Innovation bears fruit for food and drink firms
Companies reveal positives of having to rethink approaches during lockdown. Martin Hesp reports
EVERY cloud has a silver lining… That could be the latest theme hailed by one of the region’s leading food and drink organisations, as the anniversary of the first lockdown looms. Food Drink Devon asked its members if there were any positives to rise from the havoc caused by the pandemics – and a surprising number were able to name benefits amid the many negatives.
“It seems necessity has been the mother of invention,” said Annette Hunt, member of Food Drink Devon’s board and co-owner of Hunt’s Cider. “Most businesses have been forced to think long and hard about how they can adapt – and many have come up with answers and solutions that will help them survive and even flourish going into the future.
“For example there is certainly a trend which has seen businesses large and small evolving to become closer to the actual consumer or end-user who eventually buys a product. Many have discovered they can have a much closer relationship with customers by selling direct.”
The questionnaire sent out by Food Drink Devon also asked what further government help or aid packages could be put in place in addition to furlough schemes and other initiatives already in place.
“The resulting answers or opinions from senior players within the businesses provide a fascinating insight and could form the basis of a positive forward-looking piece on the pandemic,” said Annette. “We asked the questions – and our members didn’t hold back!”
For example, a world famous Devon gin company admits the pandemic has helped them to become a more efficient and collaborative company. “The pandemic has definitely made us more efficient and better at working from home,” says Howard Davies, of the Salcombe Distilling Company.
He added: “I knew there was good cross business support in Devon, but what we have experienced has far exceeded expectations.”
The boss of another drinks firm
was equally upbeat: “Nothing beats a good night in,” commented Leanne Carr, founder of the Devon Cove Vodka Company. “A social media launch mid-lockdown led to a boom in sales for our luxury cocktail kits. We created post-able products made from our Devon potatoes… And I have to admit my business is better.”
Another South Devon businessman was thinking more philosophically across the sector. “It’s a case of: if we don’t use it we will lose it,” says Greg Parsons, a director at the award winning Devon cheese company at the Sharpham Partnership. “The lockdowns have encouraged many people to love local food, which is undoubtedly a boon as we leave the
EU. Food security could be a significant issue for the UK based on our dependence on imports and there needs to be more focus on eating British and seasonally,” said Mr Parsons who is also a director at the South West Food Hub. “It really is a ‘use it or lose it’ situation!’
On the theme that the pandemic has brought businesses and their customers closer together, Natalie Emery, owner of Plymouth’s Cakewhole, company, commented: “The past year has strengthened our ties with the community and we have had fantastic support from local customers.”
Jess Magill, director of the Powderkeg Brewery at Woodbury Salterton, added: “We have started doing local home deliveries – and that means we get to deal with more end customers directly and makes us feel more connected to the people who enjoy our beer.”
Annette adds: “As we start to emerge from this pandemic, businesses in our sector will undoubtedly require financial assistance in the form of loans, rate cuts and perhaps some consumer incentives like the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme that ran last year.
“However, we are optimistic that, with the right level of governmental input for the host of dynamic, adaptable businesses that we represent, we can still look forward to a bright future for food and drink in Devon.”