LOCAL manufacturers gave one of the country's biggest supermarket firm's food for thought.

Several food and drink firms from East Lancashire met buyers from the giant Sainsburys group in an event co-ordinated with the Chamber of Commerce's Regional Supply Network team.

The aim of the event was to give small manufacturers the chance to meet senior buyers from the supermarket chain which would normally prove extremely difficult.

"Sainsburys is one of the country's largest food buyers and has been looking for suppliers to support regional stores and specialised produce," explained Kathryn Czaja, commercial director of the Chamber.

"The whole day was a tremendous success and proves the Regional Supply Network offers genuine opportunities for suppliers to get into companies they would otherwise find difficult or impossible."

Local firms who took part in the event, at the NEC in Birmingham, included Hudson & Gray Chocolatiers, Great Harwood Foods, Bardolph Gourmet Puddings, Moorhouses Brewery, Stockley Sweets, W H Oddies, Wirral Foods and The Glisten Co Ltd.

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