Bidfood Direct features new Scottish platform to champion local produce

Bidfood has opened a new area within its e-commerce platform, Bidfood Direct, that is completely dedicated to Scottish produce.

Katie Sillars (left) of Bidfood with Stephanie Pritchard of Scotland Food & Drink.

The Scottish online platform is being delivered as part of a new funding partnership with Scotland Food & Drink, and aims to offer new and existing producers to Bidfood Scotland the opportunity to promote their products to chefs, caterers and buyers.

In Scotland, Bidfood services over 5,000 customers with interests in a range of sectors, including pubs, restaurants and hotels; retail, travel and leisure; business and industry; hospitals and care homes; and schools and universities. Bidfood Scotland has a growing range of over 700 locally-sourced products from more than 100 Scottish suppliers and is keen to support further growth.

The new online platform will see Scottish suppliers to Bidfood auto enrolled, with hopes to grow sales of Scottish food and drink in the foodservice market and increase accessibility of a wider variety of products from producers across the country.

Representing a broad spectrum of Scotland’s larder, the shop will include products from all categories, including fish, meat, dairy, bakery, deli & store cupboard and alcohol & soft drinks. To expand the offering further, the partnership between Scotland Food & Drink and Bidfood Scotland will include a ‘meet the buyer’ event for new suppliers to pitch their products to secure listings.

Stephanie Pritchard, head of UK market development at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “Scotland is full of passionate suppliers, and buyers who are keen to maximise Scottish produce on their menus and plates. The launch of the Scotland Food & Drink platform on Bidfood Direct is an excellent step to supporting both suppliers and buyers to grow commercially.

“Sustainable growth is at the heart of our new industry strategy, and through the partnership with Bidfood Scotland, we can shorten supply chains, and support the local food and drink businesses who are vital to our economic success.”

Katie Sillars, head of digital trading at Bidfood UK, added: “Over the last few years, we’ve worked behind the scenes to ensure we have the right Scottish suppliers and local products for our customers, at the right price stocked in our depots. Now, we’re daring to be different. Technology is at the forefront of our business, and we want to ensure all suppliers, small and large, are visible to our customers.”

The Scottish online platform will be supported with campaigns and promotions around themes including Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight, St Andrews Day, Hogmanay, and Burns Night, as well as popular eating occasions such as the Scottish breakfast and Scottish summer festivals.