Virtual the way to go for Country Range

Members and suppliers were thrilled with the latest virtual business development day held by Country Range Group.

The foodservice buying group have embraced the digital world since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the UK last March and devised a way to provide an equivalent to face-to-face communication online.

Suppliers were given the chance to show off their latest product launches, hold live demonstrations and offer sampling in tailored meetings with member wholesalers.

“It’s imperative that suppliers are still able to communicate clearly and efficiently with our member wholesalers during these tough times about their latest product innovations, industry support initiatives and business plan updates, and our Virtual BDD events allow exactly that,” said Group Commercial Director Martin Ward.

“The feedback from both suppliers and members thus far has been fantastic and we’re looking forward to rolling out more events throughout the year.”

The four-day event saw 110 delegates and 31 suppliers log on to join the speed-networking meets, which latest half an hour each.

Among the suppliers were the likes of Lakeland Dairies, Premier Foods and Unilever, with some great feedback from attendees.

“The Country Range Group Virtual Business Development Days were both simple and efficient in terms of participation and also very successful from a supplier perspective, with guaranteed 30-minute meetings with key decision makers from each of the Group’s member wholesalers,” said Invisible Chef Snacks Director, Jason Coyle.

“As a result, we have genuine interest from 10 new perspective wholesale partners and actually agreed new listings during the event itself.”

business development coronavirus Country Range Group covid-19 virtual