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From Harvest to Harrods: the Aussie business making its mark in London

For several decades, gourmet food company, Random Harvest, has been making strides in the FMCG industry in Australia and beyond.

Alongside expanding to retailers in the UK, Dubai, Singapore and New Zealand, the gourmet food and gifts company recently began stocking its products at the UK’s world famous retailer, Harrods in London.

Inside FMCG quizzed Random Harvest managing director Matthew Jinks about working with the luxury department store and how he has adapted to industry changes over the years.

Inside FMCG: So first off, how did the partnership with Harrods came about?

Persistence. We identified the UK as an ideal market to start our export journey and begun by researching the key premium retailers and then made hundreds of calls and emails. News of the success of our launch in Harrods where we sold out of many items in the first week spread quickly and we have been inundated by other premium retailers who want to stock random Harvest. The response from the UK’s finest premium retailers has been amazing and we will have five of them on board by early next year.

Inside FMCG: Where do you source the ingredients for your products?

We search all over Australia to find the finest ingredients. Our amazing truffles are from Tasmania, our mustard seeds from Northern Western Australia and our Capsicums from Queensland

Inside FMCG: What do you look for in a retailer before aligning with them?

We are very protective of our brand and only deal with customers who understand premium brands. Customer’s like David Jones, Peters of Kensington and Harrods know how to treat a premium brand.

Inside FMCG: How do you brainstorm packaging designs to cater to particular clients for corporate packages?

We come up with our product and packaging designs in house. One of our strengths is speed, in which we can turn around a new concept for a customer. We recently launched a new gift pack within three weeks of a major customers request!

Inside FMCG: What’s the peak season for orders of gourmet products?

Christmas is traditionally the biggest season although our business has shifted towards everyday gifting.

Inside FMCG: Which is the most saleable product in the market?

Our Caramelised Balsamic’s and new Truffle range are the hottest items at the moment. Feedback from both Australia and overseas has been amazing.

Inside FMCG: Looking back to when the business started four decades ago, tell us how Random Harvest has changed?

The key difference would be the shift from traditional retail to corporate gifting and identifying other niche ways to market.

Inside FMCG: Any other big retail partnerships in the pipeline?

We currently have customers in Singapore, Dubai, UK and New Zealand.  We are in discussions with premium retailers in the US and Europe.

Inside FMCG: Any plans for expansion in Asia?

We’ve had a large amount of interest from Asia and are in discussions with some wonderful potential partners now.

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