SMEs invited to connect to global food & drinks buying organisations at Burton-on-Trent event
May 7, 2026
Local food and drink manufacturers, producers and hospitality businesses are being urged to secure their place at The BIG Buyers’ Brunch: A Taste of East Staffordshire, taking place on Wednesday 13 May at Burton Rugby Football Club.
The free event, organised by Finditin Stoke and Staffs, with Headline Sponsor – Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub – will bring together ambitious local suppliers with major buyers, procurement specialists and food and drink industry leaders for a focused morning of insight, networking and practical opportunity.
Designed to help businesses understand what buyers are looking for and how to become better positioned for new contracts, the event will include presentations, buyer insight, supplier-readiness advice, expo-style networking and light refreshments.
A special fireside chat will take place with Charlotte Shepherd, co-founder of Twofold Spirits, the Staffordshire-based premium craft spirits brand launched with Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd.
Charlotte said: “I’m really looking forward to being a part of the Big Buyers’ Brunch event in Staffordshire.
“It’s a great opportunity to connect with and support local businesses, creatives and entrepreneurs. I really value events that encourage collaboration, networking and growth, especially within hospitality and independent business.
“It’s inspiring to be around like-minded people who are passionate about supporting and celebrating local organisations.”
Attendees will also hear from Liz Salter, Head of Procurement at University of Staffordshire, who will provide practical guidance on public sector procurement, framework agreements, supplier alerts and how SMEs can become more tender-ready.
The event will also welcome Jean Paul Larose, Head of Procurement at Foods UK, based in Leek, and Colin Shaw, Head of Commercial for Select & Save, a UK convenience retail brand with 55 stores nationally, each owned by an independent local retailer.
The speaker programme will also include Councillor Louise Walker, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at East Staffordshire Borough Council, and Ruth Colby, Founder of Food Science Fusion who will share practical insight into how great food ideas become viable, sellable products.
There will be a vibrant exhibition and networking area featuring event sponsor, The Mighty Kitchen, and a range of local suppliers and business support organisations including Montrose Chocolates, Hardy Signs, Datties Soul Food, Chef Lucas Catering Services, Lloyds TSB, and Made Smarter West Midlands, which helps food and drink manufacturers access digitalisation support and grants to improve productivity and growth
With under a week to go, organisers are encouraging local food and drink producers, manufacturers, field-to-fork suppliers and businesses supporting the visitor economy to book as soon as possible and take advantage of this free opportunity to meet buyers face-to-face, gain procurement insight and build valuable new connections.
The BIG Buyers Brunch: A Taste of East Staffordshire takes place from 9:00am to 12:00pm on Wednesday 13 May at Burton Rugby Football Club, Burton-on-Trent.
Places are free and can be booked at https://www.finditinstokeandstaffs.co.uk/events/the-big-buyers-brunch-a-taste-of-east-staffordshire–food-drink–the-visitor-economy event page.
