Today we’d like to introduce you to Wayne Dills.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After 20 years in the Action Sports Industry, I wanted to try something new. I spent 4 years in the wine industry from 2007-2011, first as a buyer and then as a salesperson in the Fine Wine division of a major distributer here in Massachusetts. I used one of my vacation weeks to attend a major food show in Paris to see what kind of products where available but not currently imported into the U.S. Six months later, I had some samples and took another vacation week and walked into some grocers and was struck by what I heard. There seemed to by an openness to new food items. In fact, a need for new food items.
I quit my job in the Fine Wine Division, picked up 4-5 accessories in the Ski Industry as a manufactures Rep, worked part-time at a small wine boutique and spent all my available time on the road contacting key small independent grocers throughout New England to build the Brand Émoi. After the first year I left the wine store and after 2 years I left the Ski Industry again to focus 100% on Émoi.
I brought in some other categories from other suppliers, chocolate, olive oils, preserves, pasta sauces etc. After 6 years, I currently have my products in 250 stores in seven states.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Year three, I developed the Artichoke Bruschetta and we had an instant hit. We couldn’t keep up with demand so to see exactly what the demand was, we produced twice as much as we had sold the previous year and added many new items. Some of the new items did great and some did not. We are finally getting a handle on our 8-12 most popular items and will continue to focus on those for now.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We try and make condiments that can be used in one or all of three very popular American staple foods, Pizza, Pasta or Salads. I wanted to offer specialty foods for everyone, not just for special occasions. Specialty quality for everyday use.
Clean ingredients, many non-dairy based dips, that can be sold in refrigerated displays, non-refrigerated or both.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love Boston! Boston and the surrounding towns and states are perfect for our products. I spent my first 20 professional years promoting items to Gen X’ers in the Action Sports Industry and hope to spend the next 10 years working with Millennials and beyond. I love being around young, creative, energetic people and Boston is filled with them.
Retail is tough and getting tougher. Owners of Commercial Retail Space need to be sympathetic and realistic about the cost of space.
Pricing:
- All of our items have a recommended consumer price of 9.99 or less.
Contact Info:
- Address: Savory Importing
945 Concord St.,
Framingham, MA 01701 - Website: savoryimporting.com
- Phone: 508-620-5345
- Email: info@savoryimporting.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmoiDips
Image Credit:
Savenors
Bacco’s
Boston Cheese Cellar
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