Unitas members got their first taste of new foodservice products at our Meet the Member event at Whittlebury Park, Silverstone.

Against a soundtrack of Formula One cars practising for the British Grand Prix, the members met suppliers in over 1500 one-to-one meetings throughout the two-day session. Many of the 50 suppliers displaying their ranges took advantage of the venue’s kitchen facilities to offer tempting samples to the 40 foodservice wholesalers present – the first time hot food sampling has featured at the annual event.

The relationship-building continued over a spectacular evening meal showcasing Premier Foods’ new Cape Herb & Spice range.

“Our Meet the Member events provide suppliers with an invaluable opportunity to meet individually with a number of our wholesale members, which makes them incredibly effective and time efficient,” said Cheryl Hope, trading director, Unitas Wholesale.

“This year’s foodservice meeting has been a huge success with record levels of attendance and a brilliant atmosphere, plus some amazing new products shared and sampled. Thank you to everyone who attended and engaged so enthusiastically.”

Kellanova Sales Business Manager Adam Street said: “It’s been a great couple of days. We don’t always get the opportunity to get all around the country to see the Unitas members face to face, so it’s great to have so many of them in one place.”

Kate Robinson of Unilever Food Solutions added: “They are always really forthcoming with information and talking about what we’re doing right, what we’re doing wrong, and how we can work together to ensure growth.”

First time attendee Vikki Niccolls of Europastry was one of 19 suppliers that are new to Unitas. “We’ve only been trading with Unitas for three months, so this has been perfect for explaining who we are, what type of business we do, and understanding from the members where we can fit in with their businesses,” she said.

Premier Foods own chefs worked with the Whittlebury Park kitchen team to produce a unique menu featuring flavours from the Cape Herb & Spice range, which launches in the UK in September.

Customer Business Manager Mike Ager said: “It’s been a great opportunity to showcase the whole range and let members know about the activation plan, and how we can then dovetail our plans with theirs.

“It’s great being able to actually let them try it as well. We’ve been doing chip seasoning in the meeting rooms throughout the last couple of days, but doing the dinner last night was really bonus – an opportunity to let the food do the talking.”