Local companies pitch wares to supermarket chain

Local NI companies recently had the chance to pitch their produce to one of the UK’s biggest supermarket chains.

The Meet the Buyer event organised by Invest NI brought 18 companies face to face with key buyers from Sainsbury’s, who are keen to source more Northern Ireland niche products. There will be an extensive range of products on offer from local companies, including ice cream, organic mushrooms, bacon, fruit smoothies and cider.

Speaking prior to the event Maynard Mawhinney, Invest NI’s Director of Food, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for local companies to promote their goods to one of the UK’s top food retailers. These companies recognise that to be offered shelf space in a major multiple they must offer highly differentiated, quality products that are targeted to the needs of the buyer.

The event forms part of the work of the Food Strategy Implementation Partnership’s ‘Fit for Market’ report, being delivered by Invest NI and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which recommends that local companies develop market-led products.

The participating companies have all developed innovative products that show an understanding of shifts in consumer behaviour.

At the event the companies heard from Sainsbury’s Northern Ireland Commercial Manager James Laws and Senior Buyer Patrick Murney. They will give advice on how to sell successfully to Sainsbury’s, giving an insight into what the store is looking for.

James Laws, Sainsbury’s Northern Ireland Commercial Manager, says: “We know that Northern Ireland agri-food companies are producing very high quality products. We are keen to source products that meet the demands of emerging niche markets such as speciality and functional foods. This event is an excellent way for us to find out what local companies can offer and at the same time advise local producers about our needs as a major UK outlet.”

The ‘Fit for Market’ report published in November 2004 recommended 31 key priorities to support the development and growth of the Northern Ireland Agri-Food Sector.

The Food Strategy Implementation Partnership (FSIP) Chaired by Dan Flinter comprises of 8 members, representing a wide range of agri-food stakeholder interests, are responsible for overseeing the delivery of the ‘Fit for Market’ Strategy.

The FSI works closely with the main government delivery organisations DARD and Invest NI, the agri-food industry and public and private sector bodies.

(SP)