This story was covered by The Grocer and Retail Times on 12 January 2026
PuffPizza® secures £75,000 seed funding to scale premium Sfogliettas® business across UK retail
PuffPizza®, the UK’s leading supplier of premium, ready‑to‑cook, Sardinian‑style artisan pizzas, Sfogliettas®, has raised £75,000 in seed funding through SCALE Ventures, the entrepreneur’s investment fund created as part of the SCALE platform.
SCALE’s Chairman, Andrew B Morris, alongside individual investor Chris Holdsworth, have backed founder Nicola (Nico) Cossu to bring his Sardinian‑style Sfogliettas® to a wider audience of pizza‑loving consumers across retail, foodservice and on‑the‑go channels.
The funding will enable PuffPizza® to accelerate its growth across the UK, expanding production capacity, deepening retail and foodservice distribution, and investing in brand marketing. PuffPizza® will also use the capital to support new product development, enhancing its range of premium, ready‑to‑cook pizza products inspired by Sardinian culinary traditions.
“I’m deeply grateful to SCALE Ventures and our investors for believing in our vision. Their backing is more than capital — it’s a vote of confidence in our mission to redefine premium frozen convenience food. This investment is a turning point for PuffPizza® — it gives us the momentum to scale faster, dream bigger, and bring Sfogliettas® to more tables across the UK”, shared Mr Cossu, founder of PuffPizza® in 2024.
“Being part of the SCALE community means I’m surrounded by founders who’ve built iconic brands. That energy is contagious — and it’s exactly what we need at this stage of our journey”, Mr Cossu adds.
Andrew B Morris, chairman of SCALE, is an experienced chairman, coach and investor who has led multiple businesses to market‑leading positions.
Mr Morris said; “Nico is exactly the kind of creative, ambitious founder SCALE Ventures was created to support. We don’t just invest in a product; we back the individual behind it. Nico has taken a distinctive Sardinian concept and turned it into a premium proposition with clear appeal for consumers and retailers alike.
Pictured: Investor Andrew B Morris, Chairman of SCALE Ventures shakes hands with Nico Cossu, founder of PuffPizza®
PuffPizza® is the first recipient of capital from our £300,000 SCALE Ventures fund, and our ambition is to support a pipeline of founders who can build enduring, high‑quality UK brands. We’re excited to help PuffPizza® scale and to play a part in the next chapter of growth for this quality‑driven UK food business.”
SCALE Ventures has committed more than just capital to enable PuffPizza® to accelerate its scaleup journey. As part of the £75,000 package of support, Mr Cossu will also receive coaching and mentoring, along with access to the SCALE Hub, a premium coworking space in London’s sought-after Fitzrovia.
PuffPizza® already supplies its premium Sfogliettas® through a growing network of independent retailers, hospitality venues and foodservice; and is in discussions with additional grocery and foodservice partners to support its next phase of expansion.
About PuffPizza
PuffPizza® is a UK-based food innovation company redefining the frozen snack category with its award-winning Sfoglietta® — a premium, ready-to-bake Sardinian-style puff-pastry pizzetta. Designed for foodservice, hospitality, and retail environments, Sfoglietta® delivers freezer-to-oven convenience with zero preparation, strong unit economics, and consistent artisanal quality in just 15 minutes.
Founded in 2024, PuffPizza® has achieved rapid early traction across the UK, with placements in cafés, restaurants and premium independent retailers, The brand operates at the intersection of two structural growth trends — premiumisation and convenience — and is scaling through strategic partnerships, a robust supply chain, and a clear pathway to national expansion..
The company was named a winner at the Great British Food Awards 2025 and continues to attract attention as a category-defining player in premium frozen foods.
About SCALE Ventures
SCALE Ventures is an entrepreneur’s investment fund created as part of the SCALE platform, with a mission to support UK enterprise and drive sustainable economic growth. The fund backs ambitious founders with capital, coaching and connections, helping them to build resilient, fast‑growing businesses across sectors including food and drink, technology and professional services.
SCALE supports a growing community of founders and scaleups through investment, peer networks and practical growth support. Combining a physical hub in London W1 with curated leadership and networking events and access to experienced entrepreneurs and investors, SCALE helps UK entrepreneurs navigate the journey from startup to scaleup.
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