This time of year is Show Time when as buyers we go to the NEC in Birmingham to view what is new, review the past year and prepare for the new year.The general consensus of opinion was 2012 was tough but not a disaster and that 2013 will probably bring much of the same as the economic position of the country slowly recovers.
We are optimistic for another good year. Our updated website is looking very good and hopefully will take us onto the next level. At the NEC we looked closely at our product portfolio. There are some new brands we hope to introduce, watch this space, but most the work will be done on improving what we do from all of our existing quality Brands.
In Hall 1 of the NEC Delia Smith hinted that she was unlikely to do many more television cook shows feeling that it was now beyond cooking and more about entertainment. Her vision is to once again show and educate people how to actual cook and I suspect that her channel will be online.
Most importantly she is working with Alan Silverwood Bakeware, themselves a small family business, to create a Delia Smith range of Bakeware shortly to be launched.
Initially this product will not be available in any Multiple, Supermarket or Store Group. Delia is championing the Independent Retailer recognising that all too often they are at the bottom of the food chain.
This is to be welcomed and I ask all independent Cookshop owners to get behind Delia and Alan Silverwood’s bold initiative. We must all make it a commercial success as an example to all suppliers that the Independent retailer can offer quality product, supported by knowledgeable service and at a price the consumer is happy to pay.
Thank you Delia for publicly supporting the Indies the consumer and the suppliers needs to understand that if they do not use and look after small businesses they will loose them along with choice and expertise.