Introduce yourself.
Ola, my name is Giselle Makinde and I am founder, Brazilian and CEO of Cream of the Crop. I moved to Ireland 5 years ago and I fell in love with the country, the people and the way of living. Chef for the past 24 years, I’ve worked with the best chefs in Brazil and work in restaurants and cafe in Dublin before opening my own business in September 2020.
What inspired you to join the natural health sector?
I think the world is changing, especially after the pandemic and it’s not sustainable the way we are living. We have no time to prep meals like we used to do, we don’t have time to take care of ourselves and making products that will help us to move to a better direction is one of my goals.
Where did you get the idea for your brand?
The idea came from working as a chef as realised how much food we waste in a kitchen daily. But it was when a supplier gave me 10kg of overripe bananas and told me that they were going to be wasted, that I realised that the numbers could be much bigger. After a few months of research I decided to create a business that would rescue all the good food that we are wasting and transforming into nice treats.
What makes your brand unique?
We are the only company in the world that uses surplus food to create gelatos and the only one that works directly with companies like Fyffes to avoid bananas to be waste to create Bananitas.
What are your company’s core values?
GOOD FOOD
Our entire range of products is produced using 100% natural ingredients, free from artificial colours and flavours.
GOOD PEOPLE
We strive to meet or exceed your expectations on every bite!
We deliver outstanding customer service through our knowledge, skill, and enthusiasm.
ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD WASTE!
We work with surplus foods, and we are extremely proud of it.
Hey, our produce might not look perfect on the outside, but it is the inside that counts, right?
LOCAL LOVE
We are a part of an independent business ecosystem, and we work with some of the best food businesses in Ireland. We love our land, and we want to support other businesses on their journeys towards a more sustainable future.
How do you support your community?
We support a few charities here in Dublin and try to bring happiness through our treats.
What has been the most rewarding part of your brands journey?
Knowing that we have rescued more than 24 tonnes of food from being waste.
What in your opinion makes Irish brands unique?
Creativity! It’s amazing how a small island like Ireland produces so many incredible products.
What is your favourite product from your brand?
Are you asking me to choose my favourite children hehehehe But my favourite is Bananita Acai.
Tell us about something that has shaped your brand?
I never thought that my idea was going to become a company, like the way that it's today. But being part of the sustainable world and making a difference is something that makes me smile and fell proud of my achievements.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
Create enough products to avoid as maximum food waste as possible.
