FFD June-July 2020

June-July 2020 Volume 21 Issue 5 gff.co.uk

Finding a way As lockdown eases, we look at how to solve the puzzle of opening your doors safely

ALSO INSIDE Importers & distributors guide Innes Cheese closure Cotswold Fayre’s food hall plan

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CONTENTS 5

NEWS

9

SHOP TALK

13 CHEESEWIRE 18 OPENING UP: ADAPTING YOUR SHOP 23 FOODSERVICE 26 CATEGORY FOCUS: TEA & COFFEE, JAMS & PRESERVES, HOME BAKING, SOFT DRINKS 37 GUIDE TO IMPORTERS & DISTRIBUTORS 47 SHELF TALK 53 GUILD TALK June-July 2020 Volume 21 Issue 5 gff.co.uk

My main issue with ‘The New Normal’ is that the phrase doesn’t really do justice to what’s going on in the food industry

By Michael Lane, Editor

Hands up, if you’ve had enough of ‘The New Normal’.

I’m not talking about the situation so much as the term itself. It’s enjoyed a meteoric rise to become the kind of cliché that people can only utter while raising their fingers like quotation marks.

Aside from the fact that nothing about the pandemic is “normal”, my main issue with this phrase is that it doesn’t really do justice to what’s going on in the food industry – especially our corner of it.

While a good proportion of the country seems to have set the dial to ‘Netflix and chill’, almost everybody reading this – whether you’re a supplier or a retailer – has been working incredibly hard and doing their damnedest to keep trading. If I was to pick a phrase that better suits us, I would say the speciality food industry is trading through “The New Busy”.

Sales increases are still

staggering. One farm shop has told me how they’ve gone from doing 12 veg boxes a week to selling around 500 (see page 9). There are new customers still discovering independent retail and plenty of people who have stuck with it beyond the panic-buying phase when supermarkets let them down.

We’re even hearing about and seeing new openings and several of the distributors you’ll find in our annual guide (starting on page 37) have told me order volumes and supply chains are in a healthy place.

My inbox has never been fuller with businesses telling me what they’ve been up to. And I want to thank everyone that is getting in touch. I’m sorry we weren’t able to do them all justice on the pages of this magazine. Whether it’s the farmers’ market trading from a school playground in Oxfordshire, the producers in the Wye Valley who have set up their own drive-through

service, or the seaside deli that has successfully stuck to its local ethos despite it being off-season, all of these stories are incredibly heartening.

For all the good news out there, I am conscious that there are also people who might be suffering in silence with their business situations and there is plenty of political, economic and societal turmoil still to come in 2020.

The best we can do is concentrate on the next phase of The New Busy. More people are out and about, and there is an opportunity for shops to re-open or open up more of their premises to the public. We have plenty of advice in this issue help you navigate this tricky task (starting on page 18).

We’ll have to put up with the ‘New Normal’ (whatever that really is) for some time so we’ve just got to keep going.

Stay safe – and busy.

EDITOR’S CHOICE Tom Dale, assistant editor

Bright Barley

Dairy Free Barley Drink Finding a way As lockdown eases, FFD looks at how to solve the puzzle of opening your doors safely

ALSO INSIDE Importers & Distributors Guide Innes Cheese closure Cotswold Fayre’s food hall plan

illustration: Mark Windsor

The dairy alternative milk drink market is fairly crowded already, but the ecofriendly credentials and ambient, shelfready packaging make Bright Barley stand out.

EDITORIAL

ADVERTISING

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

Assistant editor: Tom Dale

Sales director: Sally Coley

Fax: +44 (0) 1747 824065

Editor: Michael Lane

Art director: Mark Windsor

Contributors: Sean Calitz, Patrick McGuigan, Jules Mercer

advertise@gff.co.uk

Sales manager: Ruth Debnam

Sales executives: Becky Haskett , Sam Coleman

ADDRESS Guild House, 23b Kingsmead Business Park Shaftesbury Road, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5FB United Kingdom

Some ‘mylks’ have widely discussed ethical issues around the sourcing of their raw ingredients.

Barley, though, is in ample, sustainable supply on our own shores – cutting down on air miles as well – and comes with a raft of health claims.

Bright Barley is the first dairy-free drink to harness the ancient grain, and its nifty packaging and long shelf life should make it a solid bet for satifying your customers’ plant-based needs.

Read more on page 47

Tel: +44 (0) 1747 825200

Published by The Guild of Fine Food Ltd gff.co.uk

editorial@gff.co.uk

© The Guild of Fine Food Ltd

Printed by: Blackmore, Dorset

2020. Reproduction of whole or

Fine Food Digest is published 11 times a year and is available on subscription for £50 p.a. inclusive of post and packing.

publisher’s prior permission is

part of this magazine without the prohibited. The opinions expressed

in articles and advertisements are

not necessarily those of the editor

Turn to page 53 for news from the Guild

or publisher.

Vol.21 Issue 5 | June-July 2020

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NEWS

Changes to furlough scheme forcing some delis to make difficult staffing decisions

By Michael Lane

As the government plans to reduce its contributions to furloughed employees’ wages, retailers – especially those with cafés in urban areas – are being faced with difficult decisions about the future of their staff.

FFD has spoken to a number of independents (several under the assurance of remaining anonymous) and some have had to make redundancies already in the foodservice part of their businesses, while others are holding out and trying to work out how to retain those who have been furloughed.

In June, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) would end after October.

From August onwards the Government will be gradually reducing the its level of contribution from 80% of furloughed employees wages, up to £2,500.

In September it will pay

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme would end after October and its contributions to wages would be gradually reduced

70% of wages up to a cap of £2,187.50 and then in October this will be 60% of £1,875.

The owner of one urban deli, which has traded with reduced hours throughout lockdown, told FFD that they had already had to let five members of staff go from the café side of the business, and there could possibly be more redundancies coming.

“It’s not because of

Farm retailers hope for continued success Farm retailers nationwide are hopeful that shopping habits forged during coronavirus will last beyond the pandemic, following an unprecedented surge in new customers.

A “significant” rise in new customers since lockdown rules began in March was reported by 92% of farm retailers surveyed by the Farm Retail Association (FRA).

Quick to adapt from the outset of the crisis, as reported in FFD, farm shops have offered a safer alternative to supermarkets while providing reliable access to fresh local produce, farm shops have become a more attractive option

to shoppers than ever before, according to research by the Farm Retail Association (FRA).

According to the new research, 79% of farm retailers said they introduced a click and collect or drive-through service during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Farm shops across the UK have processed an estimated 1.4 million orders for home delivery or collection since the lockdown began.

By adding new services for customers, 73% of farm retailers said they have either hired extra staff or furloughed fewer employees than they expected to. farmretail.co.uk

them, but I just know that the business is not going to be back into full swing,” they said.

“We’ve had no grant and have to find savings from somewhere.

“I know trading is going to get harder before it gets easier.”

One of the big issues is the foodservice area that is due to open at the deli has had to shrink to half of the usual number of covers for

social distancing reasons.

The lack of footfall for urban retailers has also caused problems.

They added: “Even now, you walk through the city and the only places there are queues – depressingly – are at Greggs and the trainer shops.”

Furloughed workers can now be brought back part-time under the CJRS, with the government covering a proportion of the wages when they are not working.

Wally’s Deli in Cardiff has only recently reopened and owner Steve Salamon said that he would be using the furlough scheme for as long as possible.

“This is going to be the more dangerous time,” he said. “Lockdown was stressful, but relatively easy. Now, bringing staff off furlough and wondering what levels of business will be like is a bit of a worry.”

Another retailer with multiple sites told FFD that, although they hadn’t had to make any members of staff redundant, it had used the opportunity to let go of “under-performing” staff.

£2bn in coronavirus business grants remains unclaimed According to the latest government figures, more than £2bn in potential business grants is yet to be claimed.

Figures from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy reported that £10bn has been handed to businesses in England that pay business rates or are eligible for business rates relief from a total pot of £12.3bn, with the remainder still to be allocated.

All businesses in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief and Rural Rates Relief are eligible for a £10,000 grant, while businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors with a rateable

value between £15,000 and £51,000 can get a £25,000 grant.

The government initially announced that local authorities would get in touch with businesses eligible for the grants, but most councils require businesses to fill in an online form as they don’t hold details for all companies in their authority.

Letters have also been sent to companies but because many properties are closed due to lockdown, they have not been received.

Small business minister Paul Scully has spoken to local media across England to try and encourage businesses to apply.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT... …WHAT’S NEXT FOR FURLOUGHED STAFF

ANONYMOUS DELI OWNER

“At the end of the day, I’ve got to keep the business alive, but it’s so hard to explain to staff that might think I’m being heartless why I have to make redundancies now. It’s not because of them, but I just know that the business is not going to be back into full swing.”

STEVEN SALOMON, WALLY’S DELI CARDIFF

“This is going to be the more dangerous time. Lockdown was stressful, but relatively easy. Now, wondering what levels of business will be like is a bit of a worry. We’ve still got the flexible furlough scheme for the next few months, which I will definitely be using.”

ANONYMOUS RETAILER

“We haven’t made any redundancies, but we have taken the opportunity to lose under-performing staff. There are some people on furlough at one site but we’re gradually bringing them back. All other furloughed staff are back working – even if it’s in different parts of the business.”

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NEWS

CYBER CRIME

Cotswold Fayre takes road into retail with Somerset food hall opening next year

By Michael Lane

Distributor Cotswold Fayre is set to diversify into retail by setting up a food hall and kitchen on the road that connects Bristol and Bath.

Construction work has recently begun to convert old buildings and cow sheds at Glenavon Farm, in Saltford on the A4 in time for opening in spring 2021.

Cotswold Fayre chief executive Paul Hargreaves told FFD that he had wanted to take on a retail project for some time and that the site is ideal.

“Is there a food hall in a better place?,” he said, adding that over 30,000 cars use the road every day. “There might be some on busier roads but they’re dual carriageways and people are going past too fast. This is single carriageway and cars are moving slower.”

The site, which is yet to be named, will house

An artist’s impression of Costwold Fayre’s forthcoming food hall and kitchen at Glenavon Farm near Bath

both a restaurant area and a retail operation that will feature counters with meat, fish, deli items and patisserie as well as stocking ambient lines and fresh produce.

“Just to be clear, we’re not calling it a ‘farm shop’ because, even though it is on a farm, I think a ‘farm shop’ should have to have product from that

Corkers Crisps begins recovery after devastating factory fire Corkers Crisps has vowed to rebuild its business after its factory, near Ely, in Cambridgeshire, was destroyed by a fire at the end of May. The blaze at the site in Pymoor was so large that 60 firefighters from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to tackle it after it started at around 3pm on 30th May. After the inferno, the crisp-maker said it was working to towards having a limited range back on shelves soon but acknowledged in a more recent post on its Facebook page that it was going to take a lot of “hard work” to get the business back to its previous level “We have had some time now to pick ourselves up and review our losses, and more importantly, see what we still have.

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What we find is that we have an incredibly resilient and caring team at Corkers and that we have a huge amount of support from our local, and the wider community” The statement thanked friends, colleagues and fellow suppliers for their offers of support, adding: “But mostly, thank you for saying that you will buy Corkers when we resume frying again.

“It’s going to be a lot of hard work for us to get back to where we were before, but with your help we can do it.” corkerscrisps.co.uk

farm on its shelves,” said Hargreaves.

He added that, while the food hall would be used as a means of testing out products before they were listed in the distributor’s catalogue, the shop will not just be a vehicle for lines that Cotswold Fayre carries.

“We would always encourage a retailer to sell

as many local products as possible, then Cotswold Fayre fills in the gaps.

That’s the same with this. We will try and get as much local food as possible.”

The building is being constructed by the landlord but Cotswold Fayre will cover the cost of the fit-out and will be the majority owner of the business.

The whole operation will be run by experienced retailer Paul Castle, currently business manager of Somerset farm shop Farringtons. Castle, who is also a partner in the project, will assume the role of managing director.

The food hall is being designed to be as environmentally conscious as possible, with measures like plastic-reducing fixtures and eco-friendly fridges on the shop floor and solar panels and electric car charging points on site.

IN BRIEF Beech’s Fine Chocolates Walter Smith Fine Foods will donatingthe 15% has be announced of sales of – made a closure three via stores joint in thecampaign Midlands.with The the National butcher chainGarden revealed Scheme – during theits over Christmas that last six months of 2020 Denby Village, West to charities,and including Bromwich Coventry Macmillan, Marie shops would stopCurie, trading, Hospice and leaving itUK with 11The outlets – Queen’s Nursing many of which areInstitute. within garden centres.

New research from Mintel has revealed Tracklements has hired that quarter British Ben aHallam forofthe role millennials say manager, that of commercial COVID-19 has made which includes identifying a vegan dietopportunimore new market appealing. research ties. HallamThe joins the also uncovered that plantWiltshire-based condibased eating is after proving ment specialist 11 more attractive to 12% years at dairy firm Yeo of all Brits since the start of Valley. the outbreak.

Health food retailer PlanProducers Wales’ et Organicfrom has moved Wye Valley – including into the hot food delivery The Preservation Society, market and teamed up Silver Circle Distillery with high-end serviceand Brooke’s Dairy will – have Supper, which courier set up a joined forces a selection of to to-go items new drive-through and sushi from two click Cen& market.

The stores. tralcollect London weekly market, hosted

by Wye Valley Meadery, was set up to mitigate the loss of many producers’ foodservice customers during lockdown.

DOWN ON THE FARM The latest from farm shops across the country A new farm shop is set to open in Northamptonshire.

The Elliott family who have been farming for more than 100 years, already own a traditional butcher’s shop and their new venture is Noborough Lodge Farm Shop. Once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, plans are in place to open a café, too.

Bert’s Barrow Farm Shop in Hillam, Leeds, has hired Geoff, a five-year-old Harris’s hawk to patrol its strawberrys from the crows that have been damaging the crop during lockdown. bertsbarrow.co.uk The Farm Shop in Ombersley is on track to

re-open after suffering extensive fire damage, thanks to a GoFundMe page, set up by a friend, that raised more than £2,000 from local residents in less than 24 hours.

Devon’s Eversfield Organic opened a second farm shop just as lockdown began and has managed to trade through the pandemic.

The Totnes farm shop sells and serves only organic produce.

There are plans to open

both the café and a yoga studio within the Totnes farm shop, where their customers can benefit from a holistic experience. eversfieldorganic.co.uk A farm shop in Bude has been revamped by its new owners with its new children’s play area and café.

The Little Pig Farm Shop sources products from within a 30-mile radius and makes its own pasties, quiches, scones, chutneys and jams. littlepigfarmshop.co.uk

In association with

Fabulous Farm Shops fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Run Of The Mill Thinking We left no stone unturned finding a suitable logo.

After 100 years of thought, we chose a millstone of the Peak District.

Symbolising our approach – it honours tradition, invention and improving already fine ingredients. The wheel has turned full circle.

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SHOP TALK HOW WE’VE COPED WITH CORONAVIRUS… KATE FORBES, co-owner, Trading Post Farm Shop, Lopenheard, Somerset

In many ways the first few weeks of the crisis we pretty horrific.

We were ordering thousands of pounds of stuff and being wiped out. Our orders from just one of our regular wholesalers were above £4,000 every week. Usually they would be around £1,500.

At the same time, we got delivery and orderfor-collection services set up quickly, offering set veg, fruit and salad boxes in various sizes alongside anything else people wanted from the shop. We shortened opening hours so we could handle the orders coming in by email.

When I picked up that some staff were uncomfortable facing the public, I decided to close the shop and just focus on the orders coming in.

At first it was chaos. Bear in mind we only ever used to put together about 12 veg boxes a week before this all happened. At the very peak, we were doing more than 500 a week. We have set up a marquee in the car park to create a packing area.

I was juggling home schooling with an inbox that would increase by 200 emails in half a day.

My husband Andy wasn’t getting home from the delivery runs until 11 o’clock most nights.

It got to the point where I said to him that we should shut it down because we couldn’t cope. His response was ‘If we close completely, we’ll never reopen again’. So, we hired an admin person to run the inbox and planned better delivery routes. This has allowed us to gradually reopen the shop while satisfying orders as they have tapered to a more manageable level.

Currently, we’re open five days a week and the other two days are for delivery and collection. We only allow five customers in at any one time. Gloves are provided at the entrance, it’s card-only and we’re just asking people to use a bit of common sense. I’m not going to put marks all over the floor because that’s just a mess.

We are definitely not big, open and airy like other farm shops but we haven’t adjusted anything.

In fact, we used the time we were shut to make some additions, like a new chocolate counter and another fridge. We’ve also added a function to our Google business page that displays a photo of every bar-coded item in the shop. It helps many of our new customers see how much variety we have.

I feel like we’ll carry on doing deliveries even after the shop is open all week.

Throughout it all, our staff have been amazing.

Every single one has taken extra shifts. It’s because of them that we have been able to keep going.

And we’ve all agreed that Christmas is going to be easy this year – compared to the last few months.

Interview & Photography Michael Lane

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SHOP TALK

THE DELI DOCTOR Paul Thomas Technical and regulatory advice from the Guild’s deli helpline Q: I run my food business from my home. Can I continue to do so during the Coronavirus outbreak?

A: Existing guidance on Closing certain businesses and venues in England covers work that is carried out in other people’s homes and describes the exemption of food businesses from the closures affecting other retail businesses, but it does not specifically cover the operation of a food business from a home address.

National guidance has not yet addressed this particular issue. But Mendip District Council has published the following advice: “If you run a food business from home and any person in your household is self-isolating due to having symptoms, consideration should be given on how the food will be sold safely until the isolation period is over for all members of the household.”

Food manufacturing businesses are included in the FSA Guidance for food businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19) with regard to social distancing (or the consideration of other appropriate measures where this is not possible) and general hygiene requirements.

Food businesses that are inspected by the

Expert’s eye RETAIL CONSULTANT RICHARD HYMAN GIVES FFD HIS VIEW ON HOW THE INDEPENDENT SECTOR HAS FARED AND WHAT IT SHOULD DO NEXT. In many ways, fine food retail has had a good crisis. After years of being taken a bit for granted, the idea of the local shop and the specialist that is ‘there for you’ has been greatly enhanced and magnified. The public now value these shops more than they did.

That said, to suggest that decades of market trends are going to reverse, and people are going to forego the supermarkets in favour of shopping local is crazy, but I do believe life in general is going to be a bit more community-based and even this small change could have big sales impact.

If a fairly small number of people regularly spend a little bit more than they did in an independent retailer, that will be a huge boost for them.

However, we are facing a very sobering economic outlook in the coming years. We are in for a deep recession, and we need to accept that in order to respond appropriately. The extra cash in people’s pockets will dry up and you need to 10

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Official advice does not identify an elevated risk associated with different types of food local authority and are permitted to be run from the home should already have effective hygiene procedures to prevent contamination of food. This might include carrying out food production when the room is not being used for domestic purpose – with effective cleaning a disinfection beforehand – or excluding family members from the work area during commercial food handling.

The food business operator should be able to satisfy their Environmental Health Officer (EHO) that hygiene requirements are being met, and that the home environment does not present additional risks. As an additional measure, it may be necessary to suspend commercial operations for an appropriate period if a member of the household develops symptoms or is suspected of having been exposed to the virus. mendip.gov.uk/article/8776/COVID-19Guidance-for-Food-Businesses Dairy and food safety specialist Paul Thomas runs the Guild’s e-helpline for retailers with technical or regulatory queries.

Send your questions to myguild@gff.co.uk

be ready for that.

One of the basic fundamentals of retail economics is how fast you turn your stock – the faster you turn stock, the more financially efficient you are, but most retailers have too many product options. People think if they have the space, they should fill it with more lines. But if you are a specialist food retailer, being famous for a wide choice shouldn’t be on the agenda.

Be famous for excellent availability and for a smaller number of great products instead.

I’m a big believer in focus – at any time, not only in the current climate. You’ll turn stock quicker and you will be able to negotiate better deals with your suppliers. Having a carefully edited range is a really good thing. Focus on the lines you consistently sell quickly. To do this, however, you need to be able to identify what you sell well and what you don’t.

If you are a specialist food retailer, being famous for a wide choice shouldn’t be on the agenda.

STICKING WITH PLANT-BASED SUSTAINABLE KITCHEN’S CEO Julie Cleijne HAS A FEW POINTERS ABOUT YOUR VEGAN/VEGETARIAN OFFER HEALTH COVID-19 has shone a spotlight on concerns surrounding the need for strong immunity, heart health and managing excess weight. Keep in mind that just because a food product is plant-based, it does not mean it is healthy. Savvy consumers will be interested in products with ‘clean labels’. So, choose stock with this in mind.

ALLERGENS Many plant-based products are made with ingredients such as wheat, gluten, tofu, soybeans, and nuts. These are all allergens, so it is important to make sure that the products you stock don’t end up being foods that many customers need to avoid.

VARIETY Don’t just limit yourself to plant-based burgers and sausages. Consider the increasing number of more innovative products such as vegbased flours, pastas and dairy-free cheese alternatives. And don’t forget vegan wines.

SUSTAINABILITY & PROVENANCE The surge in non-animal proteins’ popularity is not just the related to animal cruelty. You should consider other sustainability factors such as Fairtrade, locality and packaging when listing items.

PLACEMENT & SIGNAGE IN STORE How you talk about a product, and where it is situated in store, is vital. Try to avoid signposting products under headings such as ‘alternatives’, or ‘free-from’, as this can put off customers.

STAFF AWARENESS Make sure your staff are use language that sells the products in a positive way. Research shows that when products are talked about with what is in them, rather than what is not in them, they sell better.

STAYING IN IS THE NEW GOING OUT Consumers have become more a ­ dventurous in the kitchen since lockdown, so make sure you have a good variety of raw ingredients and recipe card for them to experiment with plantbased cooking.

PLAN YOUR CAFÉ MENUS NOW If you have a café or restaurant, now is a great time to review your menus and introduce some seasonal plant-based options to appeal to your customers once lockdown is over.

For more advice on plant-based products, visit sustainablekitchenconsultants.com

CONFESSIONS OF A DELI OWNER ANONYMOUS TALES FROM BEHIND THE COUNTER HOORAY! I AM MUCH RELIEVED. Maybe we will survive this after all. I am open for retail and takeaways, and the customers are dribbling back in.

Let me tell you, though. That thing that we keep being told about the population understanding and supporting the social distancing rules – it’s a load of crap. Customers have always been a bit uncontrollable, and under COVID-19 rules it is no different.

There are the ‘head down, don’t say anything, don’t let the mask slip’ types. There are the ‘it’s all overblown, let’s stand and chat all day’ types.

There are the judgemental types who will bend your ear about who’s doing what wrong, and others who have been meeting their friends and family on the QT for the last six weeks.

As I’ve said before, I try not to judge. Usually, they all presume that I will agree with them on how everyone else’s interpretation of social distancing is wrong, or that whatever Boris has done, is doing, is about to do is flying in the face of science, or practicality, or economic necessity.

I’m over it, frankly. I’m going to be blunt.

I need to save my business. I’m going to do

MODEL RETAILING

The Golden Rule in retail – sell it before you pay for it – doesn’t really work if you stop trading for three months. whatever it takes to do that, and I presume – whatever customers or Boris says – that will be the view of every other small business.

I am now officially open, deploying social distancing rules and we are trading, but sales are down across the board. I still have thousands of pounds of rent and rates to pay, and a creditors list that is getting later and later.

Running a retail business is like riding a bike

– it’s fine until you stop. Then everything falls over. The Golden Rule in retail – sell it before you pay for it – doesn’t really work if you stop trading for three months.

I’ve canvassed a few shopkeepers, and several are having a whale of a time. 50% up, 100% up, figures that compete with Christmas. Where’s it going wrong for me?

My customers are usually in the elderly half of the local population, and most are hunkering down and staying off the streets. So, no trade from them.

I do deliveries but, on a slow day, £8 of cheese to two posh houses 20 minutes apart is not a lifeline, it’s a consolation. It just keeps the brand alive.

Even though I feel like one of the surgeons out of M*A*S*H – and I have to endure the same humorous “pass a scalpel” quip from several customers every single day – the PPE and the other safety precautions we have introduced have given people the confidence to shop with us.

Things are on the up now, but it’s hardly an early Christmas present. Those really need to come at Christmas. In a huge way.

SOLVING EVERYDAY SHOPKEEPING DILEMMAS. IN MINIATURE. And there’s your change. Thanks for visiting.

Wow. One cover.The café is rammed today!

Can I interest you in some cheese, madam?

INTRODUCING... THE NEW NORMAL With kind permission of Geobra Brandstätter Stiftung & Co. KG, Germany. PLAYMOBIL is a registered trademark of Geobra Brandstätter Stiftung & Co. KG, for which also the displayed PLAYMOBIL toy figures are protected.

FFD says: Retailing is certainly a different experience for everyone these days. As weird as some things might seem when you take a step back, you can be sure that your customers feel the same as you do. But, at least most people have accepted the circumstances – even if they can’t embrace them, or each other. editorial@gff.co.uk

Vol.21 Issue 5 | June-July 2020

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D el iv Nex m ery t d ai nl thro ay an u d gh U ou K t

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Old Winchester back in stock!

A very hard 18 month farmhouse cheese which has a distinct nuttiness in flavour and made with vegetarian rennet.

Highly acclaimed Great Taste award-winning products from the Highlands of Scotland

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The Grant family have been making top quality traditional Scottish products for five generations. The Black pudding and Haggis recipes used today were first made by Jessie Grant in the 1890’s

Contact us for more information: 07977 442996 | info@grantsofspeyside.co.uk www.grantsofspeyside.co.uk 12

June-July 2020 | Vol.21 Issue 5

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CHEESEWIRE

news & views from the cheese counter

By Patrick McGuigan

Continental cheesemakers are being forced to change rules governing protected cheeses and rely on emergency aid from the EU as they battle for survival during the coronavirus crisis.

Like their British counterparts, cheesemakers across Europe saw sales plummet when foodservice, export and retail channels were closed by lockdown measures.

In France, sales of PDO and PGI protected-status cheeses have fallen by 60%, according to industry body France Terre de Lait, with around 5,000 tonnes of cheese at risk of being thrown away.

The organisation has launched a consumer campaign called Fromagissons (‘Let’s act

for cheese’) to encourage people to buy traditional cheeses.

In Italy, the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO association, said sales fell by 50% in April, while Gorgonzola producers saw a 17% decline in the same period.

The dire situation facing European cheesemakers in their home markets has prompted changes to the terms of geographical indications.

In France, 19 cheese PDOs have been temporarily modified, including Roquefort, which can now be made with milk from a single milking, rather than two, while the time in which milk must be used was extended from 48 to 72 hours.

In Italy, temporary modifications have been introduced to several cheese PDOs, including Mozzarella di

The Fromagissons (‘Let’s act for cheese’) campaign has launched in France, where 19 different PDOs have been altered to help cheesemakers survive

Bufala Campana, which now allows the use of frozen milk.

With supply outstripping demand in Europe, the EU has introduced a storage aid scheme that pays cheesemakers €15.57 per tonne of cheese they store. The idea is to encourage producers to hold back cheese rather than flood the market, which would see prices tumble.

Exports from Europe to the UK have been hit by the closure of the hospitality sector, while cheesemongers have been focusing on supporting British producers. Even so, sales through independent retailers have held up, according to shops contacted by FFD. “People are loyal to Continentals,” said Jen Grimstone-Jones at Cheese Etc in Pangbourne. “We’ve sold a lot of Brie-de-Meaux and Camembert, especially when it was harder to get some British soft cheeses.”

La Fromagerie’s wholesale manager Michael Paradise said it had narrowed its range to “big name” Continentals, such as Comté, Brie de Meaux, Beaufort, Le Gruyère, Manchego and Parmesan, which were all in high demand. “It’s been a real struggle to sell some cheeses that would sell really well when you could sample them out.”

NEWS IN BRIEF Waitrose has launched a Best of British cheese selection box to support artisan cheesemakers, which is available at its 251 stores with cheese counters. The £15 box includes five cheeses: Westcombe Cheddar; Sussex Charmer; Yorkshire Blue; Cornish Yarg; and Rosary Goat’s Cheese. Meanwhile, Tesco has teamed up with Jamie Oliver to stock Kirkham’s Lancashire and Keens Cheddar in 200 stores.

French restaurant chain Côte has moved into retailing during the coronavirus crisis. The company launched an online shop in April, Côte at Home, selling ready-meals, wine and fresh meat, and added a ‘Fromagerie’ delivery service in May. Shepherds Purse’s Fettle cheese will be stocked in 65 Morrisons supermarkets across Yorkshire and 18 Booths stores in the region. The relaunch of the feta-style cheese in a new format at the end of April was fast-tracked to help support sheep farmers during the crisis.

Setting up a cheese shop in a global pandemic is brave to say the least, but that’s what Chris Hallam (pictured right with colleague Dan Willis) did at the end of April when he opened Chorlton Cheesemongers in Manchester. A joint venture with Neal’s Yard Dairy and cheesemaker Graham Kirkham, both of whom Hallam previously worked for, the shop has been hugely successful despite having to trade with social distancing measures. “Sales are double what we were budgeting,” says Hallam.

Nick Hook

Continental cheesemakers loosen laws to survive pandemic sales dip

THREE WAYS WITH...

Ticklemore Goat

Made on the Sharpham Estate, overlooking the River Dart in Devon, using pasteurised goats’ milk from three local farms, Ticklemore has a crumbly interior and bloomy rind with a soft breakdown just beneath in more mature cheeses. Mild and zesty when young, it develops more floral and earthy flavours as it matures.

Pinot Noir Sharpham, which makes wine as well as cheese on its 500-acre Devon estate, recommends its dry fruity Rosé Pinot Noir, with Ticklemore (plus a drizzle of honey), but its red Pinot Noir also works when the cheese is more mature. The red wine has nice acidity, which cuts across the rich cheese, and juicy red fruit notes that pick up on the scented floral flavours of Ticklemore.

Dates Figs are a good match for Ticklemore – the sweet, sticky fruit contrasting with the citrussy heart of the cheese – but dates are also good.

There’s a wonderful combination of caramel and molasses notes in Medjoul dates that complement the complexity of a mature Ticklmore. The soft, succulent texture also contrasts pleasantly with firm flaky cheese.

Zaytoun Palestinian Medjoul Dates are ideal or try a dab of Global Harvest’s Date Fruit for Cheese.

Fresh peas Sweet peas, fresh from the pod, provide a lovely crunch to contrast with Ticklemore, while also accentuating the clean flavour of young cheeses.

Chef James Lowe of Lyle’s of London has demonstrated this to good effect in a summery salad made with podded peas, pea shoots, chervil and mint, combined with slivers of Ticklemore and drizzled with a dressing made with olive oil, cider vinegar and apple juice.

Vol.21 Issue 5 | June-July 2020

13

CHEESEWIRE

news & views from the cheese counter

Innes decides to close forever after COVID scuppers expansion

Be more directory with online sales Cheesemakers and cheesemongers looking to reach wider audiences could help their cause by getting a listing on one of the many free directories of online sellers that have sprung up since lockdown.

The Academy of Cheese in particular has been helping both producers and retailers get a bit more digital footfall.

Any business selling cheese online that wants to join the AoC’s directory should visit academyofcheese.org/directory/

By Patrick McGuigan

Joe Bennett, owner of Innes Cheese in Staffordshire, said he felt “positive” but with “massive sadness”, after deciding to stop production because of the coronavirus crisis.

Best known for unpasteurised goats’ cheeses Innes Brick and Log, Bennett and his partner Aimee Lawn had planned to borrow heavily to expand the business when the coronavirus struck and sales collapsed.

Although orders quickly recovered, the experience prompted the couple, who are expecting their second child, to rethink and ultimately decide to stop cheesemaking altogether.

“It’s made us re-evaluate,” he told FFD. “I’d be worried about whether we could service that loan if there was a double dip with the virus.

It highlighted the fragility of what we do.”

Goats’ cheese has been made at Highfields Farm

CHEESE IN PROFILE with Tunworth What’s the story?

Stacey Hedges of Hampshire Cheeses first fell in love with cheese while working as a cheesemonger in Australia.

In 2004, she saw a gap in the market for a British artisan camembert and was determined to create such a cheese.

Named after a nearby 14

June-July 2020 | Vol.21 Issue 5

The Staffordshire cheesemaker was revered for its Log (pictured) and Brick goats’ cheeses

for 33 years, originally by Bennett’s mother Stella, who retired 18 months ago.

Bennett and Lawn have since introduced significant changes, launching an aged cheese called Highfields, refurbishing the dairy and introducing new branding.

The couple has found a new home for the farm’s flock of 350 goats – with Cumbriabased cheesemaker Martin village, Tunworth was launched in 2005.

At first, it was made by Stacey Hedges, with Julie Cheyney (who has since left the business to make St Jude), in a kitchen in Hampshire and now the cheese is made by a small, specialist team in a bespoke dairy in Herriard, near Basingstoke.

Tunworth has scooped numerous cheese awards including the coveted Supreme Champion at the British Cheese Awards twice (in 2006 and 2013).

How is it made?

This soft cheese is made

Gott – but Bennett said they had not decided what they would do next.

“We’re excited for the future and feeling positive, although there is also a massive sadness,” said Bennett.

“We got to a point where we felt we were making the best cheese we could, so it’s a good time to bow out.” innescheese.co.uk is hand wrapped in wax paper and carefully packaged in a small poplar box.

using pasteurised cows’ milk from the neighbouring Rotherfield Park Estate, in East Tisted. The milk is slowly acidified overnight then hand-ladled gently into moulds to ensure a thin rind. The distinctive rind is formed by a mix of yeasts, predominantly penicillium candidum, as it matures over 3-8 weeks.

Each cheese weighs approximately 250g,

Appearance & texture: Very similar in appearance to a French camembert, the cheese has a thin wrinkly rind, white in colour with ivory patches.

It is a delicious edible casing to a glossy pale yellow paste that becomes gooier as it matures.

The cheese has creamy vegetal flavours of porcini mushrooms and cabbage.

Variations: None Cheesemonger tip: Use it as a chance to upsell two other deli products by recommending Tunworth is served on a sourdough crispbread drizzled in dark chestnut honey.

Chefs recommendation: This is a great sharing cheese when baked, try studding with garlic and fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme before baking and serve with hunks of crusty bread and British charcuterie. Delicious with a dry sparkling cider or crisp Pilsner.

Whether you have a professional or personal interest in cheese, the Academy of Cheese is a not-for-profit organisation, providing a comprehensive industry recognised certification. Level One courses are available across the UK. Visit academyofcheese.org to start your journey to Master of Cheese.

The One, The Only...

Le Gruyère AOP Switzerland - a centuries-old tradition of artisanal cheesemaking.

Gruyère AOP was born in Switzerland in 1115 AD, and our milk producers, cheesemakers and affineurs have followed the same recipe, protocols and procedures ever since. This is how we can maintain the quality and flavour that has been trusted for generations. For artisans such as ours, this is what matters above all.

This traditional recipe and the care that goes into every wheel makes Gruyère AOP the finest choice for your customers.

All Natural, Naturally Gluten- and Lactose-Free.

For more information and some great recipes, please visit us at gruyere.com

Thank You, Grocery Industry Heroes!

AOP = PDO (Protected Designation of Origin)

Cheeses from Switzerland. www.cheesesfromswitzerland.com

Switzerland. Naturally.

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Gruyere_FineFoodDigest_issue-5-June_One-Only-THANKS_230x315.indd 1

Publication: Fine Food Digest

5/13/20 12:43 PM

Title: One/Only THX

Position: RHP Preferred

Bleed Size: 236 x 321mm

HAWKSHEADRELISH.COM 16

June-July 2020 | Vol.21 Issue 5

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Emmi Kaltbach

The Kaltbach Cave - Aged Family of Cheeses The Kaltbach Cave lies at the foot of the Santenberg hilltops.

It was formed 22-million years ago during the last Ice Age when sand was carried down by a glacier and deposited into a shallow sea that later solidified into the Sandstone cave.

THE CAVE HAS MANY unique features that ages cheese unlike any other place in the world. The cave’s horizontal layering allows water to slowly make its way down the walls rather than drip from the ceiling and running through the cave is the river that inspired its name. Kaltbach means ‘cold river’ and it is this that helps maintain a steady humidity level of 96% and a temperature of 12.5°C; ideal for aging cheese.

Within the caves, a small team of cavemasters apply patience, attention to detail and expertise which has been passed down through word of mouth to the care of each individual cheese.

We want you to experience the wonder of the caves for yourselves and what better way to enjoy our delicious cheeses than with some flavour enhancing pairings.

Try serving a half cut pomegranate and bowl of pomegranate seeds alongside your Kaltbach creamy; the fruit not only tastes wonderful with the cheese but also makes a colourful decoration for your cheeseboard.

Drink with: light beers and wines such as Berliner Weisse or a fresh bright Chardonnay, Reisling or Chenin Blanc.

OUR PAIRING SUGGESTIONS

KALTBACH CREAMY Kaltbach Creamy is aged for approximately 4-5 months which is relatively young compared to other varieties aging in the caves. This cheese has a flavoursome taste and smooth creamy texture thanks to the additional cream added to the cheese making process. It is the ideal partner for sweet, fresh flavours such as pomegranate, blackberries, pineapple and honey.

KALTBACH EMMENTALER AOP When you think of Swiss Cheese, the signature holes of Emmentaler surely come to mind. This Kaltbach Emmentaler AOP has a nutty taste with just a hint of herbs and a firm, yet supple texture. To enhance the nutty flavour serve with a more delicate nut butter like almond or cashew nut and add some dried

fruits such as apricots for the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

Drink with: Cabernet Sauvignon, oaked Chardonnay or gin and tonic

KALTBACH LE GRUYÈRE AOP Our Kaltbach Le Gruyère AOP is 12 months old. Aficionados of this cheese will experience a floral nuttiness, a smooth yet dense texture with a slight flake and a pronounced crystal crunch. For a more unusual but surprisingly good pairing – try this cheese with some indulgent white chocolate. The creaminess of the chocolate goes perfectly with the nuttiness of the cheese. This is also delicious with honey or sticky, preserved figs.

Drink with: A Red or white Burgundy, Grenache or Syrah or even a single-malt Scotch.

KALTBACH SWISS GOUDA Our newest member of the Kaltbach family of cheeses is our cave aged gouda. At six months of age this cheese hits all the right notes for a Gouda made from Swiss milk.

While in the cave, the cheese is smeared with saltwater brine and absorbs all the minerals of the cave and flora from the other cheeses.

This result is a dark brown rustic rind, a pale-yellow paste and a flavour of nutty caramel with a slight pear finish.

Pair with a dark floral honey or peach jam to enhance the sweet flavours in the cheese.

Drink with: A rich cider, barrel – aged gin or a smokey tea such as Lapsang.

For more information on the caves visit our website emmi-kaltbach.com/international/en or for information on UK stockists contact info.uk@emmi.com Vol.21 Issue 5 | June-July 2020

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FOCUS ON

adapting your store

We’ve been planning what to do in our two shops and are still waiting for the next government position on how to open up to more people. We’ve got retail and café areas in in Bath and at Motcomb Street, in London, and at the moment it’s only one customer per side at a time – with queuing outside.

The main problem is that customers can’t browse under the conditions in the shop, they just stand rigid in one spot.

We’re installing sneeze guards so we can start to sample cheese but whether people will want to try it is a different matter.

For those businesses that have cafés, everything seems to be up in the air. For example, will we be able to open loos? It sounds silly but things like that are really important for any deli-café and its customers.

Social distancing is still being discussed and we are working out how customers will enter, move about and leave cafés once indoor seating is allowed.

JOHN SIDDALL, OWNER, THE FINE CHEESE CO.

As lockdown is slowly ending, restrictions on movement and trading are relaxed and more of the population are returning to work, expect to see greater footfall in your bricks-and-mortar store. The threat of the virus, though, has not vanished. Here’s how to prepare for more normal trading conditions while keeping your staff and customers safe.

Compiled by Tom Dale

Get ready for a new normal

7 STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL REOPENING Focus on customer service It may be difficult with social distancing rules, a strict one-way system in place, and a mask covering your face but customer service is as important now as it ever will be.

Take the time to have the same conversations you normally would do with your customers, and remember, if your staff don’t feel safe, this will reflect in their interactions with customers. Read more on the importance of good service on page 21.

Strip back your range If you are having to implement a one-way system or limit the numbers of customers in your store, consider stripping back your range. This doesn’t mean going right back to basics, but perhaps you don’t need 15 different jams and 25 chutneys to choose from.

Things like selling pre-cut cheeses and meats will save you time and contact.

Doing this will also help keep the experience fluid, more efficient and safer.

Wally’s deli in Cardiff has opened up a previously unused door to create a separate entrance and exit

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June-July 2020 | Vol.21 Issue 5

>> BE SEEN TO BE TACKLING THE ISSUE Having visible, innovative measures in place shows your customers and staff that you actively care about their safety.

One Edinburgh retailer, Craigie’s, has installed a novel way to reduce contact when entering and exiting its shop.

The No Hands Door Pull is a small stainless-steel device that can be screwed to the bottom of a door to allow opening with only your feet, eliminating the risk of spreading COVID by repeated touching of door handles.

Owner of Craigie’s John Sinclair says: “We ordered a load and fitted them right away along with some instructional stickers, and they’ve been well received by staff and customers. It’s a simple idea but it goes a long way to demonstrate that you’re continuingly making changes to keep everyone safe.”

Creator of the newly

launched No Hands Door Pull, Rick Turner says the idea came when he was thinking of ways to keep his Devon theme park The Big Sheep open safely in light of coronavirus.

“I was talking to a friend who had seen these door pulls out in Canada and had a look online and realised how easy they would be to have

made over here.”

Since the business launched around a month ago, Turner has sold hundreds of units and he says they have been received really well. “It’s about public perception,” he says. “When we reopen, we need to be seen to be doing everything we can to make our customers feel safe.” nohandsdoorpull.co.uk

Piston normally supplies farm shops with a range of luxury gins. Due to COVID it has diversified and created a luxury hand sanitiser for your customers. Presented in an ecofriendly pouch, and made with aloe vera for a moisturising finish, the sanitiser is available in 100ml, 250ml and 500ml pouches. Wholesale prices available. pistongin.com

Expand International is selling a retractable banner stand with a protective shield in place of a branded banner. The 85cm-wide shield is easy to install and can be deployed in different locations in your store easily. The company can also provide printed graphics using the same stand for both. expandmedia.com

Bristol-based Papadeli has introduced a one way system to maintain social distancing

Communicate Make sure you communicate your key messages to your customers – be it through signs, or ideally verbally – to reduce confusion. Make your one-way system clear, signpost to your hand-wash stations and make sure they know where to queue and when to wait. Ensuring everybody knows what is expected of them and where to be will reduce stress and anxiety for all.

PRODUCTS TO KEEP YOU SAFE

PPE and safety systems It’s an obvious one, but a big one. Having your PPE on and safety systems in place, like a hands-free door opening and Perspex screens, clearly communicates to your customers that you are taking their safety seriously. Not only this, but it will make your staff feel more comfortable, which in turn lifts customer experience. Do your research, and know that gloves and a mask are not a shortcut to safety.

Reduce contact Walk the customers’ journey yourself and think of any ways to reduce any points of contact. This could be doors where every customer touches the handle, cluttered shelves or till points. Can you space your shop out and allow more room to socially distance by removing unnecessary shop furniture?

Don’t drop the deliveries If you have been running a successful home delivery or click & collect service during the COVID-19 outbreak, now is not the time to drop it. Not only does it bring in extra revenue, but these offerings are keeping the footfall in your store lower.

Be prepared You may not be able to re-open all aspects of your business just yet – like your café – but have a plan in place for how you will do that when you are able. Think about social distancing and whether the operation will be profitable if you have to reduce capacity.

Labelling and signage manufacturer, Beaverswood has a large range of stickers and signage to help make your new store lay-out easy to understand for customers and help them adhere to social distancing rules. beaverswood.co.uk

We reopened on 2nd June and since then we’ve been very busy. Trade has been as we would’ve expect, pre-COVID. Since reopening, we only allow four customers in the store at one time, have a one-way system and a sign requesting that they sanitise their hands as they come in the door and that they wear masks, but that’s not mandatory.

We looked at the store and have tried to take away things that are time-consuming because, by only having four customers at any one time, we need to cut down on things that take too long. We are not doing hot food that customers have to wait for and we took away our meat slicer, so we increased our range of pre-sliced meat and pre-cut cheeses so people can just spot them and grab them. Strangely, we have seen an increase in sales of meats now they are pre-sliced.

We’re quite a small store, around 800 sq ft, so four in the shop with a queue outside is not a bad volume of people.

SIMON MACDONNELL, CO-OWNER, PAPADELI, BRISTOL

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FOCUS ON

adapting your store

COMMUNICATION IS KEY Telling your clients about your new systems both visually and verbally is vital to a good customer experience

By Tom Dale

considered appropriate PPE, but many Communication and customer flow stores are going further. are the two key things you need to One West Midlands farm shop has be thinking about as more customers developed its own till-point protection to return to your bricks-and-mortar store create a safer environment for staff and with the government’s loosening of customers. Becketts Farm did not enforce coronavirus restrictions, according to one the wearing of facemasks, instead, it has retail expert. installed full-width screens at till points to “You’ve got your PPE on, you’ve completely divide staff and customers. got social distancing measures in place, According to Knight, most customers but how are you interacting with your want to get in and out as quickly as customers?” asks Richard Knight of possible: “They don’t want to browse.” customer experience specialists “You may need to make changes to Insight 6. your store layout. Walk in your customers’ According to Knight, your shoes before they arrive; make sure you communication must begin before your have walked the journey to ensure it makes customers have even left home to visit sense and is fit for purpose. your store. “It’s a good idea Think about pinch points,” to use video content online he says. or through social media to Knight also recommends demonstrate what they are reducing your range to make going to experience when they things simple for customers. arrive. Tell them about your “Are those lines that don’t process so they’re prepared. do quite as well useful to “Consumer confidence have out on the shelves is quite low right now, so when people are looking for communicate before they even the items they want? get to the store. That way “They have already you’re reducing their stress got quite a lot to think levels before they even arrive,” about – following arrows, says Knight. maintaining 2m distance – Because following a and then if they’re looking at specific route through your a shelf rammed full of multiple products, store and adhering to social distancing how quickly are they going to be able to are relatively new concepts to your select what they need?” customers, Knight recommends that, Stripping back your range may where possible, you greet your customers reduce potential income and you may be on arrival to explain what measures you losing some high-margin products, but have in place. “Even before they get to in the current climate, your customers’ your store, they are having to do many experience is paramount. things differently, and this can impact “Yes, you have to make money,” says their emotional state. They may be Knight, “but your customers’ loyalty wound up before they arrive. So how you outweighs any profit you may make now.” meet and greet is key.”

“Signs are not Signage and attentive staff are there to let Minskip Farm Shop’s sufficient – you customers know what is needed of them need to verbally communicate your measures and be present.”

Ensuring you have social distancing measures in place and appropriate PPE to keep your staff and customers safe is also communicating the message that you care. The government has released guidelines on what is

Customer loyalty outweighs any profit you may make now

We were closed throughout lockdown – both online and our physical store – but we reopened at the start of June with restricted hours.

At first, we opened for three days a week for just two hours in the middle of each day and got our online business up and running again.

We have introduced a one-way system marked out with arrows and distance markers throughout the store, we’ve moved fixtures around to allow for a better flow of the one-way system, and we, fortunately, had an extra door that we didn’t previously use that we’ve opened up so we have a separate entrance and exit.

I decided to remove our self-service olive bar, as it is too high risk, and our ice cream and chocolate counter, as I was unsure about stocking too many perishables.

When I asked my staff if they were happy to return, most of them said they would like to stay furloughed as a lot of them use public transport to get to work and many are 50-plus and concerned for their health. I’m going to use the furlough scheme as long as possible.

STEVEN SALAMON, OWNER, WALLY’S DELICATESSEN, CARDIFF

FSA WARN OF LEGIONNAIRES DISEASE RISK The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has reminded food businesses that have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic of the increased risk of Legionella bacteria – which can cause a form of pneumonia – when they reopen.

When water is allowed to stagnate in pipe and tank systems in properties that are left vacant, there is an increased risk of this bacteria spreading.

The FSA has advised that hot and cold water systems should be used at least once a week to maintain flow and reduce the chance of the Legionnaires’ diseasecausing pathogen from developing.

A spokesperson for the agency says: “To manage the risks during non-occupancy, businesses should consider implementing a suitable flushing regime or other measures such as draining the system if it is to remain vacant for long periods.”

Also known as legionellosis, Legionnaires’ disease, is a form of pneumonia. Signs and symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle pains, and headaches, as well as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

For more information about the risks of Legionella and how to mitigate them, visit the HSE webpage at hse.gov.uk/legionnaires

Vol.21 Issue 5 | June-July 2020

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Low FODMAP

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June-July 2020 | Vol.21 Issue 5

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FOCUS ON

foodservice

To serve or protect?

As the lockdown eases and more businesses increase their opening hours, FFD has spoken to two independent retailers with differing approaches to relaunching their foodservice operations.

OPENING UP EMMA MOSEY, CO-OWNER, MINSKIP FARM SHOP, YORKSHIRE

Yorkshire-based Minskip Farm Shop had its new café fully staffed and ready to open at the start of April, but, due to lockdown, put the opening on hold.

“We had our head chef and other staff ready to go, so to start with we put them to work on deliveries to try and keep everyone in their jobs – our head chef became our head delivery driver,” says coowner Emma Mosey. “Since then we’ve started doing two takeaway nights a week.”

Now, with restrictions set to be loosened around foodservice and hospitality businesses, Mosey hopes to be able to open the café soon and is working on how to operate while maintaining social distancing and keeping staff and customers safe.

“We’re going to space the tables out more and try to reduce contact time with staff, so we’re thinking about using technology to take orders and payment,” she says.

“We’re doing all our takeaways with an online pre-pay system so we’re thinking about doing a similar thing for the café.”

The York farm shop is also bringing forward a plan to create an outdoor seating area for the café to allow for more space and a safer eating environment.

With mainland Europe already seeing a relaxation of COVID restrictions it is giving an opportunity to see what measures are being taken and how they are working before the same occurs in Britain.

“We’ve done some research into what other countries – like Germany and Italy who have already reopened – are doing in terms of table distancing, and it looks like somewhere between 1 and 1.5 metres is what people are saying is safe” says Mosey. “For us, it depends on what the government says in terms of guidelines,.”

Most important for Minskip, though, is customer and staff confidence that dining out is safe.

“We did a survey of people’s feelings about eating in cafes when lockdown started, and we got varied responses. But I think that if we did that again now, we would get a very different response as people were far more anxious then.

“We’ve already got a good reputation in terms of safety over the last few months in the shop, so I think people will feel safe as long as we do the things we’re supposed to be doing.”

We’ve already got a good reputation on safety, so I think people will feel safe in our café

STAYING CLOSED SIMON MACDONNELL, CO-OWNER OF PAPADELI, BRISTOL

Bristol’s Papadeli shifted to an online-only business during the strictest period of lockdown, only reopening on June 2nd.

But, while customers have been happy to see the deli’s doors reopen, one side of the business has had to remain closed and looks like it is set to for the foreseeable future, says coowner, Simon MacDonnell.

Reopening the café isn’t even on our radar at the moment as the floor space wouldn’t allow it

For shops like Papadeli that incorporate foodservice and retail offerings within a relatively small area – around 800 square feet in Papadeli’s case – maintaining social distancing while operating both aspects of its business is going to be difficult if not impossible.

“Reopening the café isn’t even on our radar at the moment,” says MacDonnell, “as the floor space wouldn’t allow it.”

“I don’t think we could have a functioning café and a shop at the same time and still allow people to socially distance, so it would have to be the shop that we kept going.”

Papadeli has kept its kitchen busy, though, by creating ‘picnic orders’ and producing frozen ready meals for collection or delivery for those self-isolating due to coronavirus.

“That is something that we are going to think about continuing going forward as it’s been pretty successful.”

“Before, we had about a three-way split,” MacDonnell tells FFD. “People coming into the shop were one third, people coming in to use the café another and then people using us as a lunchtime destination was the final third.

“Two of those thirds have disappeared, we can’t open the café and the lunch trade seems to have disappeared entirely.”

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FOCUS ON

foodservice

FROM THE DELI KITCHEN SIMPLE RECIPES TO BOOST YOUR MARGINS

EFFICIENT ETON MESS A firm favourite for leftover meringues or crushed pavlovas, an eton mess is the stuff of wonders for broken ginger biscuits, smashed meringue nests and ends of short bread cuttings.

The aim is to get the texture of something crunchy along with softly whipped cream or coconut cream, so your options are endless. And efficiency is kept paramount by using up pieces of perfectly good food.

A small berry of any sort works well here but, if you’re using coconut milk for a tropical version, try sliced mango.

Cook time: 1hr 45mins, plus 1hr cooling time in oven Makes: 6

For the custard: 300ml milk 1tsp vanilla paste or ½ vanilla pod 3 eggs 2tbsp caster sugar 6tbsp cream or coconut cream, optional Coconut shards, toasted Fruit, to serve • Preheat the oven to 120°C. Line two baking trays with baking paper.

• In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites until thick, add half the caster sugar and beat for another 5mins then add the remaining sugar and whisk until glossy.

• Spoon large meringues (the mixture will make six) onto the lined trays.

• Bake for 1hr45mins and turn off the oven, keep in the oven for 1 hour before removing.

• Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before using for the stack.

For the custard: • Heat the milk and vanilla paste or pod in a saucepan until hot, in a bowl beat the eggs with the caster sugar, pour over the hot milk and whisk well.

• Return the custard to the saucepan and stir over a medium heat until thickened.

• Remove and allow to cool.

(Remove the vanilla pod before using, it can be rinsed and added to a caster sugar jar to make vanilla sugar) To assemble: • Break the meringue into pieces. Spoon this on the base of glasses or bowls, top with dollops of softly whipped cream or coconut cream, drizzle over custard.

• Finally sprinkle over the fruit and toasted coconut shards.

EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

Following a year-long trial collecting Vegware’s compostable, disposable packaging around London, Brighton and Sussex, Paper Round is now launching larger scale trade waste collections in the same areas.

Vegware’s plant-based foodservice packaging will be taken to a facility in Cambridgeshire where the waste will be turned into compost in just seven weeks. paper-round.co.uk

For the meringue: 6 egg whites 300g caster sugar 1tsp white vinegar

Packagaing firms MULTIVAC and DS Smith teamed up to design and produce ECO Bowl – a fully recyclable corrugated cardboard tray covered with a plastic skin and lid film which reduces plastic by up to 85% versus a traditional tray.

ECO Bowl’s skin and film can be easily removed for disposal, leaving the corrugated tray for recycling. strategic-packaging.com/ ecobowl

Sean Callitz

Sponsored by Tracklements

24

A condiment for every meal June-July 2020 | Vol.21 Issue 5

Recipe by Jules Mercer for Fine Food Digest

Vegware has launched a 24-page interactive guide to its range of biodegradable packaging to help foodservice businesses who are facing new challenges when returning to work following lockdown.

As well as practical advice on packaging formats to enable distanced service and successful client communication, the brochure contains a visual ‘look book’ for chefs developing new menus. vegware.co.uk

HS_LT_ISSUU_ADVERT_204x141_16JUN20.pdf

3

16/06/2020

20:35

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

NOW STOCKED BY

NO SUGAR, Naturally

Sparkling

LIVE CULTURED

Bursting with

ORGANIC ACIDS

Packs a

PUNCH

in

TEA POLYPHENOLS

Want to know more? Get clicking: remedydrinks.co.uk or email: contact.uk@remedydrinks.com Vol.21 Issue 5 | June-July 2020

25

CATEGORY FOCUS

Refresh yourself

soft drinks Bon Accord Soft Drinks has launched a new, naturally sweetened line, Pink Grapefruit Soda. The soda is made with real grapefruit, apple and pear juice and sweetened with coconut nectar, containing no artificial sweeteners or refined sugar. It is sold direct from the company’s website in cases of 12 x 275ml glass bottles with an RRP of £1.75 per unit. bonaccordsoftdrinks.com

Cairn o Mohr’s Great Taste award-winning apple juice has had a rebrand.

Made from 100% pressed, locally foraged apples with no added flavourings, colourings or water, the juice comes in 75cl bottles and is sold in cases of 12 to the trade. A case costs £28 plus VAT with a minimum order of three cases and each bottle has an RRP of £3.75. cairnomohr.com

Created using gently sparkling Welsh spring water, fruit extracts and natural flavours, Radnor Hills’ new Infusions sparkling waters come in Lemon & Mint and Raspberry & Black Cherry flavours. Both are free from sugar, sweeteners, calories and preservatives. Available in cases of 12 x 330ml cans, the new lines have an RRP of £1.60. radnorhills.co.uk

Benefit Water is a new, naturally flavoured, unsweetened sparkling spring water, or seltzer. The product blends carbonated artesian water with fruit flavours and added vitamins and fibre. The drink contains no sugar, sweeteners and is low-calorie. Launched in April of this year, the drink is sold in cases of 12 cans for £9, with a minimum delivery of 15 cases. RRP £1.49. lovelyfodder.com

Hot on the trend of premium beverages to keep tee-totalers’ thirst at bay is LA Brewery’s Sparkling English Rose – a non-alcoholic effervescent kombucha infused with organic white rose petals.

Available direct from LA Brewery from July onwards in 750ml bottles for £30 for a case of six, with an RRP of £9.49. labrewery.co.uk

British juice drink brand CRAFTED has announced the launch of its 330ml carton range, including three flavours: Mango & Passion Fruit, Still Cloudy Lemonade and Blueberry & Blackberry. The juice drinks contain a simple blend of fruit and water, with no added sugar, sweeteners or preservatives – and a carton counts as one of your five-a-day. Cases of 8 cost £7.25+VAT and each carton has an RRP of £1.59. crafteddrinks.co.uk

Folkington’s has added English Garden and Earl Grey to its tonics range. Flavoured tonics have been growing and Folkington’s hope these “more complex” lines will please consumers. Both come in 150ml mini cans and are sold in packs of eight cans with an RRP of £4.99 per pack. folkingtons.com

MOMO Kombucha recently launched an elderflower flavour to add to its range of kombuchas.

Touted as the brand’s most refreshing flavour yet, loose leaf tea is steeped with organic elderflower before fermentation.

Sold in cases of 24 330ml glass bottles, it has a trade price of £2.15 and a £4.30 RRP. momo-kombucha.com

On an eco-friendly, family-run farm in Devon, Biokef has created a honey and cinnamon kefir from jersey cows’ milk, live cultures and honey. Recently rebranded, the 250ml bottles are sold in cases of 12 with a minimum order of three cases.

Trade price £2.20, RRP £3.85. biokef.com

From diverse soft drinks and indulgent sweet spreads through to new home baking products (p28) and a global selection of teas and coffees (p31), these pages have everything you need to pep up your shelves.

Compiled by Tom Dale

26

June-July 2020 | Vol.21 Issue 5

jams

Jeffrey’s Tonic is moving into the premium tonics sector with its latest range of syrups and cordials. Made from natural ingredients and designed to be not overly sweet, the range comprises Sicilian Lemon & Warm Spices, Oriental Lime, Yarrow, Rosehip & Elderflower and Classic Premium Indian Tonic Syrup. Available in 200ml and 500ml bottles sold to the trade in cases of 6 x 500ml bottles (£41.94) or 12 x 200ml bottles (£46.80), with RRPs of £12 and £6.99 respectively, through Springvale Foods or direct. jeffrystonic.com

The company behind Australia’s top selling Remedy Kombucha is launching new Remedy Coconut Water Kefir in the UK. The drink is brewed using a live culture nurtured from traditional kefir grains. The result is a light, fizzy and refreshing drink with coconut undertones that contains no sugar. Launched March 2020, the kefir is available in 250ml cans (RRP £1.85) or 330ml glass bottles (RRP £2.50) in Pure and Passion Fruit flavours.

Available through Brakes, Cotswold Fayre and many other distributors. remedydrinks.com

>> Blas ar Fwyd has rebranded its ‘extra’ jam range including raspberry, marmalade and blackcurrant. The rebranding is described as modern, yet still conveying the artisan and handmade nature of the product.

The jars’ illustrations were hand-drawn by a member of the team. The jams come in 200g jars with a trade price of £2.90 and an RRP of £3.85. blasarfwyd.com

Jam Packed Preserves has relaunched the loganberry jam in its signature range.

The range has been repackaged in orcio jars and now has paper tags instead of labels to make for easier recycling. Loganberry is a hybrid fruit of blackberry and raspberry and produces a rich red jam that is not quite as sweet as raspberry.

A 245g jar comes with an RRP of £4-5 RRP (trade £2.50). jampackedpreserves.co.uk

Seggiano has relaunched its jam range for summer 2020, hoping to bring a little Mediterranean sunshine to your breakfast table.

Focused on the fruit itself rather than sugar, the range comprises Sicilian Mandarin Conserve, Sicilian Pink Grapefruit Conserve (225g jars, trade price £2.95, RRP £4.55) and Fig Conserve (200g jar, trade price £3.30, RRP £5). seggiano.com

Pip & Nut has this year launched a nut butter with a difference – Blueberry Muffin Almond Butter.

Made using a blend of smooth almond, sunflower and pumpkin seed butters, the spread contains real blueberries along with coconut and almond nibs for an added crunch. The vegan-friendly, high-fibre product comes in 225g jars (RRP £3.95). pipandnut.com

In keeping with the elderflower season, Yorkshire-based Rosebud Preserves has recently launched this year’s version of its Gooseberry & Elderflower jam. Using local and foraged ingredients, the jam contains 66g of fruit per 100g. The jam comes in 227g jars and has a trade price of £2.25 (RRP £3.40). rosebudpreserves.co.uk

Already winning a gold medal at the World’s Original Marmalade Awards since its launch, Myrtles Kitchen’s Orange Marmalade with Whisky balances undertones of whisky with a combination of citrus fruits. Trade £2.70 (RRP £3.95) for a 220g jar. myrtleskitchen.co.uk

Sarah Churchill’s Artisan Kitchen has added another handmade cocktail marmalade to its range in 2020. Its Negroni Marmalade is made in batches of 15 jars at a time from Ave Maria Seville oranges and finished with Campari, British Gin & Vermouth Rosso. RRP is £6, available direct. theartisankitchen.co.uk

South Wales-based Daisy Graze makes jams from foraged ingredients and has this year launched a pair of preserves: elderflower jelly and rhubarb & vanilla jam. Both retail at £3.50 for 200g jars and are available from the family business’ website. daisygraze.co.uk

Italian sunshine for the breakfast table

Vol.21 Issue 5 | June-July 2020

27

jams

baking

>>

Tunisian producer Moulins Mahjoub has recently rebranded its Great Tastewinning Organic Bitter Orange Marmalade.

Made from Seville oranges grown on the company’s farm in northern Tunisia, the marmalade is free from preservatives, additives and thickeners. Available from The Artisan Olive Oil Company with an RRP of £3.25 for a 265g jar. artisanoliveoilcompany. co.uk

Earlier this year The Bay Tree launched a new range of cocktail-themed preserves. Hoping to liven up your breakfast offering.

Berry Cosmopolitan, Strawberry Love Potion and Mango Passion Mojito jams have a boozy flavour and can be used in cakes and desserts as well as on toast.

Sold in cases of six 210g jars for £11.10 and with an RRP of £2.75. thebaytree.co.uk

Castle Dairies has recently relaunched a rebranded range of butters. The Caerphilly-based company’s award-winning range includes traditional Welsh salted and unsalted butter blocks (250g) and the newly launched Softer Butter which will be available to independent retailers soon. Available from Castell Howell (POA). castledairies.co.uk

Somerset-based Sharpham Park has launched a range of spelt flour – grown and milled in the county – to keep the nation baking.

Although flour shortages have gripped the UK, Sharpham Park launched its new line in late April in a range of sizes. Prices range from £6.25 for a single 2.5kg bag to £39.50 for a 25kg sack. Available direct from the company’s website. sharphampark.com

For the ultimate indulgent spread Joe & Seph’s has launched an Orange Chocolate Caramel Sauce. Hand-made in its London Kitchen’s using the finest natural ingredients including fresh double cream, Belgian Chocolate and orange, the sauce adds another flavour to the brand’s range of 16 spreads.

Stocked in Ocado, the spread has a £3.99 RRP for a 230g jar. joeandsephs.com

Organic coconut brand Three By One has recently launched a new coconut cacao spread. The organic product has only three ingredients – coconut, coconut nectar and cacao – and a sweet caramel taste with a hint of chocolate.

The ethically sourced, freefrom and vegan-friendly line comes in two formats – 150g or 300g glass jars – with £3.35 and £6.55 prices respectively (RRP £6.50/£10). threebyone.eu

Craggs & Co has recently added einkorn, emmer and rye to its range, making them the only British supplier of ancient grain products. Ancient grains are those that have not been modified for easier harvest, and as a result do not have the increased gluten levels of modern wheats. Visit the producer’s website for availability and prices. craggsandco.co.uk

Three flavours of My GF Bakery’s gluten-free sourdough baking kits are now available in 1kg bags. Free from all 14 major allergens, the range – Buckwheat, New Italian and Ingenious Flatbread – only requires adding water to create gluten-free sourdough at home. The kits make four loaves or 20 flatbreads each, and have an RRP of £10.99. mygfbakery.co.uk

Inspired by the English countryside, Tracklements’ sweet and sharp English Hedgerow Jelly is made with blackberries, Bramley apples and damsons it is touted as a sweet spread and an accompaniment to cheese. Available from 1st July, the new line comes in cases of 6 x 250g jars with an RRP of £3.35. tracklements.co.uk

Peanut-free nut butter brand Nutcessity has added coffee walnut to its range of butters.

Made with only five ingredients (nuts, seeds, coconut, fruit and salt), the stone-ground butter is certified organic and comes in plastic-free packaging. Cases of 6 x 180g jars cost £21.54, with each jar retailing at £5.99. nutcessity.co.uk

Ossa Organic has recently rebranded its ghee – organic and grass-fed clarified butter.

Free from lactose and casein and rich in fat soluble vitamins A, K and E and Omega 3s, this 100% British-grown and -made ghee has an RRP of £10.15. ossaorganic.com

Coconut Merchant now offers its pure and unrefined coconut sugar in a new 1kg tub.

Coconut sugar is the boiled and dehydrated sap of the coconut palm. Similar in taste to brown sugar, it is perfect in cooking and baking. RRP £9.99. coconut-merchant.com

Nutritious alternative for those seeking an indulgent spread

Whole Earth has introduced its newest nut butter flavour: Chocolate & Hazelnut Peanut Butter. A source of protein and fibre, the new peanut butter is a nutritional alternative for those wanting a healthy indulgent spread. The product combines cocoa and contains 80% less sugar than a standard chocolate spread as it is naturally sweetened with dates. RRP £4 for a 340g jar. wholeearthfoods.com

Ready for summer, Hawkshead Relish has launched a Sour Cherry & Prosecco Jam. The lightly set jam is available direct from its website, the new preserve comes in 220g jars sold in cases of six to the trade for £12.55 with a £2.99 RRP. hawksheadrelish.com

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June-July 2020 | Vol.21 Issue 5

HOLOS is offering 10% off orders and free delivery over £50 in June & July.

Please use code ‘GFF10’ when ordering at orders@ holoslondon.com

HOLOS KOMBUCHA BREWED FOR GOOD Ethical small-batch kombucha handcrafted in West Sussex using all-natural ingredients.

orders@holoslondon.com | holoskombucha.com

Fifth generation artisan flour millers based in Oxfordshire. We mill our flour using wheat from local farms to produce top quality flour. Excellent for baking by hand or using in a bread maker.

Naturally delicious fruit juice drinks.

Discover our craft.

No added sugar or sweeteners One of your five a day Suitable for vegans Full range also available in 1 litre cartons

For more information please email us on talktous@crackerdrinks.com

www.crafteddrinks.co.uk

Three stars awarded for our Six Seed and Wessex Cobber Bread Flours.

01235 768991 | sales@wessexmill.co.uk | wessexmill.co.uk Vol.21 Issue 5 | June-July 2020

29

The taste of the finest English peppermint Brought to you by the Peppermint People To find out more about our award-winning chocolates and teas visit www.summerdownmint.com

www.ossaorganic.com

Our award-winning flour is produced from the finest ancient grains which are sustainably grown in the beautiful British countryside.

Our entire range carry the highly sought after Great Taste 2 and 3 star awards, in recognition of outstanding quality and flavour.

Available in 1kg and 20kg bags. Minimum order 2 boxes of 10 Ă— 1 kg bags. No delivery charges.

Call or email today for a trade price list Sustainably farmed

BRC certified products

High in protein & fibre

Competitive & stable pricing

01740 629 529 | info@craggsandco.co.uk | www.craggsandco.co.uk 16

June-July 2020 | Vol.21 Issue 5

tea & coffee Tea India’s Turmeric Chai offers a healthy alternative to a traditional cup of tea or a chance for consumers to create a turmeric latte at home. Known for its health benefits, turmeric has long been used in Indian recipes and as part of Ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric Chai is available from wholesaler CLF or direct and has an RRP of £2.50. teaindia.co.uk

A new range of wellness teas has been launched

by Reading-based Tea People including ‘Energy’, ‘Detox’, ‘Relax’ and ‘Sleep’ lines. Available in retail and catering packs, these “good-for-you” teas enter the ever-growing segment of health-boosting wellness teas. Retail packs – ranging in weight from 50-100g depending on the line – have a trade price of £3.57 and RRP of £5.95. teapeople.co.uk

Nazani Tea has launched its Limited Collection, including Wild Lemon Thyme from Armenia, with citrus and ginger notes, Organic Lemon Verbena from Greece, with herbal and lemon notes and organic damask rose buds from Cyprus, with sweet and floral notes. The range is available in caddies or refill pouches and is a limited product so small orders are favoured. RRP £17.95 to £21.95. nazanitea.com

Westcountry Tea Co has rebranded its Time Out Tea brand, after the company went plastic-free. The tea bags are made of corn starch, the clear inner bags are made of tree cellulose and the tea boxes are printed with vegetable ink on FSC card. Everything is biodegradable, compostable or recyclable.

RRP for Time out Tea is £3 (trade price £2) and for Loose Tea is £3-£4.50 (trade price £2-£2.90) westcountrytea.co.uk

Wellness teas to support a healthy lifestyle

This month, Source Climate Change Coffee launched its fifth single-origin organic coffee, from a reforestation project in Nicaragua. This new coffee, Rio Coco Cloud Forest, has a balanced sweet acidity, chocolatecaramel aroma and creamy texture. The coffee is available as beans in 227g and 550g bags or 227g roast and ground. Trade prices are £3.85 for 227g and £6.80 for 500g (RRPs £6.90 and £11.60). sourceclimatechange.com

London-based tea company Marulin has launched new packaging for several of its lines, including Imperial Green and Four Seasons Pearl Oolong, available in pouches of 12 tea tents and caddies of 20 tea tents.

The packaging features a basket-weave effect to reflect the use of bamboo baskets in tea-farming. The tea tent pouches have trade prices from £3.49 (RRP from £4.89) and caddies from £8.49 (RRP from £12.50). marulin.co.uk

Peterston Tea is the first tea estate in Wales. This year, for the first time, its 100% single estate loose leaf tea is available to independent retailers. All Peterston’s tea plants are grown for at least five years to mature enough for picking, the leaves are then hand-picked and small-batch processed to create exclusive teas. Black, Green and Oolong teas are available as loose leaf in 12g tins. Trade price £9.10 RRP £14 for Welsh Black Tea. peterstontea.com

A new addition to Batch Tea Company’s recently rebranded range, Lovers Leap is a Ceylon tea from the Lovers Leap estate in the district of Nuwara Eliya. A medium-strength black tea with clean amber liquor, It is typically drunk without milk.

Batch Tea claim it is perfect for the summer months as it is refreshing in hot weather and works well in ice tea.

RRP £7 (100g), £5.25 trade. batchtea.co.uk

Lindfield Coffee Works has recently refreshed the packaging across its entire range, which now comes in recyclable or reusable bags.

Lindfield’s 250g retail bags have RRPs between £7 and £10 depending on the coffee. lindfieldcoffeeworks.co.uk

Hoping to refresh the instant coffee pod market is Little’s, with a range of flavoured Nespressocompatible pods. The 100% recyclable aluminium pods are available in three flavours – French Vanilla, Rich Hazelnut ad Chocolate Caramel – from Little’s direct and are currently stocked by Ocado. RRP £3.50. wearelittles.com

Bristol Twenty Coffee Co has recently refreshed its retail offering and all lines are now available in retail format and come in FSC biodegradable and recyclable packaging. The lines range between £3.20 and £5.50 wholesale and RRPs range between £5.00 and £8.50 depending on the coffee. bristol-twenty.co.uk

New tea blends, Goddess Divinitea and Wild Thing Sensualitea, from The Leaf Collective are inspired by yoga and blended with Ayurvedic herbs. All blends are vegan friendly, organic, non GMO, in plastic free, biodegradable packaging. Trade price, £3.20 (RRP £4.99) sold in cases of 12. theleafcollective.co.uk

With the growing trend for beverages to support a healthy lifestyle, Ahmad Tea, family-run UK tea company, has launched its new Natural Benefits range, a collection of all-natural herbal and green tea infusions, with vitamins and botanicals to support different lifestyle functions. The range includes Immune (Lemon, Turmeric & Ginger), Energy (Grapefruit, Mate and Guarana Seed), Sleep (Camomile, Honey & Lavender), Slim (Lemon, Mate & Matcha), Digest (Sweet Mint & Fennel), and Beauty (Peach, Carob & Rose Petals.) RRP £3 per pack of 20. Available from Cotswold Fayre or direct. ahmadtea.com

Ahead of the summer months, Edgcumbes has relaunched its loose-leaf fruit teas to encourage consumers to make iced tea at home. The range includes Red Berries, Tropical Summer Fruits and Strawberry & Kiwi with RRPs from £7.25 for a 125g pouch. Trade prices on enquiry. edgcumbes.co.uk Vol.21 Issue 5 | June-July 2020

31

Nazani Tea is a UK based brand dedicated to sourcing luxury herbal tisanes

Founded to adopt the same meticulous approach for herbal infusions as for tea, the brand is based on three principles - luxury, integrity and elegance.

Nazani Tea is working to resurrect ancient herbal infusions and is also focused on bringing exciting new concepts to the market and making tea history (including with a new type of mint, colour changing infusions and first UK order to harvest service) Discover the world's most unique range of herbal infusions, and let us change your view of herbals forever!

G i v e

Winner of 21 awards at Great Taste

Choi Time, Award Winning Chinese speciality teas that unfurl and blossom in your cup. Hailed as “the Dom Perignon of the tea world� by the Sunday Times Style Magazine.

Phone: 0845 0533269 Email: wholesale@choitime.com Visit: www.choitime.co.uk 32

June-July 2020 | Vol.21 Issue 5

y o u r s e l f

t h e

e x p e r i e n c e

y o u

d e s e r v e

Jeffrey’sŽ

Sophisticated soft drinks extraordinary mixers Made from natural ingredients.

Classic Premium Indian Tonic Syrup and a range of Handcrafted Cordials.

Available in 200ml, 500ml and in 4x50ml giftboxes

Visit us online or contact us to discover our great range of juices.

We supply good food shops, hotels, pubs and restaurants.

English Pear with Apple Juice

Cloudy Apple Juice

01489 878685 | info@hillfarmjuice.co.uk

sales@jeffreystonic.com www.jeffreystonic.com

www.hillfarmjuice.co.uk |

Vol.21 Issue 5 | June-July 2020

33

Hand crafted blends and single origin teas of the finest quality

Velo Coffee Please contact me for our retail price list and bespoke offerings for your retail outlet big or small. In addition, we offer our own brand roasting subject to minimum orders.

We can service across the UK and Ireland so call or email Rob today for all your coffee service and retail requirements +353 8604 77633 | rob@velocoffee.ie

www.velocoffee.ie

www.davinasteel.com www.brecklandorchard.co.uk 34

June-July 2020 | Vol.21 Issue 5

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Ahmad Tea

Feel-good tea With demand for functional food and drink at an all-time high, Ahmad Tea, the family owned UK tea company and global leader in speciality tea, takes a look at the health and wellness boom and explains how their new Natural Benefits range has been carefully crafted to care for consumers at a time when it’s needed most…

WAKING UP TO WELLNESS In uncertain times, a good cup of tea is more than an essential… it has the power to bring people together, to comfort and heal.

The advent of Covid-19 has created a monumental shift towards health and wellness around the world. Consumer interest in all things functional is on the rise as consumers prioritise their wellbeing, from improving sleep to boosting energy.

Immunity in particular has taken the limelight. Interest in immune-boosting ingredients rose 66% in the month to midMarch, a trend that is set to continue as people strive to stay healthy and ward off illness.

TEA WITH BENEFITS With the growing trend for functional food & drink, the new generation of tea drinkers expect their brew to work that bit harder. In fact, almost a quarter (27%) are actively seeking tea with health benefits2, from

boosting immunity to better digestive health.

Our new Natural Benefits range, a collection of herbal and green tea infusions with added vitamins and botanicals, has been specially crafted to meet this demand, supporting consumers in their quest to feel good and stay nourished.

Boasting six all-natural premium 6 NEW NATURAL BENEFITS BLENDS FROM AHMAD TEA 1. Immune: Lemon, Ginger & Turmeric + Vitamin C 2. Energy: Grapefruit, Mate & Guarana + Vitamin B6 3. Sleep: Camomile, Honey & Lavender + Passion Flower 4. Beauty: Peach, Carob & Rose Petals + Aloe Vera

blends from ‘Immune’ – a blend of lemon, ginger & turmeric with added Vitamin C to support the immune system, to ‘Energy’ – grapefruit, mate & guarana seed with Vitamin B6 to reduce fatigue, or ‘Sleep’ - camomile, honey and lavender with Passion Flower to relax and unwind, our innovative range has been created to care.

TEA 4 GOOD: CHAMPIONING COMMUNITIES IN CRISIS As a proud member of the Ethical Tea Partnership, at Ahmad Tea we strive to bring communities together to help those in need. We do this by donating 20% of our profits to charity – spreading kindness where it’s most needed, from helping people in Niger access clean water to building and furnishing a fully equipped hospital in Sri Lanka.

Ahmad Tea Natural Benefits blends (RRP £3 per pack of 20) are available now. To enquire or to make an order please contact Ahmad Tea at uk.sales@ahmadtea.com or buy via Cotswold Fayre: www.cotswold-fayre.co.uk www.ahmadtea.com

5. Slim: Lemon, Mate & Matcha Green Tea + Zinc 6. Digest: Sweet Mint & Fennel + Biotin

1 Tastewise insights, March 2020

2 Mintel Tea and other hot drinks report, July 2019

SPOTLIGHT ON IMMUNE With increased consumer desire to stay healthy, demand for restorative, immune-boosting blends is set to soar.

Created by top Tea Masters, Ahmad Tea’s new Natural Benefits ‘Immune’ infusion has been created to aid the body’s natural defences and keep you feeling on top. The restorative blend of fiery ginger, warming turmeric and zesty lemongrass is completed with the addition of natural vitamin C to support the healthy functioning of the immune system and deliver a wholesome, earthy boost.

Dominic Marriott, Tea Taster at Ahmad Tea’s UK HQ explains how the new Natural Benefits range has been created to support and nourish: “These are unprecedented times, with increased consumer desire to stay fit and healthy creating huge demand for wellness teas around the world.

Factors such as rising stress and anxiety have meant consumers are looking for easy ways to stay nourished and feel good.”

“Our new Natural Benefits blends not only deliver the exceptional taste experience that consumers have come to expect from Ahmad Tea, but also give people a helping hand when it’s needed most, whether they are looking for a more restful night’s sleep or an energy boost to help handle life’s daily challenges.”

1 Tastewise insights, March 2020 https://www.just-food.com/analysis/how-might-covid-19-shape-interest-in-health-and-wellness_id143710.aspx 2 Mintel – Tea and other hot drinks report, July 2019

Vol.21 Issue 5 | June-July 2020

35

VINEGAR SHED

Patriana

High quality speciality food from France and Spain

A fine food business with the UK’s largest selection of artisan vinegars, speciality olive oils, rare spices, wild peppers, hand-harvested salts, Cantabrian anchovies & tuna, other exciting pantry items for savvy chefs and home cooks.

For more info & trade prices, contact Andy Harris on 07854892065 or info@vinegarshed.com

Basque Kintoa Ham

Bayonne Ham

Serrano Bodega Ham

Duck Saucisson

We offer award winning fine food directly from artisan and farm producers in southern France (Basque region/Haute Savoie) and Spain. This includes cured hams, saucissons, chorizos, pates and other specialist charcuterie products.

www.vinegarshed.com

We also have a range of traditional cheeses such as Manchego and Ossau Iraty.

Winner of 56 Great Taste awards - 2017-2018-2019

Please visit www.patriana.com Contact us for our trade product and price list at info@patriana.com Patriana Ltd. The Goods Shed, Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8AN

36

June-July 2020 | Vol.21 Issue 5

Importers & distributors guide 2020

Artisan Food Club

39

Diverse Fine Food

38

The Oil Merchant

45

The Artisan Olive Oil Company

39

Don Miguel

42

Organico Realfoods

45

Best of Hungary

41

Empire Bespoke Foods

38

Patriana

39

Blas ar Fwyd

38

The Fine Cheese Co.

39

Paxton & Whitfield

45

Brindisa Spanish Foods

41

The Fine Food Forager

42

PW Fine Foods

42

Buckley & Beale

39

The Gorgeous Food Company

38

RH Amar

38

Carron Lodge

45

Hider Food Imports

41

Rowcliffe

42

Cibosano

39

Holleys Fine Foods

42

Seggiano

38

Cotswold Fayre

45

Iberica

45

Tenuta Marmorelle

42

The Cress Co

39

Infinity Foods

41

Vinegar Shed

41

Cryer & Stott

41

Maltby & Greek

41

Delicioso

42

Nanonna

45

Vol.21 Issue 5 | June-July 2020

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IMPORTERS & DISTRIBUTORS GUIDE 2020

Whether you’re seeking food from Europe, Asia or closer to home, FFD’s annual directory is here to help independents weigh up their wholesale options Compiled by Tom Dale and Michael Lane

The Gorgeous Food Company gorgeousfoodcompany. co.uk Minimum order value: None Delivers to: UK The Gorgeous Food Company’s catalogue spans an extensive range of ambient categories, including confectionery, crisps & snacks, cold drinks, bakery, grocery, tea & coffee, and world foods. Brands retailers can discover with the distributor include Cocoba, Willies Cacao, Box Bakery, Simply Cornish, Atkins & Potts, Inspired Dining, Charlie & Ivys, Fruity Kitchen, Just a Splash, Makers & Merchants, Tregothnan, Anilas and William Whistle.

R.H. Amar & Co rhamar.com Minimum order value: £600 Delivers to: UK Importer and distributor RH Amar offers fine food brands, covering over a dozen categories including beverages, ethnic cuisine, free-from, home baking and sundries. The company owns the Mary Berry brand of sauces, dressings and chutneys. Other signature brands distributed to the speciality trade include Crespo, Cooks & Co, Ella’s Kitchen and Kikkoman.

Empire Bespoke Foods empirebespokefoods.com Delivers to: UK Empire Bespoke Foods has an extensive portfolio of national and international products including chocolate & confectionery, savoury snacks and condiments. Thai Taste, Mrs Elswood, Nem Viet and No-No flatbreads are its own-brands, while signature brands include Charles Basset tuna, USA cereal brand Malt-O-Meal and Tootsie Roll confectionery.

KEY Importer Ambient Chilled Charcuterie Vegan / Free-from / Wholefoods Cheese Foodservice

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Blas ar Fwyd blasarfwyd.com Minimum order value: £60 in Wales, £150 rest of UK Delivers to: UK Blas ar Fwyd is a North Wales-based food manufacturer and fine food and wine wholesaler distributing throughout Wales and mainland UK to retail and hospitality, working with over 150 Welsh producers specialising in quality artisan products, alongside Blas ar Fwyd handmade products which are made in their SALSA approved kitchens and have won over 45 Great Taste Awards.

Seggiano seggiano.com Delivers to: UK

Diverse Fine Food diversefinefood.co.uk Delivers to: UK

For over 20 years, Seggiano has imported Italian goods from regions such as Tuscany, Sicily, Modena, Puglia and Calabria. It is well-known for its Lunaio olive oils and Seggiano balsamic vinegars but also carries products in other categories including pestos, tapenades, patés, organic durum wheat pasta, Lingue flatbreads and organic chocolate hazelnut spreads.

Somerset-based Diverse Fine Food aims to be a modern wholesaler, sourcing new innovative brands and bringing them to market. The company focuses on ambient food products, covering categories like alcohol, non-alcoholic drinks, confectionery and snacks.

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John Siddall, owner, The Fine Cheese Company Despite some of the gloomy economic predictions, John Siddall – the owner of The Fine Cheese Co – says the business has seen an “unprecedented” level of enquires from new retail customers and relatively little interruption to its supply chain.

“There are some cheesemakers that are still struggling,” says Siddall.

“It’s the smaller ones who don’t make a range of products.

“What we’re trying to do is buy more of their cheeses and promote them more and we like to encourage our retail customers to do that too.”

The Fine Cheese Co is still looking to add to its catalogue and there will be more Italian cheeses in its stable shortly, both from new suppliers and from Quattro Portoni, which is perhaps most famous for its Blu di Bufala.

As always, the company continues to follow the principle set by founder Ann-Marie Dyas: “Seek out the best. And when you’ve found it, keep looking.”

One category that the business is still striving to develop is British Charcuterie.

“This is proving to be difficult but we’ve not backed away from our commitment,” says Siddall, adding that he ideally wants a roster of around six producers. At the moment, he says that it is a struggle

to find enough producers that can hit the levels of consistency and quality that The Fine Cheese Co has set.

Both Tempus and Westcombe Charcuterie are selling well and Dorsetbased Capreolus will soon be added to the offer, along with Sussex producer Moons Green. But Siddall and his team remain on the hunt for other charcutiers.

Beyond the deli counter, retail customers can still expect to see more partner brands added to The Fine Cheese Co catalogue – including premium wafers from Babbi and tomato sauces from Ursini – but there won’t be as many as you might usually see because Siddall says customers are currently not as interested in new products.

Among many changes to the company’s biscuit range, retail customers will soon see revisions to the Fine English line-up (being repositioned as Heritage), clearer branding on its Cheese Toasts range and a packaging overhaul moving towards carboard inner trays across all ranges.

The new brochure will be out in July and will include the Christmas supplement.

The Fine Cheese Co. finecheese.co.uk Minimum order value: £150 Delivers to: UK mainland As well as being a retailer, The Fine Cheese Co is a wholesaler, distributor and importer that specialises in British and European cheese and charcuterie.

It also carries a range of premium imported dry goods from Europe and the USA alongside its own The Fine Cheese Co brand of crackers and accompaniments.

Buckley & Beale buckleyandbeale.com Minimum order value: £100 Delivers to: UK Buckley & Beale imports many speciality world foods to the UK but has a particular focus and knowledge on American and Irish brands, such as US brand The Jackfruit Company – specializing in pouched jackfruit for foodservice – and Guittard Chocolate. Irish producers include Ballymaloe and The Lismore Food Company.

Cibosano cibosano.co.uk Minimum order value: £150 in London (differs nationwide) Delivers to: UK

The Artisan Olive Oil Company artisanoliveoilcompany. com Minimum order value: £125 Delivers to: UK

From fresh deli counter items through to pasta, antipasti and confectionery, Cibosano imports a wide range of Italian products to the UK. Its catalogue includes charcuterie from Leoncini, Salcis and Furlotti, cheeses from Montanari & Gruzza, Valcolatte and Salicella, antipasti from Collesano and fresh filled pasta from Fratelli Camisa.

An importer and distributor of Mediterranean organic fine foods and ingredients, The Artisan Olive Oil Company also has its own range of products. The wholesaler stocks oils from Frantoio Franci, Oro Bailen, Olio Diliberto among others and a range of other lines such as Tunisian antipasti and sauces from Moulins Mahjoub and Provençal preserves and spreads from aix&terra.

The Cress Co thecressco.co.uk Minimum order value: £125 Delivers to: UK

Artisan Food Club artisanfood.club Minimum order value: Varies by producer Delivers to: International

Patriana

fine food from france & spain

Patriana patriana.com Minimum order value: £190 outside Kent Delivers to: UK An importer and wholesaler of fine food from France and Spain, Patriana has a particular speciality for charcuterie from the French Basque region and Spain. It imports predominantly from the French Basque region and the Pyrenées Atlantiques in France, and Castilla y Leon, Extremadura, La Mancha, Murcia and La Rioja in Spain. Every line has been carefully chosen and imported directly from artisan producers.

The Cress Co offers a range of ambient and chilled lines, predominantly from the UK, and carries both small artisan producers through to larger brands. Signature brands include Brigston & Co (Scottish handmade craft smoked hot dogs), Orkney Craft Vinegar (which produces vinegar from a rare strain of barley called Bere), and London-based La Tua Pasta.

The Artisan Food Club works with artisan and startup brands to allow retailers to source small and some medium-size producers through central invoicing and introduction orders, making its drop-shipping model very easy to use.

Effectively it’s a wholesaler that carries no stock and all orders are sent direct from the producer, which means retailers access to their full ranges.

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When you are ready to think about what to stock for Christmas, we look forward to discussing our festive range with you.

Meanwhile, you can view our catalogue and begin building your order online. www.cotswold-fayre.co.uk | sales@cotswold-fayre.co.uk | 03452606060

Finding consistent supply challenging?

Store cupboard essentials in stock for prompt delivery.

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Open an Open an account today! account today!

IMPORTERS & DISTRIBUTORS GUIDE 2020

Monika Linton, founder Brindisa Spanish Food Trading with Spain has been strangely straightforward during coronavirus, says Monika Linton, founder of Brindisa.

“Compared to what one might have anticipated; there were no delays on the border and little disruption to supply.”

While there was some interruption to a handful of the business’s smaller suppliers in Spain, most stayed open. “A few had to close, mostly because they are small and there were not enough staff that were not isolating, but most kept trading.

“All of our ambient suppliers were unaffected, which was fortunate as flour, pulses and tinned fish are all crucial foods in a pandemic.”

The drive to buy British in the wake of COVID hasn’t affected Brindisa according to Linton. “I think there are so many people at home making good food instead of going out to restaurants to sustain interest in food from all nationalities at the moment.”

Linton says she feels lucky to have had few issues during the pandemic and that it was heart-warming to see the camaraderie in the industry across borders. “And while all this is happening, we haven’t forgotten about Brexit,” she says.

“It’s been such a rollercoaster over the last three years to run any business, let alone one trading with Europe. But we’ve practised Brexit three

times now, so we’ll do it again.”

The founder says that due to the uncertainty over Brexit, the company is building up a new ambient range based around its olive brand, Perelló. The brand will be extended into more ambient products such as gherkins, says Linton, and the branding and packaging are set for a refresh as well.

“Ambient products, having a longer shelf-life, are more Brexit resistant,” she says.

“For the speciality food business, I think Brexit is going to be very damaging at all levels, and how we protect ourselves from potential damage is almost impossible to ascertain as we’re not being told anything.

“I just hope that it won’t make good food more elite. Over the last 30 years, fine food has become more democratic than before, and I hope that Brexit doesn’t make the sector more exclusive and cut out the middle ground who can’t afford an extra 20% or 30% tariff on food from the Continent.

Brindisa Spanish Foods brindisa.com Minimum order value: None Delivers to: Mainland UK (incl. NI) Established more than 30 years ago, Brindisa is an importer, wholesaler and distributor specialising in Spanish foods – primarily meat, fish, cheeses, olives and olive oil – and also offers tastings and product training for customers. It stocks a host of brands, including Perelló, La Chinata, Patatas Torres, Ortiz and El Navarrico, as well as offering private label lines.

Hider Food Imports hiderfoods.co.uk Minimum order value: £200 Delivers to: UK

Vinegar Shed vinegarshed.com Minimum order value: £100 Delivers to: UK

Hider offers an extensive range of ambient, speciality foods across an extensive range of 320 brands.

Well-known names the wholesaler carries include Border Biscuits, Fentimans, Pipers Crisps and Hazer Baba, but Hider also offers several British artisan brands like Lottie Shaw’s, Buttermilk and Botham’s, as well as selling its own-brand lines. It is the exclusive distributor of the jams & preserves brand Butler’s Grove.

Vinegar Shed specialises in rare, small-batch artisan vinegars but it also imports oils, spices, herbs, beans, pulses, seafood and much more from Italy, Greece, Spain and France. Signature products include Trea Greek oils, olives and honey, Pellas organic drops infused olive oils, Epices de Cru spices, spice blends, peppers & chillies, and Safra del Montsec organic saffron as well as a range of premium store cupboard lines.

Tenuta Marmorelle tenutamarmorelle.com Minimum order value: £250 subject to postcode Delivers to: UK

Infinity Foods infinityfoodswholesale. coop Minimum order value: Subject to postcode Delivers to: UK

A producer of extra virgin olive oil and importer of fine foods, Tenuta Marmorelle sources fresh and ambient products from all over Italy.

Brands include Casanova balsamic vinegar, Borsari Panettone, Amore Italiano Antipasti and Cantine Vedova Prosecco. The distributor has direct relationships with its clients and offers support in the form of staff training and tasting days.

Infinity Foods sources ambient products from across the globe but specialises in organic brands such as olive company Lesbian Donkey, Mr Organic, and Rude Health cereals. It also produces its own-branded range of goods, covering categories like cereal grains, beans, pulses, and sweet snacks & confectionery. .

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Best of Hungary bestofhungary.co.uk Minimum order value: None Delivers to: UK mainland (incl. NI) Best of Hungary carries fine foods and wine from Hungarian producers, many of which are SMEs and social co-operatives. The company is the exclusive supplier of brands including Great Taste award-winning producers such as Donum Terrae, Danubius Caviar and Hungarian Heritage black truffle products. The importer also supplies Hungarian paprika and honey in bulk for foodservice.

Cryer & Stott cryerandstott.co.uk Minimum order value: £50 Delivers to: UK With a strong focus on British products, Cryer & Stott are wholesalers and distributors of cheese and fine foods. The company works with cheesemakers across the nation and also stocks its own range of cheeses. As well as cheese, Cryer & Stott carries a range of other dairy products, charcuterie, chutneys, antipasti and more.

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IMPORTERS & DISTRIBUTORS GUIDE 2020

Ian Samways, General manager PW Fine Foods Independents are the lifeblood of PW Fine Foods, says general manager Ian Samways.

Petty Wood bought the his company, Samways Fine Food Distribution, to bolster its independent offer, and, he says, “the beauty of it is that my partner and I have been serving the independent food trade for 25 years, and now we have a £50million pound company behind us – but remain autonomous.”

“They have the buying power, and the facilities to produce great brochures, but you are dealing with a small team who go out delivering, know all our customers and what they want, and can spot when a customer has made an error on their order, like ordering 100 units instead of the usual 10 because they hit the wrong button online.”

Samways says it is “the best of both worlds”. He and his business partner can go out to trade shows and exhibitions and find the products they like and think their customers will like, but then can pass on the choices to Petty Wood’s buyers and they can negotiate better deals.

As a result of this, he says, PW Fine Foods have got three new brands which he is very excited about stocking. There is the winner of the Best Dairy Spread category at the World Dairy Innovation Awards 2020, Sublime Flavoured Butter and Italian pasta brand Rummo. The third is Red Fox Fine Foods’ Cheese Soufflés, which are a bake-at-home product.

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The soufflés are cooked until risen then sealed, so the customer unpops it at home, places into a serving dish and pours over a cheese sauce.

“We’re so excited about these, it’s like a restaurant-quality product that you can trick your dinner party guests with at home.”

The reason, according to Samways, that his operation stood out to Petty Wood when it was looking to improve its independent offering was the different way he operates.

“Our order cut-off is midday Monday, and we then do most of our buying to order. The majority of our lines come in overnight on Monday and we distribute throughout the rest of the week.”

Reflecting on the opportunities brought by coronavirus, Samways added: “One thing our sector needs to really capitalise on is that the multiples have dropped ‘premium grocery’ and, now people are cooking at home more, they want good quality tinned goods, good quality pasta to make great, home-cooked meals, and we can provide that.”

PW Fine Foods pwfinefoods.co.uk Minimum order value: £180 Delivers to: UK As well as wholesaling for specialist importers, PW Fine Foods is now the exclusive distributor for a number of brands including Walkers Shortbread and its long-running house brand Epicure. The supplier offers over 6,000 lines across its extensive portfolio and has recently added ranges from Sublime Butters, Nordur Arctic Sea Salt and Red Fox Soufflés.

Holleys Fine Foods holleysfinefoods.com Minimum order value: £100 Delivers to: UK Established in 1970, Holleys Fine Foods covers a whole range of ambient products including bakery items, snacks, confectionery, world foods and preserves.

Signature brands it carries include cheese straws from West Country Legends, Barney Jack’s heritage confectionery, La Mole Breadsticks, coffee iced biscuits from Van Delft Café Noir and novelty candy from Look O Look.

Delicioso delicioso.co.uk Minimum order value: No minimum, free delivery over £300 Delivers to: UK Spanish food specialist Delicioso sources ambient, charcuterie and cheese lines from every region of Spain. These include brands like Bernardo Hernandez, Caviaroli, Can Bech, and Pujado Solano as well as its own branded lines of salsas, charcuterie, olives and pickles, tortas and picos.

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Rowcliffe rowcliffe.co.uk Minimum order value: £50 Delivers to: UK Rowcliffe is a British importer and wholesaler of artisan food and Continental & British artisan cheeses. Brands exclusive to it include the Clemency Hall cheese range, Le Cret Gruyére, Deli-cious oils & vinegars, olives and antipasti from Castellino and charcuterie from Negroni. It is also the exclusive stockist of DOP cheeses from Ambrosi, which bought the Rowcliffe business at the beginning of last year.

Don Miguel UK

Maltby & Greek maltbyandgreek.com Minimum order value: Subject to postcode Delivers to: UK Maltby & Greek is a supplier and distributor of exclusive, premium Greek products.

It sources items like jams, marmalades, preserves, honeys, herbs, soft drink, wine and beer, and fish from across Greece, working directly with a network of small artisan producers.

The Fine Food Forager thefinefoodforager.co.uk Minimum order value: £100 (Greater London area) Delivers to: UK A distributor of British food & drink to independents, The Fine Food Forager supports a low waste economy by providing orders in recyclable bags and boxes. Brands exclusive to the company include apple balsamic vinegar ‘Le Paulmier’, organic chocolates from Chocolate Tree, organic maple syrup Escuminac, local and urban honeys from Pearly Queen and craft cocktail brand Bottle Bar Shop.

Don Miguel donmiguelsfood.com Minimum order value: none Delivers to: UK, Europe, USA Don Miguel is an importer and distributor of foods from South America, specialising in Venezuelan arabica coffee, wildcrafted coconut oil and highquality tropical fruits from Venezuela. The company offers the brands Strictly COCO and Strictly COFFEE.

Natural & Organic Mediterranean Fine Foods & Ingredients

Importing Highest Quality Italian Products

Our partners

Wholesale 0203 866 8934 info@artisanoliveoilcompany.com www.artisanoliveoilcompany.com

Directly from Italy, Stocked & Distributed in the United Kingdom

4 Large selection of artisan products: olive oils, vinegars, organic preserved vegetables, cooking ingredients, grains, organic and glutenfree pasta, truffle specialities, condiments, jams, marmalades, chutneys, gift sets 4 Great Taste Award Winners every year 4 Mediterranean provenance: Italy, Spain, France and Tunisia 4 Low minimum order value

We are fully stocked with pasta, pasta sauces & much more...

Directly supplying farm shops, foodhalls & delis throughout the UK Call 01635 744600 or visit www.tenutamarmorelle.com

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Bursting wItH Summer fLaVoUrS

Our range of hand crafted preserves and curds are perfect for summer baking, and lazy afternoon teas.

Contact your Territory Business Manager to ensure that you are stocking the best flavours for the summer months Alternatively, our customer service team on sales@cottagedelight.co.uk or call 01538 382020, if you need further information.

Speciality Fine Foods Hider Food Imports Ltd Wiltshire Road, Hull, HU4 6PA Hours Monday–Friday: 09:00–17:00 Contact Main: 01482 561137 Sales: 01482 504333 Email: Sales@hiderfoods.co.uk

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Value for Money – Our pricing structures are constantly reviewed enabling us to provide value for money across our vast range of premium, quality products.

Choice of Products– We have one of the widest ranges of premium food and drink ranges in the industry enabling our customers to source their complete requirements from one source.

IMPORTERS & DISTRIBUTORS GUIDE 2020 to Cotswold Fayre’s range, larger formats of existing products have been the main additions, alongside some new baking mixes.

For the first time, the business is not going to be publishing a brochure Paul Hargreaves Chief executive for the second half of the year – hampered Cotswold Fayre by the furloughing of Even though more than a many suppliers’ sales quarter of Cotswold Fayre’s and marketing staff. customer base has been Instead, Hargreaves shut during a large part of wants to focus on the COVID-19 lockdown, Christmas orders, which order volumes are up 40% have just begun to come compared to last year. through. With more “I expected it to have customers opening up and maybe tailed off but there’s many having traded so a lot of local shopping well during the last three going on,” says chief months, he is optimistic executive Paul Hargreaves, about it being a strong end speaking to FFD during the to the year, despite some 13th week of lockdown. businesses being nervous.

“Overall for independent “We’ve hardly spent any retailers, it’s good news. money at home for the last I’m more convinced that three months and I think the longer it’s gone on, lots of people have been people’s shopping habits are the same. We haven’t been becoming more ingrained.” going out. For those that do While sales are strong, still have jobs, there is cash. the pandemic has caused And speciality food has some difficulties for the always been very buoyant in distributor, especially when times of recession.” it comes to the high bar set for fulfilment.

Pre-coronavirus, Cotswold Fayre was able to fulfil 95% of orders. This dropped initially due to the sheer volume of demand, as panic buying swept the nation. It has crept back up Cotswold Fayre again to around 89%, but cotswold-fayre.co.uk Hargreaves doesn’t see it Minimum order value: £250 returning entirely just yet. for ambient, £100 for chilled “Right now, it’s not Delivers to: UK and Ireland down to the suppliers Starting as a distribution not delivering to us. The hub for a few small problem is that certain producers in the Cotswolds, ingredients they use have Cotswold Fayre is now run low. one of the UK’s biggest “The biggest impact we speciality wholesalers are feeling is still flour. It’s representing over 350 better than it has been but suppliers of ambient and we’d still like double what chilled products. It has a we can get in each week.” strong selection of exclusive brands including Cumbrian “It’s not so much the Delights relishes and flour production, it’s the preserves and Ines Rosales packaging. So we’ve tried to Spanish tortas, as well as its get more customers to take own signature brand The the larger bags to take the Ministers of Taste. pressure off packaging lines.

I think we’re doing 200 10kg bags a week.”

In terms of changes

Iberica ibericaspanishfood.co.uk Minimum order value: £90 Delivers to: UK Iberica offers a wide range of authentic and traditional Spanish products, many of which are protected under DOP, ETG, and IGP certification from the EU. It carries charcuterie, such as chorizo and Iberico ham, and cheeses, as well as olive oil and store cupboard ingredients.

Paxton & Whitfield paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk Minimum order value: £250 Delivers to: UK and international One of Britain’s oldest cheesemongers, Paxton & Whitfield is a wholesaler of British and Continental artisan cheeses, fine foods, alcohol and cheese-related homewares. As well as offering hampers and gift ranges, it also has a number of own-branded lines including cheese biscuits, savoury chutneys, sweet preserves, real ales and wines.

Organico Realfoods organicorealfoods.com Minimum order value: £450 Delivers to: UK

Carron Lodge Ltd carronlodge.com Minimum order value: None Delivers to: UK

Organico Realfoods sources organic products from all over the globe but mainly from Europe. Signature brands include sustainable canned fish brand Fish4Ever, Bio Planete, juice brand Vitamont and It’s Soya Good as well as its Organico-branded lines like vegan hemp patés.

Cheesemakers, farmers and wholesalers, Carron Lodge’s core range is speciality cheese, but the company also stock olives, charcuterie and patés, among other fine foods. Cheesemakers of award-winning Inglewhite Buffalo Cheese, Lancashire Blue and Shipston Blue, Carron Lodge also stocks a range of other cheeses and imports yet more.

Nanona nanona.co.uk Minimum order value: £100 Delivers to: UK Nanona is a specialist importer and distributor of artisan foods from Italy.

The company’s catalogue covers meats, cheeses, fresh produce, pasta, oils, vinegars, biscotti and chocolates. The range includes products from Coppola Salerno, D’ARCO, Fontana Formiello, Marini Salumi, flour specialist Mulino Padano and olive oil from Lamantea.

The Oil Merchant oilmerchant.co.uk Minimum order value: £300 or £85 inside London.

Delivers to: UK The Oil Merchant specialises in estate-bottled extra virgin olive oil from Europe and further afield, including South Africa. Over the years, the importer and distributor has expanded its offering, adding vinegars, honey, and Lebanese products to its range.

Among the brands the business imports exclusively are Frescobaldi, Colonna, Ravida, and Marques de Valdueza.

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Don Miguel UK

Venezuelan Arabica Unlocked

Bringing you the finest foods from Spain!

Our Strictly COFFEE® brand imports exclusively to the UK only the highest quality hand selected single producer Arabica beans from the key west Venezuelan Andes region. We directly and personally control from the finca to our chemically free grown rare end product ensuring confidence, traceability and prime quality from plant to cup Celebrating 15 years of award-winning products!

Contact us on: 01865 340055 info@delicioso.co.ik www.delicioso.co.uk DI MARTINO – DOLCE & GABBANA

Di Martino pasta is made in Gragnano, the “City of Pasta“.

Today Venezuela produces less than one percent of the world’s coffee nevertheless the renowned quality can still be located.

The regional favourites, Merida and Trujillo, are deliciously light with sweetly acidic pure characteristics that become a choice for those lucky enough to find them.

Email: info@donmiguelsfood.com Phone: 07462649818 www.donmiguelsfood.com

BESPOKE CHARCUTERIE SERVICE

Cibosano offer a bespoke Charcuterie slicing and packing service focusing on the very highest standards and quality products.

Dolce & Gabbana have teamed with Di Martino to create an exciting range of pasta shapes.

Martelli pasta is made by using the hardest Durum wheat which gives it its firm consistency.

By milling the wheat themselves Martelli guarantees its flavour and production which follows the Slow Food process of making the pasta at low temperatures and drying for up to 50 hours.

OWN BRAND FRESH FILLED PASTA

Our hand made fresh pasta range is produced by the award-winning company Tradizioni Padane.

EXCLUSIVE TO CIBOSANO

ORGANIC WHOLEWHEAT PASTA

GUSTOSANO ORGANIC RANGE

Each shape is lovingly created and generously filled with the best ingredients, which are locally sourced.

Organic whole wheat pasta made with added oat flour.

A special full bodied pasta produced from own grown and milled wheat flour, ensuring total control of the entire production process.

Call or email us today to find out more about our finest quality products and bespoke services.

01992 804 716 | orders@cibosano.co.uk | www.cibosano.co.uk | www.camisa.co.uk

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w to ww Re op .ci gis en bo te s r an an at ac o.co co .u un k t

The Italian For Healthy Taste

SHELF TALK Sustainable supergrain at the heart of new vegan non-dairy shake brand

By Tom Dale

A UK-based non-dairy ‘milk’ drink brand is the first in the market to utilise the ancient grain barley as a dairy alternative.

The ‘superfood’, used by humans for over 10,000 years, is now being put to a very modern use by Bright Barley, a new vegan shake brand that prioritises sustainability.

Launching in three flavours – Salted Caramel, Chocolate and Coffee – Bright Barley said the cereal was selected for its availability in the UK, reducing food miles.

Founder Jiali Jiang said: “Although the alt milk category is more conscientious than most, there can be hidden food miles and water and land resource issues involved in some imported ingredients.

“We, however, have worked hard to source locally, where possible. The fact that we found organic UK farms that could supply our barley flour was the final decision maker for developing a barley-based range.”

Born in a Tibetan region of China, the brand’s founder came to the UK to study environmental science at Cambridge University, where she worked on a project making use of organic ingredients and ancient grains.

“For Tibetans”, she said, “barley is a staple foodstuff. So, when I came to the UK, I was amazed to discover that this delicious little grain, full of fibre and heart-healthy betaglucans, and cultivated here since the Iron Age, was now largely relegated to animal fodder.

Bright Barley is all about changing that.”

Hoping to tap into the wellness trend, Bright Barley is touting the grain’s high-fibre and low-fat qualities and has enriched its shake range with added calcium and vitamins D and B12.

Jiang said that she was hoping to gain listings with independents and that small retailers would be key to the identity of the brand.

“Bright Barley is a brand that actively supports independents – from our processors to suppliers to retailers.

“Our commitment to provenance, our target consumer profile, the quality of our product and the quirkiness of our branding and design makes the independent sector a perfect fit for the Bright Barley brand. Our flour is ground at the historic Shipton Mill, for example, and our processors in Somerset are a family firm.”

Bright Barley’s ambient range of shakes is sold to the trade in cases of 12 x 330ml cartons at £12.96 (RRP £1.69 per unit). brightbarley.com

WHAT’S NEW SHORE The Scottish Seaweed Co. has launched a brand-new range of Seaweed Cluster Snacks.

The eco-focused company’s new range comes in four flavours: Seaweed & Edamame (Sweet Wasabi), Seaweed & Chia (Tangy Tomato), Seaweed & Oat (Fruity Cranberry), Seaweed & Nut (Almond Butter). RRP: £1.49, (30g bag). shoreseaweed.com Bay’s Kitchen has added four new lines to its range of gluten-free, low FODMAP vegan stir-in sauces.

The new flavours – Katsu Curry, Spicy Mexican, Thai Massaman and Spicy Arrabbiata – come in 260g jars and are sold to the trade in cases of six at £14.22. RRP £3.95. bayskitchen.com Field Fare has added premium, whole-breast chicken kievs to its range of frozen ready-meals.

Sold loose individually to cut down on waste, the breadcrumb-coated breast filled with garlic and herb butter can be oven-baked from frozen in 30 minutes.

Sold in cases of 12 160g units with a trade price of £1.46 per unit (RRP £2.25) field-fare.com

Coffee company uses COVID as chance for eco refresh

London- based Tim’s Dairy’s range of luxury lactose-free Greek-style yoghurts has had a brand refresh.

The range, known as ‘The Collection’, comes in three flavour combinations: Mango & Turmeric, Rhubarb & Rose and Chocolate & Orange Marmalade.

The 150g single-serve pots have a luxury feel and can serve equally as a snack or dessert.

Only listing in Ocado and independents, Tim’s Dairy’s rebranded The Collection range has an RRP of £1 per pot. Sold to the trade in cases of six. timsdairy.co.uk

Lost Sheep Coffee has used the slowdown of trade during the coronavirus crisis as an opportunity to fast-track its plan to give its packaging an eco-friendly redesign.

All of the Kent-based coffee roaster’s retail and foodservice packaging is now fully recyclable or biodegradable.

Stuart Wilson, founder and managing director of Lost Sheep Coffee said: “Like everyone in the industry, the closure of our coffee shops has hit us hard over the past month. It’s not been an easy time. However, we have used this time to speed up our plan to redesign all our coffee bean packaging to ensure that it is as environmentally friendly as possible.”

All of the company’s ground and whole bean packaging comes in recyclable boxes and bags and its range of Nespresso-compatible capsules are biodegradable at home in 12 weeks and made with a waste product from the paper-making industry.

“We have eco targets we are working towards and ensuring our

packaging is as eco-friendly as possible has been a huge key step,” said Wilson.

The new coffee bag and box allows retailers and wholesalers to contribute to a greener coffee offering without raising their costs.

Lost Sheep Coffee’s plastic-free, 100% compostable, Nespresso-compatible coffee pod range is now also available in new spacesaving double-stack boxes which are also environmentally friendly using vegetable inks and is 100% recyclable. lostsheepcoffee.com

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SHELF TALK WHAT’S NEW The Great British Porridge Co. has announced the launch of two new flavours in its range of 100% natural, instant porridges. The new Classic Chocolate and Caffe Latte flavours, join the threestrong range.

The products have launched into 385g bags, RRP £3.99 and available nationwide. thegreatbritishporridgeco. co.uk Baker’s Bicycle is relaunching its premium frozen doughs for independent fine food retailers in the UK. The Margate-based artisan bakers usually specialise in frozen bread but have now developed two frozen doughs, white and multigrain. RRP: £1.99 and £2.25. specialitybreads.co.uk

Devon farmers produce county’s first potato vodka After a year of research, planning and testing, Devon Cove Produce has launched Cove Vodka, the county’s first potato vodka.

The new Cove Vodka is produced using King Edward potatoes, grown on Devon Cove Produce founder Leanne Carr’s family’s farm.

The Lidstone family has been growing potatoes in the Atlantic sea air overlooking Hope Cove in South Devon for over 50 years.

Carr said: “After many discussions around the dinner table about the different ways you can cook and enjoy potatoes we decided to take things a step further and make potato vodka.

“Using the finest Devon potatoes and spring water, combined with small-batch traditional copper pot distillation, we’ve created a distinctly smooth and delicious vodka which captures the essence of Devon.

“Our exceptional, pure and clean vodka is delicious to drink on its own, with a mixer or as the base spirit in a cocktail. Cove Vodka’s

Fiery habanero and jalapeno chillies ensure the latest addition to the Tracklements range of condiments packs a chilli kick. Available in cases of 6x230ml with an RRP of £3.80. tracklements.co.uk

devoncove. co.uk

Foodservice stock and gravy mixes relaunched for retail customers

By Tom Dale

Essential Cuisine, producer of stocks and sauces for working kitchens, is relaunching a range of its restaurant-quality products, especially for retail.

With UK households making more homecooked meals due to the COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions, the British manufacturer has decided to bring its stocks back to the shelves of independent retailers to help their customers add extra flavour to their cooking.

Robin Dudley, business development chef

at Essential Cuisine said: “We’re proud to once again provide our best-selling professional range into retail, helping keep our army of home chefs topped up with the tools to take dishes to new and flavoursome levels.

“At a time like this, good food and the restorative properties it provides is more important than ever. Many kitchens may be shut for the forthcoming weeks and months, but that shouldn’t spell the end for restaurantquality food.”

The new range comprises six lines: Beef, Chicken and Vegetable Stock Mixes in 96g pots that make 6-8 litres of stock (RRP £2.69), Savoury Gravy and Beef Gravy in 76g pots that make 1 litre of gravy (RRP £1.99) and Premier Veal Jus in 150g pots that make 1.5 litres of jus (RRP 4.99).

The vegetable stock mix and savoury gravy are both suitable for vegetarians and vegans and the whole range is gluten free and free from declarable allergens. essentialcuisine.com

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June-July 2020 | Vol.21 Issue 5

‘perfect serve’ is poured over ice, with chilled soda water and a squeeze of fresh lime.”

As the carbohydrates in the potatoes do not translate into the vodka, and no sugar is added, it is a low-calorie spirit.

Alongside Cove Vodka, the company has launched Cove Damson Liqueur, a smooth and fruity drink created by infusing its vodka with ripe West Country damsons.

Cove Vodka is available in three sizes: 5cl at RRP £5.95, 20cl at RRP £18 and 70cl at RRP £39.50.

Cove Damson Liqueur is available in two sizes: 20cl at RRP £18 and 50cl at RRP £33.

Both can be purchased online or through a list of stockists featured on the company’s website.

A Yorkshire Wolds brewery has added a bottled lager to its range, in response to customer demand.

After the successful launch of its keg version last year, the team at Wold Newton-based Wold Top Brewery has launched Landmark Lager (4.2% ABV) in a 330ml bottle.

The lager, the first that the farm-based brewery has produced since it was founded in 2003, is made from homegrown and locally malted barley, water from the farm’s borehole and British and European hops.

Brewed in response to feedback from a questionnaire, Landmark Lager is available online.

It is gluten free and vegan friendly RRP £1.50 per bottle. woldtopbrewery. co.uk

Fish4Ever was founded on the idea of bringing organic values to sustainability in fish.

Rated a world beating 89% by Greenpeace, our Skipjack isn’t only the best option in ethical terms, it’s also the best for quality. That’s because our little island factory in the Azores only works from whole fish rather than frozen pre processed loins and we only add really good, natural and organic ingredients. Using named, locally owned and operated pole and lines boats this is tuna you can trust for taste and sustainability

www.fish4ever.co.uk sales@organico.co.uk // 01189 238760 50

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Purveyors of fine Greek food and wine

+44 (0) 20 7993 4548 info@maltbyandgreek.com Delivering throughout the UK

La Bandiera Extra-Virgin Olive Oil What makes it so delicious?

Dipping into La Bandiera extra virgin, organic olive oil is one of life’s great pleasures. The golden colour of the oil is reminiscent of Tuscany and the summer light. The flavour is fruity, robust, well rounded and delicious with all dishes. For further information, please visit our website www.labandieraoliveoil.com or contact info@labandieraoliveoil.com

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SHELF TALK MEET THE PRODUCER

WHAT’S NEW Organic oriental food brand Clearspring has added three exciting new flavours to its Instant Miso Soups range; Ginger & Turmeric, Creamy Sesame and Hot & Spicy.

All three soups are organic, gluten free, vegan and made using 100% natural ingredients - including kombu and wakame sea vegetables.

Packs contain four sachets and are sold in cases of eight with an RRP of £2.89. clearspring.co.uk

Ahmed Yusuf runs the ANATOLIAN OLIVE OIL COMPANY with his wife. It produces Turkish extra virgin olive oil, among other products, and he hopes their company can bring a little Anatolian flavour to Britain.

What were you doing before you launched the Anatolian Olive Oil Company?

I lived in the Middle East for many years and set up an advertising agency in Dubai before moving to Oman where I worked for 10 years as a consultant to the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, department of public awareness. I met my wife in Cuba in 2005 and moved to the UK. We bought land on the coast of Turkey in 2008 and built a villa there for ourselves and our families.

Why did you decide to launch the business?

There were more than 50 old olive trees on the land that we had purchased in Turkey that had been neglected for many years. As we spent more time in the country, we got to know our neighbour – a knowledgeable and enthusiastic farmer – very well. He convinced us to plant more olive trees and to learn how to look after the ones we had. Jointly we bought an olive press so that we could make olive oil on site and control what is a vitally important part of the production process. We didn’t do this with the plan of setting up an olive oil business but as we planted more and more trees – we now have over 500 – we began to produce much more oil than we could use ourselves or give to family and decided to start the company.

JCS Fish has introduced two new frozen fish cakes to its BigFish range: Salmon & Sweet Potato and Thai Salmon & Sweet Potato.

The entire BigFish range was relaunched earlier this month with eye-catching cardboard packaging that also cuts the brand’s use of plastic by around 60%. The RRP is £2.99 for a 240g pack of two fish cakes. bigfishbrand.co.uk

What was the inspiration behind the other products in your range?

Turkey has amazing cuisine, derived from the Ottoman palace kitchens in Istanbul. We came across mulberry syrup and pomegranate molasses, which have been made by women in our area for hundreds of years. We tried them ourselves, used them at home and saw their potential. We are keen to introduce great flavours to people in the UK. What is the best thing about being a small business?

One of the things we enjoy most is getting to know our customers.

We love hearing what they think about our products and how they are using them. We love to tell them the story of how we got into the business, what makes us passionate about it, and to educate people about our products. Being small also allows us to control production and keep quality high.

Noisy Snacks is adding new lines of flavoured nuts and chickpeas to its range.

Available in recyclable 45g pouches, Noisy Chickpeas and Noisy Nuts are pre-mixed with extra flavouring and available in a variety of bold flavours: Black Pepper and Berry, Piri Piri Mango, Avocado and Lime, Pickled Onion, Smoky Bacon Jalapeno and Sweet Thai. RRP £1.00 - £1.29. noisysnacks.com

We continually learn and refine what we do

What is the biggest lesson you have learned since starting the business?

Keep it manageable and fun. Remember to be thankful and take pride in what you do.

Pressing and producing our own extra virgin olive oil made us realise what it takes to create a premium quality product. It takes time, patience, and perseverance. We continually learn and refine what we do.

What makes your olive oil stand out from others on the market?

We are a small, single estate producer. We control every aspect, from planting, tending and pruning our trees to harvesting, extracting, importing, bottling, labelling and selling our extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). We do it all ourselves because we love it and we take great care of quality at every stage.

The combination of olive cultivars also gives our olive oil a distinct flavour and aroma.

The terroir, the land where we grow our olives, also impacts the flavour. As well as olive trees we also have a lot of citrus trees, peaches and apricots as well as herbs such as rosemary and thyme. These also impact on the flavour.

...and the worst?

Being a small company constrains the quantity of product available. This means, for instance, we can’t supply to very large retailers. Our size means we can’t take advantage of economies of scale – this impacts our unit costs and ability to discount.

What is next for the Anatolian Olive Oil Company?

This is our third season of producing olive oil. We are looking to expand our range with other highquality products from Turkey. We will be building a stronger internet presence so people can come and see what’s new. We will also continue to take part in food festivals which give us such valuable feedback from our customers.

Freshly Ground Sponsor advert 2016 print ready.pdf anatolianoliveoilcompany.com

Snack bar brand KIND has entered the breakfast market with a range of three new bars. Available in single or multi-pack formats, the line-up consists of Blueberry Almond, Peanut Butter and Honey Oat, and are all gluten-free. Each bar is soft-baked and features a base of five whole grains: oats, millet, buckwheat, amaranth and quinoa.

Available in singles (RRP £1.29) and multipacks of three (RRP £2.99). kindsnacks.co.uk

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vo

EE ft FR£20 guicher

We are proud that our Velox Contact grills are in high demand. High speed cooking at reduced cost, without compromising product lines is not only necessary but possible.

For the past 40 years this valuable team member assists businesses from bakeries to burger outlets, relieving the pressure of queues and waiting customers. Diversification through offering takeaway or delivery options to your customers is achievable.

We are pleased to offer a free case of our recommended Prep Release spray with every grill purchased, giving you all the tools to succeed.*

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH NELSON’S

Nelson’s distillery & School is preparing to re-open after almost three months off! Their ‘Back To School’ initiative will see students receive a FREE £20 gift voucher when they book a class at one of their Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham locations! Book through their website, select your location (excluding Staffordshire which does not qualify for the voucher), pick a date within the next 12 months and begin your craft gin journey. Gift vouchers will be handed out at the School and can be spent at their online shop.

*while stocks last

Martin Scott Contact Grills Pocklington Ltd 01430 879967 / 07748 963060 martin@contactgrills.co.uk

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Book on today! https://nelsonsdistillery.co.uk/gin-school/booking

GUILD TALK

View from HQ

By John Farrand managing director

I DON’T WANT YOU to think I’m not focused on these opinion pieces, but I am currently on hold to easyJet while writing this. It’s fair to say I won’t be too distracted as I am due to speak to a human in about 72 minutes’ time.

I’m trying to get a refund for my son’s post A-level trip to Portugal. He coughed up the £292 himself but he probably won’t see those hard-earned pounds again.

news from the guild of fine food The only flying these airlines are doing now is in the face of the law, as they break it by not offering refunds. There is an upside of course: a stay-cation summer, and those of us in retail know that is an enormous fillip.

We need that spend, as do our cousins in foodservice and those in tourism. And when you consider that a third of what a tourist spends over that fortnight away is on food & drink, we need as many punters staying in the UK as possible to help us through 2020.

After rallying calls from hotelier Robin Hutson and cheesemaker Mary Quicke, lockdown has initiated a groundswell of support, flag waving and lobbying. That sentiment is to be encouraged, which is why DEFRA contacted the previously disparate food groups of Britain and organised a Zoom call.

There is talk of regional groups and industry stakeholders reviving the promotional function that Food from Britain delivered until 2009, before DEFRA closed it. Some would say it was shut down for

The Word on Westminster

By Edward Woodall ACS

THE EARLY SUPPORT for the government’s handling of the outbreak is eroding every day.

This closely aligns with a move away from decisions based on “the science” to those that reflect political priorities.

You can also chalk up a number of arguably avoidable gaffes that haven’t helped the government; attempting to develop a bespoke NHS Test & Trace app instead of partnering with world leading tech companies like Apple or Google, footballer Marcus Rashford’s campaign on extending free school meals to the summer holidays and application of healthcare surcharges.

The Government could be walking into another one, too: the

proposed plans to scrap Sunday trading laws. While the official position of the government is that Sunday trading policy “remains under constant review”, there have been a number of briefings to national newspapers proposing they will bring this forward.

However, there is a growing number of conservative MPs threatening to rebel against the policy – and they are right to.

The suggestion is that an extension to Sunday trading hours would stimulate more spending, but there is no correlation between how long shops are open and how much consumers have to spend.

We also know that when Sunday trading hours were extended during the Olympics, we saw a clear diversion of trade from small high street shops to large out-oftown retailers and supermarkets.

The public’s view on Sunday trading is clear too, 58% support

good reason amidst over-spending in some regions but its ability to facilitate support for the very smallest food and drink businesses

Local is for life and not just for lockdown

SUPPORTING THE INDEPENDENT FOOD TRADE

has been missed.

The Guild is bringing its 1,300 members and wider database of 14,000 SMEs to the discussion table that features 20 or so like-minded bodies. We need to maintain support for local retailers and producers that have undoubtedly found new markets and new ways to work in their communities, rather than in isolation.

Local is for life and not just for lockdown. And that’s what we’ve learned coming out of this crisis, isn’t it? Let’s make sure your customers have learned that, too. the existing compromise allowing them to shop for six consecutive hours on a Sunday and only 21% oppose. The most powerful argument comes from shopworkers, with over 90% indicating that they don’t want a change in the law. In fact, many shopworkers are astounded by the government’s move.

The question is, will the government listen to these arguments or walk blindly down another alleyway cheerfully believing that their 80-seat majority will deliver for them?

In my view, the government need to pick their battles carefully and start listening to their own backbenchers, local shops and shopworkers. If you want to make your voice heard on Sunday trading use our contact your MP tool and support us to Keep Sunday Special.

Edward Woodall is head of policy & public affairs at small shops group ACS edward.woodall@acs.org.uk

The Guild is still here for you...

As per government advice, the majority of the Guild of Fine Food team are currently working from home.

We are operating a skeleton staff at our HQ. Please contact the team via the following email addresses: l Support & ideas during Covid-19: support@gff.co.uk l Great Taste: greattaste@gff.co.uk l Advertising: advertise@gff.co.uk l Editorial: editorial@gff.co.uk l MyGuild account help: myguild@gff.co.uk l Training & venue hire: bookings@gff.co.uk l Judges: judges@gff.co.uk l Logos & labels: logos@gff.co.uk All inboxes are monitored Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm, with the exception of support@gff.co.uk, which is being monitored more frequently.

The Guild of Fine Food represents fine food shops and specialist suppliers. Want to join them?

GENERAL ENQUIRIES Guild of Fine Food Guild House, 23b Kingsmead Business Park, Shaftesbury Road, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5FB UK Tel: +44 (0) 1747 825200 Fax: +44 (0) 1747 824065 info@gff.co.uk gff.co.uk

THE GUILD TEAM: Managing director: John Farrand Marketing director: Tortie Farrand Sales director: Sally Coley Operations director: Christabel Cairns Sales manager: Ruth Debnam

Sales executives: Becky Haskett Sam Coleman Operations manager: Karen Price Operations assistants: Claire Powell, Emily Harris, Janet Baxter, Meredith White, Sarah Kirby, Hugo Morisetti

gff.co.uk

Training & events manager: Jilly Sitch Events manager: Stephanie HareWinton Events assistant: Sophie Brentnall Business development: Edward Spicer

Financial controller: Stephen Guppy Accounts manager: Denise Ballance Accounts assistant: Julie Coates Chairman: Bob Farrand Director: Linda Farrand

Vol.21 Issue 5 | June-July 2020

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Taste Orkney’s traditions and folklore with Orkney Spirits Limited’s multi award winning hand-crafted range.

Both our seven times distilled spirit and our home grown and locally picked botanicals form the unique taste of our spirits.

Visit:www.orkneygincompany.com to purchase a bottle or find out more

Manufacturers of depositors & filling machines for the food production industry

BBQ FLAVOUR

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June-July 2020 | Vol.21 Issue 5

For more information contact FireFly Barbecue on T 01457 854891

E pitmaster@fireflybbq.co.uk

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FRUIT FROM THE FOREST IN THE NEW PACKAGING! Deliciously made 100% fruit spreads with no additives/no sugar! info@forestbounty.co.uk; call us today on: 01454 540045

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Vol.21 Issue 5 | June-July 2020

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CRESSCO

D E L I V E R I N G F I N E

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THANK YOU! TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS Thank you for supporting us, so we can support you.

CRESSCO delivering fine food & drink to the Nation.

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@thecressco Vol.21 Issue 5 | June-July 2020

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