Swithenbank Food yesterday welcomed more than 500 of the biggest names in the foodservice supply chain to its annual expo event, held at Alexandra Palace in London.
It was the first time the event, held to showcase relationships between growers and customers, has been held at the Palace.
Visitors included ISS Barclays, CH & Co, Deck (Tesco), Virgin Active, Centre Plate, Sheraton Hotels, Malmaison, SSP, Alpha LSG (Airlines), the University Caterers Organisation (Tuco) and the Ministry of Justice.
MH Poskitt, Smithy Mushrooms, Angus Soft Fruits, Freshtime and Southern Salads were among the many Swithenbank fresh produce suppliers exhibiting at the show.
Swithenbank buying manager for fresh, Lee Callon, said there were more than 100 extra visitors to the show this year.
“Having the forum for the end user to meet the growers of their products is better than any logo on a box,” he said. “From my point of view it’s the best day of the year to showcase the fantastic growers we work with sharing their enthusiasm and expertise with everyone.
“Our strategy of having long-term relationships rather than spot buying allows us to give our customers consistent and sustainable supply that work for supplier and customer alike.
Callon said the expo event began six years ago as an open day for a select number of customers and suppliers held in the company boardroom, but it has expanded every year.
“We counted in over 500 visitors badges but there were also a few more that managed to slip in who were accompanied by our sales team,” he said.
