Food and drink event proves attractive to producers and buyers

10:42am Friday 16th May 2008

A SPEED date-style event for local producers and buyers proved a big success.

More than 1100 "dates" took place in just eight hours, with producers hoping to win orders from supermarket, wholesale and food service buyers.

The annual food and drink event was organised by the Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and Humber and attracted 91 producers and 55 buyers.

Last year's event generated more than £1.6m for local food and drink businesses, with more than £6m of total business anticipated.

Figures for this year's event will be available in August.

This year's buyers ranged from supermarkets, hotel chains and transport and leisure organisations.

They included Nisa Today, Compass, Waitrose, Asda, Harry Yearsley Group, 3G Food Service, Costcutter, Thorpe Park Hotel, and the National Trust.

Steven Hodson, of Nisa-Today, said the company was committed to helping its independent retailer and wholesaler members source local and regional products.

He said: "More than ever before, people are taking notice of where their food comes from, what goes into its production and the journey it takes to end up on their plates.

"By supporting local producers wherever possible, we also fulfil our clear social responsibility to help local economies."

Jonathan Knight, Regional Food Group chief executive, said: "Regional sourcing is a key issue and these figures indicate that food sourced fromYorkshire and Humber has wide appeal with consumers."

The Meet the Buyer event is a Regional Food Group initiative with Yorkshire Forward.