Melt

Q&A with Trevor Hatch from Melt

We caught up with the owner of Melt - a company that specialises in producing hand-made, fi ne fragrance candles of fabulous quality - to learn more about the heritage of the brand and discover what they have in store for Home & Gift, DP1-D68

Trevor, Melt is a well-loved and wellestablished home fragrance brand. What’s the story of the company?

A turning point for Melt was December 2000. The last year had seen us migrate from the kitchen, to the garage, to a small basement unit in the local town, and now seemed like the right time to commit to bigger premises more suitable to lugging bags of heavy wax around. We knew it had to be practical but in an ideal world, and being country bumpkins, we also wanted somewhere idyllic, peaceful, and rural. After weeks of trying, and seemingly no nearer, the village pub beckoned and in we piled for a spirit-lifting beer. The local farmer followed us in soon after and found us gathered in a corner of the bar discussing what we could do next. He quietly earwigged for 10 minutes, coughed discreetly, and casually mentioned that he had a spare barn for rent.

We moved onto Backridge Farm in April 2001 and have happily rumbled around the yard ever since. Obligingly, the farmer converted more barns at roughly the same pace as we needed bigger premises and so, we’re still here. Our last, and fi nal, move saw us take up residence in the Open Barn in 2007 where all our candle manufacturing is now done, and we have slowly gathered the llamas, geese, rescue hens and beehives in the fi elds outside the workshop doors, which give a wonderful rhythm and heartbeat to our working day.

Melt specialises in producing hand-made, fi ne fragrance candles of fabulous quality and it is our willingness to step out of the conventional fragrance arena, in order to seek out more unusual perfume combinations for which we are now known. We have worked hard to source our raw materials locally and over 89% of our ingredients and packaging comes from Lancashire companies, with the balance being from the UK.

Finally, in keeping with how entirely handmade our products are, and our location in the beautiful Ribble Valley, we operate a ‘zero waste’ policy and our packaging is recyclable. Our products are vegan and we will not use beeswax or palm wax. What makes you di erent to other home fragrance brands?

Our willingness to step outside the usual fragrance arena and develop more sophisticated fragrances such as those you would wear yourself. There is nothing wrong with ‘Blueberry Muffin’, ‘Vanilla or ‘Coffee’ but you will not find them in the Melt stable of fragrances. Nor do we copy other people’s fragrances- so no ‘Pomegranate Noir’ for us. All our fragrances are unique to Melt. You’re known for your pillar candles – what makes them so special?

Their very distinct almost ‘bark-like’ look sets them apart, coupled with the beautiful colours and of course the fragrances.

What sort of retailers do you supply?

By choice we supply smaller, niche, independents who care about the brands they stock and their provenance. They like to get to know their suppliers and products and so we know the Melt brand is in safe hands with them.

What products would you recommend a new retailer buys?

Well, our Pillars set us apart, but the entire range sells very well with retail price points ranging from below £10 to £40. How have the past 12 months been for the company?

Fabulous! Watching our stockists innovate with new ways to trade and going the extra mile to keep their customers supplied has been a joy to see. It has been hard work for all but has been a creative and dynamic time. You’re exhibiting at Harrogate Home & Gift. What will you be showcasing?

You can fi nd us in DP1-D68 and we will showcase the full range. Call: 01200 443377 Email: info@themeltco.com Visit: themeltco.com