A guide to help small producers make the right impression when they approach retailers, foodservice and contract catering companies, put together with the help of the NFU, was launched today by HRH the Prince of Wales.
Local Sourcing, Opening the Door for Small Business is available free of charge to farmers, growers and small food businesses to help them sell their products to food retailers, foodservice and catering companies.
It was put together by Business in the Community* and food and grocery industry think tank IGD in conjunction with organisations including the NFU and was launched by Prince Charles at the Royal Academy in London this afternoon.
NFU head of food and farming Robin Tapper said: "This is a clear and concise practical guide, bringing together information on how to approach the food retailing, foodservice and contract catering sectors.
"I would highly recommend anyone thinking about entering into this market to get a copy and study it carefully."
The NFU has already recognised the growing demand for locally produced food. NFU SourceDirect, which puts local and regional wholesale food suppliers and buyers directly in touch with each other using a "virtual marketplace", was launched in July.
The new guide, launched today, includes information gathered from local sourcing workshops and from discussions with major supermarkets, convenience chains and foodservice distributors and operators in the UK.
It takes potential suppliers through a detailed break-down of the buying process to help them understand the listening process, specific departments and the difference between supermarkets and convenience.
NFU members can get a copy of the guide by sending a self-addressed stamped (60p) envelope measuring 9" x 12" (24 x 30cm) to NFU Food and Farming Department, 164 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8HL.
It can also be downloaded from www.nfuonline.com in the members' section.
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