Speciality Food January 2024

38 @specialityfood A nd...breathe. Party season is over and the Christmas rush is officially behind us, so it’s the perfect time to take a beat before diving into the new year. January – the season of New Year’s resolutions and endless foodie fads – tends to be a time of optimism and forward thinking. If you’re feeling inspired, now is the best time to jot down a few notes for Christmas 2024. Ask yourself a few questions, like...What went right this year? Were there any missteps? Did you unexpectedly sell out of any products? Do you need to plan your staff rotas differently this Christmas? Did you spot any great social ideas that you could adapt for your shop? It’s always a good idea to ask yourself what you would do differently if you were to do it all over again – because in a few short months the Christmas planning will begin yet again! Perhaps you’re feeling overwhelmed rather than opportunistic. You might be looking at a chaotic shop floor and wondering how to make things fresh for the new year. Have you been neglecting an area of your shop? Is a new strategy long overdue? Is your website or social media presence a thorn in your side? Here at Speciality Food , we’ve been busy searching for gems of retail advice and innovative stories full of actionable insights to guide you through 2024, whether you have it all planned out or are looking for inspiration. From diversification strategies to sustainable pivots and retailers who are daring to do things differently, we’ll be reporting back to you with all the fantastic stories we find over the next 12 months. We would love to hear from you if there are any topics you’d like to see more of this year. As ever, we’ll bring you the lowdown on the latest trends, the news on the hottest product launches and inspiring stories from your fellow retailers, but perhaps you’re looking for advice on hiring staff, launching a new element in your business, or even finally joining TikTok. Whatever it is, the team at Speciality Food is here for you. We love hearing from our readers. Do you have a story to share or expertise to pass on? Please get in touch with courtney.goldsmith@artichokehq.com FINAL CALL specialityfoodmagazine linkedin.com/company/ speciality-food @SpecialityFood BE CONNECTED WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING IF YOUWEREN’T IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY? Ah, it would have to be something else where you can grow personally, grow the company, and embrace time in the outdoors and feeling good as a priority. That’s where I find good stuff spins off from. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? I think it must have been pot wash in the local pub. Then my first proper job was at the surf school on the local beach in Cornwall. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Life around surfing and the outdoors, and everything that spins off it. Natural world connection, fitness and health, diet, sleep, a daily good vibe, community, all that kind of stuff. WHAT’S THE WORST JOB YOU’VE DONE? Wow. I’ve done a few. It’s hard to pick one. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF YOUR JOB? Getting to hustle every day with the awesome team, and seeing the positive impact drinking Pentire and daily health has on our community and customers’ lives. AND YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE? Some of the stuff disguised as ‘bad’ is actually good for you so I would say that’s more of a mindset thing. FOLLOW SPECIALITY FOOD ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO HEAR MORE FROM FOOD AND DRINK INDUSTRY VOICES TEA OR COFFEE? Both, but being British if it’s one I’ve got to default to a tea. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR LAST SUPPER? Something that goes well with a Pentire Margarita, so probably some sea bass or fish cooked over a fire. WHAT’S YOUR MOTTO? I don’t have one specifically, but we’re all about enduring the challenge and finding the reward in the work. WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU’VE EVER EATEN? Probably all the artificial juices and cereals that we were marketed as healthy in our youth! WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK? Surf Shacks: An Eclectic Compilation of Surfers’ Homes from Coast to Coast . It’s pure life inspo, and full of the good things on this planet. SWEET OR SAVOURY? Savoury. You’ve to manage those glucose levels and have sustained energy, you know. CONTENT Editor (maternity cover) Charlotte Smith-Jarvis, 01206 505981 charlotte.smith-jarvis@artichokehq.com News & Digital Editor Courtney Goldsmith courtney.goldsmith@artichokehq.com Editor Holly Shackleton Art Director Lee Whiteford lee.whiteford@artichokehq.com Published by ArtichokeMedia Ltd Global House, Global Park, Moorside Colchester, Essex, CO1 2TJ Next issue available: February 2024 COMMERCIAL Advertising Manager Jessica Brett jessica.brett@artichokehq.com Deputy Advertising Manager Sammy Kirby Account Manager Louise Barnes 01206 508629 louise.barnes@artichokehq.com Accounts artichokemedialtd@integral2.com Publisher Sam Reubin 01206 505936 sam.reubin@artichokehq.com 5 MINUTES WITH ALISTAIR FROST, CO-FOUNDER OF PENTIRE Inside the next issue of Speciality Food: The Green Report 2024 IFE Show Preview Temperature Controlled Packaging Frozen Food & Ready Meals Spirits & Mixers Sustainable Brands Centrespread ARTISAN ESSENTIALS FULL OF INSPIRING PRODUCTS FOR SPRING/SUMMER For more information contact: louise.barnes@artichokehq.com 01206 508629