For challenger brands · Free, by application

You did not start a brand to spend your evenings cold emailing co packers.

we know. we have been on your side of the table.

The Forge is the network we wished existed when we were where you are. A named human learns your stage, your channels and what you actually need this quarter, then makes the introductions that go somewhere. The room, not a database.

Apply to join Free to join. Always by application.
In the room already

The founding members are taking their seats.

these are the people you will be sat next to.

Salt Wrights — Frances, founder
Norfolk
Salt Wrights
Frances, founder

sea salt, harvested by hand on the norfolk coast.

TH
Photo on its way
London
Oochi
Thurayya, founder

small batch mochi with very big opinions.

Calloway's — Patrick & Jess, founders
Bristol
Calloway's
Patrick & Jess, founders

slow fermented hot sauce, aged like it matters.

Hedgerow — Annie, Bea & Flo, founders
Suffolk
Hedgerow
Annie, Bea & Flo, founders

preserves from the orchard gate, nothing added.

DE
Photo on its way
Manchester
Mosa
Dele, founder

west african pantry staples, done properly.

CA
Photo on its way
Cornwall
Little Anchor
Cat, founder

canned cocktails mixed within sight of the sea.

Salt Wrights — Frances, founder
Norfolk
Salt Wrights
Frances, founder

sea salt, harvested by hand on the norfolk coast.

TH
Photo on its way
London
Oochi
Thurayya, founder

small batch mochi with very big opinions.

Calloway's — Patrick & Jess, founders
Bristol
Calloway's
Patrick & Jess, founders

slow fermented hot sauce, aged like it matters.

Hedgerow — Annie, Bea & Flo, founders
Suffolk
Hedgerow
Annie, Bea & Flo, founders

preserves from the orchard gate, nothing added.

DE
Photo on its way
Manchester
Mosa
Dele, founder

west african pantry staples, done properly.

CA
Photo on its way
Cornwall
Little Anchor
Cat, founder

canned cocktails mixed within sight of the sea.

What membership holds

Everything is made by hand. Including the introductions.

01

Introductions that land

One to three a month, matched by a human to your stage and channel. Never a mailout, never a list.

02

Founders dinners

Eight to a table, off the record, in Norfolk. The people worth knowing, and a long evening to do it properly.

03

Insight worth reading

Quarterly briefs on category, retail buyers, distribution and the capital landscape. Read, not skimmed.

04

Workshops that move you on

Three a year with Tastebuds, on brand, content and execution. Built for people who already trade.

05

A proper welcome

A printed welcome book, hand delivered. A founder pack. A directory page that is yours.

06

One place for everything

Profile, intros, calendar and contacts in one place, backed up to your own Google Drive.

Who we say yes to

Curated means we say no. That is what makes the yes worth having.

if this sounds like you, we would like to read your application.

The shape of a member
Annual revenue£250k to £1m
Trading1 to 5 years
Run byThe founder
To joinFree, by application
500 brands, capped. The founding 100 are signing up now.
An event for members · Meet the buyer

50 qualified buyers. 30 brands. One day where orders happen.

a curated buying day, built so the meetings actually land.

Members get first call on seats. Sit across the table from Waitrose, Ocado and the buyers worth your morning.

See the day →