The Country Range Group (CRG) returned to Doncaster Racecourse in September for its latest Business Development Day (BDD), bringing members, existing suppliers and a host of new suppliers together for the two-day event on 24th and 25th September.
Continuing to be a highlight of CRG’s annual events programme, the event provided a fantastic opportunity for Group suppliers to connect with its 21 wholesalers, showcase the latest product innovation, explore new opportunities and discuss plans for the year ahead. This year’s event brought together more than 35 suppliers, including established Group suppliers such as AG Barr, KP Snacks, Délifrance, Rich Sauces, Premier Foods and Wafer Enterprises Ltd, while also welcoming a number of exciting new suppliers to the Group, including Porky Whites, Prep House and S&J Polythene and Paper.
Across the two days, the event welcomed more than 137 member and supplier delegates, with a strong focus on new product development (NPD) for 2027 and emerging food trends. Products catering to vegan, gluten-free and other speciality diets were particularly prominent, highlighting the continued importance of innovation and evolving customer needs across the sector.
The collaborative event allowed suppliers to run live sampling activities and engage in face-to-face meetings with key decision makers to help build stronger relationships. Discussions also focused on how suppliers can develop a better understanding of the needs of foodservice wholesaler customers, as well as ideas on what local marketing support works best for members and suppliers.
Dean Pendlebury, Country Range Group’s Buying Director, said:
“It’s great to have been back at Doncaster Racecourse for our latest BDD and we’re thrilled to see some new suppliers making their first appearances. The feedback from all the suppliers and members involved has been tremendous and it’s been financially beneficial too, with excellent volume driving promotions and on the day orders. We can’t stress to suppliers and members how vital these events are and urge those who haven’t been involved yet to get in touch for our next one.”
Sean Looby, Managing Director of Prep House, commented:
“This was our first CRG event, and it’s been a fantastic experience for Prep House. It’s been great to showcase our range, meet so many new businesses and have some really positive conversations. We’ve generated some promising leads to follow up on and really enjoyed introducing customers to our sauces, gravies and dips. A brilliant event, and we’re looking forward to building on the new connections we’ve made.”
Francesca Wyat, Managing Director at Porky Whites, added:
“This was our first CRG Business Development Day and we’ve been really impressed with how well the event has been organised. It’s given us quality time with members to discuss the Porky Whites brand, understand their businesses and importantly, start putting plans in place for the future. We’ve come away with plenty of ideas and opportunities to build on, so we’re excited to see what we can achieve with CRG and its members over the coming months.”
The next Country Range Group Business Development Days will take place in the new year on the 21st and 22nd January 2027. Any producers and suppliers interested in attending are asked to email enquiries@countryrange.co.uk or to 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 17 member businesses and 21 wholesalers – Birchall Foodservice, Blakemore Foodservice, Brook Street Foodservice, Charles Saunders Food Service, Country Valley Foods, Crowndale Foodservice, Dunns Food and Drinks, Europ Foods, Fife Creamery, First Choice Foodservice, Harlech Foodservice, Henderson Foodservice, King Brothers Foodservice, Kitwave (including Creed Foodservice, Total Foodservice and WestCountry), McClures, Savona Foodservice, Trevors Foodservice, Valley Foods, Waterdene Foodservice.
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 and frozen.
Alongside this, the Group recently launched its Clean Range Pro brand which features over 40 professional cleaning products which are colour co-ordinated, adhering to the British Institute of Cleaning Science’s colour coding system, and include QR codes on the product labels that link directly to safety data sheets for full product and usage information. Arming foodservice professionals with the ultimate tools to keep every area clean, protected and food-safe, the new range improves product visibility and consolidates the Group’s hygiene and cleaning offering.
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 Natasha’s 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.
