Cardiff-based start-up Cancha Mojo has successfully launched to market following technical support delivered through the Welsh Government funded Project HELIX.
Cancha Mojo, which is owned by Carmen Roberts, produces a range of traditional mojo sauces that originate from the Canary Islands. These versatile products can be used as a dip, marinade, dressing or sauce.
Speaking about the inspiration behind her business, Carmen said:
“I was born in South Wales but my mother is originally from the Canaries and that’s where my love of mojo sauce comes from. A few years ago I realised that you couldn’t buy fresh mojo sauce in the UK and that’s when I started thinking about developing my own product.”
Having created her initial recipes, Carmen was referred to ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University in January 2024 when she was in the process of registering as a food business with Cardiff Council.
ZERO2FIVE, which is one of three food centres across Wales that make up Food Innovation Wales, provides funded technical and commercial support to eligible food and drink companies through the Welsh Government funded Project HELIX.
Carmen first attended a series of HACCP workshops at ZERO2FIVE, which helped her with the initial stages of developing a food safety management plan to produce her Mojo sauces. A ZERO2FIVE technologist then provided one-to-one bespoke support to help her ensure that any food safety risks were removed or reduced to safe levels. Carmen was also mentored to determine product shelf-life through pH testing and the interpretation of microbiological laboratory results.
Following the support from ZERO2FIVE, Cancha Mojo successfully achieved a food hygiene rating of five from Environmental Health and the company’s products are now on sale at Cardiff farmers markets with plans for them to also be stocked by local delicatessens.
Speaking about the impact of the support from ZERO2FIVE, Carmen said:
“From day one, ZERO2FIVE helped turn my ideas into realities with their expert guidance and unwavering support. It’s no exaggeration to say that without their help, my business would not exist. ZERO2FIVE understood my vision and offered tailored advice that truly made a difference. I would urge anyone in a similar situation to sign up and take advantage of this incredible initiative.”
Professor David Lloyd, Director of ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre, said:
“From small start-ups to large established companies, Project HELIX provides a range of technical and commercial support that can help Welsh food and drink manufacturers to grow and reach new markets. It’s great to see that the support we’ve provided has helped an exciting new Welsh business get off the ground.”
