Wellness Without Borders

Jun 02, 2025

Wellness Without Borders: PRESS Healthfoods Sets Its Sights on Global Growth

PRESS Healthfoods , one of the UK’s leading premium wellness brands, is redefining healthy living—one cold-pressed juice, functional shot, and plant-based meal at a time. Founded by Ed Foy and Georgie Reames after a chance meeting in Los Angeles, California, PRESS quickly gained traction among busy Londoners seeking convenient, nutritious solutions. Since its launch in 2014, the brand has expanded nationwide, developed a thriving e-commerce business, and established a strong reputation for innovation and quality sustainability.

With support from the World Trade Center Dublin , PRESS is targeting Ireland, a market rich with potential. Irish consumers are becoming increasingly health-conscious, yet the market remains relatively underserved by premium wellness brands. PRESS’s entry introduces a vibrant new choice to grocery shelves and wellness routines, combining quality, convenience, and a commitment to sustainability. By forming strong local partnerships and entering major retailers, PRESS’s momentum in Ireland is rapidly gaining strength.

In this conversation with Sophia Simmonds, Senior National Account Manager at PRESS Ireland, Simmonds shares insights into PRESS’s mission and growth journey and how WTC Dublin will support its strategic expansion into Ireland and beyond.

About PRESS Healthfood

For those unfamiliar with PRESS Healthfoods, what is it, and what distinguishes the brand in the health and wellness space?

PRESS makes healthy living simple for everyone. We’re a premium, affordable brand that uses top-quality ingredients. Whether you purchase our meals or juices, we aim to be the trusted healthy brand on the shelf. Our premium packaging and comprehensive product range help us stand out—few brands offer such a broad wellness line in this sector.

How did PRESS begin, and how has it evolved?

PRESS began when Ed and Georgie met in LA and were inspired by the local cold-pressed juice movement. In 2014, London offered few high-quality, convenient options for busy professionals. PRESS filled that gap by providing plant-based nutrition without compromising taste or convenience. We scaled quickly across the UK and later launched our e-commerce side of the business to serve customers in the UK. Now in Ireland, we're embracing the same mission—to help people feel their best with thoughtfully crafted, health-focused products.

What brought you to PRESS as Senior National Account Manager?

I have always been passionate about health and wellness, and wanted to work in that field. After meeting Ed Foy by chance, I learned he was exploring the Irish market, and I was eager to be part of that journey. We began with a small, independent distributor and have grown from there. In our second year, we have launched into major grocery stores, gaining real traction.

What is your day-to-day role at PRESS Ireland, and what excites you most about bringing the brand to the Irish market?

At PRESS Ireland, I manage a diverse range of customer relationships—from small independent stores to major grocery retailers. My daily tasks involve overseeing logistics, managing stock levels, collaborating closely with distributors, and driving business development. I am continuously exploring new opportunities to expand our presence across Ireland. What excites me most is the evident gap we identified in the Irish market for convenient, on-the-go cold-pressed juices. It is not a saturated space, which makes the opportunity even more compelling. PRESS has since evolved from a juice company into a complete lifestyle brand, offering everything from morning smoothies to nutritious meals, providing a new level of wellness to Irish consumers.

Sustainability and wellness are central to PRESS. How do they shape your operations?

Sustainability is integral to everything we do. We use high-quality, plant-based ingredients, source responsibly, employ recyclable packaging, and offset our plastic footprint through our partnership with CleanHub. Our goal is to create products that make people feel good—inside and out—without compromising the planet.

Irish Expansion & Strategy

What has been your strategy for entering the Irish market, and what challenges have you encountered?

Our strategy emphasizes building local partnerships and understanding the preferences of Irish consumers. We’ve focused on getting our products into the hands of health-conscious shoppers through selected retail channels.
There is a strong demand for functional, plant-based nutrition, but brand awareness and market entry logistics presented initial challenges. That said, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

How are Irish consumers responding? Any standout products or partnerships?

The Irish market has been very welcoming. Consumers are health-savvy and recognize the benefits of functional nutrition. Our Ginger Shots have been particularly popular.
We’ve invested in grassroots efforts—partnering with local businesses, providing in-store sampling, and collaborating with wellness influencers and yoga instructors. These initiatives are cultivating a loyal customer base.

What is your long-term vision for PRESS in Ireland?

Over the next 3 to 5 years, we plan to expand our retail and direct-to-consumer channels, scale logistics, and invest in local partnerships and talent.

Global Reach & Export Plans

How are you approaching markets beyond Ireland?

Ireland is our current focus, and our strategy is phased and intentional—establish locally, refine operations, and then scale. Ireland is a valuable test market and gateway to Europe; success here informs our broader international strategy.

What lessons have you learned from international expansion?

  1. Understand the local market. Consumer habits vary widely.
  2. Remain agile. Flexibility is crucial in responding to feedback and unexpected challenges.
  3. Build strong local networks. Relationships with partners, customers, and ambassadors drive success.

Partnership with WTC Dublin

How will WTC Dublin support PRESS’s expansion?

WTC Dublin offers invaluable access to trade resources, local expertise, and global networks. We seek support in identifying distribution partners, understanding regulatory needs, and enhancing brand visibility.  Their guidance aligns perfectly with our vision of scaling sustainably and globally.

What do you hope to gain from your WTC Dublin membership?

We seek to connect with retail collaborators, distributors, and regional experts throughout Ireland. The WTC Association’s global reach, with a network of 300-plus trade centers worldwide, facilitates these connections. We also appreciate their trade events, export tools, and market intelligence, which support our international roadmap.

What advice would you give other wellness brands looking to expand internationally?

Stay true to your values, especially quality. Don’t cut corners, even when competitors do. Long-term success relies on authenticity and consistency.  Expanding isn’t just about growth but preserving what makes your brand special.

PRESS Healthfoods’ evolution from a UK startup to launching in Ireland is a testament to purpose-driven growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to quality. Through its strategic partnership with World Trade Center Dublin and the global WTC network, PRESS is leveraging expert guidance, local insight, and international reach to scale smarter and faster. With Ireland as both a launchpad and a proving ground, PRESS is poised to lead the next wave of wellness innovation.

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