TickEat Judges at Farm Shop & Deli Show
posted 14th April 2025
We’re thrilled to share that TickEat returned for a third year as a proud judge at the Dragon’s Pantry, part of the Farm Shop & Deli Show. Our very own Heerum Fleary once again took her seat on the panel, representing TickEat’s mission to uncover and support standout innovation in the food and drink world — especially from brands with real potential to scale into the travel and leisure market.
The Dragon’s Pantry
For those unfamiliar, The Dragon’s Pantry is an exciting event where selected suppliers pitch their products to a panel of industry experts in a high-stakes 15-minute session. It's a fast-paced, energetic showcase of new talent, bold flavours, and business-savvy founders. It’s not just about taste — it’s about vision, scalability, and market fit.
TickEat’s Role on the Panel
As a returning judge, Heerum brought a sharp focus to identifying which brands have the potential to thrive in travel hubs, onboard experiences, hotels, and leisure destinations. From a panellist perspective, we aim to add value not just through our vote, but through our questions, insights, and feedback, helping each brand think more deeply about how their product could fit into new retail channels and environments.
This year’s pitches were nothing short of impressive. Here’s a quick rundown of the four brands Heerum had the pleasure of judging — each bringing something fresh and exciting to the table:
🥄 PAYST by Ferang
Products: Burnt Chilli Sauce & Ginger and Sweet Green Chilli Sauce
Inspired by authentic Asian street food and passed-down family recipes, PAYST sauces are all about punchy flavour and effortless cooking. Handmade in small batches, they’re vegan, and gluten-free.
🍯 Mellona
Product: Raw, flavoured honey
Their honey is 100% pure, raw and naturally infused with the flavours of Cyprus. They believe in preserving nature’s integrity by offering unprocessed honey straight from the hive.
🫧 Good Fermentation
Products: Lemon & Ginger Kombucha and Watercress Kimchi
Naturally fermented food and drinks that are raw, unpasteurised, and alive with beneficial bacteria. Created with a passion for gut health and sustainability, these products are handcrafted with locally sourced ingredients.
🍐The Happy Pear
Products: Lovely Basil Pesto & Sundried Tomato Pesto
Their mission is to help people eat more veg and feel amazing. Their range of plant-based products, from their famous pestos to meals and snacks, is made with wholesome ingredients.
Supporting the Future of Food
At TickEat, we’re always excited to support up-and-coming brands, especially those showing potential for impact in dynamic spaces like airports, trains, hotels, and events. The Dragon’s Pantry is the perfect place to see raw innovation in action, and we’re honoured to play a part in guiding these passionate founders toward their next big opportunity.
We’re already looking forward to what next year brings!
