Spotlight On | Jamie Ferments
We recently had the pleasure of working with Jamie Ferments, supplying labels for kimchi. We spoke to Jamie himself about his passion for fermentation and the challenges of transforming an idea into a thriving business. Here are his words…
Q&A with Jamie Ferments
First off, what is kimchi?
Similar to sauerkraut, kimchi is fermented vegetables. It originates from Korea so is slightly spicy with a pleasant acidity: a taste that is easy to get hooked on! As it is lacto-fermented, it keeps longer but also preserves the goodness of the vegetables. Kimchi is well known as a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Describe what you do in a nutshell
So, I sell kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles and hot sauce, all made by me. I sell in delis, independent grocers, butchers’ shops and hold stalls at street markets. I also sell wholesale into restaurants and cafes. I try to keep my recipe as straight to its roots as possible, which is kinda subjective considering there isn’t a definitive recipe. So, I suppose I keep it as I like to eat it - punchy, crunchy, tangy - just enough to lift the top of your head off for a second or two!
How did you get started?
Already working in food, I started after making kimchi at work and a colleague telling me I should retail this stuff. So I did, as a side hustle, and it’s now taking up 2/3 days of my working week keeping up with demand. My biggest challenge is at present, being big enough to warrant my own premises (I currently ferment within a café I already run and own) yet doing so would be too expensive. But then again, I’m restricted in what I can do because I don’t have my own space. I’ve turned work down in short.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m not sure about the future, so I can’t speak to that, just to try to stay afloat at the moment!
What advice would you give to other producers looking to order printed labels?
Regarding labels, I’d say it’s worth getting a professional to design them from the start. I had a friend do my first ones. They were good, but not as good as my current ones which have been designed by a professional designer.
How did you find working with inkREADible?
From the beginning they do what they say on the tin! I order the labels, they print the labels. And at every stage in between, they have been helpful and communicative. Wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them.
Want to know more?
