FEATS IN SWEETS: WHO WINS YOUR 2014 VOTE?
Kate Hamilton, co-founder of iQ chocolate
Kate Hamilton is the co-founder and Product Innovation Director of start-up iQ Chocolate, the first Scottish-based bean to bar chocolate maker. She set up the company with business partner Jane Shandley in 2011, and the brand was officially launched in September 2013.
The duo set out to develop a chocolate that could be clearly positioned as a naturally healthy food, distinct from chocolate typically perceived as a “guilty pleasure”. With experience working in food manufacturing and distribution, Kate brought her own expertise, passion and product knowledge to the business, becoming a true chocolate alchemist and wholefood ambassador.
Smart, determined and supportive, Kate built the company to where it is now with an analytical and driven mind, never stopping until she found perfection in iQ’s taste, texture and superfood credentials. A born multi-tasker, she is an expert in all areas of the business from sourcing the Peruvian cocoa beans, to creating the chocolate’s delicious taste and working with nutritional scientists and academic institutions to prove its health benefits.
A modest person, Kate is never one to shout about her victories, but she is truly a driving force behind iQ and has helped to lead the success in bringing iQ Chocolate to market. The brand is building in popularity throughout the UK stocked in the likes of Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, The Chocolate Gourmet, Whole Foods and Planet Organic, has had great reviews in the press and now has a network of nine UK distributors and five overseas.
Jane Shandley said: “Although Kate is very much behind the scenes, she really is the brains and driving force behind our success. She has turned her passion for health and chocolate into a much-loved product range, growing a Scottish business with huge potential.”