NEWS, COMMENT AND BUYING IDEAS FOR FINE FOOD RETAILERS - Speciality Food Magazine
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NEWS, COMMENT AND BUYING IDEAS FOR FINE FOOD RETAILERS
PONG CHEESE HAWKSHEAD RELISH FEDERATION OF
SMALL BUSINESSES
MATHEW MARIA MICHAEL WEEDON:
MARCH-SMITH: WHITEHEAD: WHAT’S NEXT
HOW TO SELL BOOST YOUR FOR SMALL
WELL ONLINE P18 BBQ SALES P23 BUSINESSES P12
2 Get your free online retail intel report at specialityfoodmagazine.com/issuedownload
12
EDITOR’S
LETTER
4 John Shepherd,
MD of Partridges
6 Charles Campion,
food writer and critic
7 Sue Nelson,
The FoodTalk Show
W
elcome to the May issue
30 Lawrence McCarthy, of Speciality Food.
Head chef We are all reacting
to the outbreak of Covid-19 in
REGULARS the ways that work best for
8 Product News 13 ourselves and our businesses,
and so the situation looks slightly
different for everybody you
12 Viewpoint: speak to. What has emerged as
Michael Weedon, FSB a shared experience, however,
is the increase in collaboration,
13 Trend Watch: Honey partnership and innovation –
this has always been present in
16 Centre Spread: our industry, and is especially
Storecupboard strengthened now.
Essentials In line with this, Speciality
Food has produced a free digital
19 Counterpoint: magazine focused on maximising
Cheese Pairing your online opportunities
– valuable at a time when
30 Last Words consumers are spending more
time online than ever. Read it for
free at specialityfoodmagazine.
FEATURES com/download. I hope you find it
11 Creativity in Crisis an inspiring and useful resource.
Alongside this issue you'll also
14 How to Get Home find our annual Cheese Buyer
Delivery Up & Running publication, where we explore the
ASAP world's finest cheeses and delve
into innovative cheese industries
18 Are You Ready For in Europe and beyond.
A Successful Online Stay safe and keep in touch.
Business? Until next time.
22 Welcome to Summer HOLLY SHACKLETON | EDITOR
23 Summer Sizzlers
26 The Speciality Food
Guide to Oils & Vinegars
27 Seasonal
Refreshment
28 The Rise of Goodwill
@specialityfood
3
T Coronavirus: how the food and
im Rycroft, some benefit from the reduced
chief operating fuel prices.
drink industry has adapted
officer, Food As a business we’ve had to move
and Drink Federation quickly to adapt to the current
situation, putting measures in place
to secure its future
The food chain’s
response to COVID-19 has been a that allow us to still operate and
triumph. Having spent decades offer as normal a service as possible
building a lean, highly efficient for our customers. Much has been
supply chain that has delivered
high-quality, safe, low-cost food
The outbreak of Covid-19 has impacted producers, retailers, asked of our entire team who have
more than stepped up over the last
and drink to UK consumers, in suppliers and distributors, but they’re not giving up without few weeks – we are proud to be
the space of a few short weeks we doing our bit to keep the supply
absorbed in some cases a doubling a fight. Speciality Food has reached out to the industry for a chain moving, supporting the many
of demand with only some selective
and time-limited shortages on
first-hand look at how businesses have adapted, stepped up retail customers that have remained
open during this difficult time.
the shelves.
Our long-standing working
and diversified to not only survive, but thrive Producers, retailers, suppliers
and distributors are meeting the
relationships with the Department challenges of the pandemic by
for Environment, Food and Rural as long as the market is not fully focusing on ways to mitigate the Nikki Castley, buyer, diversifying and adapting; none
Affairs (DEFRA), as well as the functioning, and we will need to impact of the crisis – through Cress Co more so than the independent
Department for Business, Energy move a large number of workers online videos, blogs and forums like The demand for food and drink retailers who are
and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the either out of furlough or back from the FoodHub on Facebook. certain store cupboard working so hard to be accessible
Department for International Trade where they’ve been temporarily re- We’ve seen several websites pop items has taken us all to the communities they serve,
(DIT) and the Scottish and Welsh deployed. up that aggregate info on producers by surprise, producers included. ensuring the safety of all those in
Governments have grown even who are offering D2C deliveries, Flour, pasta and tinned tomatoes front and behind the tills. Many
deeper during this crisis. There Jason Gibb, co-founder, most notably Stock Up Small, and appear to be the ‘essentials’ of of those retailers are now offering
has been a deep, shared sense Bread & Jam the Food & Drink Festival. And choice and it's been a struggle on-line ordering, collection and
of purpose on both sides and an I always thought that we’ve seen entrepreneurial brains keeping all these items in stock. We delivery services, they have had to
extraordinary energy to resolve the food and drink flexed to the max with everything are fortunate that we operate our adapt to survive. My hope is that
the daily – sometimes hourly – start-up community from shared fulfilment facilities own fleet of vehicles so not reliant these businesses will continue to
challenges we faced. was an incredibly supportive, (like Snaffling Pig’s amazing offer to on a third party, our deliveries out be supported by their customers’
Our next task is clear: designing collaborative group, but the way fellow brands) to clever marketing to customers have not been too existing and new long after this
and implementing the best possible we’ve reacted during the COVID- stunts like Signature Brew’s ‘Pub badly affected and we have seen crisis is over.
return to full operation across food 19 crisis has exceeded even my in a Box’ which comes complete
and drink manufacturing. This expectations. We’ve seen a huge with snacks, music quiz, beer mats, The fine food and drink industry is
is a complex planning challenge, number of service providers an exclusive playlist and of course
involving careful sequencing and offering free support and up-to-date delicious beer. We’ve obviously meeting the challenges of the pandemic by
the need to consider multiple
inter-dependencies. Government
advice to start-ups – at Bread & Jam
for example we ran a successful
been hit extremely hard, some may
not make it, but many I believe will
diversifying and adapting; none more so
support will need to be sustained free daily webinar for two weeks come out stronger. than independent retailers
See answers on page 30
specialityfoodmagazine.com
4
THE WINNERS ARE:
“Whenever normal BAKER OF THE YEAR
returns, it will be Lovingly Artisan, Cumbria
BUTCHER OF THE YEAR
wonderful” Brace of Butchers, Dorset
CHEESEMONGER OF THE
YEAR AND NORTH WEST
REGIONAL WINNERS
The Courtyard Dairy, North Yorkshire
and stopped local deliveries.
Farm Shop & Deli
On one day alone more than 10 DELICATESSEN OF THE YEAR
members of staff were absent and AND SOUTH EAST REGIONAL
it became imperative to record the WINNERS
2020 award winners
reasons – self isolating, shielding Panzer’s, St John’s Wood
or, for various reasons, choosing
not to attend. It was a week of
FARM SHOP LARGE RETAILER
OF THE YEAR AND SOUTH
JOHN SHEPHERD
PARTRIDGES
chaos and even some suppliers
requested payment upfront
revealed online WEST REGIONAL WINNERS
Strawberry Fields Farm Shop and
O
before delivering. There was the Restaurant, Devon
ut of all the articles I have added pressure of enforcing the
written for Speciality two metre rule, limiting customer The Farm Shop & Deli Show has been postponed to 7th-9th FARM SHOP SMALL RETAILER
Food this has been the numbers, reducing trading hours, September due to Covid-19, but the announcement of the OF THE YEAR AND MIDLANDS
REGIONAL WINNERS
most difficult. It is not easy to write answering the ever-ringing winners of the Farm Shop & Deli Awards still went ahead Welbeck Farm Shop,
about such painful experiences phones, encouraging card via social media on 30th March. Spanning over 11 different Nottinghamshire
that remain ongoing. For us at payments only and getting the
categories, the awards recognise the best speciality FISHMONGER OF THE YEAR
Partridges the Coronavirus period staff to wear face masks
started on Friday 6th March. It and gloves. retailers across the UK. Cross of York, North Yorkshire
was the first day of panic buying By the week commencing
The coveted Retailer of the year prize went to Andy & Kathy Swinscoe at FOOD HALL OF THE YEAR
with sales up 26% on the previous March 30th we had reached a AND SCOTLAND REGIONAL
The Courtyard Dairy, who also scooped Cheesemonger of the Year and the
year and customer numbers up degree of stability. There was a WINNERS
North West regional title. Andy Swinscoe said, “We were thrilled, it’s such a
16%. This trend continued over reduction in sales of about 10% The Crieff Food Co, Perthshire
great achievement and completely unexpected. It’s a great boost to us and
the weekend of 7th and 8th and from last year, but some staff
over the following two weeks, were returning and supplies were the team, especially in these uncertain times; something to smile about!” GREENGROCER OF THE YEAR
increasing. We resumed online Also highlighted was Welbeck Farm Shop, which won both Small Retailer K.D.Davis & Sons (The Greengrocers)
eventually slowing down on 22nd
of the year and were the Midlands regional winners, and The Crieff Food Co Ltd, South Yorkshire
March. It was during the latter deliveries (with over 100 orders
in Perthshire, who won three awards including Newcomer of the Year.
week that we recorded our highest on one day) but with the caveat of ONLINE BUSINESS OF THE
Broadcaster, journalist and chair of judges Nigel Barden commented,
sales ever, over 73% above the delay, and we restarted deliveries, YEAR
"The quality of the finalists has shone through in recent weeks as they have Dukeshill Ham Co Ltd, Shropshire
same week in 2019 - outstripping albeit doorstep only.
become even more crucial fulcrums of their communities, championing
Christmas week – although It is sometimes a challenge
customers were now down by to maintain morale. But there our artisan food and drink producers, farmers, bakers and fishing folk. VILLAGE STORE / LOCAL SHOP
They’ve also adapted quickly to the pandemic by delivering goods and OF THE YEAR
28%, but average spending rose are positives. The staff have Fittleworth Stores, West Sussex
making payment online, or over the phone, easily do-able and helpful to
over the month by 40%. been brilliant and the bond with
the consumer. Also the importance of the existing online food and drink
Every item we had on the customers has been strengthened. NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
retailers has been highlighted and it’s likely that the traditional way of The Crieff Food Co, Perthshire
shelves sold, with the emphasis Many have expressed gratitude to
shopping has changed for ever. Our finalists have been at the forefront of
on pasta, rice, eggs, flour, sauces, us for remaining open. We are still
bread, biscuits, chocolate, trading unlike other retailers, the providing the finest of British produce to appreciative and increasingly RETAILER OF THE YEAR
thankful customers and it’s a privilege to salute and acknowledge them." The Courtyard Dairy, North Yorkshire
water, wines, fruit and veg and business rates abolishment for one
delicatessen items. Shelves year has been a lifeline and we will
were becoming empty and staff of course get through this.
were significantly reduced as My main longing is for things
Government guidelines directed. to return to normal – the very
By week commencing Monday same normal I used to complain
23rd March we had closed the about in these articles, although
café and the patisserie counter in some ways it may never be the
(cakes being an area where sales same again. But whenever normal
declined) and consolidated the returns, in the words of Daniel
deli. We suspended online orders Defoe, “it will be wonderful.”
@specialityfood
5
TALKING POINT: STAFFING Contactless limit increased “E-commerce has been around
for a long time and it’s certainly
in light of “extraordinary
here to stay, but in grocery, it’s
still only a tiny percentage of all
Covid-19 has impacted have been utterly amazing at
shopping transactions. Putting it
independent retailers across the
UK, with some having to make
putting in serious hours to make
these changes and keep the circumstances” simply, people prefer to shop for
groceries in store. However, there
T
difficult decisions regarding business going.
he limit for in-store For Will Broome, CEO of are frustrations with the in-store
staffing. Many retailers have been
able to turn the direction of their EMMA MOSEY, CO-OWNER contactless card transactions Ubamarket, this is a welcome experience as it currently stands
OF MINSKIP FARM SHOP: has been increased as a development in the spirit of (in fact 66% of us are frustrated by
businesses around and explore When PM Boris response to the Coronavirus crisis. convenience and hygienic one aspect or another) so a slick,
new avenues, changing the roles Johnson In order to reduce the physical shopping, and he predicts a frictionless and more personalised
of current employees and in announced the contact required for PIN entry the wider move towards contactless and hygienic experience
some cases taking on new staff. national lockdown, limit has increased from £30 to £45. shopping in the future. He says, is required.”
Speciality Food spoke to two we were forced
retailers about how their teams to make a decision
have come together during concerning the fate of our shop
this time.
WILL DOCKER, FOUNDER
OF BALGOVE LARDER:
and, most importantly, our
amazing new café that was due to
open on 1st April. With all the café
New CBD certification initiative launched
We had a major staff already hired and ready to The Association for the Cannabinoid TIER 2 – VALIDATED
case of all hands join the Minskip Farm Shop family, A Novel Foods application must be validated by the
Industry (ACI) has outlined plans for a FSA and/or the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).
on deck in the run we had the choice between
up to the lockdown making all the staff redundant and CBD safety initiative Support during this process will be provided by the ACI.
and a week of being risking the future of our business, This is legally required in order for products to remain
It highlights three tiers: being certified, in the UK market after 31st March 2021. This should be
extremely busy while the or trying to come up with a new
supermarket shelves were empty business to support the staff we validated and authorised gained by some companies by the end of 2020.
and their supply chains were wanted to protect.
“The UK is ready to lead the global TIER 3 – AUTHORISED
struggling. The team had to work After a brief business meeting
long hours - they were amazing over our kitchen table, we CBD industry" When a company’s Novel Foods application has been
at keeping up and ensuring our decided to keep them on by authorized by the FSA and/or EFSA, certification will be
The Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI) has granted and subject to annual review.
shelves were fully stocked. We launching a home delivery service outlined plans for a new CBD safety initiative, exactly
brought the team in from our instead. Being torn between one year before the FSA’s novel food regulations come
café and Steak Barn to help financial issues resulting in the into force. Dr Parveen Bhatarah, regulatory lead at The ACI
supplement our usual shop team. closure of the café (or rather the The initiative is part of the ACI’s vision of a said, “The UK has the necessary skill sets and talent
The business then had to non-opening), and the unfair sustainable future for the cannabinoid industry, as well in chemistry, agriculture, international business,
change quickly to ensure we situation that the café staff would as giving retailers and consumers reassurance regarding and the regulatory requirements of the cannabinoid
could keep up with demand be victims of, we still believed the safety of CBD products on UK shelves following a industry. Especially when it comes to CBD, we have
from online orders. We have that providing a local and quality period of distrust. The ACI is working with toxicology the knowledge needed, from growing, to extraction and
had an online shop for the past delivery service was the best experts to compile the necessary data to build robust creating finished formulations. Consumer safety is the
six years, but we have seen a thing to do. Novel Foods authorization dossiers for ACI members. key for the CBD sector. The UK is ready to lead the global
huge increase in sales by several We are now proud to offer There are three tiers to the initiative: CBD industry.”
hundred in the past few weeks our local community, especially Dr Andy Yates, pharmacy lead at The ACI added, “It’s
and it’s never easy to adapt to the at-risk and elderly, the TIER 1 – CERTIFIED been clear that retailers and consumers don’t have
that kind of change to a business. opportunity to order fresh food An ACI member has proven to comply with the ACI’s complete faith in CBD products that are currently for
We had to call in a team to and produce from our farm 7 pillar charter: they have passed an ACI audit which sale in the UK. The ACI’s Certification is a simple way for
handle the local deliveries and shop that gets delivered straight verifies that they operate to the best manufacturing retailers and consumers to be sure that the CBD products
the packing while also keeping to their doorstep. This service standards. Companies will start displaying this mark they are stocking or buying are complying with or
the shop open for business. is experiencing tremendous from late summer 2020. working towards all of the relevant regulations.”
Fortunately, we had a team to success, averaging 100 deliveries
draw on from the parts of the a day and hundreds of orders
business we had to close so we each week, and has allowed us
Consumer priorities change
could be more dynamic than if to keep on all staff members and other essentials, with 38% cooking
we’d had to bring in new staff and even hire new staff to help us deal from scratch more often.
train them up. The team with the constant influx of orders. The survey was commissioned
T
he world is awash with people more quality time with family, people by the RSA’s Food, Farming and
The fine food and drink adapting to a slower pace of are enjoying a more relaxed routine – Countryside Commission, together
life amidst global restrictions and it seems these new habits could with The Food Foundation food
industry is meeting the challenges on movement. And while most be carried over post-Coronavirus. charity. The findings are perhaps
of the pandemic by diversifying people initially bemoaned the lack
of freedom, it seems many are now
According to a recent YouGov poll
of 4,343 Brits, 54% of people hope
unsurprising given the constant
media coverage of people shifting
and adapting; none more so than not only adapting to but appreciating to make changes to their own lives their priorities and stripping
what’s being described as ‘the new and for the country as a whole when back their lifestyles to
independent retailers norm’. the pandemic comes to an end. something simpler.
From adjusting the way they shop What’s more, 42% said they have an For more on this story visit
and what they shop for to spending increased appreciation for food and specialityfoodmagazine.com.
6
Support launched to help
“Food and drink retail
will never be the same” British farmers in the wake
torrent of home deliveries - do you
of flooding and Covid-19
remember the time when people
right support is available in the
stayed in for several days for a £6 million in funding will be made available to farmers
coming weeks and months.”
single package? In the 1980s we affected by flooding earlier this year The National Farmers Union
were encouraged to buy a storage
is also working to ensure that UK
locker for the back door with Environment Secretary George Eustice also confirmed
agriculture is being supported in the
multiple keys, despite which many, intentions for the ‘three crop rule’ to be relaxed wake of Covid-19. The organisation
CHARLES CAMPION many parcels vanished on that last
NFU launches online service to build an up-to-date has launched an online service
journey. Do you remember when
to build an up-to-date picture
A
our efforts to find a planet-friendly picture of the impact of coronavirus on farmers of the impact of coronavirus on
s the public becomes alternative to those flimsy plastic and growers farmers and growers. The website
more and more shopping bags came good? .
will be signposted as part of the
D
beleaguered, and our And what kinds of food and
efra has announced new being flooded. Government’s Covid-19 business
magnificent NHS locks horns with drink will you find on the display
measures to help farmers Mr Eustice said, “I have seen support communications. The
the Coronavirus, one thing stands shelves this autumn? Will bread
recover from recent storms first-hand how devastating the organization is representing the
out like a sore thumb – food and revert from the sourdough boule
and flooding across the country. recent floods have been to people entirety of UK agriculture and
drink retail will never be the same to the Chorley Wood sliced white?
An extension of the Farming and communities. For farmers, the horticulture as a national response
again. What’s more, there’s a real Will stressful times mean that
Recovery Fund will ensure that costs can be overwhelming, which is for the Government, informing
risk that some of the modest steps foodie shoppers rein in their love
£6 million will be made available why we have extended the Farming ministers of the key issues arising
taken forward by the food and of the exotic - will everything be
to farmers affected by February Recovery Fund to help those as a result of the outbreak of Covid-
drink industry in the last decade safety first? Perhaps customers
flooding. The funding will be put affected by exceptional flooding get 19 and ensuring that businesses
will evaporate. will see at last that shopping
in place to help those in parts back on their feet. within these industries are heard.
On the home front, this is is the best way of supporting
of East and North Yorkshire, “The Three Crop Rule is not NFU President Minette Batters
the year of the freezer. I have a local independent businesses
Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, practical in extreme weather events said, “We are living and farming
loyal chest freezer so crammed and turn to trusted brands and
Shropshire, Staffordshire, when farmers need to plan their through unprecedented times and
that its Pleistocene layers merit trusted shops. The rampaging
Nottinghamshire and Herefordshire. spring cropping. Applying a blanket it is vitally important we all work
excavation by Tony Robinson’s virus focuses the mind and every
Environment Secretary George derogation for this year is the best together to build a clear picture of
Time Team. Chest freezers mean product will get unusual levels
Eustice also confirmed intentions way to reduce bureaucracy and leave the issues arising in food production
out of sight out of mind… until you of scrutiny, with some retailers
for the ‘three crop rule’ to be farmers free to get on with farming. and work with the Government, so
want to eat something. Only then viewing this as a “clean slate” or a
relaxed. The crop diversification “I’m also aware that the spread of ministers can respond quickly to
do you wonder why you kept the “re-brand” opportunity.
requirements were brought over the coronavirus (Covid-19) is causing resolve them. I’m constantly and
sloes you picked in 2018. There No one has ever seen anything
from EU law after 31st January other difficulties for the farming acutely aware that our industry
is also a frost-burnt rainbow trout, quite like the current worldwide
and require farmers managing community. The Rural Payments cannot be mothballed like other
board-stiff – the product of a long- murrain, but sightings of the first
more than 30 hectares of arable Agency is working tirelessly to sectors, whether it's ornamentals or
ago successful family fishing trip. pale shoots of recovery may be
land required to grow at least three ensure farmers have access to all liquid milk, farmers and growers are
Setting aside the resolutions to use coming through. Although it was
different crops. The rule is set to be the guidance they need and we are producing perishable products, all of
the freezer more diligently, let’s an enthusiastic commentator who
relaxed for 2020 with some farmland exploring all options to ensure the which have a finite shelf life.”
close the lid and tiptoe away. claimed that we are entering a
Out in the real world, “New Age of Retail”. Optimism is
contactless is likely to be a winner commendable, but he may have
in the post-viral landscape. overdone it a bit. Those of us of
Contactless cards can mean a a certain age (mainly the serried
blissful easing of paperwork and ranks of the lockdown contingent)
cash handling. Do you remember will be puzzled. We make up the
lunchtime spent queuing in the generation for whom Corona will
bank with a wodge of cheques to always be the name of a bilious,
pay in? Never again… Or there’s neon-coloured, fizzy drink that
the lockdown-driven, booming comes in big pointy bottles.
@specialityfood
7
Government unveils Scammers target
Yorkshire farm “The doom and
Future Fund to help shops, causing
huge losses gloom is hard
start-up businesses N
orth Yorkshire Police has
warned local businesses
to ignore”
A
of reports of meat suppliers
T
he Government has pledged and development. and farm shops in the county s I write, the dreadful
to support UK SMEs as The Government will provide being targeted by scammers. scourge of coronavirus
part of a wider £1.25 billion companies with up to £250 million The fraudsters are placing large has taken 4,300 lives,
Coronavirus package. Chancellor in loans between £125,000 and quantity orders over the phone and with deaths on course to double
Rishi Sunak has announced a £500 £5 million, matched by private then paying for the goods using every day until it will flatten out and
million ‘Future Fund’ loan scheme investors. The £750 million of stolen stolen credit card details. presumably diminish. Meanwhile
for high-growth firms impacted targeted support will be available North Yorkshire Police’s tips our shopping habits and enforced
by Covid-19, as well as millions through national innovation for protecting your business from social distancing when in a retail
in grants and loans for smaller agency, Innovate UK’s grants a scam: environment have drastically SUE NELSON
businesses focusing on research and loan scheme. •Treat all calls of this type with changed in a way that I never
great suspicion, do not supply goods thought possible. submissions they received.
to anyone without verifying their The doom and gloom is hard Technology is playing its
identity first. Treat them as you to ignore, with the mainstream part too, with street WhatsApp
Businesses diversify would anyone trying to set up a credit
account.
media talking about nothing else
and always the worst scenarios
groups sharing photos, news,
recipes, humorous videos and
during Covid-19 outbreak • Often the cards used have been
from American, Canadian, Australian
and New Zealand banks, so be
and most tragic situations. In many
ways that is understandable, but
I have witnessed so many acts
simply touching base to make
sure everyone is OK. Families
and friends are holding virtual
Businesses across the UK have adapted quickly to vigilant for this. of kindness and consideration in dinner parties and celebrating
• Always ask for payment by the past couple of weeks. It feels anniversaries and birthdays via
the ever-changing circumstances to provide essential bank transfer. as if my local community is really Houseparty and Zoom.
services for those most in need • Request trade references from coming together and, for the first It is clear that getting access
new customers. time ever, is hugely appreciative to food and drink has been taken
“The most important thing is trying to help everybody • Instruct couriers and delivery of the retail workers helping us for granted for decades. We have
around us so that we can all get through this together” drivers to only deliver to a shop or to stay fed. been used to wandering into
similar business premises. Notes have been popped a store and getting practically
“Putting something back locally has always been part of • Remember that even once you through letterboxes of the elderly anything we want and with a huge
our motivation for building the distillery and our brands” have cleared a credit card payment by neighbours offering to chat on variety of choice. With restaurants,
through your account, that does the phone or buy supplies, even pubs, cafés and takeaways closed,
not mean you will not receive a when they have no clue as to their presumably those people who
Hannah Kinston and John Davies, also pledged to set aside a portion
charge-back demand from the name or family circumstances. have not really cooked before are
the founders of British Food Box, had of all proceeds so they can produce,
credit card company. Presents of flowers, magazines, now participating in ‘cooped up
been supplying cheese and butter to and then donate, sanitiser to front
local pubs, retailers and restaurants line workers and others most in need books and home-grown cooking’ every day of the week.
but lost business overnight due to during the crisis. vegetables have been left outside Google searches have wildly
required closures. The pair have Founder and MD Dr Steve Tapril FDF partners neighbouring doors.
An army of volunteers are
increased for making bread,
avoiding food waste, freezing
opened a pop-up shop on the farm,
have switched to a home delivery
explains, “We originally thought
about fundraising for the hospital
up with job making scrubs for doctors, leftovers and what you need in a
service, and are delivering essentials and others but it was obvious that recruitment apps sending spare masks to hospitals pandemic pantry. Suddenly, food
T
to vulnerable members of the money wasn’t the issue – people and making hand sanitiser from is at the heart of everything we
he Food and Drink Federation chemicals. Retired doctors and do, and local suppliers are key to
community within a 10-mile radius. needed sanitiser. We settled on the
has teamed up with job nurses are returning to work keeping us all going.
Hannah said, “Overnight we sat idea of retailing 200ml bottles on our
recruitment apps Placed and without a second thought for their When this is over and we get
down and we listed all the aspects website and putting a portion of the
SonicJobs in a 16-week partnership own welfare. back to normal - hard to imagine
of our business and how we thought proceeds to fund donations to those
in order to share potential job The Royal Voluntary Service, just now, but we will - there will be
the Coronavirus may affect them. most in need. Our main objective at
opportunities. The Covid-19 crisis under its Good SAM campaign, a recognition for the very important
We then looked at what we could the outset was to donate in bulk to
has resulted in many workers facing appealed for people to register role our local food producers play
do over this tough period for us all Arrowe Park Hospital. Once everyone
redundancy or placed on furlough. as Volunteer Responders to and a new appreciation for local
that would bring a large benefit to became aware of what we were
Nicki Hunt, director of deliver food and pharmaceuticals food shops. Then I believe the
our community. The most important doing, we have been inundated, and it
membership and commercial to those most at risk who need general public will go out of their
thing is trying to help everybody has been heartbreaking to hear about
engagement, said, The food and to stay safe and well at home. way to support their independent
around us so that we can all get the struggle that people are facing.
drink supply chain employs so many They were hoping for 250,000 stores in a way they have never
through this together." There is a two-week turnaround time
talented people, the hidden heroes to sign up, but achieved a done before and quite rightly so.
Several distilleries have been for online orders, and we have sold
who keep the country fed, and during phenomenal 750,000 in the first
utilising their supplies of ethanol approximately 800 in 48 hours of
challenging times such as these couple of days. They have had Sue Nelson presents the
and switching production to create the 1,000 bottles we had available
it’s important we can support one to close applications so they FoodTalk Show with Holly
much-needed hand sanitiser. Wirral- to us. We are desperately trying
another in whatever way possible.” can process the mountains of Shackleton foodtalk.co.uk
based gin company Tappers Gin has to find more.”
specialityfoodmagazine.com
8 PRODUCT NEWS
Take stock with our new food and drink round-up
Garofalo launches Cider launch adds
fresh-filled pasta range “new dimension” to
New from Garofalo is a selection of Sally Assinder says, “Adding a range Salcombe Brewery
fresh-filled pastas developed with of Garofalo fresh filled pasta to the
Italian fresh pasta maker Bertagni. portfolio of ambient pasta and sauces Salcombe Brewery Co. has launched its new Ocean
Made using natural ingredients in the UK is an exciting challenge Cider to its award-winning range of handcrafted beers.
combined in a refined way for a for myself and my colleagues. For A premium full-bodied cider, it has a medium dry taste
true taste experience, the pasta is a the initial launch there are five and light sparkle with a 4.5% ABV.
combination of a generous 60% filling different filling choices, all typically Ocean Cider is produced for Salcombe Brewery
and fresh pasta made with select Italian flavours including Ricotta and by Sheppy’s, one of the oldest cider making families
flour, high- quality semolina and Sicilian Lemon, Burrata & ‘Nduja and in the world.
Italian free-range eggs. Buffalo Ricotta, and Porcini & Truffle. John Tiner, owner of Salcombe Brewery, comments,
The five fillings in the range With the Garofalo signature logo on “We are so excited to be launching our very first cider.
include Garofalo Burrata & ‘Nduja each pack the fresh pasta we use We have created a range of outstanding ales since we
Mezzaluna; Raviolo Caprese; Buffalo is of course going to be top quality started the business in 2016 and we are thrilled that we
Ricotta, Porcini & Truffle Mezzaluna; – it’s made using Italian pasteurised are now in a position to add a new dimension to our
Ricotta & Sicilian Lemon Zest Girasole eggs from free-range hens and offering with the launch of Ocean Cider.”
and Prosciutto Di Parma Tortellino. selected flour.” salcombebrewery.com
Garofalo’s UK marketing manager pasta-garofalo.com
Coffee company
releases RTD product
East London-based coffee company Minor Figures has
Beef jerky launched its first non-coffee ready-to-drink product.
The canned Chai Latte is a nitro-infused dairy-free spiced
company black tea combined with the brand’s signature oat m*lk.
Minor Figures co-founder Stuart Forsyth comments,
welcomes new “Minor Figures’ focus is on quality, innovation and
Snack brand enters the additions
sustainability. As baristas we know that chai can be poor
in quality and taste and packed with sugar. Our nitro chai
breakfast category
latte is refined sugar free and brewed to our own special
Devil’s Wrath and Teriyaki are recipe, so quality control is in safe hands. The result is an
the latest products in Trailhead’s innovative and high quality drink to enjoy on the go.”
range of beef jerky. The latter is minorfigures.com
Snack bar brand KIND is entering the out nationwide from next month, a Japanese-inspired jerky which
on-the-go breakfast category with its and it’s fantastic to have such strong joins Black Garlic & Ginger to create
brand new Breakfast bars. Available support from our retail partners.” Trailhead’s newest Collection, The
Drinks brand reveals
in three variants – Blueberry Almond, kindsnacks.co.uk Gourmet Ones. Devil’s Wrath also
Peanut Butter and Honey Oat – each joins existing flavour Spicy Chilli
fourth CBD product
soft-baked bar is gluten-free and & Hot Smoked Chipotle in The Hot
features a base of five wholegrains: Ones Collection.
oats, millet, buckwheat, amaranth Trailhead sales manager Emma
and quinoa. Morris says, “The extreme heat and BumbleZest has launched a new CBD health shot, the
UK marketing director John adventurous flavours used in Devil’s fourth CBD product in its range. The zesty Calm
McManus comments, “We know Wrath present a fiery experience for + Comfort has 12mg of CBD, along with lavender, blue
there’s a huge opportunity for us those who like a challenge, whereas spirulina and five other functional ingredients. The
here in the UK to bring our expertise our Teriyaki jerky delivers a real immunity boosting health shot is all-natural with no
to the on-the-go breakfast category. gourmet experience, using Japanese- preservatives, additives or GMOs.
Research shows that 30% of us skip inspired flavours. The hand-crafted Founder Dan Watson says, “This is our newest
breakfast because of lack of time marinades used in these distinctive immunity-boosting health shot; we packed each
(Source: The Grocer) and we’ve flavours, along with our use of PGI glass bottle full of eight different functional natural
created a premium product that is Welsh Beef, provides a premium, ingredients. It’s perfect if you are in need of some zen
not only convenient, but delivers protein-packed snack, perfect for time. Plus as we say no to plastic, all our packaging
on health and taste too. We’re really independent retailers.” is 100% recyclable.”
excited to see our latest launch roll trailheadfinefoods.co.uk bumblezest.co.uk
@specialityfood
9
Matcha tea collection Plant-based cookies
hits the market arrive from GATO & Co
A new range of Matcha Blends teas the past few years. Our matcha
has joined Clearspring’s existing blends have been launched to GATO & Co has released
Organic Japanese Matcha offering. meet this demand, whilst adding its vegan and gluten-free
The four flavour combinations have something exciting with new Cookies N Cream range.
been curated to work with the subtle The crunchy plant-based
Hot Wholegrain
flavour combinations.
notes of Matcha to give an authentic “This launch is another big treats have smooth
taste and tea experience. The range creamy fillings and come
Mustard joins
milestone for Clearspring in our
includes Matcha Ginger, Matcha mission towards sustainable in four flavours: Choc
Three Mint, Matcha Genmaicha and Vanilla; Choc Peanut
Tracklements
packaging. Sustainability is an
Matcha Turmeric. The tea comes increasingly important factor Butter; Choc Hazelnut
in compostable bags with organic Butter and Salted
product range
for shoppers, and we want to do
cotton strings and the packaging everything we can to meet this Caramel. Each cookie is
is also sustainable. also free from palm oil products that are better for you, your
challenge, whilst continuing
Tracklements has added Hot and said to contain half the sugar gut and the planet. Our treats are
Clearspring director, Maria to innovate and deliver great
Wholegrain Mustard to its range of of similar snacks. vegan friendly, packed with natural
Dawson said, “The demand for tasting products.”
condiments. Launched to satisfy the Co-founder Kim Lamza said, “At ingredients and contain much less
Matcha has grown immensely over clearspring.co.uk
demand for products with heat, this GATO, we are passionate about sugar [than similar snacks].”
mustard uses “nose-tingling” brown creating super indulgent plant-based gatoandco.com
mustard seed and mustard flour for
a hot combination, ideal for adding
depth and flavour to meals.
Tracklements MD, Guy Tullberg,
adds, “Hot Wholegrain Mustard has
quickly become a go-to staple in my
house. It’s the right balance of heat
and flavour to add oomph to mashed
potato, or a creamy mustard sauce
for pork chops.”
trade.tracklements.co.uk
Tree of Life unveils trio of honeys
Three new Manuka Honey products have been added to the Tree of Life range. Known
Gluten-free bakery unveils
as the gold standard of honey, Manuka is harvested from New Zealand’s Manuka bush,
renowned for its powerful health properties. Each batch has been independently tested,
certifying its MGO potency, to ensure the highest quality.
Marketing controller Kirsten Sowerby said, “We are thrilled to develop our range to
include genuine New Zealand Manuka Honey because of its amazing natural health own-brand snacks
benefits, plus our Manuka has a great sustainability story too, sourced with care for the
environment and a fair deal for landowners. Our mission is to make health easy, offering Award-winning gluten-free bakery, Davina Steel, has launched a brand new
quality, natural products at affordable prices for you and your customers to enjoy.” range of baked snacks. Following on from the success of its home-baking
treeoflife.co.uk kits and mixes, the company has responded to the demand for gluten-free
on-the-go products. Seven products make up the range, which includes three
crostini flavours: Garlic & Rosemary; Onion and Lightly Salted; Lemon & Poppy
Seed and Orange & Choc Chip Biscotti, Shortbread Biscuits and Gingerbread
Mini Bites.
“Ever since we opened our own purpose-built gluten-free bakery last year
it has been our intention to create our own-branded bakery range,” explains
Davina Steel, co- founder of the brand. “We’ve noticed a huge gap in the market
for good-quality and delicious gluten-free snacks that can be enjoyed on the
go. There’s little out there to cater for this category so we’ve filled the gap with
a range that should appeal to all tastes and eating occasions.”
davinasteel.com
specialityfoodmagazine.com
10
Award-winning snack Botanical gin takes
company reveals latest to the shelves
healthy offering The Cotswolds Distillery
has released a small-batch
Wildflower Gin Collection,
Healthy snacking brand Squirrel confectionery category with our starting with No.1 Wildflower
Sisters has unveiled its latest award-winning snacks. For far too Gin. The spirit has been inspired
product. The plant-based Peanut long snack bars and confectionery by wildflowers growing in
Raspberry snack bar is made using products have been filled with sugars, what is known as the Glorious
just six natural ingredients and
contains no added sugar. As with the
syrups and artificial sweeteners, but
it is possible to have great tasting
Start-up aims to Cotswold Grasslands,
and features a blend of
rest of the range, the bars are also
gluten-free and a source of protein.
snacks which do not contain any
of these things. We believe you can
make its mark in hard cornflowers, lavender and
orange layered over the
seltzer category
Founders Gracie and Sophie have great tasting healthy snacks distillery’s classic London
Tyrrell say, “Our mission is to that use only natural ingredients.” Dry gin.
revolutionise the snacking and squirrelsisters.com Dan Szor, founder
Drinks company DRTY is looking to capitalise on the and CEO of Cotswolds
growing hard seltzer category in the UK its new 4% ABV Distillery, explains, “We
hard seltzers. These canned alcoholic beverages contain were inspired to create No.1
sparkling water, alcohol and natural fruit flavours and are Wildflower Gin by the long,
free from carbohydrates and sugar. The drink is available relaxing drinking occasion
in two flavours: Raspberry Rosé and White Citrus. and this, coupled with the
Founder Matija Pisk said, “We wanted to give UK impressive growth in the
consumers an alternative to high-sugar ciders and spritz market, led us to create
calorie-dense beers. Ultimately drinking alcohol is not an exciting addition to our
a healthy activity, so the concept for the brand was born gin portfolio that can be
out of this contradiction – a drink that is clean but is enjoyed in a refreshing
still pretty DRTY.” new way.”
drtydrinks.com cotswoldsdistillery.com
White Kimchi arrives from
The Cultured Collective
The Cultured Collective has brought to market
what it says is a “UK first” – its Fresh & Zesty
White Kimchi. White kimchi is a traditional variety
of Korean kimchi made without chilli flakes,
offering a mild, clean and refreshing flavour. The
selection of vegetables are mixed with spices
and fermented, packed and left unpasteurised,
meaning each jar is filled with good live bacteria
that is said to keep digestive systems healthy.
Founder and MD Nicola Peters says, “The rich
aromatics in this variety pair particularly well with
white fish, and add flavour and freshness to stir-
fried dishes. Its mild flavour is also a great way to
introduce children to fermented products, or for
any chilli-phobes that have been dying to get
in on the kimchi trend.”
theculturedcollective.co.uk
@specialityfood11
CREATIVITY
IN A CRISIS How resilient independent retailers are weathering
the Covid-19 storm
“We will continue to provide delivery slots for weeks.
“We’re busy, we’re being creative,
delivery service, which has helped
us keep on top of the change in
“We'll have a
be creative” we will keep coming up with new Every day brought pace,” said V&C’s Mary Contini. community event
ideas, and because we’re small, “Although deliveries have been
For Norfolk Deli, staffed unlike a supermarket, we’ll be able new risks to be interrupted, we had anticipated an when this is
by a husband-and-wife
duo, despite the drastic
to make these changes within hours
if not days.”
addressed, and new increase in trade and had already
bought extra stock. Our top-selling
all over!”
decline in footfall in procedures to be foods are still our V&C branded and
specially selected products that Teesdale Cheesemakers
their established shop
online sales have skyrocketed.
“Just as we have developed. Already we have stocked for generations, has established a drive-
What’s more, being a small business adapted, customer that feels like a including pasta, fresh fruit and veg,
Valvona & Crolla roasted coffee and
thru that’s going from
strength to strength,
means being able to adapt quickly.
“We are only serving people at the habits have, too” lifetime ago San Marzano tinned tomatoes. and it looks like it
door, which has its challenges as “We have also seen more could have long-lasting effects, too:
well as its blessings,” Mark Kacary, “The first two weeks customers sending food parcels “People are really supporting us
owner of The Norfolk Deli, said. of the Coronavirus CLARE JACKSON, SLATE to family and friends as a way of and are returning, which is always
“However, what is saving us is crisis were an staying in touch, and we’re offering a good sign,” says co-owner Allison
the fact that after several years of exhausting and ‘stay at home’ parcels with ready- Raper. “We’ve expanded the range
my wife quipping that I was sitting worrying whirlwind of “Government support is vital cooked meals from our chefs.” now to include other dairy products,
at the computer fiddling with the change,” Clare Jackson, co-owner to the future of our business. The When it comes to restocking, fruit and veg, wine and beer, as well
website, I have been vindicated. of Slate, said. “Every day brought timing of this crisis is particularly V&C is in constant contact with its as treats like puddings, cakes and
Our online sales have gone up new risks to be addressed, and new difficult for us given the seasonal suppliers, and chooses to wait for crisps. This could change the shape
somewhere between 300% and procedures to be developed. Already nature of our sales pattern. We products to re-enter the market of our café shop in the future.”
400%. In total, 95% of all revenues that feels like a lifetime ago.” were just coming off three quiet rather than opting for inferior Whilst like many retailers in
are happening online with daily/ New procedures for Slate have months in terms of footfall and ingredients in their place. a similar situation as a result of
weekly sales being pretty much on meant adapting the business model whilst our sales were running well And of course, the business the Covid-19 outbreak, supply is
par with last year’s sales. to minimise costs, maximise sales, against target, we were looking couldn’t continue without its staff, sometimes an issue – Allison
“We have been using social media and seek available government forward to Easter and the school customers and suppliers. Staff notes flour and pasta as tricky
a lot to promote our nationwide support. holiday visitors to boost our cash have been retrained in health and ingredients to keep in stock – the
delivery service for Norfolk “In-store we have sought to offer coffers. We have applied for a safety, and new measures have brand is still managing to satisfy
products, as well as our home customers the products they are government small business grant been implemented: hand-washing same-day delivery whenever
delivery service (which nobody looking for and enable them to and entered staff into the furlough takes place every 15 minutes; staff possible: “We’re able to get supplies
ever used, even though it has been shop safely. We have expanded our scheme. We wait to see what cash work and eat in separate sections; of most ingredients," she says, "and
there for the last four years). I spent product range to include provisions will be forthcoming and when work areas are cleaned constantly; having worked on the markets for
a day to bolster our home deliveries such as milk, eggs and frozen ready- – hopefully it will be soon as we and extra uniforms and gloves have four years, we know a lot of good
section, which now means meals; we have also introduced cannot wait long for the repayment been provided. producers. We even delivered a gift
people can buy (currently) 80% of some basic lines of existing of staff payroll. Timely government “Every business is facing the box of cheese as a present, which
everything we have in the shop products such as pasta. support is critical to the emergency same challenges at the moment, was lovely!”
online. The remaining 20% is being “Just as we have adapted, business model we have adopted. and our priority is to ensure a safe But most of all, Allison reflects
added daily. customer habits have, too. New “Whilst we feel positive and working environment for our team, on the sense of community spirit
“Eggs aren’t a problem for us as I routines are being adopted in terms energetic in the short-term, the and to continue delivering the best which has become tangible amidst
drive to a local free-range egg farm of shopping times and placing severity of this crisis must never be food and drinks to our customers,” all the uncertainty, and this is no
(which I have been doing for the orders. forgotten in terms of the health of Mary said. doubt is a driving force for Teesdale
last six years); we collect the eggs “Away from the shop, online loved ones and the health of small “We are calling our elderly clients Cheesemakers to continue its
directly from the conveyor belt and sales have spiked as people heed businesses such as Slate on the and responding to any requests as efforts in supporting producers and
the farmer keeps all the super large government advice to stay at home. British high street.” best we can. People want familiarity customers alike.
double-yolkers for us, which we For a long time, we have wanted to under stressful situations, and we “The community has been
then include in our egg boxes. Flour see a lift in the volume of cheese try to support them. We are sending incredibly supportive of us, and
and pasta were an issue, but some we sell online, however we never “Have courage, but food to local food banks, and we really wants the business to survive,
of our local suppliers have been
going to the local flour mills and
wanted it to be under such dreadful
circumstances. We are extremely
don’t take risks” have offered our staff food at cost
price so they don’t have to worry
which is very touching. More
importantly, early on we made a call
suddenly people who used to walk grateful to have our website and about shortages elsewhere. out and now have about a dozen
Scotland’s oldest
past our shop are suddenly seeing dispatch procedures in place to “Every day we get support from volunteers ready to help anyone
delicatessen and
us in a new light. enable us to make online sales our customers and friends. Our who needs anything: prescriptions
Italian wine merchant,
“What interests me is how and send cheese nationwide by suppliers have been unilaterally collecting, dogs walking or even
Valvona & Crolla,
many people will carry on using overnight courier.” supportive and have gone out of just a call to beat off the boredom.
has taken the approach
us once this is all over? How many Like many companies across the their way to ease the strain on the We’re getting to know our locals,
of being proactive, rather
people will forget that we’ve been country, whilst making immediate business. and it feels like everyone is pulling
than reactive.
able to deliver within 30 minutes changes that reflect the current “To other businesses: have together. I think we’ll have a
After closing its retail shops,
of receiving an order whereas situation, Clare is also thinking courage, but don’t take risks – and community event when this is
cafes, restaurants and carry-
supermarkets have been unable to long-term. keep safe.” all over!”
out services, the company has
unsurprisingly seen an uplift in
online orders, with an increase
We’re busy, we’re being creative, we in everyday and store cupboard People want familiarity under stressful
ingredients – and it’s 00 flour that’s
will keep coming up with new ideas proving to be most popular. situations, and we try to support them
MARK KACARY, NORFOLK DELI “We have a long established MARY CONTINI, VALVONA & CROLLA
specialityfoodmagazine.comVIEWPOINT
12
A
ll physical retail at the moment is
facing a challenge of footfall. One GOVERNMENT RESCUE
thing I observe dealing with local PLAN: A TIMELINE
food and drink merchants recently is that
people seem to be gravitating towards
supermarkets and small suppliers. Most March 11th
seem pretty well stocked. They’re offering The Budget includes statutory sick
things people wouldn’t think of first of all, but pay for all self isolating, with support
they’re very significant providers of food and for self-employed, sick pay refunds for
some are picking up footfall. If people aren’t small firms, business interruption loans
out and about that’s a challenge, but they’re of up to £1.2m, and the abolition of
business rates for retail outlets with a
reaching out to customers (because they
rateable value below £51,000.
need customers) via all the things you’d hope
they’d use like social media and websites.
So although many don’t have full blown March 17th
Chancellor Rishi Sunak promises
e-commerce sites from the evidence we can
the Government will do “whatever
see, they’re using the more straightforward, it takes to support jobs, incomes
more lightweight methods of posting things and businesses,” announcing cash
on Facebook or Twitter. That’s something that grants to individual businesses,
frankly I’ve been advocating to outlets of all three-month mortgage holidays, and
kinds for some time. There’s evidence that extending business rates holiday to all
the engagement of high street businesses of businesses.
all types with social media is not as strong as
it could be. Very often retailers are put off by 20th March
concerns about going full-on with heavy duty Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
e-commerce. My argument is that actually announced, VAT payments deferred for
they don’t need to. Making a step is the most three months and interest on business
important thing. Right now that’s proving interruption schemes dropped for 12
months.
important. Locally, at Taste Harborough,
they’re offering to take card details over the
phone and deliver. For those that are self- 26th March
isolating or unable to deliver this is proving
The Self-Employed Income Support
Scheme is announced, and welcomed
to be extremely useful.
as “huge packet for support” by FSB
There will be impacts for years to come, chair Mike Cherry.
but for food and drink retailers those impacts
will be different to those affecting others.
Results for the big grocers pretty much match
1st April
Maximum contactless payments
what’s coming through anecdotally from small increased from £30 to £45.
businesses: many are busy. One local high-end
wine merchant I spoke to last week described
trade in-shop as “like Christmas Eve”. A local
3rd April
The CBILs extended to all businesses
farmer and retailer reported that not only solvent and trading before the crisis.
were sales strong, but that they were reaching With personal guarantees scrapped for
customers they had never reached before, both loans up to £250,000.
locally and further afield. People may decide
not to buy clothes right now, but they will
continue to eat and drink.
VIEWPOINT:
When you get massive dislocations in daily
Business Interruption Loan scheme (CBILs).
life, that’s when things change. There are
Businesses need cash now. Later may be
two parts to this: the behaviour of businesses
too late. For example, there are 5.9 million
(because they need the turnover) but also the
businesses in the UK, 4.8 million of which are
behaviour of customers. It’s been noticeable
MICHAEL WEEDON
self-employed single persons – they look to
when you look at online sales that although
be particularly challenged by this. We need
one in five pounds is spent online in this
to make that when this passes, they are still
country, actually the break down of that is
there, continuing to provide employment and
that less than 10% is food, whereas food makes
products. The Chancellor has done some good
up around 50% of total retail. So while there’s
been higher penetration into other markets,
food has remained stubbornly behind. What’s
Coronavirus brings unprecedented challenges, things, particularly for retail, but there’s more
to do to keep cash moving.
fascinating to see is whether consumers but may have some silver linings for indie retail Another problem is that furloughing staff
has a countdown built into it: initially for a
taking that first step to online shopping, as
many have been doing now, will cause lasting says the Federation of Small Businesses’s three-month period, furloughing is designed
chair of retail and high street policy
to protect against redundancies. Employment
change. My guess is we’ll see a sea change
law tells us that businesses that may need to
in the use of non-physical selling.
consider redundancies if furloughing is not
It’s important to remember we will get
At the same time economists are predicting prioritised independent retailers – it’s only renewed have a lead time for consultations on
through this. It will pass, at some point,
(in varying degrees) some rebound in demand retail and leisure businesses that are in potential terminations. For small businesses
even if we don’t know when that will be.
as society creaks back into life, and those line for the flat rate £25,000 business rates the period is undefined, for those with
It’ll be fascinating to see if this experience
producers and retailers can expect to see some grants – and FSB sources tell us that some more than 20 employees involved there is a
fundamentally changes the ways we work, if it
benefit from that. The other question is about have already received these. However, as consultation period “lead time” of 30 days and
changes our relationships with the customers
how it ends and it’s clear that if furloughing, the Chancellor has said, not all businesses for businesses considering over 100 positions
who buy from us. My feeling is that yes, some
for example, comes to an overall end, all are protected and not all will be. Business that lead time extends to 45 days. Right now
things will stick. We’ll have to look at that in a
businesses will immediately have to resume representative organisations are working bigger businesses are right on the edge of that
year or two’s time. Right now my guess would
the pay burden – at a time when income hard to demonstrate to Government where time limit, so further clarification from the
be some will return to earlier ways but the big
may be just starting to recover. the many gaps are and where they think the Chancellor is needed, quickly.
change will have taken place.
We listened to the Chancellor’s ‘whatever promise of “whatever it takes” will need to Can the high street survive? When you look
Yes, the current situation will come to
it takes’ statement with interest. Could or be fulfilled. at convenience stores – numbers of which
an end... the questions are ‘when’ and ‘how’.
should the Treasury do more to help mitigate The big disappointment, to which the are approaching 40,000 – they have their
We still don’t know about the when and that
this situation for independent retailers? The Government has begun to react, is the very own supply chains and money and credit is
poses one of the bigger challenges to the
actions taken by Government so far actually low rate of loan approvals under the Corona flowing. I’ve heard people say these small
entire economy: the longer we all remain
local offers are very helpful. Personally, I’d run
in lockdown the more businesses will meet
out of lapsang souchong tea bags, there were
their ends and the more jobs will be lost.
“
none in the supermarkets, but I found them
That aggregate loss of demand, warned
of in the OBR’s prediction of a hit in the
It’ll be fascinating to see if this experience at Emerson & West, my local fine food retailer.
immediate term amounting to a third of the fundamentally changes the ways we work, if it These businesses are getting creative and
taking steps which in many cases they hadn’t
entire economy, will affect all producers and
all retailers because it will affect very large changes our relationships with the customers who before. Bizarrely, that’s one of the good things
”
coming out of a very bad situation.
numbers of consumers. buy from us
@specialityfoodYou can also read
