Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are inviting local food and drink producers to a free workshop to support and advise these SME’s on how to get the most out of their upcoming Agri-show experience.
The workshop will take place in Bleary Business Centre on Wednesday 27th March starting at 9.15am and has been designed to help those who will be exhibiting at the Balmoral, Lurgan and Armagh Shows learn how to prepare, market and network effectively.
With sessions from Food NI, Sinead McKeever from SM Marketing and experienced food buyer Mervyn Jones, this workshop is jam packed with useful information to maximise each business’ presence at the Agri shows. The topics to be covered include planning and pitching to buyers and industry peers, tips on how to gain exposure and marketing, as well as important advice from the Council’s Environmental Health department on food safety at the shows.
The Council’s Food Heartland initiative will host a stand at all three shows during May and June, giving small producers the opportunity to exhibit and showcase their produce at a show that may ordinarily be cost prohibitive for them alone.
Although the call to be part of the Food Heartland stand has now closed, this workshop is open to all small food and drink producers within the borough and is an opportunity to benefit from expert advice in the run up to a busy time for the Agri food sector.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Margaret Tinsley said:
“The Council is committed to supporting our micro, small and medium sized food and drink businesses who make an invaluable contribution towards our reputation as the Food Heartland of NI. Our borough is brimming with talent in the Agri food sector and the upcoming shows are special occasions when we get to see and taste the best of the best.
“This workshop is a great opportunity for local producers to learn from experts on how to achieve their desired goals. Whether that is to gain more exposure for their brand, sell direct to customers or to meet buyers and expand their business, this workshop will help them plan and put their best foot forward.”
The pinnacle agricultural event in Northern Ireland is Balmoral and it takes place from 15 to 18 May. Lurgan Show takes place on Saturday 1 June and Armagh Country Show, which is held in Gosford Park, will be on Saturday 8 June. All three events provide an unrivalled opportunity for local artisan producers to meet and engage with new customers and buyers.
If you would like to attend this workshop, contact the Council’s Food Heartland team by calling 0300 0300 900 or email . You can also book a place here.
