FOOD ENTREPRENEUR AND ALLERGY CAMPAIGNER DELIVERS TEDx TALK

FOOD entrepreneur and CEO of Creative Nature, Julianne Ponan MBE, has given a TEDx talk entitled, “Would You Eat Something That Said ‘May Contain Glass’? Try Living with Allergies.”

The TEDx event took place at the University of Swansea’s vibrant Taliesin Arts Centre earlier this month (December 6) was designed around the theme: “Illuminate.” It showcased 17 different thought leaders from the worlds of business, academic research, security and health. In line with the TED and TEDx approach, organisers aimed for the event to “inspire, educate, engage and entertain.” 

Award-winning entrepreneur Julianne founded the leading free from the top 14 allergens brand, Creative Nature, more than a decade ago, having been spurred on by the difficulties she encounters daily due to her own severe and life-threatening allergies. 

The brand creates vegan friendly products that are entirely Top 14 Allergen Free, and the company is also a leader in using the highest quality of ingredients in their products to maximise nutritional health benefits and create great taste. Their healthy snack bars have won more Great Taste Gold Stars than any other cold-pressed range in history and their other products have consistently won a range of awards over the last five years.

Julianne herself suffers from anaphylaxis, a severe and extremely dangerous allergic reaction that can develop quickly and be life-threatening if she comes into contact with any kinds of nuts, seeds and some additives. Her belief that allergies and intolerances don’t have to mean that people compromise on taste and nutrition led to the ethical and sustainable focus of Creative Nature, which also only uses the most sustainable packaging options and has a policy of no palm oil in their products. Julianne regularly speaks at events and advocates for people living with food allergies and intolerances. 

“Roughly 20% of the UK population suffers from food intolerances and over 2 million people in the UK live with food allergies,” she said. “The issue is now therefore far from ‘niche’ and it’s vital there’s a good standard of available information and education around the challenges and dangers, as well as the solutions. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak at TEDx Swansea and delighted with how well the talk was received.”

TEDx is a highly prestigious event known across the world for showcasing inspiring and thought-provoking talks from highly-respected thought leaders in specialist areas of expertise. The events are often high-profile, with the locality benefitting from bringing together large groups of people with a shared interest in ideas, social development and advancement.

Julianne’s personal experience of allergies has informed the backbone of Creative Nature. In the UK, her award-winning products are now available in big-name high street constants Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s, Asda and TKMaxx, as well as online at Ocado and Amazon. Creative Nature products are also available in 16 other countries and the company is continuing to grow. Earlier this year Julianne received an MBE from The Princess Royal, Anne, at a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

“It’s been an amazing decade of discovery and development,” said Julianne, “and I can’t even begin to explain how incredibly rewarding it is to know we’re helping people with intolerances and allergies not have to compromise on food quality and taste, whilst also spreading the word about the importance of understanding and diligence around these kinds of dietary requirements. Delivering the TEDx talk was a really satisfying landmark on that journey and I am hugely excited about how else we’ll be moving forward, developing and growing as a company over the next few years.”

To find out more about Julianne and Creative Nature visit https://creativenaturesuperfoods.co.uk/