B Corp accredited Cotswold Fayre records 48% growth

Theale-based fine food wholesaler Cotswold Fayre, which has long believed that doing good has a positive effect on business, has recorded a 48% rise in sales in the year ended 31 March 2022.

“There were a number of factors for this [performance], including the continuing growth of independent retail from 2020/21 and the demise of one of our closest competitors,” said CEO Paul Hargreaves in the company’s Impact Report.

“However, there were also encouraging signs that retailers are thinking more about the planet in how they are running their businesses.

“We have continued to encourage retailers to consolidate deliveries, which of course as a wholesaler is something close to our hearts. This not only improves our aim for increased sustainability but also improves retailers’ environmental footprint.”

He added: “The past year has proved that being a B Corp has a hugely positive commercial impact, with customers actively seeking this accreditation from suppliers and retailers.

“We are delighted that we now have 39 B Corp suppliers and are helping more to obtain certification.”

Over the last 12 months, Cotswold Fayre offered more than 600 plastic-free products in its range, and a large majority of products now use packaging that is easier to recycle.

It has also continued switching company vehicles to electric or hybrid. Between 2020 and 2021, 9.8 tonnes of CO2 were saved by moving to a more efficient vehicle. Last year 67% of vehicles in the fleet were electric or hybrid; now it stands at 100%.

Cotswold Fayre, which opened Flourish Foodhall & Kitchen in June 2021, recruited 60 new employees in the past year, taking the total to 94. “In the days of the recruitment crisis it has been very noticeable, as a company that treats people and planet better than many other businesses, that it has been easier for us to attract excellent people to work for us,” said Hargreaves.

The team carried out 476 hours of volunteering spread across 16 charities.

Hargreaves concluded: “There is no doubt that the exceptional growth over the past year is a true representation of all our hard work. With our motivated team and passion to make a change we are confident that we will continue to grow over the upcoming years.”