Meet Gordon Ramsay's Future Food Stars finalist - Andy

How did it feel when you found out you were a finalist on Gordon Ramsay’s Future Food Stars?

Finding out I was a finalist just filled me with confidence and lit an even bigger fire within me. I get to now show my business, Drops of Heal and what I do day-in day-out on the biggest platform. As happy and excited as I was, I knew my goal was to win and not to just be a finalist, it definitely motivated me.

You take on a variety of tasks throughout the series. Which was your favourite task to undertake?

Sometimes the challenges that made me the most uncomfortable were the biggest thrill. Like a live cooking show for Waitrose was terrifying but I loved it. But the one that jumps to mind would be the sauce challenge in Newcastle. I just felt with the product development and sales challenges with the vibe of the locals, I was in my element. Making a hit sauce and sharing it with locals up north was great!

Which week did you find the most challenging and why?

The easy answer would be the grilling weeks but definitely our ready-to-go meal challenge in Manchester. Having disagreements can be healthy in perfecting a product but our team just couldn’t work together from the get go. I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform as it is, so when you know your team could have won, that hurts. That being said, the most challenging weeks were the weeks I learned the most.

What was your personal highlight from the competition?

Getting compliments from Gordon was really motivating especially as we worked so hard but I’d have to say finding out I was a finalist. It was a huge relief that I had completed all the challenges and to have the opportunity to show what I’ve worked so hard on. I tried not to celebrate too much as the competition went on because my only goal is to win but hearing that gave me a second wind.

What would Gordon Ramsay’s investment mean to you and your business?

Gordon Ramsay’s investment would be huge not just for my business but for me. I came into the competition to apply myself 100% and prove that although my journey is far from the traditional route to entrepreneurship, that my struggle makes me the perfect business partner. As for my business, not only the capital but the expertise and co-sign from the world’s most notorious chef would be monumental. It would enable me to list in the biggest stores and bring us much closer to being the go-to CBD food company.