The twin brothers behind the Happy Pear want people to know they don’t want to preach about ‘moral’ food – they want people to eat healthily.
The Happy Pear began in 2004 with a single café and has now grown to a good food ‘empire’, stocking in supermarkets such as Supervalu around Ireland.
They said the crux behind the business was always a simple one, according to the brothers – to get people to eat more vegetables.
“It’s been a 20-year journey,” co-founder Stephen Flynn told The Anton Savage Show.
“Looking back, there were a few pivotal moments – social media obviously helped in lots of different ways.”
Beyond cafés and supermarket stock, the brothers also offer membership schemes and courses to encourage more plant-based diets.
Co-founder David Flynn explained most recently they started a four-acre “regenerative farm”.
This involves “regenerating the soil, so you’re growing for nutrition rather than growing for yield and aesthetics”.
The pair hopes this contrasts supermarket products that are focused on high quantity and a specific ‘look’ for their food.
Just last week, they sent their Joe Wicks home with their first batch of potatoes – which he called “the best batch” he’s ever had.
The brothers agreed that Mr Wicks is known for being a burst of energy, but he’s much more of a “calm gentleman” in his day-to-day life.
The Happy Pear and vegetarian diets
The Happy Pear has seen success as the popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets has exploded.
Many companies have set themselves apart for creating “meat substitutes”, which the brothers think may have had “their day in the sun” already.
They agreed their message is about “eating more whole foods”.
“It’s not about vegan, it’s not about vegetarian.
“Food is neither moral or immoral – there’s healthy food and less healthy food.”
You can find the Happy Pear’s recipes online here.
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