Speciality Bites from Paul Hargreaves of Cotswold Fayre

I have just come back from Farm & More Conference, where there were record numbers of delegates and a thriving trade show alongside it. There was a general feeling of buoyancy about last year, despite the recession, which would have been even more optimistic had many of the retail outlets not been hit hard by the snow at the start of January. There were stories of new farm shops that had reached over £1million turnover in their first year and several more established shops now trading at £3-4million. (more…)

I am writing this week’s entry still feeling exhausted after a very busy Speciality and Fine Food Show at Olympia last week. I must be getting old; shows didn’t use to take it out on me this much. Having said that, we were phenomenally busy – I didn’t manage to have lunch until after 4 pm on any of the three days! Trade shows generally in the UK have been significantly down on 2008 in this year of recession. (more…)

Cotswold Fayre is introducing ‘Fayre Rewards’: a reward scheme to thank its loyal customers who have given the gourmet food supplier continued support over the last ten years. (more…)