Thirteen years ago, Gourmet Organic Herbs were operating from the kitchen table at home. Now they send their herbs and spices all over Australia – aiming for big business delivery, with that same kitchen-table approach to customers, sustainability and quality.
We caught up with owner Anibal Zarate to learn how Unleashed’s inventory management solution has helped his business grow.
Tell us all about Gourmet Organics
“We import bulk herbs and spices which we process down in the factory to our retail brand, Gourmet Organic Herbs. We then supply our product to the food service industry as well as food manufacturers.”
People love your organic herbs and spices, then?
“I say to people ‘I’m not in the business of selling herbs and spices, I’m in the business of relationships and as a consequence of those relationships I’m able to sell some herbs and spices.’”
You’ve grown a lot – any pains?
“Originally I was on the production side and I knew what was happening on the floor – how much stock we had, what needed ordering – but since I removed myself from production I found I had a blind spot. I had to go out physically to check things. We needed a more automated way of doing things.”
Did Unleashed help?
“We were really lucky. When we found Unleashed, it was like it was meant to be – literally all the data we had in place was everything that needed to be on Unleashed. Now I can get all the information I need no matter where I am.
“The other bonus was the ability to integrate with other software the business was using, like Xero.
“Unleashed was the best match for us. I can’t even remember the names of the other solutions we looked at.”
Tell us the bad bits. We won’t cry.
“I realized it would be only as good as the data I put in, so we really took a lot of time to make sure the information was correct and to learn as much as we could about the system before we went live. In the end the integration with Unleashed was seamless.
That wasn’t so bad. What business results have you seen?
“Well first and foremost the remote access has really given me more time to work on the business. Which is great for my work/life balance!
“It’s allowed us to set budgets and goals based on tangible data. And we’ve noticed less error and become more efficient.
“Our new sales rep can place an order and invoice on the spot from a tablet. And because everything is recorded in the cloud when she comes back to the warehouse everything is ready to restock the van. It’s ended up being a really valuable feature for us.”
What would you say to anyone thinking of using Unleashed?
“Definitely take advantage of the trial period, really take the time to learn the system. And once they’ve chosen Unleashed, really take the time to put as much detailed and correct information in it they can so the system runs properly for them from day dot.
“Then you’ll start seeing the benefits straight away.”
