Farm Shop

Business rate relief and tariff cuts offer welcome support for independent retailers, but rising costs and squeezed margins continue to present challenges. Natasha Spencer explores responses to the Budget and what more is needed to support long-term growth.

Today’s Autumn Budget announcement has a number of implications for businesses across the food and drink industry. Natasha Spencer takes a look at what Speciality Food readers need to know.

Food and drink gift ranges evolve from seasonal one-off Christmas buys to a core part of the independent retail experience, giving retailers new opportunities to drive sales throughout the year. Natasha Spencer explores how retailers can turn everyday products into gifts shoppers want to stock up…

From health credentials to social benefits, there’s plenty of reasons why craft chocolate and confectionery should be relished guilt-free.

As travellers seek out authentic local food and regional specialities, Natasha Spencer explores how food shops are transforming local provenance stories into visitor attractions that showcase local produce and create distinctive shopping experiences.

It’s been another period of inspiring events, foodie discoveries and celebrations of the best of the food and drink sector...

From a wine merchant's vineyard story to a Christmas cookie cheesecake, this year's festive favourites strike a chord with shoppers. But what’s really driving sales, asks Charlotte Grainger?

Chutneys and pickles are mainstay of deli shelves, but the festive period brings apple opportunity for them to shine.

With more Britons swapping restaurants for their own kitchens, Natasha Spencer explores how independent food retailers can help shoppers create experiences that turn at-home dining into a special occasion, and why specialist shops are particularly well-placed to do so.

As loyalty programmes approach saturation, retailers are rethinking how to keep consumers engaged.

With growing demand for provenance, craftsmanship and authentic flavour, UK producers are drawing on Italian traditions while developing a distinct British proposition.