The Coconut Collab’s Zoe Fox on Borough Market, UPF and cows

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Zoe Fox The Coconut Collab

Name: Zoe Fox

Job title: Head of business development

Company: The Coconut Collab

What was your first job? When I was 16, I got scouted to work for Hollister as a sales assistant. I spent two years in the Reading Oracle store while doing my A levels – it was my first taste of customer-facing work and I loved it, despite coming out most Saturdays like I have been living underground smelling like a 14-year-old boy.

What’s been your worst job interview? This is probably a boring answer, but honestly, I haven’t had one! I’ve been really lucky – all the interview processes I’ve been through have been fair, positive, and actually quite enjoyable. I’ve always come away feeling like I learned something, regardless of the outcome.

What was the first music single you bought? Number 1 by Tinchy Stryder. I used to play it at full blast from my iPod on every single school coach trip.

How do you describe your job to your friends? I honestly think I have the best job in the world.

I look after everything that isn’t sold in a supermarket, which means airlines, contract catering, trains, WH Smith, wholesale and more. No two days are the same, and because I’m so customer-facing I spend lots of time out and about. I think of my part of the business as a mini business within the business, which gives me real autonomy and keeps me motivated.

“UPF plays such a huge role in today’s health issues, particularly obesity and the pressure that puts on the NHS”

What is the most rewarding part of your job? For me, there are two. Firstly, winning new business never gets old – especially because James (our founder) and Claire (our commercial director) took a chance on me, so I love making them proud.

Secondly, seeing our products in the wild is such a buzz. Spotting our Choc Pots on every single Virgin flight as the on-board dessert was a real “yes!” moment.

What is the least rewarding part? Admin. I find it tough to keep on top of because I’d much rather be out with customers. Laptop time just isn’t my thing.

What is your motto in life? If you don’t ask, you don’t get. And, act confident and no one will question it.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Lunch paid for every day. Our office is in Borough Market and with my appetite, it can cost me a fortune!

coconut collab summer campaign collage

Do you have any phobias? Cows – which is pretty ironic given I work in dairy-free. I was chased by one as a child that was enough for me to never set my eyes on them again.

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? I’d love to see fewer ultra-processed foods on shelves. UPF plays such a huge role in today’s health issues, particularly obesity and the pressure that puts on the NHS. The challenge is that big conglomerates have the budgets to keep the grocers happy, which makes it a vicious cycle.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? My Dyson Airwrap. A little dramatic but the humidity would turn my hair into a mane – think Monica from Friends in Hawaii.

What animal most reflects your personality? Can I pick a character? The Duracell Bunny. It’s my nickname in the office and its pretty spot on when describing me, I have a lot of energy.

What’s your favourite film and why? Crazy, Stupid, Love. I love Emma Stone and the way the story weaves together. I wish I could watch it again not knowing the ending.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I had a trial shift at a very fancy hotel as a waitress – a long time ago! It was a Sunday, which meant roast dinners were being served aplenty. I had the task of three tables to look after, the first two received their Sunday lunches perfectly, with one of the guests even sliding me a generous tip!

However, on the third I tripped and the roast dinner went flying all over this poor lady. I mean everywhere. I was mortified, the whole restaurant was staring at me. Safe to say I wasn’t asked to come back. At least I got the tip – silver linings, hey.

Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? I host a podcast on the side called Getting To Grow where I chat to amazing fmcg founders. My dream guest would be Ryan Reynolds: not only is he dangerously funny, he built up Aviation Gin, turned around a huge mobile network In the US, and more recently sprinkled the Ryan Reynolds effect on Wrexham FC! That is a podcast I would like to host.

What would your death row meal be? I’d start with a glass of champagne and a truffle arancini, followed by steak, chips and peppercorn sauce with a side of creamed spinach. Pizza on the side too, because why not. And dessert would have to be sticky toffee pudding.