More retailers have already signed up for more copies of the Cook's Companion than in any previous year, says CHA chairman Caroline Gordon.
The Cook's Companion is on course to be a sell out - even before an official launch.

The promotional 2008-2009 booklet for independent cookshops was unveiled by CHA chairman Caroline Gordon at this year's Autumn Fair.

Ms Gordon said she has been overwhelmed with the interest in the booklet and is forecasting a record-breaking performance.

She said: "We now know that our members will buy more than half a million copies of the Companion for the first time ever."

She believes that this milestone could be breached as CHA members can sign up right until the end of September.

For the 2008-2009 edition the CHA had provided a supplier-funded guaranteed cashback and a pr campaign to raise awareness among consumers of the Companion and the independent cookshop.

The booklet also carries celebrity chef James Martin's Lamina cookware range, and is supported by 11 CHA Direct Company suppliers including Dexam, Eddingtons, Hahn, and Meyer Group.