It’s always great to meet other like-minded businesses who love independent artisans and great tasting food as much as we do. Kitchen Table Projects first met Robert from Tastes of Anglia at the NPD Conference that we attended in July. We really enjoyed swapping stories, as well as finding out a little more about the fab things Tastes of Anglia are getting up to.
Tastes of Anglia is a not for profit, membership owned cooperative formed over 20 years ago to support and promote the food and drink industry of East Anglia. ToA has members that include some of the largest businesses in the region to one person operations producing food and drink in domestic kitchens, selling their products at local farmers markets then going home and doing it all again. ToA now provides a reference point for anyone interested in the food and drink industry across the region. We support food education and the use of locally grown and created products; we facilitate introductions where members will benefit from working together; we assist in sourcing regional and national grant funding to aid business growth and routes to export and we provide CCA Landskills part funded business courses across England and Wales. We are [also] currently planning partnerships with tourist organisations to promote food tourism to the region and with other regional and national food related organisations to assist in spreading the word about the excellent food and drink producers of East Anglia.
How do you help small businesses?
The four words that sum up our activities are: Communicating, Supporting Advising and Facilitating. Many members come to us seeking assistance in taking their products to market. Having sold our own distribution business last year we are now creating excellent connections with major retailers and distributors across the region and beyond. Our members produce ambient, chilled and frozen products for retail and foodservice. We seek to facilitate partnerships with the right specialists in all areas.
How important is a good business plan?
A properly designed business plan is a requirement for any successful business.
What do you think are the three key things that make a successful food brand?
The three key things for a successful food brand are: brand and market analysis, quality of the product and the presentation, an effective marketing plan.
Do you have any predictions on what will be trending in the foodie world in the next six months?
South African and South American cuisine is starting to make a breakthrough in the UK. Anything that has a USP that appeals to the general public.
How do you think small artisan producers can be supported?
Startup and fledgling artisan producers can be supported in a wide variety of ways through membership of Tastes of Anglia. We welcome members from other parts of the country, not just from East Anglia.
What do you think is the toughest part of starting up your own food business?
The toughest part of starting a food business is letting your business head direct your activities and not just your passion for a product you, your family and friends think is great.
What are your words of wisdom for anyone thinking of starting a new business?
Research, research, research! Analyse, develop and market.
What do you think about our big ideas and what we’re trying to achieve?
Every new small producer will benefit from a chance to test prototype products, new launches etc in a well located venue with a high footfall of foodie lovers. If that is what KTP can provide ToA will support you all the way.
If you’re interested in finding out more about what Tastes of Anglia do, then head over to their website, www.tastesofanglia.org.uk. You can find them on Twitter, too, @TastesofAnglia.
Main Picture by Flickr User Caroline
Main Picture by Flickr User Caroline
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