ABBFEST FESTIVAL

Our first food festival after two years was Abbfest , a local and popular weekend live music, Beers/Cider and food event with celebrity chefs including Michael Caines (who spoke out mid cooking demo to admire our cute daughter in the crowd, while Sophie was taking photos and trying to balance her at the same time-as Mum's do!) We were very apprehensive at the start of the day, as we have become quite addicted to our products but its a whole new game when promoting them to the consumer, but as time progressed we realised that we were on to something very special, our new range of African inspired products, went down a storm. When selling baobab products in the past, selling the story was vital to educate people about the tree, history, nutritious properties and concept, with the new range of cilli condiments it seems to be a case of sampling them on cheese, crackers or rice cakes wih homous and let the product work its magic! 

We had loads of people coming back to our stand to get heir friends to try our products, we were really taken back! I have always said if you have a product which hits the spot you will have people coming back for more and knocking on your door. I think the response here said it all- especially those who bought one of everything! 'Guess the weight of Baobab' in our giant kilner jam jar also became a talking point- which has since been delivered to its lucky winner in Kingsteinton.

DSWF CRANLEIGH EXHIBITION

This success of Abbfest helped build our excitement to show case our products at the David Shepherd Cranleigh Event which was only a few weeks later. A newly agreed partnership with DSWF meant the show would be fantastic timing to sell the products, spread the word and meet all the team including David Shepherd himself. Cranleigh did not disappoint. After another successful day of products selling we had to go into the special stock packaged for the art gallery, as products were in high demand. It was a busy day and a few times I had to encourage Sophie to help with selling as she seemed to gravitate to the 'Winter Wardrobe' boutique! Cranleigh had a very special atmosphere. We had never partaken in an art exhibition before and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The hall was filled with stunning pieces of David Shepherd artwork, limited editions and artefacts and I wish I could of filled our house with all of them. David was in constant demand with signings of artwork and his humour and warmth reminds me of my Dad. 

THE DORCHESTER CHARITY EVENT

UFFCULME CHRISTMAS FAYRE 

For the past 7 years we have been attending the Uffculme craft fair which always has such a wonderful atmosphere which is .... has always been a pleasure to attend and once gain our new range of products went down a treat. We also met Gilly Mbachu Goldsworthy, who wrote a great blog The next big thing the African Chef which I am really grateful for, thank you Gilly!

December Promotions - Fermoys Garden Centre, Ipplepen

Fermoy's Garden Centre seems to be one of the busiest places on a weekend and especially more so on the run up to Christmas! We have always enjoyed taking part in Fermoys organised events over the years and being in store on the run up to Christmas is a great opportunity to showcase the product range and building a local network. In a short space of time I managed to sell the majority of products which was fantastic. The bad news was stocks were now low and I needed a whole load of products for Totnes Good Food market the following morning! Back to the stoves for me!.......'Sophie back to the labelling!'

Good Food Market - Totnes

Voted the best farmers market in 2012, its not hard to see why! Such a fantastic selection of Artisan producers who are so passionate about the food they produce, it was a real privilege to attend. For me it was like going home again as I used to work at Riverford Farm Shop for a number of years as the assistant manager, I saw a lot of familiar faces all whom recognised me. It was really great to meet Belinda and Brian from Fursdon Fine Foods again who I used to supply with finest organic cooking chocolate a few years ago! Belinda told me she was in the middle of writing a vegi cook book and I wish her all the success with it in the future.

And once again was over joyed with the response on our products! happy days!

Love Food- Dartington

Last September a brand new monthly food market was launched at the The Shops at Dartington (nr Totnes). Its aim is to showcase small, quality food producers in SW and we were fortunate to secure a spac at this monthly event which runs on the last Sunday, with food, music and this month Dan......Set up on a traditional market stall and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Small courtyards, bespoke shops, icthen, resturant, Cranks and beutiful traditional toy shop.