In Short

== Waitrose adds buns ==

Waitrose has launched Lardy Cakes and Saffron Buns, made by Salisbury-based Nicholas & Harris, to meet demand for more traditional teatime treats. "’Teatime’ does seem to be back. We’re seeing good growth in traditional areas such as crumpets, muffins and scones as well as sticky lines such as Belgian buns, yum yums and iced finger buns," said bakery buyer Jo Skelton.

== Lottie beats Dragons ==

Yorkshire cake company Lottie Shaw’s has won a contract to supply three National Trust shops and newly opened Harrogate food hall Fodder with its Yorkshire parkin after taking part in a Dragons’ Den-style event at the Harrogate Speciality Food Fair. The company had just 10 minutes to pitch its product to food and drink buyers in front of a live audience.

== James Hall expands ==

Spar wholesaler James Hall & Co has bought the former Ashberry Sandwiches factory in Blackpool to supply Spar stores in the north of England. The factory will produce the retailer’s own-brand sandwich range, plus a new line under The Great Northern Sandwich Company brand.

== Research points to small retailer squeeze ==

Small, independent retailers feel they are being squeezed to breaking point by heavy-handed wholesalers in the recession, according to research by online business insurance comparison site simplybusiness.co.uk. Around one-third (31%) of small retailers complained of suffering disproportionately during the recession compared to bigger companies, while 29% complained of receiving poorer-quality stock from suppliers. Nearly 60% said suppliers were hitting them with tougher payment terms.