Sainsbury's takes stock of small suppliers at IFE07

A selection of regional producers that exhibited at this year’s IFE07 were successfully chosen by Sainsbury’s to attend its head office for further discussions, thanks to the groundbreaking ‘Supply Something New’ supplier scout scheme arranged by Food from Britain and Sainsbury’s, which took place at the show.

Companies including Chokolit from Shropshire who produce fine Belgium luxury chocolates, Kitchen Guru the creators of individually sealed measured spices for Indian cooking and Farrington Oils a producer of cold pressed oils, met and introduced their products to category buyers and product developers from Sainsbury’s, as well as two representatives from FFB in a private forum at the show. 

Interesting heritage and taste were of utmost importance, as expected, and if successful the accepted products could be on Sainsbury’s shelf within just two months.  According to Kirsty Grieve, Regional Food and Drink Manager at Food from Britain, “IFE07 provided the perfect platform for small producers to showcase their truly unique products to top Sainsbury’s personnel, as they were already exhibiting at the show.  We are very passionate about these events as it benefits all parties.  Suppliers will either gain a listing or walk away with the knowledge of how to make their products more attractive to the major retailers.  Meanwhile Sainsbury’s is able to source the best quality regional food and drink on offer and consumers can enjoy the results.”

‘Supply Something New’ is a pioneering scheme from Sainsbury’s, in partnership with FFB, that makes it easier for small and medium-sized suppliers to highlight their products to the big retailers.

Sainsbury’s philosophy is to support regional suppliers and have a commitment to buying British whenever possible and these events particularly at shows give the retailer an opportunity to meet even more British suppliers.

Judith Batchelar, Director of Sainsbury’s Brand, commented: “This is the first time we have conducted a supplier scout scheme at an exhibition and it is part of our investment in innovation and quality. One of the key reasons for holding an event like this at IFE07 was to place the initiative in the best environment and give it the right feeling.” 

Judith continued: “Food from Britain’s involvement in targeting the right producers and the role they played in preparing the producers for the ‘Supply Something New’ events was invaluable.  We’re really excited about some of the products and suppliers that have come through the scheme at the show and if the product is good enough we will be taking them to the shelves regardless of the supplier’s size. Sainsbury’s has a commitment to buying British whenever possible and the scale of IFE07 has allowed us to have the most diverse Sainsbury’s Supply Something New ever.”

- Ends -

Notes to Editors 

Food from Britain, the market development consultancy for British food and drink producers, has been commissioned by Defra to develop and implement a programme of support for the British regional food and drink sector.  It is being delivered in association with a network of regional food and drink groups, and encompasses trade development, consumer awareness and increasing producer competitiveness.

Visit www.regionalfoodanddrink.co.uk to source quality British regional food and drink.

For further information on the producers visit:
Chokolit - www.chokolit.co.uk
Kitchen Guru – www.kitchen-guru.com
Farrington Oils Ltd – www.farrington-oils.co.uk

03 May 2007