Catriona Nunn Turning a shared university spark into an award-winning food business, York alumni have a lot to celebrate with the rise of The Umami Bros (Elliot Sheasby and James Killer) – a duo now known for their multi-award-winning, gluten- and MSG-free Japanese style mayonnaise. Their story shows how alumni networks, persistence, and a dash of “student luck” can spark something flavourful.
“During my time at York I was very lucky to have met my now co-founder James,” the founder, reflects. “We took part in the Enterprise Works schemes on two occasions, successfully obtaining a grant for a laundry business and another for a social network concept. Sadly neither were a success, but it was the start of giving us the bug to do something together!” It was the failures, as much as the experiments, that planted the seed of future enterprise.
Now, their joint business – The Umami Bros – produces Japanese-style mayonnaise that’s earned distinguished taste awards and supermarket shelf space: “We produce a multi-award-winning, gluten free and MSG free Japanese style mayonnaise. Following on from two years trading directly into restaurants and wholesalers, we took the plunge and risked producing a retail bottle this year. Needless to say it has been a resounding success and can be found at multiple online and physical store retailers – our most notable being Fortnum Mason.”
The pair always aimed high: “Our aim was always to push the flavour profile umami. There is a market leading Japanese style mayonnaise brand that we have both been obsessed with for some time and if we could take even just a slither of their market share we’d be delighted. We’d also like this to become our full-time roles.”
The real journey, though, has been hands-on and unpredictable. “We’ve been learning on the job – as stated above this venture isn’t our full-time job and we regularly overcome industry challenges that our limited experience hasn’t allowed us to prepare for. We think we’re the other side now but already there’s plenty of stories!”
And the rewards? “Seeing people enjoy a product that we’ve put together from an idea in lockdown. To have received multiple Great Taste Awards and to have customers have faith in our product and brand to stack on their shelves has been positively overwhelming.”
Some university lessons go far beyond the classroom. “You can’t rely on others – you have to go out there and do it for yourself,” he notes, crediting his student independence.
For students and aspiring entrepreneurs, the message is simple: “Do it! If it fails, go again with something else. You’ll learn more from the experience than any textbook can teach. Also don’t worry if it does fail, it is more likely to than not!”
Being part of the York alumni network remains invaluable: “A network of people that I am sure would be willing to help fellow York alumni out as and when they can. York University’s reputation adds a layer of prestige to your entrepreneurial profile, especially in industries where academic pedigree matters.”
For The Umami Bros, the journey from York’s campus to the shelves of Fortnum Mason has been unexpected and rewarding. Their advice: trust your instincts, learn from setbacks, and always be ready to “go again”.
Elliot and James at Fortnum’s doing a tasting activation years later 
Elliot (in the England Rugby top) and James (in the blue top) with their friend, James Harles, doing their radio show whilst at the University of York 
Elliot (in the England Rugby top) and James (in the blue top) with their friend, James Harles, doing their radio show whilst at the University of York 
Elliot and James outside Fortnum & Mason
Alumni from the University of York can benefit from using the discount code:YORK10 to purchase Umami Bros Mayonnaise
