Cheese Retailers April 2024

specialityfoodmagazine.com 43 Revisited Founded by Alex Hunt in 2021, The Cheese Locker – located in Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire – has been going great guns since we last visited in early 2023. “Over the past 12 months there has been a substantial growth to local trade and via the website,” begins Alex. “I have started to gain a real loyal following of customers who wish to support me from all over the country.” Alex has begun to travel the UK thanks to the purchase of a converted horsebox, which also allows him to take part in local events. The Cheese Locker has experienced some struggles as a result of this growth, thanks to space being at a premium. “Many of the challenges we have faced have linked to the growth of the business. At Christmas we did amazingly well, but we struggled for space as it is a smaller shop. Luckily, we bought a few small fridges last minute which allowed us to serve all customers that visited.” Alex’s new travelling premises has brought some problems amongst the joys, too. “Fitting the catering horsebox has been filled with technical issues, but we should be ready for the road soon.” As well as promoting great cheese to food-loving consumers across the region and beyond, Alex is a passionate spokesperson for autism. “I have completed a talk for the Staffordshire WI about growing my business and about Autism Spectrum Disorder and how it has influenced my decisions on this journey.” Valuable lessons have been learned over the past 12 months. “I have learned about the significance of online marketing,” Alex says, “and how it is important to have a good ambient range to support and pair well with cheese and charcuterie.” The coming year brings big plans. “Growth and increasing the range of products for the store as well as looking The Cheese Locker to grow the size of the shop if possible.” Additionally, Alex plans to visit markets across the country. “I also plan to do more talks for other WI’s and organisations for local schools so as to market myself more and to show that you can achieve what you would like, even if you have a condition that can be a barrier at times.” Despite it only having been in action for a couple of years, The Cheese Locker is already gathering national plaudits. “I have received nominations for two Rural Oscars and another for Retailer Award by the FarmShop & Deli 2024,” says Alex. AWARD WINS I PLAN TO SHOWTHAT YOU CAN ACHIEVEWHAT YOUWOULD LIKE, EVEN IF YOU HAVE A CONDITION THAT CAN BE A BARRIER AT TIMES