Fri 1 Sep 2023
Meet the Founder: SORBOS
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We chatted with Víctor Manuel Sánchez, Founder of SORBOS - the first edible and 100% biodegradable straw
Tell us how SORBOS was born.
I was a 'Brand Ambassador' for a large liquor distribution brand. After running numerous events, I became aware of how many plastic straws were being used each time. For me, this just wasn’t acceptable. So, along with a pastry chef friend, we created an edible straw to trial with guests, to replace the amount of plastic waste. I was attempting to create a more sustainable option that would also provide a better drinking experience. I wasn’t looking to start a business at the time, but the interest in the product was far beyond my expectations!
Describe your offering in one sentence.
SORBOS is the world’s first edible, fully functional and 100% biodegradable straw, that you can Use, Bite & Enjoy.
What has been your business' biggest mistake? How did you handle it, and what have you learnt from it?
We’ve made lots of mistakes, and just try to take it in our stride. Running a business is never going to be plain sailing and if it is, then you should be worried.
What would your team say about you as a leader?
I'll hand the question over to Scott, who works on my team. “Victor is a wonderful leader, always leading by example. He’s a creative problem solver, with bags of passion and always carries a huge smile with him wherever he goes. His infectious personality and ‘can-do’ attitude, means that, as a team, we’re always asking ‘how’, rather than ‘if’.
What’s your crystal ball telling you about the future?
Sustainable, edible and planet-conscious offerings will continue to gain significant traction. Biodegradable and compostable products will eventually become mandatory, but those items with added benefits will be able to separate themselves from the crowd.
What advice would you give budding entrepreneurs wanting to launch a business in the coffee space today?
Get as much feedback on your product as you can, and once you know it’s as good as it can be then just go for it!
What’s your personal mantra?
Don’t do to others what you don’t like done to you.
What’s your favourite book of all time?
El Medico by Noah Gordon.
Where do you find inspiration?
Through experiences. Also, watching the Ghandi movie over 100 times in my younger years was a huge inspiration.
