Grampian Food Forum Visit Food Outlets in Inverurie

Members of the Grampian Food Forum visited two local supermarkets in Inverurie on Wednesday, August 27th. The purpose of the event was for local businesses in the food and drink industry to learn how other retailers operate and pick up tips on merchandising, promotion and logistics.

First stop for members of the forum was the Marks & Spencer, Simply Food store and manager, Keith Smith said: “Our Simply Food format offers fresh sandwiches and coffee alongside grocery items to customers and we have received a warm welcome in Inverurie since opening this year. Although the Simply Food concept is different to that of our larger stores, we were able to show members of the Grampian Food Forum how concepts such as shelf talkers and branding can make a difference to retailing regardless of the size of your business.”

Mitchells Dairy in Inverurie was the next stop. More than just a dairy, Mitchells incorporates a tea-room and grocery shop and has maintained its place in the heart of the local community despite competition from national chains.

Members of the Grampian Food Forum learned the importance of keeping it local from general manager Keith Whyte, who said: “Our authentic produce and approach to trade has given us a real edge in the marketplace. We have diversified our product range and shown that locally produced food can create a niche for itself. Embracing strategies such as e-commerce has allowed us to sell our bespoke hampers that are proving very popular. I am wholly supportive of the events that the Grampian Food Forum runs. They provide an opportunity for us all to exchange ideas and work together to the benefit of the Scottish food industry and the local economy.”

Organisations who attended included - Aberdeenshire Council, Ballogie Estate Enterprises, Banff and Buchan College, Bickiepegs, Brodie Country Fare Ltd, Hudson Catering, Clydesdale Bank, Deans of Huntly, Coastal Festival of Visual Arts and Food Fair, Downies, Glengarioch Distillery, Isabella Preserves, JG Ross (Bakers) Ltd, Johnston’s of Elgin, Mackie’s Ltd, Netherton Farm Shop, NLP Highland, Nor-Sea Foods, Eat4Success, Ola Oil, Rowett, SAC, Scottish Pig Producers Ltd, Scottish Fresh Herbs, The JFK Partnership Ltd, The Seafield Arms, Thistle Seafoods Ltd, Walker Business Solutions.