SF-October-2020

2 @specialityfood W elcome to the October issue of Speciality Food . The food and drink industry continues to excel as the regulations surrounding the Covid-19 crisis evolve. At the time of going to print, social gatherings have been limited to six people and Britain's nightlife is being cut short as we all adapt to a 10pm curfew. The hope is that it will provide an opportunity for retailers akin to when the UK was first in lockdown – consumers flocking to retailers to purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in order to continue the party at home. The Speciality Food team has produced a feature on bringing the on-trade experience into your store, and I hope you find its advice valuable (p. 36). We've also spoken to Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, for an inspiring talk on the state of the UK's SME scene right now (p. 29). Alongside this issue you'll find our annual C hocolate & Confectionery Buyer publication– I hope you find it a valuable read. HOLLY SHACKLETON | EDITOR holly.shackleton@aceville.co.uk EDITOR’S LETTER 16 29 36 6 John Shepherd, MD of Partridges 8 Sue Nelson, The FoodTalk Show 31 Justin Tunstall, cheese consultant REGULARS 18 Trend Watch: Vending Machines 20 Centre Spread: Christmas Gifting 28 Counterpoint: Alternatives to Sampling 29 Viewpoint: Emma Jones, Enterprise Nation 30 Cheese Uncut 38 Last Words FEATURES 12 How Partridges Approaches Christmas 14 Ways To Maximise the Festive Shopping Experience 16 Master Window Displays this Christmas 22 Are You Ready? 24 Welcoming Party Season 32 Great British Cheese Fightback 34 Master the Art of the Christmas Pantry 36 Bring the On-Trade Experience In-Store