Page 9 - Food&Drink Magazine May 2022

“ While I was finessing the formulations, we were trying to find a contract manufacturer to work with. The challenge was finding a manufacturer that was interested in hot fill. I think I rang every single one in the state.”
RISINGSTAR ✷
bottlers in Victoria but because of border closures heading south was off the table.
The tonics presented a whole new avenue for innovation as the beverage category simply didn’t exist in the market.
Initially, Todd was working out how to get shelf life naturally but as the business grew the process had to be increasingly robust.
“To make the tonics we have to activate the ingredients. Once
“As we transition from
Covid lockdowns around the country, everyone is looking for ways to focus on their physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
“Mrs Toddy’s is the perfect antidote to the stresses and pressures of day-to-day living. Its natural ingredients can help treat chronic pain, inflammation, and anxiety while promoting good health and relaxation,” Todd says.
that is achieved then it is bottled while hot. That means it can then be stored at an ambient temperature without killing the activated contents. The science of it is immense,” she says.
The products are shelf tested, and as the manufacturing process has been fine-tuned, the range’s shelf life has extended from six to 12 months.
The tonics contain no sugar or preservatives with 100 per cent natural ingredients that are vegan friendly.
“Consumers are clearly looking for products that offer something unique, appealing, fresh and healthy.
“Our tonics are completely different to juices and other drinks on the market and represent a niche in the fast-growing, better-for-you beverage category.
Around 90 per cent of the ingredients are Australian, with transparency on where the remaining ingredients are sourced. The manufacturing process is carbon neutral and the tonics bottled in glass.
“We looked at using a plastic bottle, but having lived in Bali and seen the plastic waste there, we didn’t want to contribute to that problem,” Todd explains.
She is also in the process of R&D on the food waste from the tonics, including the possibility of developing a body scrub. “Our ultimate goal is to be a zero waste brand,” she says.
As Mrs Toddy’s Tonics take off nationally, and with export conversations beckoning,
Todd can take stock of what began at her kitchen table
now providing comfort to people everywhere. ✷
TOP: Sophie Todd was inspired by the traditional Balinese tonic jamu.
ABOVE: A tonic to restore, refresh, or invigorate.
OPPOSITE: A year in Bali heralded the birth of Mrs Toddy’s Tonics.
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