Country Range Group exhibition generates £2m

More than 300 member delegates attended the Group’s annual exhibition and conference where suppliers showcased their products, resulting in more than £2m in orders

The event, held at the Telford International Centre on 9 June, saw a whole host of food and drink products sampled and brought to life through interactive demonstrations.

Following the exhibition, a special conference session took place with Martin Ward, Commercial Director, and Emma Holden, Head of Marketing, delivering presentations that shared the Group’s strategy and key focus areas – scale, data, sustainability and the Country Range brand. The conference was rounded off by guest speaker England rugby legend Phil Vickery.

The event was also the perfect opportunity for the CRG member wholesalers to come together to celebrate the Group’s 30th anniversary year with a host of activities taking place throughout the day.

In the evening, there was a masquerade ball which was hosted by Brian Conley, three-course dinner and raffle, which raised more than £5,000 for Hospitality Action. This total will be matched by CRG resulting in a total donation of £10,000.

“It’s been a very difficult few years for the foodservice industry and events like these are vital in helping our suppliers showcase their varied, unique and wonderful products to our members,” said Martin Ward, Commercial Director of the Country Range Group.

“After missing a few years of our annual exhibition due to Covid restrictions, it was fantastic to be back in Telford and see so many friendly faces come together for the day. A huge amount of money in orders was raised for our visiting suppliers, which made it all the more worthwhile, and the special gala dinner and masquerade themed ball in the evening were the perfect setting to celebrate our 30th anniversary.”

In line with the Group’s focus upon sustainability they worked with FareShare who redistributed surplus food from the exhibition.

conference Country Range Group Martin Ward