Welcome to the Bio-D blog page. To enhance your reading experience, our blog has been organised into categories. Company News provides updates on developments at Bio-D, offering insights into the latest happenings and behind-the-scenes stories. Hints & Tips deliver practical advice on sustainable living and adopting eco-friendly practices. Finally, Products & Ingredients reveal the story behind Bio-D’s products, highlighting their ingredients and contribution to a greener world.
Bio-D recently had the pleasure of visiting Bristol for the Essential Trading Open Day an event that brought together a vibrant community of independent retailers and suppliers. Representing Bio-D were Charlotte Blenkiron, Sales Account Manager, and Hannah Boynton, Marketing Executive, who spent two days connecting with customers, exploring the local retail scene, and celebrating our long-standing relationship with Essential.
A Partnership That Spans 25+ Years
For more than 25 years, Essential Trading has been a trusted partner of Bio-D —and this milestone gave us the perfect reason to head to Bristol and meet our customers face-to-face.
Essential is one of the UK’s largest and most successful worker co-operatives, built on an “all in it together” philosophy that champions collaboration, fairness, and sustainability. As pioneers in the manufacturing and distribution of vegetarian, vegan, organic, sustainable, and free-from products, they’ve been leading the way in ethical retail for decades.
Their co-operative model means that Essential is owned and managed by its workers — a collective of passionate people who share resources, knowledge, and a commitment to positive change. This unique structure empowers everyone involved and ensures that ethical principles remain at the core of every decision.
Bio-D is proud to have supplied Essential and its members throughout this partnership, and the recent Open Day was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our shared values and strengthen these long-standing relationships.
Connecting with Customers at the Open Day
The Open Day was hosted at Essential’s Bristol warehouse, providing an intimate and engaging setting to speak with retailers directly. Charlotte and Hannah were able to showcase Bio-D’s expanding product range and highlight some of our most popular items, including our Yorkshire Rhubarb Candle, which proved to be an instant hit with attendees. The candle’s unique blend of sweet rhubarb and earthy tones captured the attention of many visitors, generating conversations and positive feedback.
Speaking to customers in person allowed the team to hear directly why so many retailers have remained loyal to Bio-D over the years. A recurring theme in these conversations was the appreciation for our eco-friendly credentials, independent ownership, and commitment to transparency. Many attendees shared that they have stocked Bio-D products since day one, and their continued support reflects the trust and value they place in our brand.
Charlotte Blenkiron, Bio-D’s Sales Account Manager, shared her excitement about the event:
“It’s always fantastic to meet our customers face-to-face. Hearing their feedback, seeing how passionate they are about our products, and sharing our expanding range really reminds us why Bio-D has such loyal supporters. Bristol was the perfect place to celebrate our long-term partnership with Essential and connect with retailers who share our values.”
Celebrating Bio-D’s Eco-Friendly, Independent Ethos
One of the highlights of the visit was hearing firsthand how Bio-D’s ethically produced, environmentally conscious products resonate with retailers and their customers. Our hand washes, cleaning products, candles, and other items are crafted with naturally derived ingredients and designed to minimise environmental impact. The positive feedback at the Open Day reinforced our mission to provide eco-friendly, effective, and transparent products that retailers feel proud to stock and customers feel confident using.
The Yorkshire Rhubarb Candle, in particular, received a lot of attention, not just for its fragrance but also for the story behind it. Retailers were interested in how the candle fits into Bio-D’s wider product philosophy—combining natural, sustainable ingredients with beautifully designed packaging that appeals to modern consumers. The excitement around this product was a perfect reminder of how our innovation and quality continue to resonate with both long-term and new customers.
Exploring Gloucester Road’s Independent Retail Scene
The day after the Open Day, Charlotte and Hannah took the opportunity to explore Gloucester Road, a famous shopping street in Bristol known for its independent stores. Many of these shops proudly stock Bio-D products, and the visit allowed the team to see our items in their natural retail environment. From beautifully arranged displays of hand washes and cleaning products to discussions with shop owners about customer preferences, the trip provided valuable insights into how our products are experienced in-store.
Visiting Gloucester Road reinforced the importance of supporting independent retailers, who often share our values around sustainability, transparency, and ethical business practices. It was inspiring to see how our products have become a trusted choice for stores that care about offering environmentally responsible options to their customers.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Our Reach
The Essential Open Day and Gloucester Road visit were not just opportunities to celebrate Bio-D’s history—they were also chances to look ahead. With an expanding range of products, including hand washes, cleaning liquids, candles, and more, Bio-D continues to innovate while staying true to our core principles. Engaging with retailers directly helps us understand what’s important to them and their customers, ensuring that our product development remains customer-focused and aligned with our eco-friendly ethos.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Customers and Essential
Bio-D is grateful to all the retailers who attended the Essential Open Day and have supported us over the years. Your loyalty, feedback, and enthusiasm for our products motivate us to keep innovating and delivering high-quality, environmentally responsible solutions. We are also proud to continue our partnership with Essential, a co-operative that embodies collaboration, support, and shared growth within the independent retail community.
Charlotte Blenkiron summed up the trip perfectly:
“Bristol was a reminder of why we do what we do. From meeting loyal customers who have supported us for decades to seeing our products in independent stores, the trip reinforced the value of our relationships and the importance of our eco-friendly, transparent approach. We can’t wait to continue growing with our retailers and customers alike.”
Bio-D’s visit to Bristol highlights the importance of building strong relationships with independent retailers, celebrating long-standing partnerships, and staying committed to eco-friendly and transparent business practices. We look forward to the next opportunity to connect with our customers in person, showcase our expanding range, and continue making sustainable products that people love.
