Behind The Brand

From Veg Shop to Global Brand: The Happy Pear's Evolution

What happens when identical twin brothers decide to transform their lives and the eating habits of those around them? In this episode, we hear the inspiring story of Dave and Steve Flynn, the dynamic duo behind The Happy Pear. From their roots in sports-driven, meat-centered diets to becoming the plant-based lifestyle advocates they are today, their journey is one of passion, resilience, and community.  They recall their early days in Ireland, opening a small vegetable shop in 2004, and how that humble beginning blossomed into a thriving brand promoting healthy living through delicious plant-based foods. Despite the initial skepticism the brothers faced, they remained steadfast in their mission to create meaningful social change through food.  Today, The Happy Pear encompasses a vibrant café, a bakery, coffee roastery, and farms, all dedicated to encouraging people to eat more vegetables and live healthier lives. The episode celebrates the power of small changes that lead to big transformations in both personal health and the larger food landscape, and how social circles shape our lifestyle choices.

Meet Your Hosts - Jon & Rosie Winter from EDEN Treats and Buy Artisan Made

Welcome to Behind The Brand, where we don’t just scratch the surface – we go all in. This isn’t just another business podcast. This is where the real stories get told. Where founders in food and drink pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a brand that lasts, not just the glossy moments, but the grit, the breakdowns, the rebuilds, and the heart behind it all. We’re Jon and Rosie Winter - founders of the multi-award-winning premium gifting service, EDEN Treats, trusted by FT100 companies such as Disney, BMW, and The Premier League. We're also the driving force behind Buy Artisan Made, a growing movement supporting the collective power of independent food & drink producers. We’ve lived it. From judging the UK’s biggest food awards and mentoring startups, to surviving health scares and making hard calls behind the scenes - we’ve seen the full spectrum of this journey. Through Behind The Brand, we tell the stories we wish we heard starting out. From kitchen table dreams to factory floor flops, from Dragon’s Den pitches to all-night packing sessions, every episode is a reminder that behind every business that ‘made it’, there’s a human who nearly didn’t. So if you’re building something that matters, or backing someone who is, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.