Global food and drink sector challenges come under the spotlight at the Food Innovation Centre

Bioenergy and Brewing Science Building

Experts will be sharing the latest updates on some of the key challenges facing the food and drink sector at a one-day workshop to be held at the Food Innovation Centre.

Aimed at small and medium-sized food and drink manufacturers, the event will turn the spotlight on food waste utilisation and alternative proteins – all of which are major topics currently in the sector.

The Food Innovation Centre, based at the University of Nottingham’s Sutton Bonington Campus as part of the Division of Food Sciences, is a unique collaboration project that provides free specialist innovation support to small and medium-sized food and drink manufacturers in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Providing top expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, the project offers access to scientists, students and facilities at the university – enabling eligible food and drink firms to seek free advice on how to overcome challenges and develop new ideas.

The latest workshop – to be held at the University of Nottingham’s Sutton Bonington campus on Tuesday 28^th November from 9am until 5pm – will focus on the opportunities and challenges of food and drink waste, plant and insect-based alternative proteins, including information about nutrition and food allergy/intolerances.

It has been designed to give food and drink manufacturers in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire an introduction to these key topics with current updates on technologies, opportunities and sourcing.

Head of the project, Richard Worrall, said: “These are huge topics, but important to us all. The Food Innovation Centre has brought together a range of experts to talk about these key global subjects, making them relevant to SMEs and with additional input through case studies from SME businesses themselves. The workshop will share the latest knowledge and information for those working in food and drink manufacturing – hopefully inspiring them to boost efficiencies, reduce waste, develop new products and improve their competitive performance.”

The Food Innovation Centre is a three-year project funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

There are a few places left, so to attend the workshop (free for eligible businesses), contact Linda Molyneux on linda.molyneux@nottingham.ac.uk. 

For more information, visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences/business/food-innovation-centre.aspx

Follow on Twitter @UoNFoodInnovation

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Unique food innovation centre notches up support for 100 SME businesses

Bioenergy and Brewing Science Building

Scientists and business experts working together at the Food Innovation Centre at the University of Nottingham have now helped over 100 food and drink businesses to tackle some of their innovation challenges or create inventive new products.

Support for the SMEs has ranged from advice on how to develop new products, scale up, use new ingredients, improve nutritional profiles and make processes more efficient. It has helped firms to bring to life pioneering new products to take advantage of some of the latest consumer trends and demands.

The Food Innovation Centre, based at the University of Nottingham’s Sutton Bonington Campus as part of the Division of Food Sciences, is a unique, funded academic/commercial collaboration that provides free specialist innovation support to small and medium-sized food and drink companies in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Providing top academic expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, the project offers access to scientists, technicians, and facilities at the university – enabling food and drink manufacturers, ranging from brewers to bakers to chocolate makers, to seek free advice on how to overcome challenges and develop new ideas.

Head of the project, Richard Worrall, said: “We are pleased to have so far helped over 100 food and drink SMEs in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire with innovative solutions to support their development – whether it’s been through our own project team of scientists, or by accessing academic knowledge, the University’s facilities or by linking businesses to students within student projects. We also link to other economic development initiatives in the area."

“The firms have ranged from small start-ups to well-established medium-sized businesses. The Food Innovation Centre is fast becoming the place for food and drink firms in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to go to, if they are seeking skilled expertise for their innovation challenges. We are giving SMEs access to the University’s superb facilities and knowledge, previously only available to larger businesses. We are now looking forward to hearing from additional eligible firms over the coming months so that we can also help them tackle the issues they have. It is the perfect way for Universities to engage with SME businesses as the figures show!”

A number of the firms who have received support have gone on to partner final year undergraduate and masters students at the University of Nottingham to develop the work further – providing both valuable ‘real-life’ experience for the students and giving the businesses the benefits of the latest knowledge, thinking and facilities.

These include:

• Butchers JT Beedham & Sons, in Sherwood, Nottingham, who were supported in the development of a healthier sausage, made from premium ingredients, and with the correct flavour and texture. Butcher Johnny Pusztai said: “The business will be able to promote itself as a more healthy meat producer based upon the latest University research and student input.”
• Dancing Duck Brewery, in Derby, who were supported with innovative ways of demonstrating the flavour differences within the company’s range of beers through the use of sensory profiling techniques. This concluded that new star diagrams (ranking descriptive analysis) would allow the beer range to be profiled and described in a more consumer-friendly format. Rachel Matthews, from Dancing Duck Holdings, said: “The business will be able to offer a new way of describing its beer product on the label to its consumers, based upon a formal Sensory Science process, to give it marketing advantage.”

The Food Innovation Centre is a three-year project funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
For more information, visit www.foodinnovationcentre.co.uk 

Follow on Twitter @UoNFoodInnovation

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

East Midlands food and drink sector comes together at event

One of the region’s leading food and drink sector organisations, The Food and Drink Forum, will be hosting a network dinner event next month.

The Food and Drink Forum, which was founded in 1998, has members across the East Midlands and in partnership with the Food and Drink iNet, aims to stimulate and support the sustainable growth and development of the food and drink industry in the region.

This year’s annual members’ supper and networking event will take place on Wednesday 19^th November at Southwell Racecourse, Rolleston in Nottinghamshire. Up to 150 people connected to the industry from Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire are expected to attend.

A range of key speakers will be speaking, and the event will feature a supper of ingredients donated and supplied by local food and drink manufacturers.

“The Food and Drink Forum’s annual members’ supper is the chance for people who work in the food and drink sector across the region to come together, share their news, discover more about the latest issues affecting the industry and to network and make valuable contacts,” said Food and Drink Forum general manager Fay Davies.

“This year we have chosen a new venue, at Southwell Racecourse, and have developed a new format separate from our AGM, as we aim to create an informal environment conducive for business networking between members.” 

Sponsored by the Food and Drink iNet (Innovation Network), the members’ supper runs from 5pm to 9pm and will include presentations from a number of food and drink manufacturers in the region. Guests will include members and representatives from partner organisations such as local enterprise partnerships, UK Trade & Investment, chambers of commerce and other key suppliers to support business growth.

Tickets are available for £35 (plus VAT), however Food and Drink Forum members receive a complimentary ticket, and exhibition space is available for £50 (plus VAT) for companies looking to further promote their services. For more details email enquiries@foodanddrinkforum.co.uk

The Food and Drink Forum is based at the Business Centre, Southglade Food Park in Nottingham. It delivers the European Regional Development-funded Food and Drink iNet (Innovation Network), which co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the region. The Forum also provides technical and business support to farmers, primary processors, food manufacturers, caterers and retailers. 

For more information visit www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk

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Food industry accreditation under the spotlight at Food and Drink Forum event

Business support organisation The Food and Drink Forum is teaming up with Giltbrook Workwear to run a session aimed at helping East Midlands food and drink companies get to grips with changes to one of the key food standard accreditations.

Entitled BRC Unravelled, the free event will turn the spotlight on the British Retail Consortium (BRC) accreditation, which has recently been upgraded.

It is being held at the premises of Food and Drink Forum member Giltbrook Workwear at Mercian Close, Manners Industrial Estate, Ilkeston, in Derbyshire on Wednesday September 12th between 8am and 10am.

“Many retailers and food service operators demand accreditations from their suppliers so it makes excellent business sense for manufacturers to invest in gaining the standards,” said Richard Wigley, The Food and Drink Forum’s technical manager.

“This event will look at the recent changes to BRC, how to achieve and maintain BRC the smart way, and will illustrate how BRC can help companies to save money.”

The breakfast meeting, which is open to members and non-members of The Food and Drink Forum, will also look at SALSA – the Safe and Local Supplier Approval certification scheme aimed at micro-sized producers.

As part of the session, delegates will hear about companies who have successfully achieved BRC and other accreditations, and how it has benefited their business.

For more information or to book contact Niall O’Hagan on 0115 9758810 or email Niall.Ohagan@foodanddrinkforum.co.uk

The Food and Drink Forum, which is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, has members across the region, including manufacturers, food service operators, and consultants and businesses providing services to the food and drink sector.

It was founded in 1998 as a not-for-profit, membership-led organisation to stimulate and support the sustainable growth and development of the food and drink industry in the East Midlands.

Its aims include championing the food and drink sector in the East Midlands, developing strategic influencing partnerships within and outside the East Midlands, and acting as a centre for information and knowledge on all subjects relating to the food and drink sector in the region.

It also aims to stimulate and facilitate sustainable change within companies of all sizes across the food chain, generate income and secure resources to meet the needs of a high-quality service, and promote the food and drink sector to future employees through education and the raising of skills.

www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk

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Days left to enter 2012 Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards

The East Midlands’ most forward-thinking food and drink manufacturers and researchers are being urged to get their entries in for the 2012 Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards.

August 17th 2012 is the deadline for the awards, which are free to enter and recognise and reward the brightest ideas in the region’s food and drink sector.

Last year’s award winners and short-listed candidates received valuable promotion for their innovations.

The overall winner, which was named the Campden BRI Innovation Champion 2011, was a team from the University of Leicester Space Research Centre, who applied space technology to allow the detection of counterfeit whisky through the bottle and without having to open it.

“We’ve had some really exciting entries to our Innovation Awards in the past, and we’re looking forward to hearing about the latest innovations in the sector across the East Midlands,” said Food and Drink iNet director Richard Worrall.

Being held for the fifth year, the awards recognise and reward the use of innovation in the region’s food and drink sector as a way of boosting development, profitability and growth.

There are four award categories this year – Business Growth Award, the Nottingham Trent University New Product Development Award, the Positive Impact Award, and the Collaboration Award.

Winners of all categories will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony and gala dinner in November before one of the winners is crowned Campden BRI Innovation Champion 2012.

Entries are being invited from companies, researchers and individuals across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Forms are available to download from the iNet section of the Food and Drink Forum website www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk and need to be submitted by August 17th 2012.

A range of sponsorship opportunities are also available, including award categories, table hosting and exhibition space, which will provide valuable promotion in front of food and drink professionals from across the East Midlands.

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands.

It has developed an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs. It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by The Food and Drink Forum and including Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham.

It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information about the iNet visit www.foodanddrink-inet.org.uk

For further information about the Innovation Awards or sponsorship opportunities call 0115 9758810.

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New advisor for Food and Drink iNet

East Midlands food and drink innovation support service The Food and Drink iNet has appointed Lisa Simpson as its latest advisor.

Lisa, who is working across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, was previously a business development manager at Boots and has recently been a student at The School of Artisan Food in Nottinghamshire studying dairy and bakery.

Her role is to support food and drink producers in the two counties as part of a team of iNet advisors covering the East Midlands.

“We are delighted to welcome Lisa on board, and I know she is looking forward to supporting food and drink businesses with their innovation projects,” said Food and Drink iNet director Richard Worrall.

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), The Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands.

It has developed an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs.

The iNet offers free business consultations to small and medium companies in the sector who have plans to innovate and grow and it provides match-funded grants for relevant innovation projects. It has supported hundreds of businesses since its launch in 2008 and is currently involved in funding key research projects in food and drink at many of the region’s universities.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by The Food and Drink Forum and including Nottingham Trent University, The University of Lincoln, and The University of Nottingham.

It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham. For more information visit www.foodanddrink-inet.org.uk

Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire food and drink manufacturers interested in finding out more about how the iNet can support innovation projects should contact Lisa via lisa.simpson@foodanddrink-inet.org.uk

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Additional ingredients to Nottingham Regional and Speciality Food and Drink Market in July

New traders are bringing extra ingredients to Nottingham’s Regional and Speciality Food and Drink Market this month.

Taking place on Friday July 20th and Saturday July 21st, the market has attracted six new producers and stallholders alongside the regular traders.

Among them is the Pulp Friction Smoothie Bar, which creates pedal-powered smoothies, Previns, which sells Indian spice food cooking kits, and Velvet Chocolate, selling handmade chocolate products.

Other new stall holders include Bluebird Tea Company, selling tea leaf infusions and iced teas, Manor Cakes, which sells novelty hand-decorated cupcakes, traditional home-baked cakes, tarts, pastries and preserves, and Roast Event, which offers pork roast, rotisserie bird, homemade bread, apple sauce and stuffing.

The market, which is organised by East Midlands Fine Foods in conjunction with Nottingham City Council, is held in the Old Market Square area.

It has been running for five years – taking place on the third Friday and Saturday of each month.

“It’s great to see some new faces on the market this month, alongside our established traders,” said Toni Jarvis, from East Midlands Fine Foods. “The market is a great opportunity to buy direct from producers, who are able to talk about what they are selling and give cooking tips and ideas.”

The market, which runs from 9am to 4.30pm, will also be selling local ales, Caribbean snacks and cakes, Sicilian Arancini rice balls, cheeses, pickles, chutneys and jams, Indian snacks, and has a range of different meat stalls offering everything from organic meat, meat products and exotic meats, including ostrich, as well as a stall selling gourmet treats for dogs and cats.

This month’s event also features a stall offering hand-crafted soaps, bath bombs and sea salts.

The market provides a regular opportunity for food and drink producers from Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire to sell directly to the public.

It also offers the chance for customers to find out more about the provenance of their food, helps reduce food miles and gives a boost to the regional economy.

“We’re looking forward to introducing new traders to our regular customers at the July market,” said Toni Jarvis.

www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk

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Two special food and drink markets lined up for Nottingham

The next two Regional and Speciality Food and Drink Markets in Nottingham are something special – with April’s event coinciding with St George’s Day celebrations and the May event marking five years since the markets launched.

Held on the third Friday and Saturday of every month in Nottingham’s Old Market Square area since Spring 2007, the market offers the chance for customers to buy directly from producers in the East Midlands.

It features stalls selling a wide range of produce from cheese and chutney to meat and cakes.

The April market, held on Friday April 20th and Saturday April 21st, coincides with St George’s Day celebrations in the city. A host of activities is planned for Saturday April 21st including a parade of scouts and military, have-a-go archery, story telling, arts activities, Morris dancing, Victorian games, maypole dancing, and costumed characters including Robin Hood and Maid Marian.

The May event, which is marking the fifth anniversary of the launch of the market, will be taking a Spring-time theme, with guest traders and exhibitors expected to support the market with activities for families. Among them will be Stonebridge City Farm, who will be selling plants and produce, providing information about the St Ann’s farm and will be running growing activities for children.

It will be held on Friday May 18th and Saturday May 19th.

Run by East Midlands Fine Foods, in conjunction with Nottingham City Council, the market provides a regular opportunity for food and drink producers from Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire to sell directly to the public.

It also offers the chance for customers to find out more about the provenance of their food.

“Nottingham Regional and Speciality Food and Drink Market helps to boost the regional economy and reduce food miles, which is good for the environment, as shoppers are buying direct from producers,” said East Midlands Fine Foods events manager Toni Jarvis.

“It’s been five years since we held the first market, and we have built up a loyal band of customers who look forward to buying their food and drink at the market. We hope as many as possible will be joining us for these two forth-coming special markets.”

As well as the regular stallholders, April’s event has attracted at least three new producers - Classy Cupcakes, selling a range of cakes and European-inspired patisserie including small and large cakes, tarts, cookies and sweet bread products, The Little Round Cake Company, selling handmade little round cakes, mini layer cakes, tarts, giant meringues and indulgent brownies, and Lymn Bank Farm, selling cheese.

Any East Midlands producers interested in taking a stall should contact East Midlands Fine Foods on 0115 9758810.

www.eastmidlandsfinefoods.com

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East Midlands business support organisation The Food and Drink Forum stages its AGM

More than 130 professionals connected to the East Midlands food and drink sector took part in the annual general meeting and networking supper of business support organisation The Food and Drink Forum.

The Forum is one of the largest business support organisations in the region dedicated to the food and drink sector, with members across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

The annual general meeting and members’ networking supper, which took place at Kelham Hall, near Newark, is the flagship event of the organisation’s calendar.

During the event The Forum unveiled a new membership structure which it hopes will appeal to firms across the food and drink chain from producers and manufacturers through to distributors and retailers.

The new structure will also allow members to choose the level of support they need and to take advantage of new services that will be rolled out over the next year.

“The nature of business support is changing as a result of the political and economic landscape,” said Food and Drink Forum Managing Director Fiona Anderson. “However, we believe this makes our role as a sector-specific organisation even more relevant and even more important than ever for businesses.

“We have a commitment to the industry built up over 13 years. We know and understand the sector, and as a result we can offer services that are tailored to the industry’s needs and that help to achieve new orders, continued growth and access to new markets. We hope our new membership structure will appeal to existing members and also to others who work across a broad spectrum of the food industry.”

After the AGM, delegates received presentations from Sam Sangha, Managing Director of Nottingham-based importer and wholesaler of oriental foods Asiana Ltd, and his daughter Sandy Lathia, who is the firm’s Business Development Director, who spoke about bringing a product to market – describing how they developed and launched Siam Gold beer.

Head of Marketing at Pork Farms Ltd, Andy Napthine, went on to talk about Pork Farms’ brand relaunch, which came earlier this year as the brand marks its 80th anniversary.

This was followed by the Members’ Supper, sponsored by recruitment consultants Ambitions Personnel. Established in 1990, with 17 locations in the East Midlands, and currently supplying over 1500 temporary workers to the food industry on a daily basis, Ambitions Personnel believes that an organisation’s best ingredients should be its people.

The Food and Drink Forum is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, and is a membership organisation that supports the sustainable growth of the food and drink sector across the East Midlands.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the benefits of joining The Food and Drink Forum should call 0115 9758810 or visit www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk

Photo caption:
Left to right: Food and Drink Forum Managing Director Fiona Anderson, Head of Marketing at Pork Farms Andy Napthine, Business Development Director Sandy Lathia and Managing Director Sam Sangha, both from Asiana Ltd.

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Speciality food and drink producers invited to take part in Loughborough English Food and Drink Festival

Artisan food and drink producers from across the UK are being invited to take part in Loughborough English Food and Drink Festival.

The event is returning for a second time on Sunday June 26th after being launched in April.

Now organiser East Midlands Fine Foods, which is running the market on behalf of Charnwood Borough Council, is inviting applications for stalls.

“We hope to have a wide range of producers, from craft bakers to artisan chocolatiers,” said Jo Taylor, events co-ordinator at East Midlands Fine Foods. “We hope to be selling everything from speciality cheeses to top quality meats, and all sorts of items in between.”

The festival will be held in the Market Place, Loughborough, in the centre of the town, between 10am and 4pm.

For details about stalls, call East Midlands Fine Foods on 0115 9758810.

Visit www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk

Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Artisan producers lined up for Loughborough English Food and Drink Festival

A feast of artisan producers will be bringing a tasty range of food and drink to a new Loughborough market this Easter.

Cupcakes and curry sauces, plum breads and beers, and salsas and sausages are just some of the items that will be on offer at the Loughborough English Food and Drink Festival, which is being held in the town’s Market Place between 10am and 4pm on Monday April 25.

Cooking demonstrations will also be held to provide inspiration to shoppers.

Among those giving demonstrations will be Lincolnshire-based Oslinc, who will be cooking up a large ostrich egg as an alternative breakfast fry-up, and Derbyshire baker Sarah Gayton, who will be making scones.

The market is being organised by East Midlands Fine Foods on behalf of Charnwood Borough Council.

East Midlands Fine Foods events co-ordinator Jo Taylor said: “We’ve got an excellent range of food on offer at the festival to appeal to all tastes. We’ve also lined up some cooking demonstrations from stallholders who are taking part in the market, which should help to give some ideas of the best ways of serving up the food and drink that’s being sold at the festival.”

The event is the first of four similar festivals being planned for Loughborough during 2011. Future events are scheduled for June 26th and 27th, August 28th and 29thand October 23rd and 24th.

East Midlands Fine Foods, which supports speciality food and drink producers across the region, has run the monthly two-day Regional and Speciality Food and Drink Market in Nottingham, in conjunction with Nottingham City Council, for almost four years.

Nottingham PR firm Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Key recommendations to boost food and drink sector in Leicester and Leicestershire revealed

Local sourcing initiatives, making the most of food and drink linked to tourism in Leicestershire’s market towns, the provision of food grade production units and an increase in vocationally led learning are some of the key recommendations to emerge in a blueprint drawn up to help develop Leicester and Leicestershire’s £600 million food and drink economy.

The ideas are just some of the suggestions included in a draft strategy created to ensure that the city and county have the place they deserve on the UK’s food and drink map.

Commissioned by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), the strategy has been drawn up by East Midlands business support organisation The Food and Drink Forum in conjunction with the European Food and Farming Partnerships (EFFP).

They consulted the city and county’s food and drink firms, and have come up with a string of ideas which are aimed at helping local food, drink and farming businesses grow and develop.

The draft strategy was unveiled at The Royal Oak, Kirby Muxloe, to more than 50 guests where Stephen Gould, managing director of Leicestershire brewery Everards launched details of a local sourcing pilot scheme that the company plans to trial.

Mr Gould said: “We can act as a conduit for food manufacturers and food processors in Leicestershire to sell their food in our pubs. We want to work in a few of our pubs with several local food producers and manufacturers and blend their ideas onto our pub menus.

“We need to work out how to get the food to the pubs and manage the whole supply chain but I think it’s do-able and we can do it.”

The firm plans a trial in six Everards pubs. It also hopes to provide space for artisan producers and retailers, such as bakers, farm shops and delis, at its premises in line with a similar scheme it has run for micro-brewers.

“This isn’t pipe dream stuff. We want to move forward with our trial,” added Mr Gould.

At the event, held for invited guests who had helped to shape the draft strategy through group and individual consultations which involved farmers, manufacturers, restaurants and hotels, the audience was given an outline of the conclusions and recommendations.

Event delegates were invited for their feedback, before the final copy of the strategy is drawn up.

Gill Smitherman, Programme Manager at LLEP, said the next steps were to finalise and publish the strategy, establish a Leicester and Leicestershire food and drink group, prioritise delivery of the key recommendations, identify key delivery partners and start delivering chosen projects.

Anyone who would like a copy of the final strategy should register their details with The Food and Drink Forum by email to enquiries@foodanddrinkforum.co.uk

Nottingham PR consultant Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

New manufacturing innovation manager for The Food and Drink Forum

Business support organisation The Food and Drink Forum has appointed Mark Nicholson as its new manufacturing innovation manager.

Mark will operate across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and Rutland offering support and advice to help the region’s food and drink manufacturers to discover more efficient ways of operating.

Previously an adviser with Business Link Yorkshire and before that a freelance business coach, Mark has spent 17 years in operations, specifically in the food sector. He has worked in the frozen sector for McCain, in confectionery for Needlers, and in fresh produce for MBM.

His role at The Food and Drink Forum includes helping to deliver the second phase of the CHIEFS project in collaboration with Food Processing Faraday and Optimat Ltd. The project, which aims to champion innovation between the engineering and food sectors, is being delivered on behalf of East Midlands Development Agency (emda) with funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

“I am delighted to join The Food and Drink Forum as manufacturing innovation manager,” said Mark.

“I am passionate about helping food and drink businesses to think more creatively, and really enthusiastic about innovative and novel approaches to business improvement.”

Mark’s specialist skills include the use of lean and continuous improvement methods for food businesses, the application of environmental technology, the deployment of motivational/behavioural strategy and systems thinking.

He will be offering support in improving production efficiencies, specifying and purchasing new equipment, managing and delivering turn key engineering projects, process mapping and value stream analysis, waste minimisation and resource efficiency, top team, middle and junior management training, and coaching and mentoring.

Fiona Anderson, managing director of The Food and Drink Forum, which is based at the Business Centre at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, said: “Mark’s appointment will help The Food and Drink Forum to build on the support that we offer the sector in the East Midlands. Manufacturing efficiencies can bring immediate cost savings, as well as a range of other benefits, and are a popular service that we offer to our members and on a commercial basis to food and drink firms around the region.”

Married with three grown-up children, Mark’s qualifications include a BSc in Human Ecology and an MSc in Food Inspection & Control. He is also a certified trainer in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and a licensed facilitator in two psychometric profiling tools.

He loves the great outdoors, enjoys hill walking and his favourite food is curry.

The Food and Drink Forum is one of the region’s largest business support organisations, championing the food and drink sector in the East Midlands through a variety of different ways.

If you are interested in finding out more about The Food and Drink Forum, please visit http://www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk/ or call 0115 9758810.

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Bumper Regional and Speciality Food and Drink Market in Nottingham for December 2010

Fans of Nottingham’s Regional and Speciality Food and Drink Market are in for a festive treat this month with an extra three days of trading.

The market will run as usual on the third Friday and Saturday of the month on December 17^th and 18^th, but will be extended to Sunday 19^th, Monday 20^th and Tuesday 21^st December to give shoppers extra time to buy festive food and foodie gifts from regional producers and suppliers.

The market, organised by East Midlands Fine Foods in conjunction with Nottingham City Council, has been running monthly in the Old Market Square since April 2007.

Stalls sell a wide range of quality regional products including cheese, pickles, meat, fishcakes, beer, game, fudge, cakes, vegetables, sweet and savoury pies, jam and even dog biscuits.

“The Regional and Speciality Food and Drink Market is a great place to stock up on Christmas essentials and luxuries, as well as a good place to source items for gift hampers and presents,” said Jo Taylor, of East Midlands Fine Foods. “At the same time, it’s supporting producers and suppliers across the East Midlands, and helping the local economy. A lot of shoppers like to shop locally at Christmas, and this is the perfect opportunity to do just that.”

This month the market will temporarily relocate to the area in the Old Market Square at the bottom of King Street and alongside the fountains as part of the on-going Christmas festivities in the square.

Some 17 stalls will be in place for the first two days of the market, with 11 of them spending five days at the event.

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Croots Farm Shop scores success in the Observer Food Monthly Awards 2010

Derbyshire farm shop Croots is celebrating after being name-checked in a prestigious national foodie award.

The farm shop near Duffield was runner-up in the Best UK Independent Food Retailer 2010 category of the Observer Food Monthly Awards.

Readers of the national newspaper’s monthly food supplement voted for their favourite independent food retailer – and Croots was one of just nine shops in the UK to be named a runner-up.

It was one of only two in the Midlands to be given the accolade. A further five online independent retailers were also named as runners up.

“To be effectively named as one of the top ten independent food shops in the UK is an absolutely amazing tribute to the staff and everyone at Croots Farm Shop & Kitchen,” said owner Steve Croot, who opened the store at Farnah House Farm, Wirksworth Road, in June 2008.

“We are thrilled that our customers rate us so highly that they are willing to go to the effort of voting for us in such a prestigious award. We can’t thank them enough for this. It’s a true honour and we are absolutely chuffed to bits to get it. I’d like to thank the hard-working staff at Croots for all their efforts in helping to make the shop what it is today.”

The accolade in the Observer Food Monthly Awards 2010 is the latest to be presented to Croots Farm Shop. It has previously been a finalist in the Derbyshire Business Awards 2010 in the Most Promising New Business Category and in the FARMA (National Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association) for Best New Farm Shop Award.

Last November it was also named in The Independent’s top 50 best food shops, when one of the judges said: “Croots is more than a shop, it’s a destination. It’s the perfect place to buy everything you need for a special dinner and literally cook from plot to plate.”

 Recently it won a One Star Gold Great Taste Award from the Guild of Fine Food for its Cow Juice ale, having scooped a Gold Star Great Taste Award for its Black Pudding Sausage in 2009.

The description of Croots Farm Shop in the Observer Food Monthly Awards stated: “Fabulous meat and vegetables, much of which is grown or reared by the owners. Also lovely local Stilton and pates.”

The farm shop is renowned for its home-made sausages and other fresh meat, and has recently extended its fresh meat counter to cater for demand. Croots also features a popular deli counter selling dozens of different cheeses.

It is a passionate supporter of local producers and sells items from 40 suppliers within a 50-mile radius of the shop.

Croots Farm Shop is open 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays (closed on Mondays). Visit www.croots.co.uk for more information.

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John Sergeant and Des Coleman to host Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010

After dinner speaker John Sergeant

Journalist, presenter and Strictly Come Dancing contestant John Sergeant will be hosting this year’s Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards alongside BBC TV’s East Midlands Today weather presenter and former EastEnders actor Des Coleman, it has been announced.


The pair will be revealing the winners of the East Midlands-based awards at a glittering ceremony and gala dinner sponsored by Derby College at The Roundhouse, Pride Park, Derby, on November 25th.

They will co-host the event which is designed to recognise and reward the most exciting developments in the region’s food and drink sector.

Entries for the 2010 Food and Drink innovation Network (iNet) Innovation Awards, which have five categories, plus the chance for winners to go on to become crowned the East Midlands Food and Drink Forum Innovation Champion 2010, are due by Friday October 15th. Additional prizes in the form of business support are also available.

“Both John Sergeant and Des Coleman are highly entertaining, and we are delighted that they will be joining us for the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010 ceremony and gala dinner,” said Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick.

“The awards ceremony has become one of the highlights of the food and drink sector calendar in the region, as well as the chance for us to recognise the achievements of firms, individuals and researchers who work in the industry in the East Midlands.”

John Sergeant was famously interrupted mid-broadcast by Margaret Thatcher when she emerged from the Paris Embassy, grabbed his microphone and declared her participation in the Conservative leadership battle, which won John a place in television history and a Press Guild Award for the most memorable outside broadcast. More recently, the former BBC chief political correspondent and former ITN political editor, has become a reporter on BBC1’s The One Show, has hosted Have I Got News for You? and is a regular on many Radio 4 panel shows, as well as being a popular contestant on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The after-dinner speaker for the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010, he will also be co-hosting the ceremony with cheery weather presenter Des Coleman, who has worked in TV, theatre, presenting, musical theatre and films. Des’ TV credits include The Bill, Casualty, Doctors and most famously his four-year portrayal of lovable rogue Lenny Wallace in EastEnders – during which time the show won a BAFTA. He is also a presenter on The One Show.

The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards, which are being held for the third year, will turn the spotlight on outstanding inventions or products, exceptional creativity, and innovative working practices in the industry in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. There are categories for a wide range of businesses and individuals – including manufacturers, researchers, and firms in the wider food sector such as restaurants, caterers, delis and primary producers, plus those working on innovation projects for the benefit of the sector – and the closing date for entries is October 15th 2010.

Entries are being invited for the following awards:

• University of Lincoln National Centre for Food Manufacturing Award for Most Innovative Small to Medium Size Food and Drink Manufacturer, which will recognise small to medium food and drink manufacturers within the East Midlands that have championed innovation projects to improve their business. The University of Lincoln has kindly donated an additional prize of two hours’ consultancy from an academic specialist to the winner of this category.

• Campden BRI Award for Most Innovative Business Across the Food and Drink Supply Chain, which will recognise businesses working in the food and drink supply chain in the East Midlands that have undertaken an innovation project that has benefited the food and drink manufacturing sector. Campden BRI has kindly donated additional prizes of two places on a Campden conference or seminar for the winner of the Most Innovative Business across the Food and Drink Supply Chain. Prizes must be taken before October 2011.

• CenFRA Award for Most Innovative Research Project, which will reward the most successful research projects undertaken by universities within the East Midlands that have made a significant beneficial impact on the food and drink sector.

• Food Processing Faraday Award for Most Innovative Large Food and Drink Manufacturer, which will go to a large food and drink manufacturer in the East Midlands that has championed innovation projects to improve their business. Food Processing Faraday has kindly donated an additional prize of a consultancy visit from one of their Innovation Consultants plus one free delegate place to Excellence in Food Manufacturing 2011 to the winner of this category.

• Nottingham Trent University Award for Most Innovative Business in the Wider Food Sector, which will recognise innovation in a food or drink firm that is not a manufacturer. This could include primary producers, restaurants, caterers, delis and local food retailers.

• The winner of the Food and Drink Forum Innovation Champion Award 2010 will be picked from the winners of the five categories. The Food and Drink Forum has kindly donated an additional prize of one day’s consultancy from one of their specialists for the Innovation Champion 2010. Prize must be taken before May 2011.

• Campden BRI has also kindly donated one place on a Campden conference or seminar for the winner of each of the other categories. Prizes must be taken before October 2011.

Application forms are available to download from the Food and Drink iNet website www.eminnovation.org.uk/food.

Funded by emda and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four regional iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.

The Food and Drink iNet also aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes. It is managed by a consortium, led by the Food and Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food

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Categories unveiled in Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010

Categories for this year’s Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards have been unveiled, with entries now being invited by organisers.

Designed to recognise and reward the most exciting developments in the East Midlands food and drink sector, the 2010 Food and Drink innovation Network (iNet) Innovation Awards have five categories, plus the chance for winners to go on to become crowned the regional Food and Drink Innovation Champion 2010.

Entries are being invited for the following awards:

• University of Lincoln National Centre for Food Manufacturing Award for Most Innovative Small to Medium Size Food and Drink Manufacturer, which will recognise small to medium food and drink manufacturers within the East Midlands that have championed innovation projects to improve their business.

• Campden BRI Award for Most Innovative Business Across the Food and Drink Supply Chain, which will recognise businesses working in the food and drink supply chain in the East Midlands that have undertaken an innovation project that has benefited the food and drink manufacturing sector.

• CenFRA Award for Most Innovative Research Project, which will reward the most successful research projects undertaken by universities within the East Midlands that have made a significant beneficial impact on the food and drink sector.

• Food Processing Faraday Award for Most Innovative Large Food and Drink Manufacturer, which will go to a large food and drink manufacturer in the East Midlands that has championed innovation projects to improve their business.

• Nottingham Trent University Award for Most Innovative Business in the Wider Food Sector, which will recognise innovation in a food or drink firm that is not a manufacturer. This could include primary producers, restaurants, caterers, delis and local food retailers.

The winner of the Food and Drink Forum Innovation Champion Award 2010 will be picked from the winners of the five categories.

The awards, which are being held for the third year, will turn the spotlight on outstanding inventions or products, exceptional creativity, and innovative working practices in the industry in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony and gala dinner sponsored by Derby College in November.

Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick said: “Last year’s entries for The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards were impressive and we are looking forward to receiving this year’s nominations which I am sure will reflect the exciting innovation going on in the food industry and associated areas within the region.”

Application forms are available to download from the Food and Drink iNet website www.eminnovation.org.uk/food now with the closing date for entries October 15th 2010.

Mike Carr, East Midlands Development Agency’s (emda’s) Executive Director of Business Services, said: “I hope that many of the food and drink companies from across the East Midlands enter these awards. It is not only an opportunity for them to be recognised for their achievements, but it is also a chance for them to showcase their innovations in a way that may help them gain an all important competitive edge in their markets.”

Funded by emda and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four regional iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.

The Food and Drink iNet also aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes. It is managed by a consortium, led by the Food & Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food

Leicestershire food and drink firms asked to help shape exciting new strategy

Plans to build on Leicestershire’s £600 million food and drink economy are swinging into action.

Business support organisation The Food and Drink Forum is co-ordinating the drawing up of a strategy to help ensure that Leicestershire has the place it deserves on the UK’s food and drink map.

The Forum is working on a blueprint to fly the flag for Leicestershire food and drink products, help businesses in the sector to grow and develop, and to create tourism and promotional opportunities linked to food and drink.

And it is launching the initiative by asking those closest to the industry - those who run food and drink businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire –what they need to help drive forward the food and drink economy of the city and the county.

Two consultation events are being staged later this month to gauge opinions and help shape the strategy to ensure that Leicestershire is regarded as a centre of excellence for food and drink in the future.

“The Food and Drink Forum aims to work closely with local producers, restaurateurs, retailers and hospitality companies to create a strategy and action plan that will help develop food and drink networks, support skills and training activities, and encourage business and infrastructure development, along with promoting healthy eating,” said Food and Drink Forum operations manager Briony Clarke.

“These two business consultation events will be an important first step in canvassing views of those working in the industry locally, and we are very keen to hear from as many as possible who would like to attend.

“A great deal of effort has been put in by many organisations and individuals over several years to ensure that Leicestershire has a successful and vibrant food and drink sector. This strategy will build on past work, current initiatives, and drive the sector forward. ”

The events run between 5pm and 7pm on Wednesday 29th September at Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, near Loughborough, and at Flamingo Bar & Grill, Loughborough Road, Leicester, on Thursday 30th September, and include a networking supper.

Leicestershire has a rich heritage when it comes to food and drink, with a diverse mix of rural and city-based producers and manufacturers of differing sizes. It is home to many household names like United Biscuits, Walkers, Pukka Pies and Everards, as well as producers of ethnic foods, artisan items and traditional products. Some are recognised around the world, and others have a very strong regional identity, such as Stilton and Melton Mowbray pork pies. Melton Mowbray is branded as the UK rural capital of food.

The Food and Drink Forum is drawing up the strategy on behalf of the Leicester and Leicestershire Multi-Area Agreement (MAA) Partnership, with support from the Leicestershire Rural Partnership (LRP).

Established in 1998, the Food and Drink Forum is a membership-led organisation that stimulates and supports the sustainable development of the sector in the East Midlands. It is run by a team of food industry professionals who have first hand knowledge of a wide range of business issues, including logistics, business development, sales and marketing. It has a Board of industry owner/managers.

The consultation events are open to those running businesses across the sector in Leicester and Leicestershire. For more information and to book a place call 0115 9758810 or visit http://www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk/

Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010 launched

Last year's Innovation Champion Dr Fengge Gao, from Nottingham Trent University's School of Science and Technology, with Fiona Anderson, MD of award sponsors The Food and Drink Forum

The search for the most exciting developments in the East Midlands food and drink sector has begun with the launch of the 2010 Food and Drink innovation Network (iNet) Innovation Awards.

The awards aim to recognise and reward the use of innovation in the food and drink sector in the region as a way of boosting development, profitability or growth.

Being held for the third year, the awards will turn the spotlight on outstanding inventions or products, exceptional creativity, and innovative working practices in the industry across the East Midlands.

Last year’s Food and Drink iNet Innovation Champion was Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology who took the title for the development of an exciting new material for food and drink packaging.

Experts at the university successfully solved the problem of leaching in bottles and have taken the technology a step further to add antimicrobial properties which kill or lessen micro-organisms.

Dr Fengge Gao, from Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology, said: “The benefits of winning the award have gone far beyond our original expectations. The recognition for our technology opened the door to the outside world and the publicity reached every continent. We are now in a much better position with regards to technology transfer, attracting external funding and collaborating with leading industry institutions across the globe.”

Now the hunt has begun for this year’s worthy winners across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick said: “The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards have become an important date on the calendar for recognizing and celebrating the innovation that is going on in the East Midlands’ food and drink sector. In previous years we have seen some truly exciting developments in the industry and I am delighted to announce that the awards will be held again this year.”

The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards will have a number of categories open to firms, organisations and individuals working across the food and drink sector, with entries being invited now. The Innovation Awards will culminate in a glittering ceremony in November, where the winners will be crowned in front of their industry peers.

Forms are available to download from the Food and Drink iNet website www.eminnovation.org.uk/food

Mike Carr, emda’s Executive Director of Business Services, said: “The food and drink industry is very important to the East Midlands and the iNet is playing a significant role in supporting innovation in this sector. These awards recognise and celebrate exciting innovations that have serious market potential, stimulating East Midlands firms and research centres to explore and develop new ideas, technologies and products.”

Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four iNets, it strives to develop an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs.

It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by the Food & Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food

Derbyshire firm gains contracts after achieving British Retail Consortium accreditation with help from The Food & Drink Forum

A Derbyshire fruit and vegetable supplier and distributor has demonstrated the benefit to businesses of gaining top industry-recognised accreditation by expanding after winning a hat-trick of new contracts.

East Midlands business support organisation The Food and Drink Forum helped John Palin Ltd to gain the British Retail Consortium accreditation.

Now the firm has won three new contracts to supply fruit and vegetables to hundreds of schools in Derbyshire, Derby, and Staffordshire, as well as to the Chatsworth Estate.

It means John Palin Ltd can take on four new staff and invest in four extra vehicles, and illustrates one way that firms can help themselves to expand and flourish in difficult economic times by taking expert, sector-specific advice.

“The value of gaining BRC accreditation to industry-recognised standards can be immense for a business, and I’m delighted to hear that the work The Food and Drink Forum carried out with John Palin Ltd towards accreditation has helped the company to gain new contracts and expand,” said Food and Drink Forum technical manager Richard Wigley.

“Increasingly, large organisations will only do business with firms that have accreditations, so it makes good sense to put the correct systems in place to gain them, just as John Palin has done.

“Their experience illustrates how the Food and Drink Forum can help businesses in the sector to move into new markets, gain new customers, win additional business, and develop, even during challenging economic times.”

John Palin finance manager Ann Newton, who is one of the owners of the company along with her husband David, and Neil and Karina Norman, said: “BRC accreditation was something that we needed to do. All our competitors had BRC accreditation so we knew it was the way forward. Richard Wigley’s knowledge and expertise was invaluable. We are so pleased that we have won new contracts on the back of gaining BRC and that we have been able to take on new staff.”

The firm, based at Tansley near Matlock, has been supplying fruit and vegetables in Derbyshire and beyond for more than 150 years. It supplies to semi-wholesalers, shops, caterers, pubs and restaurants, sandwich manufacturers, prisons and schools within a 150-mile radius, going into counties such as Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Cheshire.

David and Neil had worked for Palins for more than 25 years before a management buy-out in 2004.

The company won the Chatsworth contract last year, to supply the estate and the farm shop. Earlier this year the firm won a contract to supply fresh fruit and vegetables, prepared vegetables and eggs to around 90 Staffordshire schools in the Tamworth and Burton-on-Trent areas.

Now John Palin has learnt that it has been successful in tendering to supply to 235 schools and social care units in Derbyshire and about 100 in Derby city. The firm previously supplied some Derbyshire schools but the new contract marks a significant increase in numbers.

The contracts for the schools and social care units alone will represent approximately £600,000 increase in turnover a year for the company.

“We are delighted to have won three major contracts since achieving our BRC in 2009. It has really opened doors for us, and we are very grateful for the support and expertise provided by The Food and Drink Forum. It’s been invaluable,” said Ann.

The firm has also won a place on the NHS Framework, which means it can bid for NHS contracts in the future.

John Palin employs more than 45 people at its Brookfield Industrial Estate headquarters. The firm achieved BRC certification in food storage and distribution to the highest level after receiving a range of specialist support from Richard.

He helped John Palin to complete a quality and HACCP manual, audited the company before the BRC audit to ensure the firm was compliant, dealt with technical questions from the auditor on the day of the audit, and carried out some HACCP training at the firm.

Richard has continued to support the firm and carries out a regular external audit to ensure that John Palin remains compliant.

The Food and Drink Forum is a membership-led business support organisation which works across the East Midlands and beyond. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Gala Way, Nottingham, and has members across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Rutland and Northamptonshire.

Firms wanting more information should contact Richard Wigley at The Forum on 0115 9758810 or richard.wigley@foodanddrinkforum.co.uk.