Latest opinions
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“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... -
“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... -
“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... -
“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... -
“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... -
“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... -
“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... -
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!
