Brand Builders – In-Store Sales & Brand Support for Speciality Food Brands
Hands-on execution where buying decisions are made
Brand Builders is our boots-on-the-ground brand support service, designed to increase in-store visibility, strengthen retailer relationships, and drive sell-through across the UK’s independent and speciality retail sector.
Why in-store visibility matters
Securing a distributor or retail listing doesn’t guarantee sales. Discovery, tastings, follow-up, and consistent in-store presence are essential to converting listings into long-term retail success.
How Brand Builders work
Retail visits & listings
We support new and existing listings by visiting retailers, presenting products, and converting interest into orders through trusted relationships.
Tastings, sampling & engagement
In-store tastings and sampling drive trial, build confidence, and allow brands to tell their story directly to retailers and consumers.
Distributor coordination
We work closely with distribution partners, ensuring retail activity is aligned and demand is effectively converted into orders.
Reporting & insights
Clear monthly reporting and CRM-driven insights give brands full visibility on store visits, feedback, opportunities, and next steps.
A cost-effective alternative to in-house sales
Brand Builders provides professional field sales and brand support without the cost, risk, or complexity of building and managing an in-house UK sales team.
“STOKED! began working with Gourmet Partners in 2025 with a half-finished product range and no prior experience of retail.
From the outset, Gourmet Partners provided invaluable guidance — from industry insight and branding expertise to pricing, sales channel strategy, and access to key contacts. Their support helped transform our initial products into a fully formed brand that has now successfully launched.
Through their Brand Builders programme, we continue to work closely with the team to build brand awareness within the independent speciality food retail sector.
Even at this early stage, Gourmet Partners have already presented STOKED! to multiple distributors and buyers, resulting in early listing opportunities.
If you have a product you want to see on retail shelves, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend working with Gourmet Partners.”
James & Iszy, Stoked!
“As a European brand, partnering with Gourmet Partners – Brand Builders has been instrumental to Mellona’s success in the UK. Their expertise, strategic support, and proactive approach have secured a key distributor listing and expanded our retail presence—helping us build strong relationships and drive both brand awareness and sales growth.
Their Brand Development and Sales Managers sustain retail momentum, winning new customers, and provide detailed monthly reports that continually refine our strategy. The team’s transparent, hands-on approach delivers valuable insights, impactful marketing, and honest guidance—driving sales and generating meaningful customer feedback.”
Stelios Stylianou – Mellona
“I’ve been working with Gourmet Partners – Brand Builders for two years, and they’ve been essential in growing our business in the independent sector. The team supported us in developing a strong launch strategy and securing listings with major wholesalers.
Their knowledge and insight have been invaluable—and they’re a great bunch to work with. We couldn’t have grown this quickly without them, and I can’t recommend them highly enough.”
Craig Harries, Flavour Head
"Working with Gourmet Partners has been a genuine pleasure. Their onboarding process was seamless, supported by an insightful and highly experienced team that guided us confidently through every stage of the sales process.
Their depth of industry knowledge made them an invaluable partner for Asilia Salt. The monthly reports were thorough and well-structured, providing clear, actionable insights into our performance and progress."
Josh, Asilia Salt