Vetro New Plymouth moved location only a month ago but already owner Gavin Hayes is reaping success.
“My main goal is to have a successful, profitable business that I am proud of.”
“Even though it is early days it is proving to be a good move as our turnover has nearly doubled. It has been massive.”
Always seeking the next challenge Gavin felt Vetro had outgrown its location and wanted to move away from the cooking aspect of the business and focus on the ingredients themselves.
“The meals were not the real purpose of the shop yet somehow they took over. It was something that I was passionate about but when I tried to employ someone else to extend the service things didn’t work out.”
“I am normally pretty relaxed but I do like things done in a certain way. I am a bit of a perfectionist.”
Being a perfectionist has enabled the business to succeed as Gavin is supported by his mentor Jan Patulski of Vetro Trading in Napier.
“He has got all the systems and has given me the templates which have been crucial to my success. I feel I am here now as he has put me on the right track and given me heaps of support and advice. If someone asked me, what is your secret to success? I would reply Jan Patulski.”
A major advantage of the moving to the new premises has meant onsite storage and nine off street parking spaces.
“Having a store room on site means we can hold more stock. Previously we were operating from two different locations with off site storage which was something we were struggling with.
“Customer feedback has been really positive and they are loving the new spacious shop.”
The new store located at 322 Devon St East opposite Mason Appliances now houses a pack room enabling Gavin to offer a wider selection of packaging sizes to his increasing customer base.
“We have a food safe packing room whereby we buy in bulk and pack down into the retail packaging. We use it for nuts, fruits, seeds and grains. This is quite a big part of our business.
“We have always been able to offer repacked bulk foods but the new premises gives us space to offer a bigger range of sizes so that we can better cater to our wholesale customers. Also now if someone wants an odd size we can do it straight away.”
“That space has an oven, sink and stainless steel benches which could be extended and turned into a commercial kitchen down the track.”
His passion for food has seen new products being introduced all the time alongside regular shopper’s favourites and basic staples.
“We can’t sell it if we haven’t got it so I enjoy increasing our product range and assisting customers looking for specific ingredients.”
Gavin has gained sound business skills and great experience from being a chef for 26 years and running his own catering business with his wife Kerryn for eight years.
His dream of owning a deli became reality when they purchased Vetro Mediterranean Foods on 1 October, 2012 and they have worked very hard to rebuild it into a thriving business.
In his first premises Gavin’s focus was to share his passion for food with the customers creating dishes using the ingredients from his over-sized pantry.
“I wanted to do the cooking myself using the ingredients from the shop promoting the products in every day meals while also building the stock levels up.”
“I enjoy being in the shop and acknowledge our loyal and super supportive customers. I’m proud of what they have helped me achieve.”
Vetro Trading are Retailers & Wholesalers of quality ingredients sourced from the Mediterranean and Europe.
Vetro’s strategy has been to offer everyday low prices to make premium Mediterranean Food affordable and accessible to more people. This simple strategy has seen the growth of 5 successful retail outlets that also service the wholesale industry throughout New Zealand.
We are committed to our aim of enabling more people to eat quality Mediterranean Food and to extend our service from the discerning connoisseur to the first time cook.