Speciality Bites from Paul Hargreaves of Cotswold Fayre

Last weekend I went to Jersey at the invitation of one of our suppliers, La Mare Wine Estate, who make the most fantastic product, Jersey Black Butter, as well as making their own wine and distilling their own brandy! Quite an operation!

Whilst there I took the opportunity of visiting a few customers and a few places that hopefully will be customers. Despite Jersey’s reputation for affluence there was a bit of a feeling of doom and gloom there although it didn’t take long to work out why. Waitrose is relatively new to the island and farm shops and delis were definitely taking a while to get used to their new competitor. Of course, on the mainland, we have been used to this for a while, and I am sure in a short time these places will come fighting back. But they have had things their own way for a while and are currently in the process of re-adjusting. (more…)

This time last week I was at what is known as the biggest food show in the world – and certainly if the number of visitors was anything to go by it seemed to live up to its billing. I have never been in a football crowd type jam to get into a food show, and this on a Sunday morning. There were even ticket touts outside the door!

In previous years I have baulked at the idea of a second trip in a year to Cologne (always going to ISM in January) as it is generally an uninspiring and exploitative place, with hotel rates being quadruple the normal simply to fleece those attending the show. However, this year I felt I should go and wasn’t disappointed. I had useful meetings with a number of existing suppliers it was a good use of time, but not only that seeing the innovation in the food sector throughout the world at one event was inspiring. (more…)

Since my first foray into the confectionery market ten years ago, the sector has changed remarkably, particularly in the UK. There is a huge variety of both sweet and chocolate brands and the market has increased in sophistication beyond belief. The number of artisan chocolate brands, for example in the south of England has gone from one or two to more than ten within the last 10 years. From a country that used to import most of its chocolate products this is encouraging. When I was a kid it had to be Swiss or Belgian chocolate, now it is almost more special to buy a loved one chocolates from the UK.

I remember well my first visit to ISM in Cologne and being amazed at the variety of confectionery on offer from Europe, whilst virtually the only busy stand on the UK Pavilion was one selling bras and knickers made of refreshers! (more…)