Cheese Retailers April 2024

specialityfoodmagazine.com 45 WEAREKEENTO TAKEOUREVENTS TO THE CORPORATE INDUSTRY AS FOODBONDSPEOPLE –WE FEEL THATWHATWE CANDELIVERCOULDWORK REALLYWELL FORBUSINESSES FORTHEIRTEAMSANDCLIENTSALIKE: A DIFFERENTAND INTERESTINGEXPERIENCE Valuable lessons were learned at The Cheesery in 2024, while tried and tested methods have been reaping rewards. “We will continue to keep things fresh and interesting for customers whilst maintaining their favourites,” explains Hilart. “Samples have worked really well in the shops and it’s nice to showcase our other products alongside the cheese.” For Hilary and Steve, owners of Dundee’s The Cheesery, a dedicated team and growing customer base have been key to weathering 2023. “It has been a better and more positive 12 months compared to previous years with challenges such as Covid,” begins Hilary. “We have a very strong team in both shops and we continue to learn and grow together.” The period has brought unprecedented challenges, including the cost of cheese rising by around 30%, with The Cheesery’s team refusing to pass this rise on to their customers. “To make up for the shortfall, we have managed to increase the number of customers and are seeing new faces in the shop more and more,” says Hilary. This tangible growth is the result of a myriad of new ideas from the team, she explains. “This has been as a result of developing our brand through our cheese subscriptions and cheese celebration towers; varied and more regular content on social media platforms; KEEP IT FRESH The Cheesery and reaching new customers directly with cheese and wine events.” Arguably the most challenging season of them all, Christmas, is showing positive signs of growth year-on-year. “We feel that each year we improve on our service and organisation,” says Hilary, and pats on the back from publications such as Inspirational Cheese Retailers and pieces in local press have given the team’s confidence a well- deserved boost. “This year, we plan to push our cheese and wine events,” says Hilary, “We are looking into the possibility of holding private, more intimate cheese tastings in the shop, out of hours.” The corporate industry also holds opportunities for The Cheesery. “We are keen to take our events to the corporate industry as food bonds people – we feel that what we can deliver could work really well for businesses for their teams and clients alike: a different and interesting experience.” Revisited