Local Partnerships: Selling Boards With Cheese Shops, Bakeries and Wineries

People who buy good cheese, bread or wine are exactly the people who want a good board to serve it on. Local food businesses reach them every day.

1. Who to approach

• Cheese shops and delicatessens
• Bakeries
• Wineries and wine shops
• Butchers and farm shops
• Coffee roasters

2. Shared displays
Your board in the cheese shop window, with a small sign naming your store. In return, their products appear in your display. Both shops look better and both get new visitors.

3. Gift baskets
A board with cheese and wine, or with a loaf and butter. Price it at a gift level and sell it in both shops, before Christmas and as a corporate gift.

4. Joint events
A cheese tasting in your store with the producer, or a serving demonstration at the winery. One evening can bring in customers who have never visited you.

5. Referral vouchers
Each partner hands out a small voucher for the other: a gift of care oil, or a small saving. Codes on the vouchers show you what works.

6. Keep it simple
Agree in writing who supplies what, who pays for what and for how long. Start with one partner and one season.

7. Review
Count sales and vouchers after the season. Keep what worked and try the next partner.

Doshka Monte supplies oak and ash serving boards for retail and gift baskets. Ask us for wholesale terms.