Cotswold Fayre is gearing up for what it predicts to be a bumper year for Christmas fine food sales following a year of industry growth.
According to the fine food distributor, large retailers including farm shops, garden centres and department stores are expected to increase their Christmas stock order by at least 20-25% in comparison to last year.
Paul Hargreaves, managing director of Cotswold Fayre says: “Many of our customers are reporting an increase in business and we have seen a 25% increase in revenue this year.
“Larger independent retailers are also looking to have their Christmas orders delivered in earlier than in previous years in order to maximise this key selling period. Our sales team are out with customers five days a week at present and this will continue with orders coming in thick and fast between now and September.
“In fact, we expect that during the eight weeks from the end of September to beginning of November the amount of stock leaving the warehouse will increase two and a half times in comparison to any other time of year.”
To prepare for the festive season and what forecasts show to be an upcoming period of further growth the distributor is investing £100k in a new IT system.
Paul says: “Naturally, as we have grown we are also outgrowing our current process and procedures. This new integrated order system will cut down issues with stock control and product ordering in general, creating a better and more efficient ordering process for our customers.
“The month’s leading up to Christmas are our busiest in the year and in the past our resources have been stretched. This new system will increase our efficiency dramatically and help this busy period run much more smoothly.”
In order to help retailers capitalise on this key selling period, Cotswold Fayre has also adapted its product portfolio to incorporate the very best seasonal products.
Ashton Marriott, who has recently been promoted from graphic designer to marketing manager, says: “A total of 450 new lines have been added to the Christmas catalogue, from the more traditional items such as panettones, mince pies and mulling syrup to gifts sets, and many more “presents for men”.
“One of the most important factors when selecting products for inclusion in the catalogue was packaging. At this time of year, retailers like to incorporate large and attractive Christmas displays and so we have selected a range of eye catching products that is sure to look great on display, including some giant beer and cider bottles.”
The Cotswold Fayre Christmas catalogue is available to order on 08456 121201 or to download from:
http://cotswold-fayre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Cotswold-Fayre_ChristmasCatalogue2014_LowRes.pdf
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