How to boost the online arm of your business

Launched in April 2020, the team behind FLOC have already experienced success within the food and drink sphere, with an aim of connecting buyers with local independent producers.

High quality versions of popular food and drink items are selling well. “Already our collective group of sellers are diverse,” says founder Lewis Edwards, “with bakery a strong category alongside beer sellers, charcuterie, cheese boxes, speciality coffee, and award-winning spirits such as gin from Worcestershire’s Hussingtree Gin.

Stalwart producers of the fine food industry are flocking: “We have some amazing names about to join too including Appleby Cheeses and award-winning Salcombe Dairy who usually specialise in ice cream however also have incredible chocolate now available.”

With online retail up 33% according to Mintel, and consumers spending more time than ever online at home, there’s plenty of noise around and options for shoppers to choose between. What’s been key to FLOC’s success?

“Our early wins have come from connecting with the right makers and producers who have been enthusiastically helping to promote FLOC,” explains Lewis. The business has taken an approach which will be familiar to Speciality Food readers: “We are a real collective made up of real people. Not big brands or over packaged goods.”

With a sincere voice running throughout the business’s communications, and a strong sense of community, online businesses such as FLOC offer a taste of what’s working now amidst the difficulties caused by Coronavirus.

For more insight into how to boost the online arm of your business, download The Ultimate Guide to Online Retail - produced by the team behind Speciality Food to support you navigate these challenging times.