Chika Russell, a Dragons Den entrepreneur, has made a successful debut on the TV show. The young entrepreneur from Bristol is the founder of a snack company called Chika Russell Snacks. In 2015, she was invited to pitch on the BBC TV show. Her business plan was deemed one of the best by judge Deborah Meaden, who described her pitch as ‘one of the best in the show. Her battle with the dragons was the highest-rated episode.
Chika Russell started her food business in 2013, and since then, it has gained a loyal following. The company sells hand-cooked plantains, chickpea crisps, and nuts. During her Dragons’ Den journey, she has been approached by several large retailers to stock her products. She is currently in talks with Waitrose to stock her products in 130 of their stores. The business plans to expand into a range of dry marinades in the future.
Although she turned down an investment offer of PS30,000 from Peter Jones on the Dragons’ Den two years ago, she is now selling her delicious gourmet nuts at Waitrose and Whole Foods. She plans to launch the products in Sainsbury’s and Whole Foods stores later this year. She wants to use the profits from her luxury snack range to sponsor children in Nigeria.
After appearing on Dragons’ Den two years ago, Chika Russell has turned down a PS30,000 investment offer from Peter Jones. However, she has since secured PS800,000 in funding from eight investors. The company is now selling its snacks in major supermarkets and is set to launch at Sainsbury’s and Waitrose in October. As she is the founder of a luxury snack business, she is keen to give back to children in Africa.
In the last season of the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, Chika Russell took part in a pitch that was praised by the judges. Her pitch was a “best of the show” and featured on the show’s website. The company has now reached over 3,000 retail locations across the UK. The entrepreneur was praised by the panel and has received a number of awards including the prestigious Queen’s Award.
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After appearing on Dragons’ Den, Chika Russell’s snacks company Cocofina has grown to become a global success. It is now listed in more than 3,000 retail outlets across the UK and exports to over 25 countries. It was the most-watched episode of the series. Despite her brief appearance on the show, she has had a successful business.