Winchester Cheese Stall embarks on Middle East venture
A chance meeting at a Winchester street market stall has had a major impact on a local food business, placing it on the brink of an exciting opportunity in the Middle East.
The Cheese Stall – run by the Goodman family – has been a regular sight at Winchester’s street market since 2010, selling speciality and bespoke cheeses to the discerning palates of local foodies. The business was inspired by the family’s love of French markets and particularly the speciality cheeses sold there. They started selling their cheese from a small retail outlet on the Isle of Wight, supplied by family members living in France. Eventually they decided to take their business to a wider consumer base via street markets, and were allocated a pitch on Winchester Street Market, where they have spent the last seven years building their business and developing strong relationships with suppliers.
Their international journey began earlier this year, when the CEO of Alosra Food Stores was passing the stall and stopped to purchase a selection of cheeses. He was so impressed by the quality and range of the cheeses on offer that he offered them the opportunity to supply his grocery business, which is based in Bahrain.
The Cheese Stall will help Alosra launch a selection of cheeses and will supply products for their signature range – a great opportunity to showcase several excellent classics and introduce some of Hampshire and Berkshire’s small production gems to a Middle East market.
The Cheese Stall is planning to run its new export business from a warehouse on the Winnall industrial estate, which will open in the new year. As well as the export business, wholesale and retail customers will also be given access on selected days.
The Cheese Stall owner Edward Goodman explained:
It’s been quite a year for us in terms of business development. Thanks to the support of Winchester City Council, Southern Market Traders market management and most importantly our loyal customers, our small family business is growing slowly but surely and we have been able to reach out to an entirely new customer base.
Councillor Steve Miller is Winchester City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Estates and responsible for the Winchester Street Market. He added:
It is wonderful to hear that an opportunity as exciting as this has taken place due to a chance meeting at Winchester Street Market. We wish The Cheese Stall every success in their new venture and hope that the products they provide to Alosra help to showcase the fantastic local produce that this district can supply.