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BRAND PROFILE the stores, making the product, and delivering the next day. “Gone are the days people settled for a frozen dinner from the microwave,” Ms Blain said. “People are feeling the effect of a time-poor lifestyle, and wanting to maintain a healthy lifestyle is becoming an important focus for all. Not having to decipher complicated labels, and grabbing something nutritional, easy and tasty is what consumers want and need.” Another point of difference, believes Ms Blain, is the business’s attitude towards family. “No competitor has the beautiful family behind it that Food Queens has,” she said. “Everyone that works for FQ does so wholeheartedly. Everyone believes in what they’re contributing to and wants the company to succeed because they feel like every consumer should be able to share the beautiful products with their families, just as they do.” Food Queens’ products are ranged in selected Woolworths Metro stores across Sydney and Melbourne with Queensland coming soon. IGA stores around the country also stock a variety of its products, as well as a number of independent fruit markets and delicatessens in NSW. “\\\[We’re after\\\] a personable relationship with open communication channels,” Ms Blain said. “We want to work with retailers so we can supply what they want and need, while always retaining the integrity, quality and reliability that’s built what we have today.” Food Queens’ pizzas and arancini are also served at NSW sporting stadiums and the International Convention Centre Sydney. Overcoming obstacles and honouring family Food Queens is proud of its relationships. The ongoing support from retailers and suppliers is what has really helped the business to “weather the storms” over the years. Ms Blain admits that at times it’s been very difficult for her family. “In recent years, with the passing of my sister-in-law, best friend and business partner Jasmine, it really put a hold on the business,” she said. “Jasmine is one of the co-founders of The Cottage and her shared passion rubbed off on us all. “In honour of Jasmine, we’ve created Jassie’s Real Meals. These represent what Jasmine used to cook for us. It was difficult creating this, as it was extremely emotional, but when we look at Jassie’s Real Meals on the shelf, we’re able to share our family’s vision, our passion for food, with the consumer. We’re proud, as we feel Jasmine is still with us.” The COVID-19 pandemic, of course, has also been a difficult period for Food Queens to manage. During the crisis the business has had to restructure. “We’ve become a leaner manufacturing machine that will position us post-COVID-19 to be successful in the future,” Ms Blain said. She adds that while business can be difficult, she believes the journey has certainly been worthwhile. “As a business owner, sometimes you don’t sleep often enough as there’s always something happening,” she said. “The people and family around me are vital. They give me the unconditional support that’s needed to get through each day.” Looking ahead, Ms Blain hopes her business will become the market leader in “real meal” solutions. “Each day,” she concludes, “is a new day in the world of innovating something new for the retailer, and after 16 years in this business I feel pretty lucky to say that I’m still excited to go to work every morning.” JUN, 2020 RETAIL WORLD 27