Product category:
Premiums and incentives, merchandise
News Release from: House of Sarunds | Subject: chocolate promotional gifts
Edited by the Marketingservicestalk Editorial
Team on 20 June 2008
Promotions in very good taste
The appeal of chocolate is virtually universal and for this reason it remains one of the most popular promotional products on the market.
Peter Martin, Managing Director of continental chocolate and confectionery supplier House of Sarunds, said: "With statistics indicating that the confectionery industry is worth over GBP5 billion in the UK alone, of which chocolates makes up GBP3 billion, and with an average of just under 200g of chocolate being eaten per person per week, it is clear to see that one of the main attractions of using it as a promotional tool is its huge popularity with the population at large" Martin believes this makes it suitable for almost any type of campaign: "Whatever the specific business sector or profile of the target audience, there is a chocolate or confectionery product that fits the bill
This article was originally published on Marketingservicestalk on 8 Feb 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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"While chocolate gifts are most obviously associated with Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter and other gift-giving or celebratory occasions, its broad-based appeal means it can be used in promotions all year round.
"Whether it is an off-the-shelf product or a bespoke item, all campaigns and needs can be catered for".
House of Sarunds has established itself as one of the key players in the luxury chocolate industry, both consumer and promotional, as Martin continued: "We believe we offer the largest range of exquisite continental chocolates and confectionery available in the UK and are the exclusive distributor of a number of brands including Kimberley's English handmade chocolates and truffles and Van Coillie handmade Belgian chocolates.
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"When you add our first-class customer service and presentation expertise into the mix then it is easy to see why buyers of promotional products return to us again and again".
One of the company's strengths lies in its membership of Veranco, a 37-member Belgian confectionery buying group, of which House of Sarunds is the only member in the UK.
According to Martin, this has clear benefits: "Being a member of a co-operative enables us to offer superb value to our customers through competitive pricing and fast delivery of products.
"We offer something to suit all tastes and budgets and can bring all the innovation and skills of a specialist chocolate shop on a commercial scale".
Today, the company employs 41 people based in Dorset, including an 18-strong sales force covering the whole of the UK, and has worked for many well-known and prestigious brands including Buckingham Palace, Jenners, BT and National Trust sites including Waddesdon Manor, as well as supplying and packing own-label products for most of the big retailers and department stores.
Martin said: "In the past seven years the business has grown by 550 per cent and we are confident that this success will continue, given the size of the promotions market and the potential of chocolate and confectionery within it".
House of Sarunds' extensive range includes loose and pre-packed chocolates, fudge, liquorice, marzipan, marshmallow and nougat, which means it can fulfil any promotional requirement, whether it is a seasonal incentive, a thank-you to staff or an ongoing marketing campaign.
To meet increasing demand for more specialist products it can also supply an extensive range of Fairtrade items including Chateau Vert Belgian Fairtrade chocolates, handmade organic items from The Chocolate Alchemist and a wide selection of sugar-free and no-added-sugar products.
Martin said: "Products are sourced from over 50 manufacturers, predominantly in Belgium, but also from many other countries including Germany, France, Holland, Italy and Spain and many of the chocolates we supply are handmade according to traditional methods.
"This level of quality really makes the products stand out from the crowd and their superiority is recognised by the recipient, which leaves them with an extremely positive impression".
As well as priding itself on the quality of the products it sources and supplies, the company is also a firm believer that presentation is everything when it comes to promotions and incentives.
Co-owner Jackie Martin's retail knowledge and artistic flair has seen this side of the business flourish.
She explained: "With promotional products it's the thought that counts: it is important to go the extra mile and really think through the image and feelings you want to portray to the recipient such as expressing your appreciation of them for their business.
"The item doesn't have to be expensive if the recipient feels and can see that a special effort has been made.
"It could be as simple as a box of chocolates tied with a stylish ribbon right through to a fully personalised wrapped ballotin.
"We offer a complete packing service which includes ribbons, wrapping papers, decoration labels and stickers and are experienced in the design and supply of private label ranges".
Customer service is another House of Sarunds' buzzword, as Peter Martin explained: "Having been on the receiving end of poor customer service and knowing the frustration that this causes, as well as being strongly aware that it leads to a loss of repeat business, we were adamant from the outset that providing a high level of personal service was imperative.
"We have built a reputation on providing a dependable service and our customers' appreciate being able to place an order secure in the knowledge that it will be fulfilled without any problems.
"We recently commissioned an independent survey of our customers and this really highlighted that providing a high level of service and support is valued and appreciated.
"While there are a multitude of suppliers of chocolates and confectionery to the promotions industry, we believe we stand out by providing luxury, quality, value for money and service and this will stand us in good stead well in to the future".
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