Talonmore Drinks Founder Recognised At NFU Mutual’s Inspirational Young Person Awards

The 23-year-old Founder of the non-alcoholic drinks company, Talonmore Drinks, – has been recognised at NFU Mutual’s Inspirational Young Person Awards.

Lewis Kennedy launched the Edinburgh-based business in 2020. Following many rounds of research, reviews, and tastings, Lewis created Talonmore, – which uses infusing and brewing methods to stop the flavour in the drink from being lost. The drink also includes superfoods for added health benefits.

Drawing on his artistic abilities (in collaboration with creative connections), Lewis designed the product’s bottle and the website branding. These illustrated historic landmarks and local wildlife in Lewis’ home city of Edinburgh, – helping to appeal to his core target audience.

After graduating with a BSc in Product Design, Lewis recognised the growing demand for a healthier, non-alcoholic option for social drinking. He worked with a team of experienced food scientists to come up with a non-alcoholic spirit, – which put flavour at the forefront.

The awards (which are in their third year), were launched by the commercial insurer business, NFU Mutual, – in partnership with the industry body, Scotland Food and Drink.

The awards seeks to uncover inspirational examples of talented 16-to 26-year-olds who own, work, or study in the food and drinks sector. The award also aims to highlight not only the enormous contribution that young people make to Scotland’s food and drink economy, – but also the importance of the sector to the wider economy.

Lewis will receive a trophy and a £200 cash prize in recognition of his highly commended entry. Having originally intended to select a top three, the judges found the quality of this year’s applications too hard to separate, and they ultimately decided to recognise 1^st, 2^nd and four “highly-commended” winners.

Talonmore Drinks’ Founder, Lewis Kennedy, said: “It is fantastic to receive this recognition following the launch of Talonmore in June. I would like to thank NFU Mutual and Scotland Food and Drink for this award, and for their ongoing support. I am excited to see what the future holds.”

Mark McBrearty, NFU Mutual’s Regional Manager, said: “Selecting a winner and two runners up from a record-breaking number of entries this year was too difficult, which is why we decided on an additional three awards. I am delighted to be congratulating Lewis! All of our award-winners have not only done themselves proud, but they are also wonderful ambassadors for our world-famous food and drink industry.”

“I was particularly impressed by how each of them has not only coped, but thrived throughout the pandemic, – at a time when the industry has truly suffered. I feel confident that the sector is in safe hands, if these are just some examples of the young people coming forward within the wonderful range of food and drink firms in Scotland. A huge congratulations to our fantastic winners, and a big thank you to everyone involved,” he added.

James Withers, the Chief Executive at Scotland Food and Drink, said: “Scotland’s food and drink industry is full of talented youngsters who are going to be driving our sector forward in the coming years, and all the finalists are a great example of the enormous contribution that young people make to Scotland’s food, drink and hospitality businesses. The field of entries was incredibly strong this year. It gives us huge optimism for the future of our sector.”

In terms of other success stories, in February 2021, Talonmore was a featured winner of the Venture competition, – being awarded the prize based on product innovation, their place in the market, and entrepreneurship.

Lewis was also invited by the organisers of The Scottish Enterprise Challenge to speak at the 2021 launch event to highlight his own journey, and to encourage and inspire other young graduates. Lewis’ nominee describes him as resilient and enthusiastic, saying that the Talonmore Drinks’ tag line (“Dare to Explore”), – captures’ Lewis’ personality, and the inspiration he provides to/for others.

Find out more here: https://talonmoredrinks.com