Virtual Business Development Days help Country Range Group find new suppliers.
Run for the first time to ensure vital communication between members and suppliers, the events proved a real hit recently and will be expanded in 2021 in addition to the Group’s programme annual events.
Coral Rose, Managing Director, Country Range GroupCoral Rose, Managing Director of the Country Range Group, said: “Our industry is based upon relationships and in spite of the recent restrictions, it’s vital that our member wholesalers and key suppliers have still been able to meet “face-to-face” during a tough time for us all within foodservice. These Virtual Business Development Days have been a huge success with fantastic feedback from our members and suppliers, so we’re excited to be rolling them out in 2021.”
The events are set up in a speed networking format where suppliers can engage in private virtual meetings lasting thirty minutes with buying and sales representatives from the Group’s member businesses.
Suppliers can send samples in advance so virtual tastings can take place, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to pitch, plan and discuss product performance, marketing opportunities, stock levels, NPD and additional support activities.
Coral Rose added: “This year has shown us the importance of adaptability and communication to a business’s success, so it’s been vital that as a Group we have continued to be dynamic in opening up new communication channels to enable our members to plan, support, advise and offer opportunities to our valued suppliers. These Virtual Business Development Days along with our Stir it up magazine and additional caterer support tools, which have been published throughout the pandemic, have been central to our communication strategy and will further strengthen our Group and the recovery in 2021.”
Since the first lockdown came into play in March and hospitality venues were forced to close, the Country Range Group’s members have played central roles in helping many hospitality venues re-open, while also continuing to supply the vulnerable in schools, colleges, care homes and hospitals.
Coral Rose continues: “I’m so proud of how our members have reacted and adapted this year. Many have rolled out click and collect, flexible deliveries, credit extensions and all of them have been supporting their local communities and councils, whether it via food banks, free parcels or hampers, care sector loyalty schemes, donations, free use of delivery vehicles or volunteering. Considering the difficulties that wholesale has been facing and the lack of specific support from the government, our members have acted impeccably.”
For businesses interested in signing up for the next Country Range Group BDD in February or for those who require further information, please contact enquiries@countryrange.co.uk
About Country Range
With over 25 years of heritage servicing the UK’s innovative foodservice sector, the Country Range Group is made up of 12 independent wholesalers – Birchall Foodservice, Blakemore Foodservice, Caterite Foodservice, Creed Foodservice, Dunns Food and Drinks, EFG Foodservice, Harvest Fine Foods, Henderson Foodservice, Savona Foodservice, Thomas Ridley Foodservice, Trevors Foodservice and Turner Price.
In addition to offering the leading brands from around the globe, the Group also provides over 800 products, all developed exclusively for professional caterers under the Country Range brand. Covering grocery, chilled, frozen and non-food, Country Range is widely recognised by caterers as a trusted and reliable brand delivering consistent quality and value for money without compromising on taste and flavour.
Website: www.countryrange.co.uk
Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @countryrangeuk
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Hospitality & Catering News: Virtual Business Development Days – 24 November 2020 – Virtual Business Development Days.
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