07 June 2009, 18:21 PM
  • Aiming to encourage producers, retailers and customers to come together, regional food organisation, Produced In Kent, has labelled next week as the Hop to Your Local Shop Week.

“The independents are crucial for getting local products out there,” says Gill Sargent, membership manager for Produced in Kent.

“Retailers are already promoting UK food so it’s now a case of helping them to do more with what they’ve got,” she adds.

“The campaign and special offer gives smaller retailers and farm shops across Kent an opportunity to be part of something much bigger and more powerful at a time when every business needs to fight for market share,” says Julie Monkman, manager of Produced in Kent.

In a bid to get as many retailers on board as possible, the company have reduced their membership to £50. Standard rates would range from £75 to £500 depending on the size of the shop.

The discounted fee includes a merchandising kit for the campaign, featuring branded deli tickets, wobblers, shelf barkers, ceiling hangers and brochure dispensers.

By definition, the focus of the organisation is on supporting local producers, but this is the first time it has organised an event of such size.

“A thriving speciality food industry has to be about collaboration, especially at times like this. Producers, retailers and third parties: we’re all in this together,” says Ms Sargent.

The organisation has 140 existing members, 25% of which are independent retailers and it is expecting to have another 50 following this additional drive.

Hop to Your Local Shop Week will run from Monday 15th to Sunday 21st June, coinciding with the Support Kent – Buy Local campaign.

For more details visit: www.producedinkent.co.uk