Speciality Bites with
Paul Hargreaves
Chief executive of Cotswold Fayre
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“Drive to succeed?”
19 July 2017 Speciality BitesMy first day back at work after a thoroughly enjoyable holiday was last Friday. I wrote a couple of weeks ago about The Food Company who had decided to cease trading (although still seem to be open!). On Friday, we... -
“Reassuringly expensive”
03 July 2017 Speciality BitesIf you resided in the United Kingdom between the years of 1982 and 2007, you will know the phrase "reassuringly expensive" and will instantly associate it with Stella Artois, the Belgian lager beer. With its clean, white can and ornate... -
“Innovative food shop closes”
19 June 2017 Speciality BitesIt’s been a few weeks of very sad news in the UK, with many people dying premature deaths, so on that scale the sad news within the speciality food sector I read this week on Facebook pales into insignificance. There are... -
“Stable to chaotic?”
12 June 2017 Speciality BitesSo, we have now completed our third national vote within just over two years, and it is odds on a fourth within a year. I heard a rumour the other day that polling stations are occasionally used as primary schools! -
“It’s E-Day”
05 June 2017 Speciality BitesSo, here we are at perhaps the most significant election for the UK for many years and one that will define the next decade and beyond -
“The Manchester Spirit”
26 May 2017 Speciality BitesWhat should have been one of the best “feel good” weeks of the year with the hottest temperatures of the year so far has not been that at all, due to the horrendous events in Manchester last Monday evening. This has... -
“Fragmentation”
22 May 2017 Speciality BitesBack to an old chestnut this week, and one that I believe will become more and more relevant over the next few years. For a number of retailers, suppliers and wholesalers I talk to, the fragmentation of supply to retailers... -
“Margin means everything!”
12 May 2017 Speciality BitesFollowing on from my thoughts last time about the differences between the speciality food world and the convenience sector (and thanks for all the response on that), I want to focus this time on margin. Do bear in mind I... -
“Five things you would NOT have heard at The Convenience Show last week”
02 May 2017 Speciality BitesIn spending some time at both shows last week, it was interesting to compare the two sectors. In my view, it is time for the speciality food sector to stop being an immature teenager and to grow into an adult.... -
“Off to the show”
24 April 2017 Speciality BitesSo, many of us will be off to the Farm Shop & Deli/Convenience Show this week. I’m writing this on Sunday and will be off later today to help set up our stand. I thought it might be interesting for a...
