Foodstuffs North Island Hosts Successful Supplier Expo in Auckland
In a remarkable initiative, Foodstuffs North Island, led by Jocelyn McCallum, recently organized a supplier expo at its Auckland headquarters on Landing Drive. This event brought together over 50 suppliers who showcased their products to 70 business members, a format McCallum likened to “supplier speed-dating.”
Following the expo, a survey revealed that an impressive 98% of the participants who responded received multiple orders from other stores. “This kind of connection is vital. We believe that if our smaller suppliers succeed, they can grow into our larger suppliers in the future,” McCallum stated.
The Auckland expo was such a hit that Foodstuffs plans to host a similar event in Wellington on July 30, aiming to replicate its success. Many of the suppliers who attended the Auckland event expressed their gratitude, noting how quickly the process unfolded.
Leighton Cosgrave, General Manager of Radix, shared that this was the first supermarket to carry their product. He described the expo as a great platform for new and emerging products, highlighting that the team at Foodstuffs was open and supportive.
“The atmosphere felt personal and engaging. Even though Foodstuffs is a big company, it felt like working with a family-run business again,” Cosgrave added. He noted that many buyers reached out just two days after the event, eager to place orders.
Brendan Vercoe, owner of The Real Fruit Sorbet Company, mentioned the recent fire at New World Victoria Park significantly affected his business strategy. At the Auckland expo, he successfully connected with 10 buyers and plans to attend the Wellington event to further expand his reach. “This is an incredible opportunity to present our brand to the right audience,” he remarked.
Katherine King from Eat Your Greens shared that Victoria Park was one of their key customers, explaining how they learned about the fire as their delivery driver approached the area. The expo allowed them to further discussions about placing their fresh produce in more Foodstuffs stores, which proved beneficial, leading to at least 10 new buyer connections.
Overall, suppliers and buyers alike praised the expo for its friendly and professional atmosphere, making it an excellent opportunity for networking and growth. As the Wellington event approaches, many are excited to continue building those crucial relationships in the industry.
