The year-end provides an opportunity for us to reflect on a remarkable 12 months, a period marked by new leadership direction, strategic expansion, and innovative product launches. 2023 emerged as a year of significant milestones for Fairway Foodservice. From welcoming new members to celebrating multiple successes across various areas, this year has been a testament to our commitment to excellence in the foodservice industry.
Here’s how the year unfolded for us:
January: Kickstarting the Year with New Memberships and Accolades
Fairway kicked off 2023 on a high note, with Celtic Foodservice from Pembroke, Wales joining the Group.
Later in the month, the Fairway team returned home from the CCM Chefs’ Own-Brand Awards with three awards acknowledging the great quality of the Fairway Assured brand across different categories.
- Gluten-Free (Sweet): Fairway Assured Gluten-Free Decadent Chocolate Cake
- Spices & Seasonings: Fairway Assured Chilli Powder
- Ice Cream: Fairway Excellence Dairy Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream
March: Biannual MTM Event and Member Trade Shows
In March, we held our biannual “Meet The Member” event at Drayton Manor in Tamworth. More than 40 suppliers had the opportunity to meet our member companies, where they showcased their innovative products and offered special deals. This resulted in over £500,000 of orders being placed during the event.
The team supported both Miller Food Service (York) and MJ Baker (Exeter) during their successful trade shows.
May: Welcoming A New Team Member
In May, we welcomed Nicola Muff, who joined us as our new Administrator working across purchasing, data and marketing functions.
June: Fairway Assured Own-Brand Event
We hosted our third Fairway Assured own-brand event in June at Crewe Hall. More than 50 products were showcased to our Members’ sales teams, providing them with an opportunity to compare their own-brand products against a selection of market leaders and competitor offerings.
The event was attended by over 100 delegates who were overwhelmingly impressed with the quality and value provided by the Fairway Assured brand. We also took the opportunity to share our plans for the brand and collect valuable feedback from the front-line sales teams.
August: Launching Fairway Assured Quiche Range
In August, we launched a new line of four quiches under our Fairway Assured brand. The varieties include Tomato & Basil, Quiche Lorraine, Cheese & Onion, and Mediterranean Vegetables. This launch, backed by competitive pricing and a comprehensive multi-channel marketing campaign, was a resounding success.
September: A Month Full of Events and Launches
September was a very busy month, with everyone working hard to manage events, launch products, and roll out new services.
Our September “Meet The Member” event kicked off at Crewe Hall, with 42 suppliers displaying and sampling their products to our members. After all the eating and talking, our Members placed orders valued at over £750,000 during the two-day event.
We launched our new Fairway Assured Sauces and Chutneys: Apple, Cranberry, Hamburger Relish, and Thick & Chunky Salsa.
Later in the month, we unveiled our new digital magazine, Chef’s INSIDER, full of easy-to-read articles providing ideas, inspiration, and insight for catering professionals. Have a look, Chef’s INSIDER
Whilst all this was going on, our office was transformed into a fresh and lively environment that more accurately represents us and provides a great space for suppliers to come and showcase their products!
October: Welcoming yet Another New Member
In October, Coral Rose, the Managing Director of Fairway Foodservice, extended a warm welcome to WestCountry Foods, based in Falmouth, who joined the Group as our nineteenth Member.
November: A Month of Additions and Launches
Maintaining the pace of new product launches, November was a busy month for us as we introduced five new cakes, a range of coated chicken, and an enhanced Bramley Apple Pie. A sales toolkit and a multi-channel marketing campaign backed each product launch.
We expanded our digital magazine, Chef’s INSIDER, by adding a unique food calendar. This is an essential tool for chefs, caterers, and foodservice professionals. Browse it here: Food Calendar.
December: Preparing for New Launches
The team dedicated December to finalising the launches of our new Fairway Assured Premium Coated Fries, Hash Browns and Mashed Potato. Scheduled for a January 2024 launch, stay tuned for further updates!
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2024, we’re continuing our growth trajectory, rapid product launches supported with a focus on innovation and building strong partnerships within the foodservice industry.
We’d like to thank our members and partners for making it all possible.Why not join us for 2024, subscribe to Chef’s INSIDER and follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
