Fuel Hive bites back at obesity as food firms embrace healthy eating convenience app
A NEW app, described as the ‘Uber Eats of healthy eating’, has been launched in Northern Ireland this week with backing from a long list of our region’s best known meal prep producers while attracting significant investment from the Lazaroo-Hood family office.
Fuel Hive, created by Shaun Byrne, 34, from Portadown and 35-year-old Armagh businessman, Kevin Hannaway, brings together calorie-counted, macro-balanced meals and snacks from trusted local providers. It gives users the option to order food directly to their door or locate shops which are stocking the products.
Shaun Byrne, who lost five stone through meal prepping and calorie counting between 2023 and 2024, created Fuel Hive after realising how many people struggled with the same barriers he had faced – time, convenience, and knowing what to eat and where to source prepped meals with calorie counts on the packaging.
The app’s launch line-up includes GoPig, NutriLean, Tasty Grub, Oh So Lean, Prep by Gains, Jordan’s Kitchen, NI Supplement and Redbox Kitchen with discussions taking place with meal prep companies across the UK and the US.
The ethos of the app has attracted major investor confidence with the UK’s ready-meals and meal-prep market estimated to be worth between £8.5 and £9.5billion in 2025. This places the UK among the world’s most valuable convenience food markets, second only to the United States, where the sector is valued between USD 50 and 70billion.
Ross Lazaroo-Hood, Co-Founder and CEO of the Lazaroo-Hood Group, founder of Clearer Water and naming partner of Windsor Park, has confirmed his family office has made a significant founding investment in the company. He and his colleague Jon Hayman will join the board to support strategy and growth.
Speaking about Fuel Hive, Mr Lazaroo-Hood, said: “We chose to be a significant shareholder and invest in Fuel Hive because it aligns with our ambition to make life better and easier for busy people.
“Healthy eating shouldn’t be hard work. The team’s focus on trusted, transparent food providers delivering convenience without compromise really resonated with us. They’re already making an impact across Ireland and the UK. We’re excited about the next phase of expanding internationally to become the go-to marketplace for quality, transparency and stress-free healthy living. The £100,000 combined investment will bring this app to the next level.”
Delighted with the interest from leading meal prep companies, Shaun and Kevin will focus their attention on the app’s growth while actor and gym worker Maryann Maguire will be the app’s lead ambassador.
The ambitious 29-year-old businesswoman from Crumlin, has spoken openly about her own challenges with body image and food, saying Fuel Hive represents a healthier approach for busy people, no matter what age.
“It’s like the Uber Eats of healthy meals,” Maryann said. “People want to eat better, but after a long day they grab whatever’s there. If a balanced meal takes two minutes to heat up, you’re far more likely to stick to your goals.
“I’ve done the pills, shakes and crash diets. The truth might sound boring but it’s very powerful – eat well, move more, keep going. The trick is removing obstacles so you can actually do it. I am finally now able to rebuild a healthy relationship with food again.
“For me, it used to be sausage rolls at petrol stations or sweets between shows. Now I’m eating a 350-calorie meal with 25 grammes of protein instead of a 900-calorie takeaway. That’s a real shift.”
She says the app will appeal to such a wide range of people – from students and shift workers to parents trying to feed families under time pressure.
She added: “Obstacles are everywhere. Fuel Hive is about making good choices the easy ones. Healthy living should fit around your life. The app helps with that. Just download the app from your app store and start your meal prep journey.
“Fuel Hive believes convenience doesn’t have to equal unhealthy. Our partner companies provide calorie and protein information up front, giving customers clarity while creating new market opportunities for Northern Ireland’s food sector. By combining calorie transparency, local provenance and convenience, Fuel Hive is positioning itself as both a tool for healthier living and a showcase for Northern Ireland’s growing meal prep sector.”
ENDS:
NOTES TO EDITOR:
- Fuel Hive is a new app designed to make healthy eating convenient and accessible by curating calorie-counted, macro-balanced meals and snacks from trusted providers. The platform connects users directly with local companies including GoPig, NutriLean, Tasty Grub, Oh So Lean, Prep by Gains, Jordan’s Kitchen, NI Supplement and Redbox Kitchen. Users can order meals to their door or locate nearby shops stocking Fuel Hive partner products, making it easier to swap fast food for healthier, locally produced options.
- Source of figures comes from analysis from IBISWorld, Mintel, FMI and Grand View Research.
- Lazaroo-Hood Group is the family investment office of the Lazaroo-Hood family, with a diverse portfolio spanning growth and mid-stage businesses across multiple sectors. The group invests in ventures with strong commercial potential and social value, providing both capital and strategic guidance. Its founders, who have a background in financial services and insurance, also support initiatives promoting inclusion, sport, and the arts.
- For media enquiries or interview requests with Shaun or Maryann, please ring Eleanor on 07709805379 or email eleanor@mgmpr.co.uk
