Spilling into the market: Ulu Hye cracks deal with Woolworths

Plant-based milk start-up Ulu Hye has announced it will be launching three flavours of its nut milk base jars in selected Woolworths (ASX: WOW) stores from June as it continues to shake up the alternative dairy market.

The Sydney-based business was co-founded by childhood best friends Heidi Peuten and Vasia Vogias in 2017 after the pair became aware that most milk cartons could not be recycled and ended up in a landfill.

Driven by a desire to offer a more sustainable and healthier solution to other plant-based milk on the market, the co-founders came up with the novel idea of dispensing with UHT cartons and selling products in recyclable jars.

“Ulu Hye empowers people to decide how they like their milk, the quantity desired, and how often. Gone are the days when you have to pour a half-empty carton down the sink,” Ulu Hye co-founder Vasia Vogias said.  

“Our Mylk bases allow you to make what you need when you need it. It’s proof you can be kind to your body, bank and the environment all at the same time,” the 2021 Sydney Young Entrepreneur finalist added.  

Ulu Hye will be introducing its 120ml mini mylk base jar range to the health food aisle of Woolworths. By adding water to the base and blending, customers can create three litres of plant-based milk at home within one minute.

Available in almond, hazelnut and a cashew, almond and macadamia blend, the jars will be available for the recommended retail price of $11.99 and are already available online from more than 350 health food stores across Australia.

All ingredients used in Ulu Hye’s bases are organic, where possible, as well as vegan, paleo, gluten-free, sugar-free, soy-free, and free of emulsifiers, additives, thickeners, gums and preservatives.

“Being stocked at Woolworths is a dream come true. Being able to help fight this war on waste through major distribution makes our mission even more possible,” Ulu Hye co-founder Heidi Peuten said.

Aiming to save 10 million milk cartons from ending up in landfills, Ulu Hye’s plastic and dairy-free products have prevented more than 800,000 containers from reaching the dump to date.

Once opened, the jar lasts for up to three months if stored within a fridge or a cool, dry place. When made, the milk lasts up to five days.

Ulu Hye is currently participating in the Investment NSW ‘Going Global UK Export Program’. This program is an initiative of the NSW Government to help businesses accelerate growth in the UK market.