School of Business
Fire Mountain
Established: 2020
Legal structure: Limited Company
Who we are
We manufacture and sell fine artisan chocolate made from single origin Cameroonian beans. Our mission is to create fair gains for cocoa farmers and farming communities and to build an economic model that creates ethical value for suppliers and buyers. We are working to secure a sustainable cocoa and coffee sector now and for the future. Our aim is to change a life with every bar of chocolate to bring about widespread community change.
The challenge
To implement a long-term development plan to work with farmers to provide training, promotion of community development initiatives and investment in infrastructure to produce superior quality cocoa. To become a leading ethical producer of high-grade cocoa and coffee products. To have Fire Mountain products sold by leading retailers. Develop re-use options for cocoa pods and other waste to produce sustainable materials that benefit local communities and the environment.
What was required
Fire Mountain produces high quality chocolate whilst seeking to provide enhanced services for farmers and their communities, at the same time also building a stable business. The members joined the programme to explore ideas to consolidate these strands and build sustainability.
Approach:
- Business modelling
- Market research
- Partnership development
- New markets option appraisals
- Implementation
The Growth Accelerator advisor worked with Fire Mountain to: Explore business options and possibilities and build a business plan. Develop sustainability options for cocoa waste. Seek UK stockists for chocolate bars and other products. Consolidate the supply chain.
Growth acceleration through
Business modelling: Focusing on creative scoping to identify solutions to options. Introduction to the Bow Tie risk model and other tools. Options appraisals.
Business planning: In-depth meetings and discussions conducted re developing elements of the business plan. Establishing partnerships and networks. Devising projects to re-use cocoa waste.
Action planning: Resulted in becoming finalists in the UK Black Business Show Launchpad Competition, sponsored by Lloyds Bank. Great Taste Award certification. Discussions with major UK retailers regarding stocking products. New products to market. B2B connections. European wide trade fairs. organisation developed a precise action plan that was closely adhered to which allowed the business to plan and balance multiple priorities, whilst seeking new opportunities.
“Being part of the Growth Accelerator project was a very valuable experience for Fire Mountain. The programme supported us in exploring structured routes into retail and understanding how to position our chocolate brand for larger markets. Through the project we were able to engage directly with a major retailer, including securing a high-profile meeting with their buyer and sending our products for review. While this opportunity didn’t ultimately lead to a listing, the process itself was extremely insightful, and we accepted the outcome as part of the learning journey. The feedback we received through meetings and follow-up email communications was very constructive and helped us refine our business model, strengthen our business plan, and better understand retailer expectations. Overall, the project helped Fire Mountain grow in clarity, structure, and strategic direction” Paul Bup, Director, Fire Mountain
