Country Range Group's annual exhibition attracts record attendance

Country Range Group saw record attendance figures with more than 400 member delegates and suppliers attending its annual trade exhibition and after-party at the Beatle's famous Cavern Club in Liverpool last month.

The annual event, which took place at the ACC Liverpool on 20 June, provides suppliers with the opportunity to reach, demonstrate and sell to the group's 12 independent foodservice wholesale members. This year there were more than 270 member delegates in attendance.

The 2018 trade exhibition saw last year's record-breaking sales figure of £2.75m surpassed, with over 90 foodservice brands exhibiting, sampling products and running interactive demonstrations to the group's 12 members, which are: Birchall Foodservice, Caterite Foodservice, Creed Foodservice, Dunns Food and Drinks, EFG Foodservice, Henderson Foodservice, Harvest Fine Foods, Savona South West, Savona Foodservice, Thomas Ridley Foodservice, Trevors Foodservice and Turner & Price.

A special ‘Winter Wonderland' feature showcased the group's Christmas range, and a raffle raised more than £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Coral Rose, managing director of the Country Range Group, said: "It was a huge pleasure to be in Liverpool for another massively successful and enjoyable CRG annual trade event and it's amazing to surpass last year's orders on the day. The event is a vital way of supporting suppliers and enabling them to showcase new product development and network with our members.

"Member purchasing through the group is increasing by 17% year-on-year, which is a fantastic sign of the health of our group and our independent members, plus it highlights the benefit and opportunity we offer to brands."

Paul Whitlow, director at Aimia, added: "Country Range Group has the ability to put on exceptional events that offer a real experience to those attending and this year's annual exhibition was no exception. The exhibition provided us with a great platform to showcase our brands while enabling us to forge vital relationships with the teams from within all the group's members.

"This year's more relaxed evening events, that culminated in a visit to the world-famous Cavern Club, allowed for this to continue throughout. An excellent event."

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