British food supplies go down a treat

Importing British food products alongside local treats is proving a successful recipe for Lee Webster and wife Vicki.

The enterprising British couple own and operate the Best of British food shop in Rototuna.

Formerly based in Sandwich Road, the decision was made to locate to Rototuna following a hold-up and robbery in 2012.

Webster says initially it was 'a smashed window and break-in'. "Then a few weeks later when my son was running the shop, this guy came in and pulled a gun out and demanded money."

The traumatic experience put an end to their business.

A few months later they decided to begin business again at the Rototuna Shopping complex. "Come August, we have been here 3 years and business is going very well," says Webster.

"We have a website Best of British, a Facebook account with over 1500 followers and a huge email base."

Webster also promotes the store after hours, hosting Fish/Chip and Mushy Peas Quiz Nights at local bar The Keg. "We even provide Sarson's Vinegar for the chips and it is proving really popular with the locals."

Best Of British attracts regular customers who come in for their weekly shop of Shredded Wheat, Walkers Crisps and IRN BRU - a canned Scottish drink.

"While we are Best Of British we do stock brands from the UK and IRN BRU is regularly snapped up by the Scots, they swear by it for a hangover cure."

Local shoppers surprise Webster when they discover steak and kidney pies in tins.

"Some come in and go 'oh how weird but others take a tin home and they are hooked."

Visitors also comment when they see the Tip Top Ice cream sign.

"I say, 'well I tried to import British ice cream but it melted before it got here'.

"In a modern business now you have to be flexible and willing to adapt and blend your brand without losing its identity," says Webster.