James Cadbury - Founder & CEO
Professional Overview
James Cadbury is a prominent entrepreneur and innovator in the food and beverage industry. As the Founder and CEO of Love Cocoa and co-founder of HiP (Oat Milk Chocolate) and Kind Bag, he has demonstrated a strong track record of launching and growing successful purpose-driven brands. With expertise in operations, finance, and brand development, Cadbury leverages his diverse background to drive sustainable growth and positive social impact.
Experience Summary
Current Roles
Founder & CEO, Love Cocoa (2016 - Present)
- Launched a premium chocolate brand focused on ethical and environmentally-conscious sourcing and production
- Grew the business from a startup to a leading player in the UK artisanal chocolate market, with products sold in over 1,000 retail locations
- Implemented innovative sustainability initiatives, including the use of 100% recyclable packaging and support for cocoa bean reforestation projects
Founder, HiP (Oat Milk Chocolate) (2020 - Present)
- Founded a new brand focused on creating indulgent, dairy-free chocolate made with high-quality oat milk
- Overseen the development of the product line and secured distribution partnerships in preparation for the brand's launch in February 2023
Co-Founder & Non-executive, Kind Bag (2019 - Present)
- Co-founded a social enterprise that produces reusable bags made from recycled plastic
- Provides strategic guidance and support to drive the brand's growth and positive environmental impact
Career Progression
Multi-Asset Execution Trader, Universities Superannuation Scheme (Ltd) (2015 - 2016)
- Gained experience in investment management and financial markets, developing a strong understanding of portfolio optimization and risk management
Operations, Universities Superannuation Scheme (Ltd) (2012 - 2014)
- Honed his operational skills, contributing to the efficient management of the organization's back-office functions
Analyst, Barclays Investment Bank (2010 - 2012)
- Began his career in the financial services industry, gaining valuable analytical and problem-solving skills
Academic Background
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Economics, University of Warwick
Areas of Expertise
- Sustainable and ethical brand building
- New product development and innovation
- Operational excellence and process optimization
- Financial management and investment strategy
- Collaborative leadership and team building
Professional Impact
- Recognized as a leading voice in the ethical and sustainable food and beverage industry, advocating for responsible sourcing and production practices
- Instrumental in the growth and success of Love Cocoa, driving the brand's expansion into major UK retail channels and increasing its positive environmental impact
- Leveraging his entrepreneurial experience and industry knowledge to launch HiP, a highly anticipated dairy-free chocolate brand poised to disrupt the market
- Actively contributing to the success of Kind Bag, a social enterprise that promotes sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bags
Conclusion
With his diverse background, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to sustainability, James Cadbury is well-positioned to continue driving innovation and positive change in the food and beverage industry. As he focuses on the successful launch of HiP and the ongoing growth of his other ventures, he remains a respected leader and visionary, dedicated to creating products that not only delight consumers but also contribute to a more sustainable future.