The raw food brand is growing, while staying true to its roots
Cotswold RAW is an independent, family-run company in the Cotswolds producing high quality Biological Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) for dogs. The inspiration for the business came after the owners saw the benefits of a raw diet on their own dogs.
Q You’re on the move! Tell us how Cotswold RAW began its journey and why this move is such an important milestone.
Cotswold RAW was founded in a barn at home, making 100kg batches of fresh raw food for our family dogs! We welcomed our first canine customers by selling our raw meals at a local Cotswold village show in 2015. Fast-forward nine years, and we’ve built up a substantial loyal customer base.
It wasn’t long before we struggled to keep up with production demands at our first factory in the North Cotswolds. Finding a new facility that aligned with our business needs wasn’t easy. The search took two years, as we were determined to stay true to our Cotswold roots, and keep our manufacturing within the countryside, and retain our 30-strong loyal team, many of whom have been with us since we started.
The relocation, an investment of over £1 million, sees us move to Bourton-on-the-Water, just 15 miles from our original site. Providing over 30,000 sq ft, the new modern facility will double production capacity, producing over 4 million meals a year — a total game changer for us. The move will also hugely improve overall team efficiency by bringing everyone together at one central location.
Introducing a new digital adoption will also aid our growth with software, bringing teams, data, and technology together to automate our processes. Capacity freezers and a separate unit for dispatch will also prove to be transformative for the business.
Initially, the focus will be on ensuring all our ranges are in stock all the time. Previously, we’ve had stock challenges from the increased demand for our products, such as our single protein range and our award-winning sausages. We look forward to being fully stocked across all our ranges and meeting the increased demand. In turn, it will be great to see the Cotswold RAW ranges stocked more widely in retailers across the whole country. It’s an exciting time for the business and the team.
Q How important are independent retailers to your business?
Independent retailers have supported us from the very start — without that support, we wouldn’t be where we are today. With our production capacity substantially increasing, we look forward to working with more independents across the country, introducing them to our popular ranges.
Q What makes Cotswold RAW’s range of raw food stand out?
At Cotswold RAW, we’re a passionate, family-run company that is independently owned and dedicated to making nutritious, wholesome meals for dogs. Our quality ingredients are at the heart of everything we do. All our fresh ingredients are from Britain and we support local farming wherever possible by using ingredients from our southwest region. We also use free-range and organic chicken. Our customers expect the very best quality across our wide range of meals and treats.
Q Why are owners choosing to feed their pets raw?
Many pet foods continue to be created for the ease and convenience of humans, not always for the nutritional benefit of the dog. Thankfully, more dog owners are checking food labels for ingredients and researching cooking methods used, keen to learn how much goodness actually remains in their dog’s food bowl.
Dog owners have become far more aware of the many health benefits from feeding raw. At the same time, feeding a raw diet is no longer seen as complex and time-consuming. Our complete meals contain everything a dog needs to stay fit and well, making it much easier to follow a raw diet and feel confident that your dog is getting all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs to be happy and healthy.
With Cotswold RAW, you know you’re getting high-quality ingredients, freshness in preparation, and nutrition you can trust.
Learn more on the Cotswold RAW diet at cotswoldraw.com or to find out about stocking the range, contact the trade team at [email protected]