Exeter couple see their Devon-made drinks reach Harrods shelves

A Devon-based couple have seen their locally made drinks reach one of the world’s most famous department stores, after years of building a business from scratch.

Tahimoana Grant-Sturgis, 44, originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, and her husband Patrick co-founded JAMU, a brand of natural, flavour-forward sodas.

From this month, three of its drinks, Raspberry & Hibiscus, Lemon & Basil, and Cucumber & Pineapple, will be available in Harrods’ Food Hall.

ABOVE: The JAMU soda's are now in Harrods

Tahimoana said the idea for the business emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The idea for JAMU emerged during COVID a period when health particularly ‘immunity’ was a hot topic. This combined with my upbringing in New Zealand and understanding of botanicals and indigenous plants for both flavour and health benefits inspired me to look at prebiotic fibre as a means of nurturing the gut for wider health benefits. In the absence of genuinely natural, functional drinks in the market at the time, I envisioned a soda that not only tastes great but also contributes positively to our health and the environment.”

Before moving to Devon, Tahimoana spent over a decade working abroad, including on yachts where she met Patrick, and running a café and coffee roastery in Bristol.

“As a classically trained Chef I worked throughout my 20’s and early 30’s primarily as a Private Chef before setting up a Café and Coffee Roastery in Bristol with my husband in 2015. Serendipitously we sold the coffee business and moved to Devon just before COVID hit and had the time on our hands to explore our next venture. The idea for JAMU came about during this period,” she said.

The couple moved to Devon, Patrick’s home ground, to raise a family in the countryside and by the coast. Their surroundings now play a key role in their work.

“The process begins with extensive experimentation to develop unique and delicious recipes. Initially I focus on flavour combinations that I know (or think) will work, and then we source high-quality natural ingredients, prioritising local and sustainable suppliers. Each ingredient is meticulously chosen to ensure it aligns from a flavour perspective but also with our commitment to an all-natural, functional and clean ingredient list. Once we have the recipes, all ingredients are sent to our manufacturing partner, also based in Devon, who blends and cans our drinks to recipe,” Tahimoana said.

Patrick said the Harrods launch was a proud moment for the couple.

“We are extremely proud for JAMU to be on the shelves in Harrods, rubbing shoulders with some of the leading brands and independent names in the food and drink sector. Harrods is one of the most iconic stores in the world, offering luxury, artisanal and premium products. It is a real honour to have secured this partnership, which will elevate the brand and help widen our customer base even further.”

Tahimoana said the business reflects their values and personal philosophy.

“JAMU is rooted in the philosophy of harmony and environmental stewardship – an acknowledgement of our connection to nature and the importance of nurturing our health as well as respecting and safeguarding the natural world. My name Tahimoana, which means ‘one with the ocean’ reflects these ideas. It’s a celebration of my upbringing by the sea and inspires me to protect our oceans and natural spaces while offering a product that contributes positively to people’s lives.”