July/Aug 2008 
Although Christmas is still some way off, this is nevertheless the time of the year when the highly acclaimed Copas family business begins talking turkey to the independent butchers, food halls and top-notch delis with whom they align themselves so closely. We truly that in 2008 a helpful fin will enable these stunning free range turkeys to strut around some of Cookham’s most picturesque cherry orchards & fields with even more pride than ever. We’ve also tried to expand our IQ by working with Icon’s Introducing Book series, a bluffer’s guide to brightness if you like – Oh and before you say anything (we know!)

May/June 2008 
This month we widened our net to look at a local food distributor that’s been modestly plying its trade for the last 36 years. OK we’re still working with top-notch food, so whilst we’re swimming in new waters, we’re hardly in the same ‘courageous category’ as someone like Dr Who, who’s been nipping through time saving the earth from every imaginable alien with a ‘I hate humans,’ complex. Nevertheless in an age when impersonal and quick-fix solutions still holds too much sway, it’s been fantastic to unearth an independent, family concern like Town & Country Fine Foods where unswerving personal service & specialist solutions (esp where chocs pastry and biscuits are concerned) still rules the roost.

March / April 2008 
Once again the award season is upon us and whilst strutting one’s stuff is probably not very dignified, it’s nevertheless a fantastic opportunity for small brands with self-belief to show big brands that smart marketing isn’t simply about big bloated budgets. We loved seeing one of our fav clients, Rod & Ben’s, achieve finalist status for our joint marketing vision. Soup is so often denied the attention it richly deserves on account of often being wrongly perceived as nothing more than functional fast-food fodder. We also helped 2 Fishwives reach the latter stages of this year’s Waitrose Small Producer awards, because fine fish appreciation is something we take very seriously.

Feb 2008
I think we can safely say now that with clients stretching from Cornwall to the Isle of Mull that Pilchard is now truly a national player. Obviously the more astute amongst you will notice that Wales still eludes us, however with two new partners in Somerset (cheese and beans it's surely only a matter of time before we break (not wind) across the border. Island bakery biscuits are truly a nibbly treat without equal and although it's a shame that my healthier eating pledge didn't even last until February, from a 'dunking in tea perspective' things have never been better because, crisps, fishcakes and cakes, nice as they are, just didn't fit easily into my mug.

Jan 2008
Another year another dollar. All in all 2007 treated us pretty well apart, from a few sticky months over the Summer when we felt less popular than a small shoal of ravenous piranhas. Than again a new year that begins with us being reacquainted with Darling Spud's fabulous all natural melty crisps and a fresh batch of handmade cakes can't be too shoddy. Lots of potentially exciting news bubbling just under the surface, however it's probably wise to keep Mum until the deals are done.

Dec 2007
Alas, despite a spirited effort Pilchard's trophy cabinet remains less well stocked than Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard. Although we accept that the red wine might have been playing cruel tricks on our ears, Vicki and I still swear that we won the people's vote when it came to the cheer-o-meter relating to all the finalist's names being called out - OK on reflection it might just have been a polite response to our rather silly company name. At the very least us posh night at Ascot race course gave both of us the chance to spot our latest client The Handmade Cake Company wearing suits, which believe you me isn't something one sees very often.

Nov 2007
Another promising month began with the arrival of our second organic client Twisted Juices. The unique twist to their tale is that they cunningly combine nutritious blends of fresh fruit that are specifically geared at providing a gentle boost to a key parts of your body, be it your eyes, tummy or heart. & if that wasn't rewarding enough in its own right, Pilchard has also been short-listed for a regional marketing award, being judged by marketing guru and once-upon-a time Olympic gold medallist, Adrian Moorhouse. Let's just hope he remembers his aquatic roots!

Oct 2007
Some might think working with our latest client (two fishwives) is sailing a little to close to the wind when you're a couple of young thrusting pilchards. Others might say that there are many worse ways to go than being submerged in béchamel sauce and dreamy creamy mash (or gently massaged shaped into a rotund, yet light-to-bite fishcake. Either way we're talking top-notch fish fayre for those who've always wanted to have their (fish)cake and eat it.

Sep 2007
Thankfully Pilchard has finally cracked nuts! Whilst the premium pedigree of Salty Dog's full-bodied crisps is known throughout the land, there are still too many snack addicts out there who remain blissfully unaware that our pedigree pooch also champions a sumptuous portfolio of highly nibbly noshable nuts. For some while now Judy & Dave have been doggedly digging around, looking to broaden the appeal of their blossoming snacks portfolio. They saw premium peanuts as a mastiff opportunity to whippet the branded nuts category into shape, providing a little extra class to a sector dominated by ugly pugs.

Aug 2007
Another truly mad month as a few more unbelievably enterprising young brands drop us a line about whether we'd like to join them on a little swim of adventure. Liquid entertainment is the name of the game this month with the refreshingly informal teapigs asking us to help them breathe a little new life into the seriously fuddy-duddy and over stewed world of tepid tea offerings. There's also a new milkshake on the block (Shaken Udder) who seem hellbent on providing a tastier alternative to the incumbent fruit 'glues' currently clogging up the arteries of the UK's milkshake mad community.

July 2007
This was the month that we began thinking about fabulously fresh crabmeat and lively Afro-Caribbean sauces. In the first instance seafoodandeatit are working hard to remind us that it is the shy retiring British crab that' widely acknowledged as the classiest crustacean the seven seas has to offer. Naija, unlike the average importer of memorable Afro-Caribbean cuisine, represents a local, 'food miles' friendly alternative that specializes in feisty pastes & sauces that simmer with authority and authenticity.