Food and drink guide publisher SupplyLocal has launched a website to become what it claims is the first combined online and print service dedicated to connecting local producers with local buyers.

SupplyLocal.co.uk targets independent produce, food and drink suppliers to try and support increasing interest in local sourcing. The site allows local outlets such as restaurants, pubs and cafes to find local suppliers and is also a fast-track for the producers to make local businesses aware of what they have to offer.

The service is launched across the south of England first with more regions to be added before the end of the year.

It offers pay-as-you-go marketing to help prodcuers target outlets in a flexible and affordable way, with no commitment and no minimum contract.

“We believe that this is a completely untapped market,” said James Humphris, founder of SupplyLocal. “The benefits of sourcing fresh local food, produce and drink are well documented, but until now, there’s been no easy way to make it happen. We hope to bridge that gap and play a part in supporting Britain’s local producers.”

Each month SupplyLocal also distributes printed supplier guides to more than 1,000 high-quality outlets in each region. The printed and online supplier guides contain complete and comprehensive information on the best quality local food, drink and produce suppliers for each region.

Suppliers also get a profile in the SupplyLocal online directory, including a full colour advertisement. The directory is fully searchable and can display results in a list or on a map, making it easier for the user to know they really are using local suppliers.

Suppliers don’t have to sign up to a contract for a fixed period of time. An advertiser can simply advertise in one edition of the guide, or appear in repeat editions, helping to reinforce their message to the outlets. The service offers maximum flexibility allowing suppliers to control their marketing spend.

For food and drinks outlets, SupplyLocal provides a single source of information, enabling them quickly and easily to identify local suppliers and producers.

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