A new, government-backed community interest company is launching this August 2024, aiming to help Gloucestershire's hospitality sector thrive.
Food for Thought CIC, in partnership with Made in Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire County Council and The Growth Hub, will host a new series of events — all at hospitality venues in the county — that bring local food and drink producers, farmers and hospitality businesses together to network, share knowledge and ideas.
With Gloucestershire being home to hundreds of food and drink businesses, from cutting-edge start-ups to world-famous heritage brands, it hopes to create a 'vibrant and engaged community that champions positive trade and a sustainable and circular economy for local businesses'.
Tickets prices are being subsidised by Food for Thought's partners, so 100 per cent of the revenue gets invested back into the local economy, too.
Its first event — Meet the Buyer — will connect businesses with buyers from Midcounties Co-op, Creed Foodservice and Gloucester Services, with representatives from each sharing what industry experts are looking for in new local suppliers, with tips on how to position products to meet their requirements and stand out in a competitive marketplace.
Head of the growth and enterprise team at Gloucestershire County Council, Dev Chakraborty, said: 'Our Made in Gloucestershire initiative celebrates all the amazing food and drink producers in the county — and there are plenty of them!
'So, when Food for Thought came to us with the idea of supporting food and drink producers in the county with bespoke, informative events featuring high-profile speakers, it was an easy decision to become a partner.
'I’m really looking forward to our first Meet the Buyer event in September where businesses will be able to hear from industry experts and gain valuable insight into the buying process.'
Food for Thought's Meet the Buyer event takes place at Ritual Roasters in Cheltenham on Thursday 19 September 2024. Tickets cost £10 per person and are available to book via Eventbrite.
