People
The fine food industry is full of inspiring professionals with a wealth of experience and expertise under their sleeves – find out what makes them tick and discover their take on the ever-changing market right here
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“Rep relationships”
21 May 2015 Town CrierAre you now, or have you ever been, a rep? I was for a number of years, with responsibility for selling advertising in newspapers that had circulations in the millions (it was the 1980s), both in the US and the UK. Most of the job involved… -
“Tell it as it is”
21 May 2015 Cheese TalkWhen you write a book about cheese and have to come up with unique and interesting descriptions for over 750, you quickly come to realise that the English language is extremely thin on the ground for words to describe cheese and even thinner for words to… -
“Land of cheese and money”
21 May 2015 OpinionIt is a gratifying reality that British artisan and quality Cheddar cheese is creating waves across the world. An overnight success after years of sheer hard work and challenges. It’s ironic that France is now one of the biggest export markets for British cheese; both quality… -
“The alchemy of books”
21 May 2015 Fine FoodSpeaking as someone who only feels really comfortable in a small office with 2,500 cookbooks lining the walls, there is something very reassuring about recipe books. Look up even the simplest dish and you’ll find a variety of different methods and sometimes a variety of ingredients.… -
“Today’s political menu”
21 May 2015 Expert EyeAs far as the 10 General Elections we have experienced go, like everyone who runs his own business, I have often been asked how the fortunes of Partridges have been affected by different political masters -
Work-life balance
20 May 2015 Speciality BitesI was on holiday recently which transitioned into a period of sickness, as coincidentally, I went down with malaria during the holiday, which must be connected to a previous trip to the children’s centre in Kenya earlier this year or even before -
“Investing in the counter”
30 April 2015 OpinionThere continues to be more upheaval in the grocery trade than there has been for the past 25 years, and when that happens opportunity comes knocking. So wherever one sits in the chain of supply in speciality cheese, the question of how to seize that opportunity… -
“Share the love”
27 April 2015 Town CrierI'm unlikely to tempt customers from the multiples on price or on convenience. Our tiny store is very specialist, and as we say on our website, parking is a nightmare! Nope, what helps win trade for us is a triumvirate of enthusiasm, expertise and our range… -
“Finding and taking advice”
27 April 2015 Cheese TalkI have spent nearly 2 months in NZ giving masterclasses, tastings, workshops and advice to retailers, potential retailers, restaurants and cheesemakers. It’s what I do, and as most of my clients seem to be very happy with the advice and are willing to recommend me… -
“Everybody wants to make a brand”
27 April 2015 Expert EyeIn the famous words of Tears for Fears, "everybody wants to rule the world", and this is no less the case in respect of shops and shopkeepers and their good name or brand -
“Match making”
27 April 2015 Fine FoodThirty years ago nobody had heard of food and wine matching. People who considered themselves refined would insist on white wine with fish and look down their noses at anyone quaffing red with their Dover sole, but the idea that you should expend time and energy… -
Exclusivity
17 April 2015 Speciality BitesThere has been some talk recently in wholesaler circles about exclusivity. To do it or not! Sometimes wholesalers are portrayed as being dictator-like insisting on control and ultimately world domination. Believe me, it is not quite like that!
