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1995
1995
I started working full-time on Planet Organic in October 1994. Planet Organic opened on 4 November 1995. Planet Organic’s mission was to promote health in the community. My goal was to push organic and natural food out of the niche that it was in and into the mainstream as the best quality food around. Planet Organic Ltd is a specialist food retailer, operating in the organic and natural food sector and offers consumers the opportunity of a specialist one stop shop in a mini supermarket format. The company, which was founded by Renee Elliott in November 1995, currently trades from four locations in London: Notting Hill, Tottenham Court Rd, Muswell Hill and Islington. The company is seen as the expert in its market both by customers local to its stores and by national suppliers and media. Planet Organic operates at the forefront of the trend towards healthier eating. Planet Organic sells a full range of organic foods and additionally sells 'natural foods' which are conventionally produced but are less refined and are not processed using artificial flavorings and preservatives. In total, Planet Organic sells 8,000 product lines which fall into three broad categories: Organic and Healthy Foods, 'Food to Go' (hot and cold food which is freshly prepared on the premises) and Health & Bodycare.
1991 - 1994
1991 - 1994
After being made Manager after three months, I then ran the store for two years, learning more about nutrition, discovering organic food, and getting to know the industry. In early 1994, I decided that it was time to leave and take the leap of faith to set up my own business.
1986 - 1991
1986 - 1991
I was a journalist, events organiser, sales rep and professional taster.