Meet the buyer event promises lucrative contract hopes
FOOD manufacturers and producers are being invited to join a meet the buyer event that could result in lucrative contracts.
The Regional Food Group (RFG) hosted event in April gives small to medium sized producers the chance to meet buyers from national supermarkets, local hospitality providers and independent stores.
Since last year’s event more than £630,000 worth of business has been generated as a direct result of the event.
Bradford-based Mumtaz Ventures, which specialises in manufacturing a wide range of food products from the Kashmir region of Parkistan, secured £20,000 worth of new business from Holiday Inn, with a further £230,000 estimated to follow.
Scholes, the seasonal vegetable grower, secured £12,500 worth of new business with Booths Supermarkets following the event and has a potential over £40,000 worth of business to follow. The company is involved extensively in the field production, packing and distribution of the food crops.
Meanwhile, Thirsk-based nut, egg and seed free products specialist It’s Nut Free gained £100,000 of new business contracts with Costcutter, Brambles, Stainton Ward and Nisa.
It’s Nut Free Founder and director Angela Russell said: “We attend the Regional Food Group’s meet the buyer event every year, as it is an invaluable tool in helping us to generate new business leads.
“It is a great opportunity to network and meet other producers in the region, as well as a gateway to some of the country’s leading buyers.”
Jonathan Knight, RFG’s chief executive, said that this year’s event – the sixth of its kind – would be even bigger than last year.
“Last year’s research showed an estimated 87 jobs had been safeguarded through the business deals secured during the event,” he said.
“We are proud to host such a worthwhile event, helping our members, local producers, and buyers boost the region’s local economy. We expect the turnout for this year to be even bigger”.
Yorkshire Forward funded RFG offers support and advice to food producers across the region including help preparing for meeting buyers, selling the product, brokering deals and turning a 15 minute meeting into an ongoing contract to supply.
