If you’ve been searching for a food marketing agency that genuinely understands the realities of running a food or drink business, you’re probably wondering what it’s actually like to work with one — and more specifically, what it’s like to work with Relish Food Marketing.
Perhaps you have tried working with a different Food Marketing Agency in the past and things didn’t pan out as you had hoped. It is so important to ‘click’ with the people that are there to support and advise you so you can work as a team. Building a trust based partnership—where everyone is striving towards the same goal and focused on how to get the best outcome for your unique food or drink business.
What’s it like working with a Food Marketing Agency?
We are going to take a closer look at what you can expect when you partner with Relish Marketing. We answer some of those questions that founders put to us most often, giving you food for thought to make an informed choice when considering if you need a food marketing agency on your team (and which one!). Could it be the logical next step to get your business heading in the right direction?
Should I Choose A Specialist Food Marketing Agency?
Yes! Specialists in the food industry come with a deep understanding of all of the regulations, supply chains and trends. This means, unlike generalist agencies, you aren’t starting at the bottom of a steep learning curve. Relish works exclusively with food and drink businesses so you can draw on the depth of of our expertise:
… came to us with clarity, gave us a strategy and helped us achieve goals that we didn’t think possible. Jo is a true mentor…
Jenny, The Marshmallowist
This specialism is one of the biggest reasons businesses choose us. It saves time, avoids costly mistakes, and means every recommendation is based on real industry experience.
Your return on investment from a food-focused team at a food marketing agency is generally much higher.
Agency or Consultant? Or something better?
Food Marketing Agencies tend to execute the work (ie do the marketing) whereas Food Marketing Consultants provide the strategy (ie tell you what to do and how). Most people try to categorise us — “Are you a food marketing agency or a consultant?” The truth is Relish sits happily between the two as we believe it is the best way forward.
We lead with strategy, positioning and commercial clarity, then help you apply it through the right marketing activity. That means:
Just clear thinking, practical support, and activity that actually moves your business forward.
When Should I Hire a Food Marketing Agency?
Stage matters less than ambition. If you’re open to change and want your food or drink brand to grow, expert help is invaluable. Make sure you hire a food marketing agency with a proven track record that you feel comfortable with. We have already helped over 450 clients across all the sectors of the food and drink industry and you can read some of our case studies to get an idea of how we have helped. Furthermore, take a look at our food and drink category wall to see all the different areas we have been involved in over the years.
Relish typically supports:
They took the time to understand our brand and tailored their strategies to our specific needs. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, we’ve secured some fantastic listings.
Richard, Nine Tines Vodka
You Don’t Need to be a Marketer to Create a Successful Food Brand
Most founders we work with aren’t natural marketers. They’re product people, operators, innovators, or entrepreneurs. Founders have many hats to wear, and the marketing one is often one where they need help.
We keep things simple, explain everything in plain English, and focus on what will actually drive commercial results.
So what does the process look like?
Most engagements begin with a focused piece of strategic work in order to gain a deep appreciation and understanding of your brand:
From there, we may support you as an outsourced marketing lead—keeping things clear and result‑orientated.
Costs & Timelines – What to Expect
If You’re Not Ready Yet — That’s Okay
Sometimes the right move is to focus on product, operations, or cash flow first rather than hiring a food marketing agency. If we think that’s the case, we’ll tell you.
When you are ready, having strong positioning in place means every pound you spend on marketing works harder.
Helping You Navigate Routes to Market
Whether you’re weighing up DTC vs retail, preparing for foodservice, or trying to get retail ready, we help you make informed decisions.
Retail buyers want more than a great product — they want a compelling story, evidence of demand, and professional presentation. We help you build all of that.
Marketing That Actually Works for Food Brands
We help you focus on what matters:
Jo’s understanding of our brand and her ability to connect with the right partners have opened doors we couldn’t have reached on our own. She is proactive, professional, and genuinely invested in our success.
Roni, RoniB’s Kitchen
Small budgets can still make a big impact when the strategy is clear.
Why Relish Is Different From Other Food Marketing Agencies
Three things set us apart:
- Commercial clarity first — strategy before tactics
- Deep food & drink expertise — we know the category inside out
- Practical, hands-on support — we don’t just advise; we help you implement
We’re here to help you grow — and won’t overwhelm you with jargon or unnecessary activity. If you want to hear a little more from the founder of Relish, Jo Densley, you can listen to her being interviewed by Chris Fordy on the Northern Powerhouses podcast as part of the Business Success Stories series.
What Founders Say
One founder put it perfectly:
“Jo’s work has been fundamental in helping me determine my overall product and brand identity. I consider Relish a must for anyone entering the FMCG space with little or no experience.” — Founder, Chocolate Startup
