Walsall student launches Jamaican pork scratchings venture

A Walsall College student is set to cause a stir with a unique twist on a traditional snack. Claudia Yap's Jamaican Jerk Pork Scratchings have passed the taste test at the Birmingham Independent Food Fair and will be available in The Hub, the newly opened £11m business and and sports venue in Walsall.

The 52-year-old said she spotted a gap in the £28m scratching market after returning from a trip to Jamaica.

"Every time I visited Jamaica and came back to the UK, it always struck me that there are so many popular products seasoned with jerk spice over there that aren't available in the UK," she added.

"I thought I would put my experience as a chef to use and see what I could come up with.

"Once I had a recipe that I was happy with, I teamed up with a local producer and created a batch of samples. I'm delighted that The Hub was the first to purchase the product as they've given me a lot of support with my business."

Claudia is in talks with wholesalers, pub chains and independent stores within Walsall who want to trial the snack.

Explaining the appeal of her new flavour, she said: "It's double cooked and is high in protein. It's not over spiced but has a little kick and is full of flavours.

"I recently launched it at the Birmingham Independent Food Fair where I had a lot of really positive feedback."

Walsall College supported Claudia through a 10-week Connect program to give budding entrepreneurs the skills they need to set up and run their own business.

She said: "The support from the college has been incredible. I have joined a new programme for entrepreneurs at The Hub and have an incubation unit there where I am getting the mentoring I need to grow the business.

"Hopefully this is just the beginning."

The Connect programme offers start-ups chance to learn from experienced industry professionals. For more information, or to join the programme, contact Jane De Weijer, Community Development Officer 01922 688903 or Lee Bate, Business & Sports Hub Manager on 01922 651122.