Speciality Food Magazine JulyAugust 2024

2 @specialityfood EDITOR’S LETTER 34 32 4 John Shepherd Partridges 8 James Grant No.2 Pound Street REGULARS 11 TrendWatch 12 Product News 20 Centrespread: Cheeseboard 22 Cheese Uncut 24 Counterpoint 38 Last Words FEATURES 14 ‘Tis the Season 17 Essential Products 26 Cheese Report 2024 30 The 5: Homewares 32 The Spice of Life 34 Everything You Need To KnowAbout Grains & Pulses 36 Dare To Diversify: Ludlow Farmshop 20 W elcome to the July/August issue of Speciality Food , my first since returning frommaternity leave – andmy goodness how the sector has evolved during these past 12 months. While I wasn't completely out of the loop duringmy absence, I returned to my desk amid a truckload of exciting new products, producers and innovators within the sector, all of which goes to show that the fine food and drink sector never stands still (and is the best possible industry to work in). On to this issue, within which we have a plethora of news, views and features to whet your appetite for the season ahead. Yes, while we might be in the thick of summer as consumers, our professional thoughts are verymuch focused on Christmas, so we’re sharing the first of our festive features for 2024 – all about planning ahead for party season (p14). We also explore the world of homewares and speak to retail experts who suggest you do the same (p30), and release our Cheese Report 2024 (p26) –within which we discuss the biggest issues having an impact on today’s fine cheese sector with the people who know it best. HOLLY SHACKLETON | EDITOR holly.shackleton@artichokehq.com