Partner Article

Help needed for region's food sector

Food and drink producers and distributors from across the region are being invited to take part in a study aimed at improving routes to market for regional produce. The research, led by the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC), is mapping out the different types of distribution supply chains in the region’s food and drink sector.

SAC wants to hear from food and drink producers and distributors as part of the study. It will be collecting information through online and postal questionnaires, and via two workshops which will take place on 8 and 9 May.

David Lamb from SAC said: “The direct business benefits arising from this study may include collaborative distribution and greater supply chain efficiency, but this will only be achieved through the participation of businesses based in the North East.

“By attending the workshops or filling in a questionnaire, businesses have the opportunity to make sure that their voices are heard in this research to highlight the real needs of businesses based in this region.”

Frances Rowe, One NorthEast’s Rural Policy Manager, said: “Many businesses in the local and regional food sector are very small enterprises, and they often tell us that logistics and distribution are barriers to their development. “There is a real opportunity for regionally-produced food and drink to increase its market share and its contribution to the economy, and the English Food and Farming Partnership and North East England Regional Food and Drink group are championing the work needed to achieve this.”

SAC’s workshops will take place on Thursday 8 May at Close House Country Club in Heddon on the Wall, and on Friday 9 of May at Durham County Cricket Ground in Chester-le-Street. Businesses wanting to take part should contact Neil Carter on 01668 283363 or email neil.carter@sac.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .