Fergus Chamberlain - Founder of authentic Mexican food business - Gran Luchito - talks winning over Fortnum and Masons, heartbreak cassoulet and dinner with Richard Branson and Thomasina Miers

I first bonded with the wonderful and talented Fergus Chamberlain when we traded stories of our time working in Michelin kitchens.

Fergus founded authentic Mexican food company Gran Luchito in 2012 after a trip to Oaxaca changed the course of his life.  Starting his career as a food buyer at Sainsbury’s, Fergus always knew he wanted to run his own culinary business. This dream was not only shaped by his travels to Mexico but his time living in New York where he trained as a chef and experienced the vibrant multi-cultural food scene there - and of course his vision of being the man from Del Monte!

Fergus' passion for introducing authentic Mexican food to British homes saw him initially bringing back samples from Mexico in his suitcase and selling them in food markets. Dogged determination has resulted in Gran Luchito's success including being stocked in Fortnum's, Ocado, Waitrose, internationally and expanding its range of acclaimed products. 

Go to @granluchito to see the delicious products, inspiring blog and vibrant recipes.