Meet The Buyer: Live
A day of buyer insight, producer showcasing and networking for North East food and drink producers. Discover what buyers really want, ask questions and gain practical knowledge in this engaging workshop.
Meet The Buyer: Live is a full day event that is split into two parts. On the morning, attendees can hear directly from buyers about how they think and what they look for at The Buyer’s Mindset session, followed by an open panel discussion.
The afternoon session features a Producer Showcase to browse, while those enrolled in the Beyond The Kitchen Table programme have 1:1 sessions and showcase their products. Facilitated by Food and Drink North East (FADNE) and delivered as part of the North East Rural Growth Programme, which is funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA).
Why attend?
This is a chance to:
– Hear directly from buyers about what they look for.
– Understand how buyers approach new products and suppliers.
– Ask questions and gain practical insight.
– Meet other North East food and drink producers.
– Make new connections in retail, wholesale and foodservice.
– Enjoy a lunch showcasing the region’s fantastic food and drink producers.
Who is it for?
Small-scale food and drink producers across the North East who are curious about selling through retail, wholesale or foodservice – whether you’re just starting to explore those opportunities or are already retail-ready.
Please note: Displaying of products at the Producer Showcase and pre-booked 1-2-1 buyer meetings taking place during the afternoon are reserved for producers who are currently enrolled in the Beyond the Kitchen Table (BTKT) programme.
The Schedule:
Morning – The Buyer’s Mindset
09:00-09:30 – Arrival, Refreshments & Breakfast
Informal arrival over breakfast – a chance to connect before the day begins.
09:30-11:30 – Buyer Insights
Three to four buyers speak directly on how they think, what they look for and what separates a strong pitch from a forgettable one.
11:30-12:45 – Panel & Open Floor
All speakers together for a facilitated panel, opened up to questions from the floor – the chance to put your own question directly to the people who buy for a living.
12:45-13:30 – Networking Lunch – A Local Celebration
Lunch drawn entirely from the regional larder, showcasing North East producers as part of the day itself. Informal networking throughout.
Afternoon – BTKT Producer Showcase & 1-2-1s
13:30-15:30 – BTKT Producer Showcase Opens
A table-format showcase, exclusively for the current Beyond the Kitchen Table cohort, presenting their products directly to buyers and delegates – browsing, tasting and conversation across the floor.
13:30-15:30 – Pre-Booked 1-2-1s
Scheduled one-to-one meetings between buyers and the Beyond the Kitchen Table cohort, running alongside the Showcase. Booked in advance.
15:30-16:15 – Networking & Close
A final chance to connect before the day closes.
Key Details:
Venue: Brocksbushes Farm Shop, Northumberland NE43 7UB
Time: 9:30am-4:15pm
For: Morning – open to all attending food and drink producers. Afternoon – anyone can attend and browse the Producer Showcase, but showcasing and 1-2-1 meetings both reserved for the current BTKT cohort.
Facilitated by: Food and Drink North East (FADNE)
Programme: North East Rural Growth Programme
Register for this event now via the form below.
This event is only for those on the North East Rural Growth Programme. If you have not yet registered for the programme, you can start the process by filling in this short form, and sign up to attend the event in the meantime.