At just 14 years old, Fraser Doherty began making jam using recipes passed down from his grandmother and sold them door-to-door in his Edinburgh neighborhood. His small venture quickly gained traction, leading him to set up a stand at a local farmer’s market and even bike around to personally deliver his products. As demand for his jams grew, Doherty found himself overwhelmed with orders, prompting him to leave school and rent a factory for a few days each month to meet the increasing demand.
In 2007, his SuperJam, made entirely from fruit with no added sugar, caught the eye of the U.K. supermarket chain Waitrose. This partnership marked a significant milestone, allowing SuperJam to be stocked in stores across the U.K. and Europe. By 2012, Doherty expanded his business internationally, launching in South Korea and Japan. In a standout moment, SuperJam generated £1 million in sales within just one hour on a Korean shopping network.
Doherty’s entrepreneurial success earned him prestigious recognition in 2014 when Queen Elizabeth II awarded him an MBE for his contributions to business. By 2019, he had sold over five million jars of jam. However, Doherty’s impact goes beyond business; he’s also committed to community welfare. He organizes hundreds of free tea parties for elderly individuals and has initiated local beekeeping projects to support environmental sustainability.
From a young boy making jam in his kitchen to an internationally recognized entrepreneur, Doherty’s journey is a testament to his passion, dedication, and desire to make a positive difference in both business and his community.