Tesco Northern Ireland’s commercial manager will discuss how the region can ‘Make the Most of the Multiples’ as part of FPJ’s conference on the fresh produce supply chain in Belfast next month.
Cliff Kells will give the last presentation of the day and talk about how the supply chain can work together more effectively in Northern Ireland, as well as take questions from delegates as part of an open debate.
He will join a programme of more than 10 fresh produce industry individuals from all the various walks of the supply chain.
Kells told FPJ: “The year 2012 is the time and place for the local food industry, as well as Northern Ireland in general, and in particular the fresh produce supply base.
"At Tesco, we’ve always recognised the excellence of local produce.
“The growth of our local sourcing from £50 million to more than £520m per annum today, is testament to this and our work with the local supply base since our arrival in Northern Ireland in 1997.
"More collaborative working, through events such as this, are only going to help us to realise the opportunity we have here, together.”
The event will be held on 8 March at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast, and is set to debate possible solutions to the issues facing Northern Ireland’s fruit and veg- etable businesses, as well as trade with the mainland UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Other speakers at the conference include DARD’s Elaine Chapman, Mash Direct’s Tracy Hamilton, Gil- fresh’s Thomas Gilpin, P McCann and Sons’ Kevin McCann, NIIRTA’s Glyn Roberts, Wilson Country’s Lewis Cummingham, Glens of Antrim Potatoes’ David Morrow, NFU’s Sarah (née Pettitt) Dawson and QV Foods’ Simon Martin.
The day also includes two debate panels and an interactive expo. To sign up to attend go to www.fpjconferences.com.
Delegates signing up by 1 March will get 15 per cent off the £50 fee.
