan community in Ireland?
I’m really impressed with the vegan community in Ireland… many people share what is happening in their communities with regards to vegan products or animal welfare, and everyone is so supportive. Being a small business that has just launched, I really feel that vegans have embraced the brand and that makes me optimistic for the growth of Thanks Plants in the future.
How can people find out more about your business?
I’m on Facebook and Instagram – www.facebook.com/thanksplants.co and @thanksplants.co We are currently available in the following Supervalu stores – Rathgar, Lucan, Palmerstown, Knocklyon and Templeogue. We are also available online at The Juicy Aubergine www.thejuicyaubergine.com
