LILO Desserts won the Foodstuffs’ FoodStarter competition in 2021 and is a dessert company that saves food waste by making the most of B-Side produce. The company produces 140g cheesecakes and works by the motto: when life gives you un-exportable cherries, make cheesecakes.
“LILO's mission is to harness these flavours and nutrients into a range of next-generation foods that deliver indulgence and nutrition. New Zealand fruit has some of the world’s highest concentrations of antioxidants and minerals. This naturally occurring goodness is what makes our produce look and taste so good,” said Cleo Gilmour, Founder of LILO.
LILO was founded when Gilmour returned from working in China and discovered the ugly side of fruit waste in New Zealand. Partnering with Alex Worker and Russel Haines saw the creation of her cheesecakes. As Winner of the Foodstuffs competition, LILO received business incubation, product development, packaging design, ranging, Point of Sale and Media and PR support.
“Winning FoodStarter was serious validation for LILO and has meant we had a pathway, goal and support to launch LILO across New World Supermarkets. Having a national account helped us secure funding and scale manufacturing along with the awesome insights and support from the Foodstuffs team. FoodStarter is an awesome example of what can happen when big business supports small business in Aotearoa. I'd encourage all food and beverage innovators to apply for Food Starter, the process itself is a great learning experience and gets your product in front of all the right people."
FoodStarter is part of Foodstuffs' commitment to be ‘Here for NZ’ through social promises.
“New World is proud to support the creativity and ingenuity that comes through with so many amazing Food Starter contenders. We’re thrilled to be supporting New Zealand’s community of budding food entrepreneurs and a product like LILO that upcycles food through waste minimisation speaks to our own values and sustainable leadership practices,” said Giselle Bleakley, Head of Marketing, New World.
LILO Cheesecakes come in two flavours, Central Otago Summer Fruit and Gisborne Lemon and Kiwi.
