HRH The Prince of Wales has launched a new guide for small businesses looking to work with large food retailers and foodservice or catering companies.
The free guide, “Local Sourcing, opening the door for small business” is the latest part of a joint initiative between Business in the Community and food and grocery industry think tank IGD. It is the first step-by-step guide taking small producers through every step of getting their products listed.
In the guide's foreword, HRH The Prince of Wales, said: “This guide is timely as it seeks to help local suppliers understand the process of having products listed with supermarkets, convenience retailers and foodservice companies.”
IGD chief executive Joanne Denney-Finch OBE, said: “Our consumer research shows that 60 per cent of consumers were interested in buying local food. This, together with an increased commitment from retailers and foodservice companies represents a huge opportunity.”
Over 10,000 copies of the report sponsored by Defra, The Farmers' Fund and Spar UK are being distributed. Copies can be downloaded from www.bitc.org.uk or www.igd.com/localsourcing.
