Country Range Group event generates £3m

More than £3m in orders were placed during the Country Range Group’s annual exhibition and conference held on 8 June

More than 500 delegates and 100 exhibitors from the foodservice sector joined Country Range Group at Manchester’s Central Convention Complex where the buying group unveiled its brand refresh and celebrated the 15th anniversary of Stir It Up, the group’s industry magazine.

The Country Range Group’s annual conference followed the exhibition where Chief Executive Martin Ward expressed his concern at what he called ‘disingenuous’ businesses in the market portraying themselves as independent when in fact they are far from it. He then reiterated the benefits and his passion for real, authentic independent wholesalers.

Martin also provided an update on the Group’s sustainability strategy, which has seen the Group’s members reduce their operational emissions by 20% and their carbon intensity by 40% since 2019, meaning CRG members generate 40% less emissions for every £1 of revenue generated.

In line with the Group’s focus on sustainability, FareShare redistributed surplus food from the exhibition to charities and community groups helping people facing food insecurity.

“The day is always a special opportunity for our proudly independent members to come together and discover the vast, diverse and unique range of products on offer from innovative suppliers,” said Martin. “With over £3 million in orders placed by delegates and our brand refresh well and truly activated, it was a fantastic day.”

In line with the Group’s focus on sustainability, FareShare redistributed surplus food from the exhibition to charities and community groups helping people facing food insecurity.

conference Country Range Group FareShare Foodservice Martin Ward sustainability