To celebrate all the brains behind  Irish wellness brands we wanted to delve deeper into the beginnings behind each one! Today we chat to Alison from Dr Coys

What is Dr Coy’s mission statement?

Dr Coy’s mission is to be the leaders in innovative nutrition and provide “positive eating” choices.

Where did you get the inspiration for your brand?

Whilst living and working in Germany I came across Dr. Johannes Coy, an award-winning biologist and was fascinated by his research around sugars. Dr. Coy discovered the use of rare beneficial sugars which could be used in nutrition.  I subsequently partnered with him to commercialise his research and inventions and use these ingredients in chocolate.

What are some of your favourite brands in your space that you don’t make?

Oh, there really are so many really great Irish food brands which offer healthier alternatives. When I think of our current larder, we are well stocked up on Shines Tuna, Homespun’s Quinoa Crunch as well as Janet’s Sauces which are fantastic for pizza and Bolognese.

In your opinion, what has been the biggest innovation within your sector in the last few years?

Well of course I’m slighly biased! However, Dr Coy’s are possibly the only chocolate brand in the world to have received a patent due to the health benefits. We use a rich 54% chocolate as a carrier for the plant based fibre and concentrated vitamin E which offer various benefits. In addition, the naturally derived rare sugars that we use do not cause blood sugar spikes (which in turn avoids insulin spikes) and are tooth-friendly in that they are non-cariogenic. Owing to these original and unique factors our nutritional chocolate bar is patented in over 100 countries.

What has running your own business taught you?

I think it is important to be prepared for ups and downs. Challenges occur daily for start-ups, so dealing calmly with the minor challenges prepares us for when bigger issues arise. A certain element of resilience is required to see things through and indeed patience (I’m still learning) is required as everything you plan for always seems to take longer than you imagine. It is important to believe in your product or what you do as this will provide you with the fire and passion which ultimately keeps you going.

What do you think is the next big thing in the world of health and wellness?

There have been phenomenal developments in the area of health and wellness over the last 10 years and I don’t see these slowing down any time soon. In the current climate of a global pandemic, I believe people are more conscious of their health and strengthening their immune system more than ever. Plant-based ingredients and the use of vitamins and minerals in food, I believe are only starting to take off. I believe the next big thing will be utilising these effectively to provide cognitive and physical benefits.

You’ve been working from home during the COVID19 crisis. Tell us what your daily routine is like?

I had worked from home a lot prior to COVID19 so I already have a good routine and home office set up which definitely helps. 2/3 mornings a week I’m up at 6.30 to do some early morning work-outs. I finish just after 8 which gives me enough time to get the kids ready for school and out the door or I walk with them to school if I don’t have an early meeting.  Then once I’ve spent some time with our new puppy it’s down to work- which is nearly all computer-based. Each day varies but generally, it consists of calls/interactions with customers/distributors and suppliers as well as internal meetings. I love working on new marketing campaigns. I do miss customer-facing events and interaction with other Irish brands so I generally make time each week to have a virtual coffee or if the restrictions allow it a face to face catch up with another brand – generally female-led! At weekends I switch off from work and it’s all about family, fresh air in the mountains and good food!

Find out more about Dr Coys at https://www.drcoys.ie/