EVERY parent at some stage has experienced the worry of not being able to find foods that their child likes and for some, this can be a constant struggle.

Angus Oliphant is one of those parents and in 2002, this led him to leave his full-time job in London to create Holt-based Miniscoff, a range of ready meals and sauces for children which are sure to tickle their taste buds.

Mr Oliphant said: “We have two children under the age of three which started our business. My wife and I were working all hours in London and so it was a need to have the time to cook healthy food which gave us the idea.

“It was by no means an overnight success but we are now suppliers to national chains like Ocado.”

The ready meal range is inspired from numerous cuisines but is grounded by Italian flavours which are a firm favourite with kids.

The range includes several pasta dishes such as Chicken Bolognese & Curly Pasta, Creamy Salmon Pasta, Pomodoro Spaghetti and Ham and Cheesy Pasta in addition to a series of sauces, with all being either gluten, egg or dairy free.

Mr Oliphant said the recipes have been tried and tested at deli’s in London and the aim of the business is to take the stress out of cooking for parents, with many travelling to farm shops to source organic ingredients.

He added: “All our meat is from British or Welsh farms and it is all about local food first so customers are no longer going into farmers’ shops and we are serving the gap in that niche.”

Miniscoff has been able to sell its products on online retailers Ocado and Abel & Cole and Mr Oliphant believes that it is sticking to the basics of what kids like which has led to the success of the business.

He said: “A child likes food they are familiar with and we have all had an experience where you try new foods and are challenged by it but our range is pretty wholesome classics.”

“From our experience, we found that from doing fancy food and innovative things works but for the age group we are targeting as well as their parents, your best bet with families is classic homemade meals.”

The Miniscoff company recently exhibited its product range at ‘A Local Larder’ event in Bradford on Avon which showcased the best Wiltshire food producers where they were able to source traders and sell directly to the public.

Prices start from £3 and for more information about the range of ready meals visit: www.miniscoff.co.uk.