This week, we are talking to Brandon Reynolds, the chief operating officer of the South Australia-based yoghurt business The Yoghurt Shop. Originally a family business started by his father Simon to address the market demand for premium, authentic yoghurt, Brandon has helped steer the business’ growth, expanding successfully overseas, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
ISB: How did the idea to create your own yoghurt first come about?
BR: The Yoghurt Shop was born from a passion for creating a yoghurt that wasn’t just another product on the shelf, but a premium, handcrafted experience. We saw a gap in the market for authentic, hand-strained yoghurt made with high-quality ingredients, and we wanted to offer something that felt both indulgent and wholesome. The vision was always to deliver a product that stood out for its taste, texture, and commitment to quality.
ISB: What led you to the decision to introduce your yoghurt to a wider market?
BR: Our growth was driven by demand. Customers who tried our yoghurt kept coming back and telling their friends—it was clear that we had something special. That momentum led us to expand beyond South Australia, first into the national market and then internationally. As we grew, we remained committed to the same artisanal approach, ensuring that every new market we entered experienced the same quality and authenticity that made The Yoghurt Shop a success in the first place.
ISB: What was the most challenging aspect of running this venture and how did you overcome it?
BR: Scaling a handcrafted product while maintaining quality is always a challenge. As we expanded, we had to refine our processes to ensure consistency without compromising the integrity of our yoghurt. Another major challenge was navigating the complexities of international expansion, from regulatory compliance to understanding different consumer preferences. We overcame these hurdles by investing in strong partnerships, maintaining rigorous quality control, and staying adaptable to each market’s needs.
ISB: How were you able to successfully establish The Yoghurt Shop’s presence in Saudi Arabia?
BR: Breaking into the Middle Eastern market required strategic planning, persistence, and the right partnerships. Saudi Arabia, in particular, has a strong demand for high-quality dairy, and our brand aligned well with a gap in the indulgence space. We focused on building relationships with key retailers like Tamimi Markets and Spinneys, ensuring we had a strong presence in premium stores. We also invested in in-store tastings and consumer education to introduce our product to a new audience. Our commitment to quality and authenticity resonated well, helping us carve out a space in this competitive market.
ISB: What is your vision for The Yoghurt Shop a couple of years from now?
BR: We see The Yoghurt Shop continuing to grow as a global brand while staying true to our artisanal roots. Expansion in the Middle East is a key focus, but we’re also exploring opportunities in Asia and North America. Innovation remains at the heart of what we do—we’re continuously developing new flavors and formats while maintaining our commitment to quality. Our goal is to bring The Yoghurt Shop to more people worldwide, without ever losing the essence of what made us successful in the first place.
ISB: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in this business journey that other entrepreneurs should take to heart?
BR: Success comes from staying true to your vision while being adaptable to change. It’s easy to get caught up in trends, but real growth happens when you focus on quality, build genuine relationships, and never compromise on what makes your brand unique. Surrounding yourself with the right team and learning to trust the process is just as important as having a great product. Lastly, resilience is key—every challenge is an opportunity to refine and improve.
