Our Story

Hi, we’re Happy Monkey and this is the bit where we tell you how great we are. Ok, we probably won’t do that as no one likes a show-off, but we will explain how we’ve come a very long way in a very short time and just why our smoothies will make you, your kids and the environment feel a whole lot better. And you have to admit that’s more than a little bit great.

Where it all began

Happy Monkey was born in 2009 when two friends with over 40 years’ experience of running UK food companies between them decided that they’d really like to quit their day jobs and go do something less boring instead. That something was Happy Monkey and from the beginning our aim was to produce smoothies for children with 100% fruit that count as 1 of your 5 a day while also benefitting the environment.

The easy choice

The first thing we did was to create two delicious flavours – orange & mango and strawberry & banana – with no added sugar, no sweeteners, no preservatives, no bits and 100% pure fruit. Each carton contains one full portion of fruit and is an ideal size for a lunchbox. That last bit may not have any health benefits, but it’s handy for parents to know when agonising over what to put in their kids lunchbox each day.

Sustainability

As for the environment, if you check out our award-winning packaging (more of that later) you will see that we have the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal. What this means is that by joining forces with Rainforest Alliance we have ensured that all our bananas are grown in an environmentally sustainable way and that fair wages are paid to the workers so they can enjoy better living conditions, housing, medical care for them and their dependants plus free education for their children. Our bananas come from Ecuador, home to the Galapagos Islands and the very tasty dish of ceviche, and if you wish to know more about the great work carried out by Rainforest Alliance click here http://rainforest-alliance.org

Unwavering belief

So with the health benefits and environment all sorted the next step was to get the drinks out there to the general public. How hard can it be we wondered? Extremely was the answer. Especially when no one knows your name. So armed with an unwavering belief in our brand and drinks, we set about making sure enough people did know our name – not our real names as they are quite ordinary, more Happy Monkey – and despite the small matter of a global recession, virtually no marketing budget and some very stiff opposition in the kids smoothie department the company have seen year on year increase in sales.

Milkshakes

Our expectations have been bettered so much we decided to expand and at the end of 2012 Happy Monkey Milkshakes arrived. They come in two great tasting flavours – chocolate and strawberry – and contain all the goodness of milk, have no artificial flavours or colouring and are school approved. Did we say they taste great as well? Yes? Ok, we’ll move on then.

Partners

Not only do we make healthy drinks for kids we also love to encourage children to get active in both body and mind by working with companies who reflect our own values, which is all part of our firm belief in healthy bodies, healthy minds!

Over the years we have sponsored events such as baby disco held by the guys at Big Fish Little Fish, Fit for Sport in participation with British Olympians and local sports groups as well as lending support for charity races held by the likes of Great Ormond Street Hospital and Wild Futures. We also enjoyed a hugely successful collaboration with Scholastic as sponsors of the Lollies, helping children to gain access to books and develop a passion for reading.

Happy Monkey remain the very proud sponsor of the SMiLE music festival in support of the Smile of Arran Trust while we continue to work with many other great people including BBC Children In Need, The Beano (running a number of hugely popular on-pack collaborations), Circus Starr and Bliss.

We’ve enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Spartan UK Races as the official Spartan Kids hydration partner. These fantastic events encourage kids to test themselves in a fun, safe, family environment. Challenges involve overcoming a series of obstacle course races — ranging from 800m to 3.2km — specifically designed to get kids (ages 4-14) outside, feeling accomplished and having fun. They run, jump and crush their way through obstacles, just like the adults, and at the end of it they receive a medal and Happy Monkey Smoothie!

Award winning

While we obviously think our drinks are great we’re delighted to know that you feel the same, which is why we’ve won a number of awards over the years including Best Children’s Drink for an amazing 14 consecutive years in the prestigious Loved By Parents Awards.

While for 9 consecutive years we’ve scooped up the top prize in the children’s drink category as voted by kids in the Loved By Children Awards. Proof that the kids really are alright!

So there you have it, our story so far…not nearly as fantastic as actually drinking a Happy Monkey drink, but not nearly as bad as double Physics on a Monday morning. If you would like to comment on our story or add your own story to our story then get in touch with us here (email info@happymonkeydrinks.com) or via our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.