Episode 81: Doubling Merchant Gourmet’s Sales £15M to £30M in 4 years

In the latest episode of Brand Growth Heroes, Fiona Fitz chats with Richard Peake, Managing Director of Merchant Gourmet and one of the rare non-founder guests to grace our show. As many of you know, senior leadership teams often play a pivotal role in driving brands forward during their second growth phase. So, spotlighting people like Richard is just as important as it is founders.


When Richard entered the role, Merchant Gourmet was a £15 million business. Fast forward four years, and the company has doubled its revenue to £30 million. Bold innovations, a revamped product range, and strategic market expansion have powered this incredible growth. Richard’s leadership has been transformational, proving that even non-founders can be powerful catalysts for change and success.

Our conversation delves into the power of innovation and the importance of staying ahead of consumer trends. Richard shares invaluable lessons in new product development (NPD). One particularly fascinating theme we covered was servant leadership—how Richard and his team drive Merchant Gourmet’s growth by empowering their people and focusing on purpose.

Additionally, we explore how export markets present an exciting new frontier for brands looking to scale. It was also refreshing to hear Richard admit that even seasoned professionals can find brand positioning a challenge. So, if you’ve ever struggled with getting it just right, you’re in good company!

Enjoy the episode, and as always, let us know your thoughts!
#Podcast
#BusinessPodcast
#EntrepreneurPodcast
#StartupPodcast
#UKBusiness
#EntrepreneurUK
#SmallBusinessUK
#BrandGrowth
#ScaleUp
#InvestmentBanking
#CPGBrands
#MarketingPodcast
#RetailUK
#VentureCapital
#PodcastClips

*Useful Links:*
[Richard Peake LinkedIn](  / richard-peake-b435038  )
[Merchant Gourmet LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/merc...)
[Merchant Gourmet website](https://www.merchant-gourmet.com/)

If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, don't forget to click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review!

You won’t want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth. Plus, your small gesture will be truly appreciated.

Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!

Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: [LinkedIn,](  / posts  ) [Facebook,](  / brandgrowthheroes  ) [Instagram](  / brandgrowthheroes  ) and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkZz....

Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, [Ballagroove.com](http://Ballagroove.com) and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, [Social KEWS](https://socialkews.co.uk/).