Categories
News

What kind of Fry’s fan are you – Competition

What’s your favourite Fry’s food? Maybe you salivate over the Schnitzel, crave the Chia Nugs, or pine for the Prawns. From plant-based burgers, to meat-free sausages, and from falafels, to fish-free prawns, if you were stranded on a desert island, you wouldn’t go hungry!

Now we want to know your best-loved Fry’s product and how you like to eat it! So take the quiz below and share your answer with us on social media. You can WIN 10 boxes of your fave Fry’s food that you can share with friends and family. Or not. It’s every man for himself when stranded on an island.

Answer the foodie quiz and tag us @frysfamily on Instagram, @frysfamily Twitter or @thefryfamilyfoodco on Facebook. Use the hashtag #FrysFans so we can track your answers.
Ready, set, Fry!

Categories
News

Food review/symrise new product competition 2018 awards press release

We have just won at the 24th Food Review/Symrise New Product Competition 2018 awards evening for our clean label, The Crafted Range. Kasha, our new high-protein cereal, also won Runner Up for Best Packaging on the same night.

The Crafted Range is fully plant-based, made from natural ingredients and fresh herbs and spices. The range includes four meat-free food products that are an ideal, everyday meal or snack option for flexitarians, vegans, and meat-eaters alike.

The Crafted Range is available to buy from the frozen food section of selected Pick ‘n Pay, Spar, and Checkers stores nationwide.

Included in the range are the Chickpea and Roasted Butternut Balls, the Soy and Quinoa Country Roast, gluten-free Rice Protein and Chia Nuggets, and gluten-free Chickpea and Quinoa Falafels.

The Crafted Range is created with natural ingredients and includes superfoods like chia seeds, quinoa, and rice protein. The products are a healthy source of protein with all considered to be “complete” proteins, meaning they offer all essential amino acids for a healthy balanced diet. In addition to being a source of protein and fibre, our products are naturally free from cholesterol, are only flavoured with natural herbs and spices, and include no GM ingredients or refined sugars.

According to a study by the global information, data, and measurement company, Nielsen, consumers are increasingly aspiring to achieve better health and eat healthier foods. Consumers are going back to the basics; people want foods that are fresh, natural and minimally processed. Indeed, 47% of South African respondents look for food products made from vegetables and fruits, 39% want GMO-free food, and 53% want their food to be as natural as possible. 28% are looking for gluten-free food, and 43% of South Africans want cholesterol-free food, food that is high in fibre, and view foods that are high in protein to be important.

Salad Jar with Butternut Balls and Falafels

Tammy Fry Kelly, our International Marketing Director, comments: ‘We’re seeing that meat-free diets are becoming more mainstream, and retailers in the UK estimate that the meat-free market is currently worth around £270 million and is growing at 6% each year globally.  Within the sector, meat-free products no longer belong in a separate freezer and are now merchandised alongside meat equivalent products. Sustaining and sustainable, the new Crafted Range will fit well within any category and will provide consumers with a hearty plant protein that is natural and nutritious. This award is testament to the growing plant-based market and we are excited to continue to play role in helping to make people’s lives easier to transition to a meat-free diet!’

Categories
News

The 7th Fry’s Annual Green Meeting and Green Morning Market – JHB

We are celebrating the seven seas at our 7th Fry’s Annual Green Festival in Joburg, with a fin-tastic theme: The Ocean!

JHB, we are gearing up again where we come together to be inspired by international and local world-class thought leaders in the field of plant-based nutrition, fitness, advocacy and entrepreneurship; network and connect with like-minded people; and of course, eat delicious food – and lots of it.

There will be the unveiling of exciting Fry’s innovations; unbelievable goodie bags worth over R700 to take home; and turtle-y radical prizes to be won!

So who is on the lineup for 2018?

Bad Ass Vegan

Introducing your headline speaker, John Lewis, aka Bad Ass Vegan! Bringing a fresh to depth edge to veganism, John Lewis is probably one of the coolest vegan entrepreneurs, change-makers, and athletes we know!

At age 13, the Missouri-raised health ambassador was over 140kgs. He lost the weight as a football and basketball player in high school and in college. After receiving his MBA from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, he coupled his education in business with his love for health and fitness and created his venture, Bad Ass Vegan, a health and nutrition company that strives to educate individuals on plant-based nutrition. John’s love for his community brought forth the brainchild of “VeganSmart”, a plant-based protein shake company with a foundation whose mission is to prevent obesity through education, physical activity and plant-based nutrition. He is also releasing a documentary “Hungry for Justice” with Keegan Kuhn, the maker of Cowspiracy and What the Health. The goal of their new documentary film is to speak about food injustice through the lens of Hip Hop.

Tammy Fry

If you don’t know the back story, Tammy was a born vegetarian in Durban, South Africa. Her father, Wally Fry, grew up as an animal farmer where meat was a staple in his everyday diet. Tammy’s mother, Debbie Fry, was also a lifelong vegetarian, and together they helped to inspire Wally to embrace a vegetarian diet and sparked the creation of The Fry Family Food Co.! With over a decade of experience at the helm of marketing at Fry’s (and the brainchild behind the #FrysAGM concept), Tammy is guided by nutritional expertise, a love of fitness, a love of the environment and an outdoor lifestyle.

Recently, she has taken her message to the global stage, having spoken to audiences around the world including London, New York City’s Climate Change Summit, and Australia on a wide variety of topics including plant-based nutrition, vegan advocacy, food choices and climate change. An avid Crossfitter, 5th Dan Karateka and multiple South African National Champion, self-defense coach, surfer, businesswomen, public speaker, and mom of 2 little boys, Tammy Fry embodies health and wellness. Enabling others to live a happier and more energetic lifestyle through plant-based nutrition is the cornerstone of her passion.

Dr Paul Palmer

Dr Paul Palmer breaks the science down into bite-sized pieces of informative and interesting nuggets of wisdom around plant-based nutrition. He is a registered Chiropractor, Musculoskeletal OH Specialist and plant-based nutrition expert, and has successfully helped people reverse type 2 diabetes, lower cholesterol and lose weight as well as alleviate fatigue and stress in the workplace as part of his employee wellness clinical services. He strives to educate patients about the importance of a healthy lifestyle incorporating evidence-based nutrition and exercise. He is one of the leading advocates for a plant-based diet in South Africa.

Andre Rutishauser

A ship’s Captain for renowned Ocean Conservation group Sea Shepherd, Andre is passionate about our ocean life, animal rights, and marine life sustainability, and is a sea warrior! He is also the owner of the organic and self-sustainable restaurant, Conscious Café, in Durban, where his mission to show people just how tasty, colourful and nutritious food can be. His motto is “Act Locally, Think Globally”. A keen animal rights activist and environmental conservationist, Andre is on a mission to save our planet one sea creature at a time.

Ricardo Marques

Ricardo knows what it’s like being thrown in the deep end. He started his own plant-based biltong company, Oh Poppyseed and is the co-founder of the vegan skincare brand, Lenka Skincare. Over the years, he has learnt first-hand what it’s like building a successful, local business in what is still considered a niche market. Dive deeper into his life as a plant-based entrepreneur, how he has learnt ride the seas of change when building a brand and how Ricardo still has a smile at the end of it all. Aloha.

Excited much? We think so!

Be inspired to live a healthier and more purposeful life at our Annual Green Meeting. Get your tickets here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/57540-annual-green-meeting-joburg/#/

Join us in the morning, before the #FrysAGM begins, at our Green Market. Get your day started with a browse of multiple food and lifestyle vendors; enjoy live music, entertainment and kiddie activities; and snack on free Fry’s samples. The Green Market is 100% plant-based and eco-friendly. #shellyeah!

All are welcome to attend the AGM! From the plant munchers, to the animal lovers, to those wanting to live a healthier lifestyle, and to those who are looking for good food and fun!

Come hang out, eat great food, learn about the benefits of eating a plant-based diet and make lasting connections with other passionate people!

Will you join us?

Date: 3rd November 2018

Venue: The Ground

Plot 19, Driefontein Rd, Muldersdrift (55 mins from OR Thambo)

Market Time: 10am to 1pm

AGM Time: 1pm to 5pm

Get your tickets here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/57540-annual-green-meeting-joburg/#/

RSVP to our FB event and share the love #FrysAGM with friends and family – the more the merrier: https://www.facebook.com/events/376725886200843/

Seas and greetings,

The Fry Family Food Co.

Categories
News

WIN a Fry’s hamper and 1 of 25 Weber Smokey Joe Braai worth R2000!

In the spirit of Heritage Month and Heart Awareness Month, we are celebrating the joys of heart-healthy plant-based grilling, with our friends at Weber! Eat for your heart with your heart, and stand a chance a win a Fry’s hamper and one of 25 Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Grills worth R2000 each by entering our Love Your ❤ Competition.

If you have ever tried our Nuggets or Schnitzel on the braai, you will know how crispy and succulent they turn out! Are you ready to grill it up with our heart-healthy, plant-based meat alternatives this September?

A plant-based diet contains no cholesterol, a main predictor and cause of heart disease; is lower in saturated fat, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke; and contains a rich amount of heart-protective nutrients and antioxidants – all without sacrificing on flavour!

By making a few, small changes to your diet and overall lifestyle, you can improve your heart’s health and increase your longevity.

Enter the Love Your ❤ Competition today and you could be one of the 25 lucky winners!

There are 2 ways to enter the competition:

  1. Purchase 2 boxes of any Fry’s product and SMS the word Fry’s and the last four digits of either barcode to 33711. Example: Fry’s1256 (Till slips need to be retained and presented in order to redeem the prize);
  2. Download Love your  ❤ ecookbook > Tell us which recipe you would like to try on Facebook > Tag two friends who you would like to cook the recipe for.

25 winners will be chosen to receive the prize and each winner will receive a Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill and a Fry’s hamper worth R2000 each.

The competition runs from the 25th of August 2018 at 7am to the 15th of October 2018 at 12pm.

Full T&C’s here.

Want to celebrate some more this Braai Month with free burgers?

We are going on a road trip and you’re invited to come along with us this September! We’re hosting plant-based braais in JHB and Durban – with free burgers! Our aim is to host the biggest plant-based South African braai, so help us celebrate the joys of heart-healthy, plant-based grilling and spread the events with friends and family.

All events have an entrance fee of R20 and all proceeds go to a local animal charity in the area. In exchange for your entrance ticket, you are able to claim a free burger! Each event has a green market so bring cash on the day to support vendors selling food, drinks and an array of lifestyle products.

Durban 16th September, La Lucia Mall Park

JHB 22nd September, Ennis Garden Centre

As South Africans, we take great pride in the diverse traditions that make up our country. We want to celebrate our braai culture, all the while honouring our beautiful country and her land, as well as positively influencing our own health and that of our families and communities.

From vibrant veggies, to sizzling skewers, make your flavourful, plant-based braai one to remember! All you need is a touch of imagination, a quality and efficient braai, a sprinkle of good company and a few delicious recipes to knock up tasty, meat-free meals.

Download Love Your ❤ Cookbook!

Join us in celebrating braai meals that are good for your health, for the planet and for the animals!

Categories
News

7 Things you didn’t know about Fry’s

It’s time to share some (possibly) unknown facts about Fry’s, how we compare to standard beef burgers and to divulge if Wally Fry really does lick the factory floor… Introducing The Did You Know series!

The Ultimate Burger Bash

Did you know the difference between a Fry’s burger and a standard beef burger? It’s the ultimate battle between the plants vs the meat. Fry’s is lower in calories and fat, and higher in protein and fibre than a standard beef patty. This means you are able to reduce your chances of heart disease, obesity, stroke and cancer when you choose a plant-based meat alternative over animal-based protein. We are rooting for #teamveg!

Check out this recipe with our Traditional Burger here.

Meat Shrinks!

Did you know that raw beef, poultry and fish shrink in size to about 25% when cooked? The amount of fat, moisture content and the temperature at which the meat is cooked influences the amount of shrinkage. This is the weight loss you don’t want! Fry’s products only shrink less than 1%, meaning more nutrients are retained and we get to eat more food. #winning.

Get involved with this Peanut Butter Chicken-Style Skewer recipe here.

meat shrinks

Welcome to the Next Generation of Veg

We may be made of veggies and legumes, but we don’t taste like one! Did you know that Fry’s is a meat replacement and not a vegetable replacement? Fry’s comes in handy when you’re trying to inconspicuously blend with the meat-eating crowd. We have the same taste and texture as meat but just happen to be made of plants. We’re higher in protein than other veggies, meaty in taste and proud of it!

PS: all Fry’s products contain all 9 amino acids. “Where do you get your protein?” is a question that is now a thing of the past.

Check out this awesome burger recipe with Sundried Tomato Hummus and Polenta Onion Rings here.

Say No to GMO

Did you know Fry’s products are 100 plant-based, free from antibiotics, hormones, harmful additives and contains non-GM ingredients? Our whole family eats all of the Fry’s products today – and we only consume food knowing that the ingredients are safe and healthy. This is our promise to our own family, and yours: Integrity to the ingredient and honouring the body.

Clean, Green and a Well-Oiled Machine!

This is no smear campaign. Did you know that Fry’s production floor surface is cleaner than your chopping board? When Fry’s co-founder, Wally Fry, visits the factory, he will wipe his finger on the floor and then lick it! The production facility is cleaned relentlessly, multiple times a day. No animal products ever enter the factory so there are zero chances of cross-contamination.

Hash It Out!

We love potatoes but in our opinion, if we want a meat-free burger, we go big or go home! Switch up a #brown for a Fry’s burger for a meal that is higher in protein, lower in fat and bigger in taste.

Get involved with this big burger with chunky avo and peppadew salsa recipe here.

Categories
News

The Fry’s Annual Green Meeting (AGM) 2017 is here!

South Africa’s largest vegan food & lifestyle event, The Fry’s Annual Green Meeting (AGM), is back and it’s bigger and better than ever! JHB, clear your diaries now because this one is not to be missed, sprout’s honour.

After last year’s sold-out event, we’re excited to announce that the AGM ’17 will take place on the 12th of November at Katy’s Palace Bar in Sandton. Prepare to be transported very far away, into a place where the exotic complements the old, and where other-worldliness is highlighted by a breathtaking backdrop of the City of Gold’s skyline.

It’s a celebration of all things plant-based: From an incredible lineup of local and international speakers, to gourmet food (A vegan event wouldn’t be complete without amazing tasty and Insta-worthy food, right?!); great vegan goodie bags; vendors showcasing some incredible vegan goodies on sale; competitions; and of course, a couple of surprises.

So who is on the lineup?

Sebastian Joy

Sebastian Joy Fry's AGM

We are thrilled to host Sebastian Joy for his first talk in South Africa. Sebastian is one of the leading figures in the international vegan movement.  He is the founder and CEO of ProVeg International, the world’s leading international pro-vegan food awareness organisation. He is also the Vice President of the European Vegetarian Union and the creator of VeggieWorlda festival that takes place in 14 cities in Europe.  Join the movement and learn how to be as effective and strategic as we can in influencing the big players within society to move from an animal-based diet to a plant-based diet.

Carl Donnelly

Carl Donnelly

The vegan UK stand-up comedian has been nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award twice, won a bunch of other awards, appeared on a selection of TV shows, and has traveled the world performing at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The New Zealand Comedy Festival and pretty much every other comedy festival there is. And now he’s coming to South Africa for the first time as one of the speakers and our MC. Get ready for a few funny jokes about…well, vegetables. Come have a good laugh with us.

John McInroy

John McInroy Fry's AGM

Founder of The Unogwaja Charitable Trust & shoOops! (aka Red Socks), social entrepreneur, ultra-athlete and philanthropist, is there anything John hasn’t done? He completed a 1670 km bike ride in 10 days across South Africa from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg followed by the Comrades Marathon on day 11 as part of the Unogwaja Challenge, raising money for charity and inspiring a message across the country. He has many heartfelt and uplifting stories to tell which he will be sharing with us! Not to be missed!

Dr Paul Palmer

Dr Paul Palmer Fry's AGM

Dr Paul Palmer is a registered Chiropractor and plant-based nutrition expert.  He has helped people reverse diabetes type 2, lower cholesterol and lose weight as well as alleviate fatigue and stress in the workplace as part of his employee wellness clinical services. He holds the health and nutrition portfolio for the South African Vegan Society and is one of the leading advocates for a plant-based diet in SA. Join us and come learn about evidence-based plant-based nutrition!

You mentioned something about winning?

In keeping with this year’s theme of ‘Inspiring Change’ we would love to hear from you about how Fry’s has helped you to Inspire Change in your own life. This could be a story about how Fry’s products helped you or a loved one improve your health, or how you’ve used Fry’s to introduce friends and family to the benefits of a plant-based diet – or any other way that Fry’s products, events or other messaging has helped you.

We’ll showcase the stories at The #FrysAGM, and our favourite story will WIN A FRY’S HAMPER WORTH R2000! Only attendees of the Fry’s Annual Green Meeting: Inspiring Change (Joburg) are legible to win the prize. Enter by sending us an inbox message over social media or email claire@frygroup.co.za with your story and the words INSPIRING CHANGE at the top of the message.

You don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy the AGM. All are welcome – the plant munchers, the animal lovers, those wanting a healthier lifestyle, and the folks who are looking for good food and fun!

So come hang out, eat great food, learn about the benefits of eating a plant-based diet and make lasting connections with other passionate people!

Will you join us?

Get your tickets here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/31420-annual-green-meeting-inspiring-change-joburg/#/

And RSVP to our FB event here and share the love #FrysAGM: http://bit.ly/2wx7Zxx

Categories
News

WIN a Fry’s hamper and Philips Airfryer worth R3000!

Do you LOVE to WIN? Eat for your heart with your heart, and stand a chance a win a Fry’s hamper and one of 50 Philips Air fryers by entering our Love Your Heart Competition to celebrate Heart Awareness Month!

We have teamed up with our friends at Philips who are behind the nifty kitchen appliance, the Air fryer. Using Rapid Air Technology, it fries, bakes and roasts with up to 80% less fat in half the time! Crispy Chicken-Style Nuggets, golden chips and perfectly done veggies in eight minutes? Consider it done!

Fry with air using Fry’s delicious, naturally cholesterol-free meat alternatives and show your support for heart-healthy living. By making a few, small changes to your diet and overall lifestyle, you can improve your heart’s health and increase your longevity.

Enter the Love Your Heart Competition today and you could be one of the 50 lucky winners!

It’s simple to enter:

Purchase 2 boxes of any Fry’s products and SMS the word Fry’s and the last four digits of either barcode to 33711. OR Like any of the Fry’s Love Your Heart Recipe posts on Facebook and tag two friends who you would like to cook the recipe for.

The competition runs from the 15th of August 2017 at 7 am to the 15th of October 2017 at 12 pm.

50 winners will be chosen to receive the prize.

Each winner will receive a Philips Air Fryer and a Fry’s hamper.

Read the full T&C’s here.

Categories
News

In conversation with Keegan Kuhn and Tammy Fry

We interviewed Keegan Kuhn Co-Director of the award-winning documentary, Cowspiracy and What the Health.

Have a look at the interview below or watch the video.

TAMMY FRY: So I’m here with Keegan Kuhn, one of the co-directors of Cowspiracy and What the Health. And I thought I would take this opportunity to get a little more insight into the making of the films and to share some of that with the people watching today. So Keegan, thank you…

KEEGAN KUHN: Thank you.

TAMMY FRY: …for taking some time. I wanted to ask you, how long did it actually take you to put together this film? You know, how many years it was in the making?

KEEGAN KUHN: What The Health took two and a half years to make from start to completion. We thought we were going to do the film really fast. Kip Anderson, my co-director and I did Cowspiracy in ten months which was really, really short. So we thought well, “we would be able to bust this out in a year”, and it took us a lot longer because there’s so much more information, there’s so much more research that went into the film, and it’s an even more detailed film than Cowspiracy. So it was about a year of shooting and a good year of editing non-stop, but close to two years of editing.

TAMMY FRY: And speaking of editing is there any part you felt would be best to leave out of the film that you would like to tell us about?

KEEGAN KUHN: There’s so much we had to leave out of the film. We shot over 100 hours’ worth of footage, and we cut it down to a 90-minute film. There was an entire section that we have that dealt more with racial injustice that exists in the food system, and that’s a big subject that we just felt we couldn’t really fit into the film to do it justice. I’m actually working on another film with John Lewis, aka, “BadassVegan”, that is going to deal with that issue almost exclusively. But there is just so much information, and actually our website, whatthehealthfilm.com is going to be a resource and we are going to be constantly updating information on things that we couldn’t fit into the film, and extended information on what we did include in the film.

TAMMY FRY: Thank you. And what do you think was the most challenging moment for you making the film?

KEEGAN KUHN: The hardest part about making this film was definitely filming in North Carolina. When we went to North Carolina and we saw families who are affected by living next to pig farms and living near this pollution. It put a real human face to the impacts of this industry. To see, you know, hundreds and thousands of fish floating to the surface of the water because they are suffocating from the pollution from the rivers there, so again, very disturbing and it brought it very much home that this is not an abstract issue that humans, animals and non-human animals are dying and are suffering because of this industry. And that’s a real motivator.

TAMMY FRY: I can imagine it must be very difficult. Watching it on screen and actually being there must be two very different things. So that brings me to my next question, you and Kip seem very calm when you’re dealing with sometimes very difficult situations – how do you stay calm, because I mean, have you ever thrown your camera at anyone?

[Laughs]

KEEGAN KUHN: Kip and I definitely try to stay calm. Some of these interviews we go into are very stressful, or at least, very awkward. Kip’s a really calm guy so that helps a lot – he tends to keep his cool very well – especially in these interview situations. For me, because I’m behind the camera, I tend to kind of just shrink into the job that I’m doing and just focus on what I’m there to do but sometimes they are definitely stressful, they’re definitely awkward, really uncomfortable. But really what it comes down to is that we’re creating films with a mission. We want to inform and educate people and so that’s what we always keep coming back to is, how do we get this information out to as many people as possible, and we need to do whatever we can do to make it as effective as possible. And so staying calm, staying focused is what we always do.

TAMMY FRY: Well, and a little bit of meditation.

KEEGAN KUHN: Something like that.

[Laughs]

TAMMY FRY: So my surname is “Fry”, so this interview wouldn’t be complete without asking you what do you think about the future of plant-based meats?

KEEGAN KUHN: I think plant-based meats changed the whole game. When people first hear about a plant-based diet or move towards a vegan diet, they think they have to give up everything. They think it’s a totally new foreign diet but the truth is because of Fry’s, people don’t have to give up their lifestyle and can continue to eat the exact same diet as they have ever eaten – just change it to plant-based. And so they can exclude all the cruelty, you know, the unsustainable aspects of animal agriculture, and so many of the really horrible, negative side effects on their health by eating plant-based meats. So I think they are phenomenal, I think they are absolutely pivotal in the transition of moving away from animal-based foods towards plant-based foods. Plant-based meats are the way to go.

TAMMY FRY: That was a good answer!

[Laughs]

TAMMY FRY: What’s next for you and Kip, or for you?

KEEGAN KUHN: I have a new film that I’m working on called, Running For Good, which is following the incredible three-time world record marathon runner, Fiona Oakes, and is a film which is in production right now. Kip Anderson is working on another feature film as well, and he tends to keep things really under wraps while he is working on them so I can’t really mention much more right now, but that’s an exciting film. His non-profit, A.U.M Films that produced What The Health and Cowspiracy, is producing a number of incredible documentaries that are coming out, so I really recommend people to check out aumfilms.org or go to the whatthehealthfilm.com website and the cowspiracy.com website and to stay up to date with everything that we are working on.

TAMMY FRY: Well that’s incredibly exciting – maybe we will have another interview with Kip soon.

KEEGAN KUHN: That’s right.

TAMMY FRY: So have you, just to finish off, have you got a message for vegan advocates that are out there fighting the fight? Have you got anything you would like to say to them?

KEEGAN KUHN: It can be really frustrating advocating for veganism because we’re in a non-vegan world. I think it’s important to be compassionate – compassionate with other people and to remember that everyone is on a path and to remember that most of us weren’t born this way and someone had to take the time and energy to educate us, so be patient and compassionate – and to be patient and compassionate with ourselves as well. It can be frustrating, it can be draining, and to give yourself a break, and to be kind – always. Sometimes when it’s hard for you to find your voice, look at what you’re good at, what makes you feel good, what really inspires you and do that, and make that your activism. But to never forget that this is much bigger than us. It is much bigger than us as individuals. This about the planet, it is about the individuals who are suffering in this industry and all of the human beings who are suffering because of this industry. And that’s where I get my motivation – I think of the victims and I always think, “What would I want someone to do for me if I was in their place?” And so, that’s what keeps me going and where I really draw inspiration.

TAMMY FRY: Well thank you for your time.

KEEGAN KUHN: Thank you.

Follow Tammy and Keegan on Instagram:

Tammy – @tammyfry_269

Keegan – @firstsparkmedia

Categories
News

Behind the success of every small business, there is a family!

Chapter 1:

I remember school weekends spent packing boxes, moving stock, playing in pallet houses and catching rides on conveyor belts.  I remember tasting and tasting again, to be sure.  I remember a Mom & Dad who worked tirelessly, day in and day out, night in and night out.  I remember the days where every penny counted and the simple things in life were treasured.

We were brought up in a humble home.  One with a big heart, strong values and a work ethic to boot!  We were of course, a family of vegetarians, in South Africa and had folks who believed you should follow your dreams and leave a positive mark in the world.  They also believed in good-old-fashioned hard work and striving for perfection in everything you did.  It was always about the commitment and the effort.  Conversations at the dinner table included the trivial school day report-backs and then morality, ethics, the state of the world, and an update on the latest plant-based burger recipe they managed to crack that day!  

I guess, Fry’s is so much a part of our lives, that it could never not be a part of our lives, so it made sense that after we completed our studies, we started helping out in the family business.  I started the marketing department (I mean, desk!).  Dad relegated me to the pre-weighing warehouse, where I was to “market” and manage the pre-weighing team.  Armed with a mop-cap and laptop, I found myself sitting in the middle of a warehouse, at an upcycled pallet desk covered in spice dust and smelling of burger patties daily!  Hayley, my younger sister, got it a bit luckier.  She came later, and by then, things at Fry’s had stepped up a bit!  She was sent into the factory armed with gumboots, mop cap, coat and mask.  She was to assist with product development.  And just like that, we found our niches.  Stacey, the youngest sister, slipped in the back door and now manages international packaging compliance.  

Dad’s philosophy was a simple one: everyone was to be treated equally (whether or not you were family), and everyone to had to put in 100% effort into their daily work.  And so it was!

our success story

Chapter 2:

Fast forward 18 years.  

As a now fully fledged second generation family business, we decided that we wanted to up the ante a notch or two.  We wanted to keep things interesting and of course to continue to fulfil our passion for all things plant based, nutritious and tasty.

It all started over a pot in the family kitchen where we were making salted caramel and then we thought, wouldn’t it be nice if Fry’s could make a non-dairy ice cream, that tasted better than ice cream, ice cream and then topped it with this pot of incredibly tasty homemade salted caramel…and just like that an idea was born!    

We didn’t just stop there, as you may or may not already know, when we get onto a bandwagon, we seem to all jump right on.  We started looking at new things that we could make to help people transition more easily to a plant based diet.  

We think the best is yet to come!  

But we did want to share Chapter 1 “From Piggeries to Veggies” in a film – please watch it and share it if it inspires you in any way.  It shares our authenticity and passion, our emotions and gives an insight into our lives growing up in South Africa. Happy watching!

Want to find out more about our story? Click here.

Categories
News

From piggeries to veggies, this is our story

From the very start (back in 1991) the principle behind how we craft our food has been, and will continue to be the same: Wherever possible do no harm.  This is our mantra and our guiding value. 

I became a vegetarian in the late 80’s for a number of reasons. The most important of these was the obvious cruelty in factory farming and the ravages caused to our total environment by farming for meat. With a lack of protein alternatives available in the market place, and my own personal challenge to stay within the confines of this diet, I started to research and develop foods that created a healthy alternative, thus providing a solution for the breaking of the habit of meat eating, and keeping it fun, and easy. I decided to start making a solution for myself, my family, and of course, other like-minded people who saw giving up meat as a tough challenge.

our story

I started in our kitchen, with our Kenwood mixer and a few ingredients, with Debbie, my wife, and the kids pitching in and helping wherever possible.  The cornerstone of our home recipes was to use the very best ingredients to craft our foods. Thus, it was obvious from the start that MSG, food colourants, nasty chemicals, Genetically Modified ingredients, Hydrogenated fats, cholesterol, and of course absolutely any animal products in whatever form, had to be excluded from our daily development of recipes. What had to be included was a great protein value thus vindicating the argument or common question to vegetarians or vegans about “where do you get your protein”.  All the while, the prime concern I had was to ensure that my own family would in every way benefit from a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Lastly, of most crucial importance was that the food needed to taste great. Therefore, taste has no compromise in all of The Fry Family Food Co.’s range of foods, even to this day.

When Fry’s first reached the supermarket shelves, we decided that the same love, care and methods that we used in our kitchen would simply be upscaled without even the subtlest alterations to our home-style preparation, was how we would continue to make our food.  Attention to detail with absolute awareness about what would be impacted by our actions was a prime focus.

“Through my personal choices and actions, I can help change the world” became our mantra and the mantra of our staff and many of our loyal customers.

With all of these guiding principles being our daily practice and motivation, Fry’s has become a well-known Brand in over 25 countries, proving that our bid for the above principles attracts millions of people worldwide.

Want to find out more about our story? Click here.