Around 50 people from the Gloucestershire food and drink industry attended a 'Meet the Buyers' event yesterday (Thursday).

The event was hosted by Food For Thought, a new countywide community interest company (CIC),at Ritual Roasters in Cheltenham.

It gave local businesses the chance to gain invaluable insights into what buyers are looking for when selecting local suppliers, helping them to thrive, not just survive.

Those attending discovered first hand what the industry experts look for when selecting new local suppliers, and learn how to position products to meet their criteria and stand out in a competitive market.

Guests included around 25 local producers and suppliers, including farmers and hospitality businesses.

The event was compered by Faye Hatcher, the former BBC Radio Gloucestershire presenter, who chaired a panel of four experts with a Q&A session.

The panel consisted of Matt Fox, direct sourcing manager, Your Coop Food part of Midcounties Coop; Katherine Allerton, category buyer for food, Freemans Event Partner; Ross Taylor, trading manager, Creed Foodservice; and Alexander Evans, head of food offer, Gloucester Services.

Mark Owen, editor of Punchline-Gloucester.com, who attended the event, said: "It was about the food producers learning how to do business with these organisations. There were some main things that came out of it like price, product and packaging that are fundamental to doing business with the four organisations.

"A lot of it was about being open and honest with these organisations. One of the big things that came out was the constraints on pricing and everybody in the chain needs to have a room for a profit margin. Some suppliers were suffering in silence because they hadn't increased their prices."

Mark added: "It was a very interesting and informative and engaging seminar. It was one of the best of this kind I've been to for a long time with really good producers. It wasn't too big as well.

"They were really honest about their answers. There was a good buzz and a willingness to work together. It has to work both ways. It was excellently chaired by Faye Hatcher. They took questions from the floor afterwards for 10 or 15 minutes."

Working in partnership with Made in Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire County Council, and the Growth Hub network, Food for Thought is made up of local business owners, organisations, and experts who are working together to build a vibrant and engaged community that champions positive trade and a sustainable and circular economy for local businesses.

Food for Thought will be hosting regular events to support Gloucestershire's local businesses.