Small fine food retailers are back in the boom time thanks to a moneyed public keen to try the unusual Prospects have never looked better for independent fine food retailers. After nearly a decade of falling sales and declining outlet numbers, the sector is buoyant once again, according to director Mike Cook of The Foodfinders, a leading supplier to the fine food trade. "In the last 12 months, the doom and gloom which pervaded the sector has evaporated. Niche retailing is on its way back again. We see this in increasing volumes from existing retailers and in the signficant growth of new entrants to the business. At two shows last September we signed up 20 new fine food retailers, an astonishing number considering the size of this business and the competition from the multiples." Cook attributes the sector's upturn to a consumer backlash against the impersonal approach of the multiples, the advance of disposable income and a greater willingness to experiment. "There's a much stronger commitment now to small local retailers. Consumers are seeking a level of service and a range of speciality foods, often locally produced, that the multiples are unable to provide." Cook says the successful fine food retailers are those that maintain very high standards of quality and service, coupled with commercial awareness. "They are also very strong on presentation and new ideas. They know that consumers want to be inspired. If the shop is attractive, consumers will come in and browse, buying more, and on impulse. "A real enthusiasm for and understanding of good food is also essential. A lot of those who succeed in this business come from catering, so they know about food and are used to long hours and very hard work." Location is also important. "Being in a catchment area of ABC1s with a disposable income is great advantage," adds Cook. The Foodfinders, which supplies every kind of independent outlet from delis and gift shops to minor multiples, has a product range of 1,200 lines, plus a further 500 Christmas and Easter items. Sales have increased 17% in the last year, says Cook, the top three volume bestsellers being Duc d'O Belgian pralines, Bonne Maman jams and biscuits, and Boulevard cocktail and cheese biscuits. Okanagan, a Canadian fruit snack made of pressed layers of semi dried apple and other fruits, has also shot into the company's top 10 bestseller list after only a year on the market. "We also have very high expectations of Pascual, a new Spanish ambient yogurt and pot desserts range, which is of very high quality but 20-30% cheaper than chilled products. Sales have rocketed since its launch a couple of months ago," adds Cook. {{FOCUS SPECIALS }}