Throughout 2025, businesses in specialty food have faced many challenges due to changing regulations. From manufacturers to retailers and restaurants, everyone has felt the impact. The Specialty Food Association (SFA) members have come together to share their experiences and strategies to navigate these new laws and tariffs.
Today, we hear from Kylie VanSickle of British Wholesale Imports (BWI), a family-run business started nearly 40 years ago by her mother, Kerry. BWI arose from a simple quest for a quality cup of tea in Los Angeles, making it one of the largest importers of British goods in the U.S.
This year has tested BWI’s resilience like never before. With rising tariffs, new regulations, and supply chain issues, they’ve had to rethink their entire operation. Kylie explained that they are now using a new ERP system, which helps them understand product performance and costs better. This shift is streamlining their catalog, lowering overhead, and improving purchasing decisions.
Instead of outsourcing regulatory tracking, the team at BWI handles everything internally. Kylie’s husband dedicates over 60 hours a week to monitoring pricing and compliance changes. This deep involvement reflects how crucial these responsibilities have become for them. In fact, they’ve released two price lists this year alone, a significant change from their usual annual updates, due to the fast pace of import costs.
Despite these challenges, BWI is returning to its roots, focusing on fewer products done well. Kylie shared her thoughts on the future: “Overall, I think the future is actually really exciting… it feels ridiculously tangible.”
These insights highlight how specialized food businesses are adapting in a challenging economic environment. Recent data suggests that many small to medium-sized businesses are facing similar pressures. A survey from the National Small Business Association shows that nearly 70% of small businesses report feeling the strain of increased regulation. This trend indicates that many are seeking new ways to thrive amid uncertainty.
As businesses like BWI adapt, their stories serve as inspiration for others in the industry. For more insights on how SFA members are managing these changes and preparing for what’s next, check out our LinkedIn Newsletter.
