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“We want the capacity of the tanker and the speed of the little boat” – Beechdean MD Andrew Howard on competing in UK ice cream
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-09 12:49
Core Insights - Beechdean's business model relies heavily on collaborative partnerships with retailers, emphasizing the importance of mutual willingness to innovate and adapt [1][4] - The company has successfully launched new products and is experiencing growth in the UK ice cream market, which is valued at £1.5 billion ($2 billion) [5][3] - Beechdean aims for a growth rate of 10-15% annually over the next few years, targeting a revenue cap of £45-50 million [30] Business Performance - Beechdean has a diverse revenue stream, with approximately 55% coming from own-label partnerships, 0.5% from Beechdean branded retail, and around 5-6% from other branded products [15] - The company has maintained a 100% supply rate with Aldi this year, indicating strong operational efficiency [8] - After losing 85% of its business during the COVID-19 pandemic, Beechdean is restructuring its business model to mitigate future risks [8] Product Development and Innovation - Beechdean is focusing on innovative products, including a new ice cream line in collaboration with The Sidemen's food brand, Sides [5][12] - The company has invested in advanced machinery to enhance production capacity, aiming to produce a million portions of ice cream daily [16][18] - Growth has been particularly strong in the sorbet category due to seasonal demand, with a notable increase in sales during warmer weather [20] Market Positioning - Beechdean competes in a crowded market by leveraging partnerships with major retailers like Aldi, Morrisons, and Asda, rather than positioning itself against larger multinational brands [24][26] - The company is focused on building loyalty with its retail partners and is optimistic about future collaborations [14][32] - Beechdean's strategy includes a balance of flexibility and capacity, allowing it to respond quickly to market demands while maintaining production efficiency [24] Future Outlook - The company sees significant opportunities for growth in the foodservice sector, aiming to regain its previous market share lost during the pandemic [33] - Beechdean plans to expand its product offerings and strengthen its brand partnerships, which are viewed as a new growth avenue [33][32] - The domestic market remains a priority, although there are plans to explore international opportunities, such as supplying dog ice cream to Australia and Germany [27]