Supermarket supplier scout scheme sales top £1 million

Eight British companies are reaping the benefits of a groundbreaking supplier scout scheme developed by Food from Britain (FFB) and Sainsbury’s.  Just one year after the ‘Supply Something New’ scheme was launched sales of regional produce from the suppliers have hit a landmark £1 million from their listings with Sainsbury’s.

The eight companies, including Organic Patisserie, Battle Bakehouse, Farrington Oils, Stark Naked Foods, Rude Health, Doddingtons, Oleifera and Higgidy Pies Ltd - whose sales have doubled since their contract began in February 2007 - first met and presented their wares to category buyers and product developers from the retail giant at regional ‘Supply Something New’ events. 

Successful suppliers through the scheme were recognised for their product’s innovation, use of quality regional ingredients, artisan production techniques and – above all – great taste.  The pioneering scheme from Sainsbury’s, in partnership with FFB, makes it easier for small and medium-sized suppliers to highlight their products to the big retailers.  It also recognises that many customers want to buy food grown or reared, which reflects taste and traditions and that buying from small suppliers can help to stimulate rural economy.

Mary Macneal, regional food consultant at Food from Britain said: “The one million pound sales milestone as a result of the supplier scout scheme is a great achievement for all parties involved and indicates an ever increasing trend towards buying local produce. Small suppliers have been able to grow their businesses and in some cases double their sales, while Sainsbury’s is able to offer consumers a wide range of quality regional food.  We are delighted to be supporting this on-going initiative.”

Susi Richards, Sainsbury’s Innovation Manager commented: “We are extremely proud of the producers we have on board already and are looking forward to meeting even more British producers through ‘Supply Something New’ over the next 12 months to continue our commitment to ‘buying British’ wherever possible.  Food from Britain’s dedication to targeting the right producers and the role they play in preparing the producers for going in store has been invaluable to the success of scheme.”

Over 20 additional suppliers have also been successful through the ‘Supply Something New’ scheme are set to have their products available at Sainsbury’s over the coming months.   
 

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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.foodfrombritain.com and click on the regional food and drink guide to source quality British regional food and drink.

For further information on the producers visit:

• Organic Patisserie (cheesecakes and desserts) – http://www.patisserieorganic.co.uk/
• Battle Bake House (sugar and sweetener-free cakes) – http://www.battlebakehouse.co.uk/ 
• Farrington Oils (cold pressed rapeseed oil) - http://www.farrington-oils.co.uk/
• Stark Naked Foods (fresh pesto and horseradish made with British herbs) - http://www.starknakedfoods.co.uk/
• Rude Health (Free From organic muesli and porridge) - http://www.rudehealthfoods.co.uk/
• Higgidy Pies Ltd (handmade pies and quiches) - http://www.higgidy.co.uk/
• Doddingtons (ice cream) - http://www.doddingtondairy.co.uk/
• Oleifera (British rapeseed oil) - http://www.borderfields.co.uk/

01 November 2007