When Sel Berdie floated the idea of a plant-based baby formula, he almost drowned in a sea of rejection. But he refused to be put off course. 

The low-key Queensland businessman and sportsman (known as Big Bird, when he played for the Gold Coast Titans in the National Rugby League), knew that he had all the tools necessary to launch Sprout Organic. 

It was all about his mindset. He took inspiration from his Ghanian parents who migrated to Melbourne (where Sel was born), with almost nothing, but made a success of their lives. 

There was also his courage, displayed in the past by stepping into the ring as an MMA fighter. But most of all, it was his strong belief that Sprout Organic could give young, pro-plant-based families like his, the best start in life. 

Circle back several years to when his first son, Ellis, was born and his wife, Jen, developed mastitis. Berdie soon began the hunt for a baby formula without animal products or dairy. 

“I realised that there wasn’t any options, so that’s what triggered me to start Sprout,” he says, over the phone from Queensland. 

With his background in food and wellness as co-founder of BSKT Wholefoods and vegan soft serve, Cocowhip, plus many years working with elite athletes at Body Science supplements, he set about creating his own formula for his family. 

“I procured a whole heap of raw ingredients to be used as a substitute for animal protein,” he explains. “There were many different samples and Ellis started liking them, along with his digestive system. So, I started to investigate how to make these small samples into major commercial products. I basically reached out to the suppliers I had worked with in the past with a degree of confidence. I knew that I had the fundamentals, I just needed the food technology.” 

Sprout Organic was not exactly an overnight success story. The process would take nearly three years and a lot of heartache before the baby formula finally went into production. 

Berdie is now taking his all Australian Sprout Organic to market right around the world. 

“The infant formula space is unique because every country has different food regulations and we’re on a quest for getting approvals in each separate country, which takes a lot of time, effort and money. 

“So far, we have approval in Malaysia, the UAE, potentially Indonesia and we’re approved in NZ. That’s the course we’re currently on,” he explains. 

From his online business in Australia, he sells to over 70 countries around the world. However, getting the stock on retail shelves in these same destinations is quite a process for the team. 

The Sprout Organic range has now expanded to Plant Based Bars and Protein Shakes with Mini Muffins about to be released. All are designed to keep children away from sugary treats and other nasties. 

“We’re trying to supply natural and organic foods for kids from the time of birth up to adolescence. Our goals are to keep innovating in the space and to provide plant-based alternatives.” 

On the home front, his family has expanded to include Kingston, who is now five years old, while Ellis is nine.

“Kingston was able to grow up with Sprout Plant Based Toddler Drink and both of them still love the bars and the mini muffins,” he says. 

In the meantime, Berdie, who also has a double degree in sports science and management, still has a strong football connection. He has a gym CMBT Training Centre in Varsity Lakes, on the Gold Coast, where the Titans do their wrestling and condition work. 

“It’s great to be still connected to the Titans,” he says. “I also coach my old junior team, the Tweed Heads Seagulls, every Wednesday night.” 

It’s a full and enriching life. However, Sel Berdie believes that everyone has the potential to live their dream but first they must learn to persevere. 

“If you’re shooting for something new and big, you’re always going to have doubts because there will be many people telling you that you can’t do it,” he says. “Turns out that most don’t like to change the status quo. 

“But if you have a strong reason why, that one factor will outweigh all the negativity when you are told that it can’t be done. You do need to have a strong passion, or you will be detailed fairly quickly,” he warns.