Disrupting Big Food & Plant-Based Growth: How BOL Foods Became an Industry Powerhouse

Taking on the giants of big food isn’t easy… but that’s exactly what Paul Brown did.

In this episode of Fuelling Foodies: The Food Marketing Podcast, Kate sits down with Paul Brown, founder of BOL Foods, to unpack how he turned bold decisions into one of the most exciting growth stories in food & drink.

Here’s what we cover:

1. The BOL origin story - where it all started, the mission behind the brand, and the pivotal moment that led to going fully plant-based
2. Repositioning the brand overnight - the decision to remove all meat, fish, and dairy, how the team responded, and why bold moves matter
3. Scaling with values intact - growing fast without losing authenticity, becoming an “energised lifestyle brand,” and keeping purpose and profitability aligned
4. The rise of Power Shakes - spotting the nutritionally complete meal trend early and building a category-leading range
5. Disrupting big food - why BOL is still growing while the wider plant-based category declines, and what other brands are getting wrong
6. UPFs & consumer trust - Paul’s stance on ultra-processed foods and how BOL balances convenience with clean, whole ingredients
7. Hot takes from the founder’s seat - the moments where risk turned into game-changing reward, and what every founder can learn from them

If you’re building a food & drink brand that wants to innovate, stand out, and scale with integrity… this episode is one you’ll want to take notes on.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

1. Learn more about BOL Foods
2. Join the Food Marketing Club for just £57/month - your monthly hub for digital marketing strategies, templates, and support
3. Want tailored strategy support? Book a Strategy Call with Kate
4. Follow @kwmarketinguk for food & drink marketing insights, email tips & digital strategy

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