Mon 4 Sep 2023
Meet the Buyer: FSC Group
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With Mike Absolom - Operation and Purchasing Director
What customer shifts have you noticed in the last 2 years? Any changes in customer behaviour that you feel are here to stay?
There have been two impacts for FSC and our customer base: COVID, and the move to working from home. Some locations have been effected in terms of food to go purchases, as there has been a move to more localised purchasing. Volumes are near pre-COVID levels.
Dwell times in travel locations are beginning to change due to electric cars - there is more request for rest areas whilst waiting the 20 + minutes for charging.
Cost of living is having some impact but not in our customer portfolio. Inflation has impacted cost of product but not impacted in volume sales.
Which hero product have you launched recently? Tell us more!
Donuts and sweet treats. We have done some extensive development work within this category, focusing on filled/flavoured varieties. This has been extremely successful across 2 key accounts, driving double digit sales growth and impacting hot drinks sales performance.
What are you currently looking for in terms of new products and innovation?
Great question and one that has many answers. The most important part from FSC’s perspective is that our manufacturers are constantly challenging the norm with their product offer and looking for "disruptor products" that give them, FSC and the end consumer a point of difference on the shelf. Sweet treats, baked savoury and heat to eat offerings are all seeing growth – innovation is critical in achieving further sales growth.
What advice would you give Suppliers meeting you during their 1-to-1 25-min meeting?
Do your homework on FSC and our customer base. It’s important to show and discuss relevant products.
In which product categories have you witnessed a substantial spike in demand?
Hot food, and there has been strong growth across heat to eat ranges.
How important is sustainability for your business?
Incredibly important to FSC and our customers. FSC has a head ESG who has achieved carbon natural status for the total business. We can now measure all our customer products in terms of carbon footprint and environmental impact
What’s your personal mantra?
Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.
Meet FSC at ECS 2023.
