Food and drink producers from across Wales are taking part in two important events aimed at increasing the amount of Welsh produce available in Co-operative stores.
Both events are part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s retail initiative ‘Going For Growth’, delivered by Levercliff, which helps producers meet the needs of major retailers.
At today’s (February 28) Co-operative Small Supplier Forum at the company’s store in Pyle, 33 companies which currently supply the company’s stores across Wales heard about the opportunities which exist for Welsh producers within the retail chain.
While some of the companies have been supplying The Co-operative for some time, others only launched new products with the company in August 2007.
Hirwaun-based Authentic Curry Company launched two curries into Co-operative stores last summer. Company founder and managing director, Paul Trotman, is delighted with the response.
“Since we launched our Lamb & Leek and Welsh Black Beef curries we have had a tremendous response from Co-operative customers,” said Mr Trotman.
”We look forward to working closely with the buying team at the Co-operative to increase the range of meals and also the number of stores.
“We are pleased to be part of the Going for Growth programme which has been a great help in achieving sales and our positioning in the market place.”
Co-operative local sourcing and development manager, Andy MacLachlan said, “We’re really proud The Co-operative has been serving the people of Wales for over 140 years. As a community retailer, we feel it’s important to stock products in our stores that have a local identity and we work closely with our suppliers to ensure we offer customers high quality, local products.
“We are very pleased to be working with the Welsh Assembly Government on this initiative. Wales is packed with local suppliers and we are looking forward to meeting with new producers, with a view to forming new partnerships.”
Tomorrow (February 29) a further ten producers hoping to become suppliers will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from The Co-operative at a Meet the Buyer event, also at the Pyle store.
Tony Griffiths, head of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Food and Market Development Unit, who took part in the Forum, said “This trade development programme gives Welsh producers a great opportunity to explore larger markets and achieve further development within the retail sector. “
NOTES TO EDITORS
PICTURE CAPTION: Co-operative local sourcing and development manager, Andy MacLachlan with Tony Griffiths head of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Food & Market Development Unit, and producers at the Co-operative Small Supplier Forum.
SUPPLIERS ATTENDING THE CO-OP SMALL SUPPLIER FORUM (FEBRUARY 28)
Companies which launched new products with the Co-op in August 2007
The Authentic Curry Company
Welsh Pantry
Trioni Ltd
Adwell Foods
Edwards of Conwy
Welsh Lady Preserves
South Caernarfon Creameries
Thayers
Brays
Mary’s Farmhouse
Tovali
Princes Gate
New Quay Honey
Bacheldre
Companies which were supplying the Co-op pre August 2007
Llaeth Y Llan/Village Dairy
Pencader Bakery
Tregroes Waffles
Hurns Brewery
Cambrian Hills
Evans Rees
Rhymney Brewery
Welsh Cottage Cakes
COMPANIES ATTENDING THE MEET THE BUYER EVENT (FEBRUARY 29)
Welsh Mustard Company
Henllan Bakery
Lowes
Gwynt Y Ddraig
Kid Me Not
Carmarthenshire Cheese Co
Tan Y Castell
Oats So Good
Calon Wen
Cambrian Pet Food
The Knobbly Carrot Co
Derimon Smokery
Sheila Coleman
Partner
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