They're all things Hornet have imported from China, that's what!

People are always asking what kind of things we source for our goods and I always find it really difficult to answer - because what we do is so varied and different.  But we've been doing some analysis recently and I thought it would be interesting to share.

No surprise that most of what we import (around two thirds) is consumer goods.  There's a lot of gifts, home wares, clothing and children's goods - and then there's the wonderful little niche things I would never have thought of unless someone asked us to source them.  Cupcake wrappers.  Aquarium sponges, nets and filters.  Spice pans.  Magnetic L-plates.  Those Brazilian beach bats - used for Frescobol, in case you were wondering.  And I for one wouldn't have thought of a business selling props to professional studios for newborn photography!

Our B2B clients are possibly even more diverse.  Agricultural motorbikes.  Market-style umbrellas for cafes.  Electronic security gates.  Spare parts for coffee machines.  And a strange mix of things we are asked to source again and again, including pumps, custom mouldings, LED lighting and shop fittings.

And finally, one category I look after personally and I really enjoy, but which most people never think about, is packaging.  Yes, there's everyday packaging like foil bags for coffee beans, but what I love is the gift sets, special boxes and luxury items.  This time of year is great as everyone starts thinking about how to make their products stand out as the ideal Christmas gift.

So next time you see a velvet-lined box cradling a bottle of wine and two glasses; or hand-made cookies in a pressed metal tin with a Christmas scene, or even just organza bags, think of me!  I may have played a part in getting them here.