The Grampian Food Forum hosted its second open meeting of 2011 in Aberdeen this week to learn more about UK retail markets.
Date:
Fri, 04 Nov 2011
Source:
Grampian Food Forum/Aberdeenshire Council
The event, which was attended by around 50 delegates, was held at the Thistle Airport Hotel, Dyce and was aimed at local food and drink producers currently supplying or looking to supply the UK retail marketplace.
The conference, chaired by Keith Whyte of Mitchells and chairman of the Grampian Food Forum Operations Group, heard from a range of speakers including Andrew Niven, INSIGHTS manager for Scotland Food & Drink who set the scene by providing up-to-the-minute market information and an insight into consumer behaviour.
Delegates then heard from Sarah Mackie, head of local food for Tesco, who gave an overview of the retailer's strategy for local food and drink and provided a broad view of the retail operation, including Dobbies.
Tesco has been developing strong connections in local areas throughout the UK, which was initially started in Scotland.
Sarah explained how the dedicated team ensure that they have the right range of products to meet their customers’ needs, and how they work closely with local suppliers to achieve this.
Paying tribute to Tesco's Scottish suppliers, she said: “There is a tremendous variety of local products available throughout Scotland and we recognise the superb attitude and ability of the many producers who we work with.”
Last year, Tesco sold over £307m of Scottish products through its Scottish stores, and over £2bn throughout the UK.
JG Ross (Bakers) has been a supplier to Tesco since 1997 and has built up a good working relationship, supplying 17 stores across Scotland.
Commercial director of the business and Grampian Food Forum Strategic Group member, Graeme Ross, spoke about the benefits and challenges of working with multiple retailers. He said: “We were pleased to be asked to speak at this event.
“Working with a multiple for the first time can seem very daunting. We are fortunate to work with a number of retailers and are more than happy to share our experience if it can benefit other local businesses and hopefully allay some of their fears.”
Also on hand was Luca Cacciolatti from Kent Business School who explained how businesses can benefit from the Tesco Clubcard data, which provides a rich source of market information and purchasing behaviour.
Delegates were also told about a new series of workshops which will give practical support to local companies via the Scotland Food & Drink UK Market Development Programme.
For further information, please email Elizabeth Mathie Grampian Food Forum co-ordinator, Elizabeth Mathie or call her on 01224 664334.
Find out more about the Scotland Food & Drink Forum Network.
Looking to source produce in Grampian? Use Scotland Food & Drink's Buyers' Guide.
If you're looking for help and advice on how to deal with the retail multiples, you'll find useful information in Scotland Food & Drink's 'How Do I...' Guides.