Now Reading
The Prince of Wales Launches Guide to Help Local Producers
The Prince of Wales Launches Guide to Help Local Producers
Published 11-13-03
Submitted by Business in the Community
The free guide is the latest part of a joint initiative between Business in the Community and food and grocery industry think tank IGD, which started in 2001 with the launch of the Guide to Local Sourcing, to raise the profile of the issue of local sourcing. It also forms part of Business in the Community's Rural Action campaign1.
In the foreword to the guide, HRH The Prince of Wales says; "I am delighted that Business in the Community and IGD have once again joined forces to publish this second Guide which builds on a series of 'local sourcing workshops' for farmers and small producers held around the United Kingdom in early 2003. This guide is particularly timely as it seeks to help local suppliers understand the process of having products listed with supermarkets, convenience retailers and foodservice companies."
The practical 'how-to' guide includes information gathered from the local sourcing workshops and from discussions with many major supermarkets, convenience chains, foodservice distributors and operators in the UK. The combined experience of all those contributing to this guide means it is an essential read for small businesses looking to work with larger customers. It takes potential suppliers through a detailed break down of the process to help them understand the listing process, specific departments and the differences between supermarkets and convenience chains. It also gives a detailed view of the foodservice or catering sector which now accounts for 30p in every £1 spent on food (IGD estimate), and includes an invaluable glossary of who is who and what is what.
IGD Chief Executive Joanne Denney-Finch OBE, said, "Since our work started with Business in the Community the profile of local food has continued to increase. Our own consumer research shows that 60% of consumers were interested in buying local food. This, together with an increased commitment from retailers and foodservice companies represents a huge opportunity. We hope that by sharing our knowledge of how these companies work will give small producers the know how and confidence to succeed on a larger scale."
Morton Middleditch, Chairman, SPAR (U.K.), sponsors of the publication, adds, "More companies are recognising that it is good business to source local produce in response to the growing demand from consumers and the new opportunities in public procurement. We want to encourage and help all farmers and local suppliers with good products to find their place in this market and prosper as a result."
Sir Peter Davis, Chairman of Business in the Community's Rural Action Campaign, concludes, "This guide has been produced as a result of working closely with local suppliers to understand their needs and how best to offer support for them to do more business with larger companies in the food sector. It will we believe have a positive impact on the rural society and economy and at the same time be warmly welcomed by consumers."
Over 10,000 copies of the report sponsored by Defra, The Farmers' Fund4 and SPAR (U.K.) are being distributed. Copies are available from regional food groups (see www.foodfrombritain.com for each of the regional food groups). Copies can also be downloaded from www.bitc.org.uk or www.igd.com/LocalSourcingGuide.asp.
Notes for Editors
1. Launched in July 2001, The Rural Action campaign focuses on practical measures to encourage business involvement in three key areas: building enterprising communities, strengthening market towns and supporting local sourcing.
2. The Rural Action Award for companies delivering positive impact in rural areas sponsored by Post office Ltd is one of Business in the Community's Awards for Excellence 2004, to be launched at the Annual General Meeting on Thursday, December 4 2003.
3. Business in the Community is a unique movement in the UK of 700 member companies. Our purpose is to inspire, challenge, engage and support business in continually improving its positive impact on society. Together, our member companies employ over 15.7 million people across 200 countries. In the UK, our members employ over 1 in 5 of the private sector workforce. Membership of Business in the Community is a commitment to action and to the continual improvement of the company's impact on society. Our members commit to:
- Integrate responsible business practice throughout their business
- Impact through collaborative action to tackle disadvantage
- Inspire, innovate and lead by sharing learning and experience.
4. IGD is a leading source of information, research and education on the European and Global food and grocery industry with a membership of over 500 companies including farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers and catering companies. The industry think tank tracks, analyses and forecasts developments providing insightful and thought provoking reports and events. Because of its reputation for impartiality IGD has a unique relationship with leading industry figures and encourages companies across the whole of the food industry to work more closely together. It also has a consumer research programme which monitors trends and behaviour and acts as an early warning sign for the industry. Visit the IGD website www.igd.com
5. The Farmer's Fund is the charity set up by seven major multiples to support the agricultural sector in the wake of the foot and mouth crisis. The Trustees of the Fund comprise one representative from each of these -Asda, Marks & Spencer, Safeway, Sainsbury's, Somerfield, Tesco and Waitrose- and one independent trustee, Sir Don Curry. IGD acts as Secretariat tothe Farmers' Fund.
Business in the Community is a unique movement in the UK of 700 member companies. Our purpose is to inspire, challenge, engage and support business in continually improving its positive impact on society. To register for regular updates subscribe at http://www.bitc.org.uk/your_preferences
