Over 36 suppliers showcasing more than 200 products travelled to Doncaster Racecourse on the 28th and 29th of January as the Country Range Group kickstarted the first of its in-demand Business Development Days for 2025.
The BDDs are a key event in the Group’s calendar, providing an invaluable opportunity for suppliers to showcase and present their latest products and innovations to the Group’s members. With a particular focus on trend-led offerings, the event allows suppliers to set the stage for introducing exciting new ranges and product developments for the year ahead to key decision makers from the Group’s member wholesalers.
The event provided a prime opportunity for suppliers to engage directly with members, with prominent brands such as 3 Oceans, PepsiCo, Flora Food Group, Pacific West, Premier Foods, AG Barr Plc, Lakeland Dairies, Lamb Weston, Britvic, and Mondelez taking full advantage to showcase their offerings and connect with attendees.
The Group also shared a sneak peek to members of upcoming spring product launches by Country Range and Signature by Country Range including a delightful duo of desserts and a flavoursome BBQ Sauce.
Dean Pendlebury, Country Range Group’s Head of Trading, said: “It’s been fantastic to get back to Doncaster Racecourse and I’m thrilled our first BDD event of the year was such a success for suppliers and delegates. It’s the ideal time at the start of the year to have everyone together under one roof to showcase their range and exciting NPD for the future. Our BDDs are a crucial part of our Group’s annual event calendar so a massive thanks to all our suppliers and guests who attended.”
Louise Arnold of PepsiCo commented: “CRG’s business development events are a highlight for us each year. It’s a fantastic chance to connect face-to-face with key decision-makers, showcase our latest innovations, and build strong relationships. Nothing beats the value of these in-person interactions.”
Lee Patten of Flora Food Group commented: “The event was brilliantly organised, allowing us to showcase our products and engage directly with CRG’s members. We have created some exciting plans for the year and are eager to collaborate further with CRG and its members.”
The Country Range Group’s next Business Development Days event will take place on the 23rd and 24th September, with suppliers interested in attending encouraged to email enquiries@countryrange.co.uk or contact their usual Country Range Group trading representative if they are already an existing supplier to the Group.
About the Country Range Group
With over 30 years of heritage servicing the UK & Ireland’s innovative foodservice sector, the Country Range Group is made up of 16 member businesses and 20 wholesalers – Arthur David, Birchall Foodservice, Blakemore Foodservice, Brook Street Foodservice, Country Valley Foods, Creed Foodservice, Dunns Food and Drinks, Europ Foods, First Choice Foodservice, Harlech Foodservice, Henderson Foodservice, McClures, Millers Foodservice, MJ Baker Foodservice, Savona Foodservice, Total Foodservice, Trevors Foodservice, Waterdene Foodservice and WestCountry Fruit Sales.
In addition to offering the leading brands from around the globe, the Group also offers a three-tiered own brand portfolio under Country Range, Signature by Country Range and Catering Essentials.
Widely recognised by caterers as trusted and reliable brands that deliver consistent quality and value for money without compromising on taste and flavour, the 700 plus products are all developed exclusively for professional caterers and cover grocery, chilled, frozen and non-food.
The Group publishes its trade magazine Stir it up 9 times a year, which features the latest food, drink and industry news, Country Range brand promotions and in-depth trend reports and sector specific guides to support and inspire all foodservice caterers.
The Country Range Group has also entered into a three-year charitable partnership with The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. The unique partnership will see the buying group and its members work alongside the charity to raise compassion, understanding and crucially, vital funds, to help make food allergy history.