Hello!
I’m writing this as I make my way back from Australia, following my 4th export mission in Oz, alongside the government’s UK Trade and Investment team.
My first trip was in 1992 when I was looking at becoming a cotton farmer in NSW before starting Tyrrells potato chips, then making vodka and gin as Chase Distillery in 2008.
With the latest brand, Willy's ACV - Probiotic Live Foods, I’ve been looking for another home down under; every time I visit it gets more inspiring, especially Melbourne, which is still my favourite city in the world for new inspiring food trends.
We visited the new Amazon distribution centre for NSW and were told about a fantastic surge in Independents and online healthy retailers. The health food landscape is fast changing - more so than the rest of the world but it will be a long time before people give up UPFs. But it IS happening, with larger retailers such as Woolworths, Coles and even Aldi assigning designated space for organic and gluten free, plant-based milks, and some even questioning the reported nutritional benefits of seed oils.
I have found most of my inspiration for global food trends and ideas whilst travelling the world on export missions. It was always my original mission with Tyrrells crisps - then Chase Spirits and now Willy’s ACV - to get listed globally. I have always preferred working with small, independent partners, rather than big paid partners, so have built many friends around the world this way. It’s given me a great broad view into the whole world’s food habits – especially now, in this new world of healthy living foods.
Good gut health is a fast-growing space, globally. For example, fun fact "FHACT": Did you know that Brussels sprouts, roasted cauliflower and beetroot have become the hottest side dishes at trendy restaurants everywhere? They've even knocked avocados off their pedestal!
I hope this has been of interest; it’s more of a summary of the last 22 years than an autumn farm fermenting newsletter, refraining from talking about the weather 🌦️ or awards, or facts and figure. It’s a simple summary of where we are, as we all need each other to trade and build our businesses as I thank all of you for supporting us over the last 22 years from fresh potatoes to Tyrrells chips to Chase vodka - gin - whisky! Covid sanitiser - rose wine - red wine, white wine - Willys acv – and wow Eureka…Thanks to all! I would love to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to call, write or visit!
From our soil microbiome to your gut microbiome and mind.
Yours, Willy Chase 🚜