Food Forum Provides Valuable Insight to Retail Market

The Grampian Food Forum hosted its second open meeting of 2011 in Aberdeen on Tuesday 1st November to learn more about UK retail markets.

The event, which was attended by around 50 delegates, was held at the Thistle Airport Hotel, Dyce and was aimed at local food and drink producers currently supplying or looking to supply the UK retail marketplace.

The conference, chaired by Keith Whyte of Mitchells and Chairman of the Grampian Food Forum Operations Group, heard from a range of speakers including Andrew Niven, INSIGHTS Manager for Scotland Food & Drink who set the scene by providing up to the minute market information and an insight into consumer behaviour.

Delegates then heard from Sarah Mackie, head of local food for Tesco plc, who gave an overview of their strategy for local food and drink and provided a broad view of the retail operation including Dobbies.

Tesco have been developing strong connections in local areas throughout the UK, which was initially started in Scotland.

Sarah explained how the dedicated team ensured that they have the right range of products to meet their customers’ needs, and how they work closely with local suppliers to achieve this.

Paying tribute to their Scottish suppliers, Sarah Mackie said: “There is a tremendous variety of local products available throughout Scotland and we recognise the superb attitude and ability of the many producers who we work with.”

Last year, Tesco sold over £307m Scottish products through its Scottish stores, and over £2bn throughout the UK.

JG Ross (Bakers) Ltd has been a supplier to Tesco since 1997 and has built up a good working relationship, supplying 17 stores across Scotland.

Commercial Director of the business and Grampian Food Forum Strategic Group member, Graeme Ross, spoke about the benefits and challenges of working with multiple retailers.

"We were pleased to be asked to speak at this event," Graeme Ross said. "Working with a multiple for the first time can seem very daunting. We are fortunate to work with a number of retailers and are more than happy to share our experience if it can benefit other local businesses and hopefully allay some of their fears."

Also on hand was Luca Cacciolatti from Kent Business School who explained how businesses can benefit from the Tesco Clubcard data, which provides a rich source of market information and purchasing behaviour.

Delegates were told about a new series of workshops which will give practical support to local companies by the Scotland Food & Drink UK Market Development Programme.

For further information, please contact Grampian Food Forum Co-ordinator, Elizabeth Mathie on (01224) 664334 or email grampianfoodforum@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.