Chance to share in foodservice market
FARMERS WILL be offered help on tapping into the 33bn a year foodservice market at a series of meetings organised by the food and grocery think-tank IGD.
A booklet has also been prepared with the help of leading foodservice companies that aims to give farmers a glimpse of how the industry operates, and what it needs from its suppliers.
The first meeting will be in Newbury on Mar 31, with other dates on Apr 5 in Harrogate and Apr 7 in Nottingham. They will also be attended by representatives of the main operators, and should provide the opportunity to gather contacts and ideas for collaboration.
IGD chief executive Joanne Denney-Finch said there was a huge untapped market for local and regional produce, which is bought by seven out of 10 consumers.
“There is a groundswell of activity reinvigorating the image of British food and there are great opportunities for domestic food producers and processors to exploit this growing interest.
“These sessions will really bring to life the opportunities in the exciting and diverse foodservice sector, through the experiences of companies that are making it work for them, and give inspiration to those who have the fantastic products that consumers are looking for when they are eating out.”