Easy Bean 

Name, Job Title: Jackie, Sales & Marketing (right hand woman) 
 
A brief history of your company, where and when it started and your company values. 

Easy Bean was created by Christina in 2008 following years of working in tropical agriculture where she became fascinated by pulses, the diverse varieties, uses in global cuisine and the health benefits for us and for the environment. 

A keen cook and foodie she began her mission to create new and interesting ways to enjoy beans, peas & lentils and to give them the culinary status that they deserve. 

Easy Bean’s first range was a chilled ready meal based on one-pot cooking recipes from around the world. Nutritious pulses and chunky vegetables are infused with herbs and spices as they slowly cook in small batches. Today this range is sold in Ocado and through local stockists. 

In 2013 we started producing our first baked range using naturally gluten free chickpea flour, locally sourced butter and buttermilk, topped with toasted seeds for a delicious crunch. The UK’s first Chickpea Crispbread was born. 

In 2018 we launched our second baked range, Bean & Seed Crackers, this time using different pulse flours some of which are grown and milled in the UK. This range is gluten and dairy free. 

Tell us a little bit about what makes your bean products different / special? 

We take great care with everything that we produce, cooking and baking in small batches, always using 100% natural ingredients and most importantly never compromising on taste and quality. All our baked ranges have been awarded Great Taste Gold Stars and we are proud to be a Great Taste Producer. 

 What is your bestselling, most-loved product? 

Our best-selling Crispbread is the original Seeds & Black Pepper, and our best-selling cracker is Red Lentil & Poppy Seed. 

How did you start making products using beans? 

Our first production kitchen was set up in a converted milking parlour on a farm in South Somerset. We then added the bakery. 

Are there any particular moments that make you especially proud? Have you won any awards? 

Last year we were finalists in the Great British Food Awards as well as winning Best New Food Product at the Natural & Organic Awards 2021. This year we won The Cheese Board Awards. 

Do you have any must-do tips for how to use your products, for example how they should be served, any particular pairings? 

I love eating our crackers with cheese.  

What tips would you give to retailers / delis / foodservice providers that stock your products?  Perhaps the best way of displaying a particular product for maximum effect, or how best to describe it. 

We always suggest displaying our crackers and crispbread in the main cracker feature.  

Tell us a little about how a typical day looks for you in your role? 

I have worked alongside Christina for 10 years mainly sales and marketing but as with all small businesses I traverse all areas… planning, quality, health & safety… packing when needed. Recently we have brought our Social Media in house so a couple of courses later (DigitalMums) I have now added social media to my day. 

 Are there any other roles within the company that you would absolutely love to give a whirl? 

I have yet to assist our key baker … I just need to get up a bit earlier, he starts at 6am. 

What’s your favourite Easy Bean product and why? 

Today I am taking home a few pots … perfect for lunches, plus a pack of Fava Bean & Poppy Seed Crackers. The flour is milled from British-grown fava beans.

 
11. Is there anyone who particularly inspires you / someone that you perhaps look up to in the industry? 

Gosh that’s a difficult one .. there are so many successful businesses especially in Somerset. However I would have to say that Christina has to be admired. She has created a lovely artisan business and stuck to her guns in creating food that tastes as good as it is healthy. We may be small … but we are perfectly formed!  

 
12. Where is your favourite place to visit / eat  / take some time out? 

We are very lucky in Somerset to have fabulous countryside and places to visit and eat. Bruton is 5 minutes away and has the famous Hauser & Wirth Art Gallery with the trendy Roth Bar. We have The Newt which is a great place to visit and eat. Alternatively, my local pub The Alhampton – fab food, open fires in winter and a lovely atmosphere. 

 
13. What is the question you are asked most often about your products(s)? 

Where can we buy? 
 

If there is anything additional you would like to add, please feel free.