More than 100 food and drink producers flocked to a special event which gave them the opportunity for new investment and listing in Co-op Midcounties stores.

Co-op Midcounties invited budding entrepreneurs to the official launch of its Food Glorious Food campaign last night (Wednesday 28th November) at Hartpury College.

Representatives explained how to enter the 'Dragons Den' style competition, which will see local producers pitch their ideas to a panel of industry experts.

The winning idea will join Midcounties Best of our Counties range of locally sourced food and drink products in its 52 Gloucestershire stores.

The successful applicant will also receive mentoring from the competition judges, business development support from Co-op Midcounties and assistance with a full marketing launch campaign.

Runners up will secure shelf space in selected Co-op food stores and entry onto a one-day business skills seminar at Hartpury College and Hartpury University.

As part of the event attendees got the chance to meet other successful entrepreneurs, sample locally produced food and drink and access advice from peer to peer lending specialist FOLK2FOLK on how best to finance their ideas.

To enter the Food Glorious Food competition simply provide details of your new food and drink idea at: www.foodgloriousfood.coop.

Representative from the National Farmers Union, The Growth Hub, GFirst LEP and food traceability app Happerley were also be on hand to offer support and advice.

Phil Ponsonby, CEO Co-op Midcounties, said: "As part of our commitment to promoting and supporting locally produced food and drink we are always on the lookout for exciting, innovative new ideas. We hope our Food Glorious Food initiative will encourage the most creative Gloucestershire business minds to come forward.

"The launch event was the first step in our support programme, giving a range of local businesses and individuals the chance to speak to leading figures in the industry and find out more about how we can help them turn their innovative food and drink ideas into a reality on our shop shelves."

The Food Glorious Food campaign is being run in conjunction with Hartpury College and Hartpury University, Folk2Folk, and The Growth Hub.