The Fortnum & Makers Open Call Winners!

Since 1707, Fortnum & Mason has championed the exceptional work and time-honoured making methods of talented artisans around the world. 

Earlier this year, we added a new chapter to that storied history, by launching a search for the UK & Ireland’s very best new and undiscovered food and drink producers. 

And now, after an impossibly competitive and very delicious judging process, we’re delighted to introduce the winners of our first Fortnum & Makers Open Call – each of which can now be found on the shelves at Fortnum's and here at fortnumandmason.com.

Read on to find out more about each the chosen brands and shop their exceptional, mouthwatering products today.

Belly Dance

Refreshing creations made from water, kefir and all-natural ingredients, Belly Dance's low sugar, caffeine-free, and lightly sparkling fermented sodas are packed with a unique probiotics blend – each can contains six billion live cultures, which help to promote a happy and healthy gut microbiome.

A few words from the co-founders, Hannah and Harriet:

"We're groovin' with gratitude to be selected as one of just ten brands in Fortnum & Mason’s inaugural Open Call. The Open Call celebrates bold, innovative brands that are shaking up the food and drink industry, and we’re proud to be doing just that at Belly Dance, and bringing something fresh, fun, and genuinely good-for-you to the iconic Food Hall at Picadilly."

Available at Piccadilly while stocks last

Curry Smugglers

Founded in Margate by Steve and Ruby – a husband-and-wife team of first-generation British Asians with a passion for snacking and Indian street food – Curry Smugglers' handmade snacks are made with locally sourced, plant-based ingredients and packaged in beautifully-designed aluminium beer cans.

A few words from co-founder, Steve:

"Growing up, (I saw) Fortnum’s as a symbol of British excellence, so to see our snacks – rooted in Indian heritage, with a bold British-Asian twist – in Fortnum's feels deeply meaningful. It's a reminder that food is more than flavour; it’s culture, identity, connection and we feel truly seen: as makers and as part of the story of modern multicultural Britain."

Available at Piccadilly while stocks last

Crwst

Proudly rooted in Welsh culture, Crwst's founders, Catrin and Osian Wyn Jones, have transformed a home baking project into a thriving business, renowned for all manner of delicious handcrafted creations,– including these deliciously silky spreads, made with exceptional Welsh ingredients.

A few words from Max, Operations Manager at Crwst:

"We were absolutely delighted to hear that we'd been accepted at Fortnum & Mason. Working with such a prestigious retailer and having our products stocked at Fortnum's is great, and has been a goal of ours for some time — to achieve this was massive for us; it's something most small brands only dream about."

Aura Sea Salt

A first-of-its-kind flavoured salt that delivers your daily dose of vitamin D, Aura Sea Salt is made from hand-harvested Celtic sea salt, shiitake mushrooms and botanicals. Organic, vegan and handcrafted in small batches in the Cotswold's, it's an exceptional, flavourful alternative to everyday salt.

A few words from the founder, Aaron:

"This is huge for us. We’re a small brand with big intentions, so to be recognised by a retailer like Fortnum’s — with its history, standards, and iconic reputation — felt like real validation that we’re doing something meaningful. It’s not just a win for us; it’s a win for the idea that food can be both functional and flavourful."

Gingerbread World

Handmade from start to finish and crafted from a deliciously traditional gingerbread rich with real spices – including ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves – Brighton’s Gingerbread World have gained a reputation for creating customised and entirely hand-built gingerbread houses, each complete with magical interior lights. 

A few words from the founder, Fay Millar:

"Fortnum's represents the pinnacle of luxury, tradition, and quality — and those values are also at the heart of Gingerbread World. This really is a dream come true, and an extraordinary opportunity to align our brand with a name that has been synonymous with craftsmanship and celebration for centuries."

Isle of Bute Gin

An independent, female-led producer from the Scottish island of the same name, Isle of Bute Distillery has been creating small batch spirits rich with local provenance and coastal character since 2018. A world first, their gin is uniquely crafted using wild Scottish oyster shells – lending each sip a delicate salinity. 

A few words from the founder, Rhona Madigan-Wheatley:

"Becoming an Open Call winner felt like a reward for years of hard work. The buyers took a genuine interest in how we produce our spirits; they recognised the craft and skill behind what we do. This is a proud moment for us and our island, and a chance to showcase something truly distinctive and rooted in Scotland’s natural beauty."

Omega Pressery

Single-origin avocado and macadamia cooking oils that are as good for the planet as your plate, Omega Pressery 100% natural, nutrient-rich and additive-free creations are cold-pressed from 'wonky' fruit and nuts, which would otherwise be wasted. A wonderfully wholesome and flavourful addition to any kitchen.

A few words from co-founder, Nikita Dawda:

"Fortnum’s is such an iconic name, and to be selected as a winner among so many brilliant brands was a huge honour and really encouraging! It felt like a real moment of recognition for everything we’ve poured into Omega Pressery so far – from our values to our product quality and the smallholder farming communities we work with, so this recognition means a lot."

Root2Ginger

Cold-pressed from 100% natural, organic and ethically-sourced ingredients – including Peruvian ginger root, raw sugar cane, organic hibiscus and Sicilian lemon juice – these deliciously authentic drinks are made, bottled and labelled by hand in Manchester, and inspired by founder Deanne's Caribbean heritage.

A few words from the founder, Deanne:

"I felt on top of the world to become a Fortnum's Open Call winner. When I first got the news I was shaking, even now this doesn't seem real! Being stocked at Fortnum's is a 'pinch me moment' and makes all the continued hard work worth it.  This is such an amazing opportunity and we intend to enjoy it – just like we hope everyone enjoys Root2Ginger!"

Spiced Sussex

A Brighton-based artisan condiment business, Spiced Sussex roast and smoke the exceptional ingredients in their chilli recipes with live fire, using sustainably-sourced local wood. Renowned for prioritising flavour over heat, the resulting bottles are sure to become delicious additions to your pantry.

A few words from the founder, Ben:

"As a small, independent producer, being recognised by such an iconic and respected name in British food is a real validation of the craft, care, and originality that go into everything we make, and the way we make them. Funnily enough, since our very first pop-up, we've been using a vintage Fortnum's biscuit tin to store our tasting cards – but I never imagined our own products would be in-store one day."

The Umami Bros

Founded during lockdown by three friends, The Umami Bros’ gluten and MSG-free mayonnaise took two years to perfect – but the result is more than worth the wait. Made from British rapeseed oil and a unique vinegar blend, this rich, creamy and tangy creation is possibly the best mayo you'll ever taste.

A few words from co-founder, James:

"Fortnum’s reputation for exceptional quality, distinctive British character and a loyal customer base aligns closely with our own values. Having our Japanese-style mayonnaise on the shelves at Fortnum & Mason is a proud milestone for all of us at The Umami Bros — numerous members of our team have been long-time customers at Fortnum’s, so it really is a moment we will never forget."