Online platform launches trade show
● Product Guru debuting online alternative to food and drink shows
An online platform that has been called Tinder for retail buyers and pro duct suppli - er sis launching a virtual alternative to food and drink trade shows – and has already signed up the likes of Oxfam, Tesco and Waitrose.
Glasgow-based Product Guru, which describes itself as a product discovery platform letting brands showcase their pro ducts to retail buyers, is behind new offering The Pantry Live.
The online event will be held on 5 and 6 October, offering a “unique” opportunity for suppliers to showcase their products in a virtual exhibition hall and network with industry experts.
The tech platform said that for many food and drink suppliers, trade shows are crucial for lead-generation within the sector ,“and within-person events continuing to be pushed back to next year, Product Guru spotted an opportunity to pioneer a new digital experience that will give suppliers a fantastic opportunity to get in front of major retail buyers and make instant connections – all from the comfort of their own home”.
The virtual exhibition hall will bean extension of the company’s software platform, which has been designed to make it easy for buyers to identify suitable suppliers and view their products all in one place.
Names to have given their backing to the exclusive virtual event include GS1, the Fairtrade Foundation, The Vegan Society, and the British Soft Drinks Association. Buyers confirmed for The Pantry Live include WH Smith, Lidl, Scotmid, the Co-op, and Holland & Barrett in addition to Oxfam, Tesco and Waitrose.
Exhibitors are also eligible to apply for an exclusive Meet Your Match: Product Pitch session, where brands will be matched with a panel of buyers and given the opportunity to do a short pitch.
Attendees and exhibitors will also be offered the chance to hear from 30 prestigious speakers, and attend a range of exclusive virtual sessions such as master classes and discussion panels on topics including local sourcing, current food trends and brand success stories.
Online tasting tours and buying events will also be available where leaders from retail, food and drink will provide reviews on product samples. The event will end with a virtual awards ceremony.
Product Guru founder Simon Coyle said: “We decided to launch this virtual trade show after spotting a gap in the market… By launching this virtual event, we want to give brands the opportunity to be seen and our hope is that this event will help create a space for talented and de serving food and drink producers to get themselves out there.
“The Pantry Live shows how we can adapt to an increasingly digital world… We want to give brands the chance to be centre stage, wowing buyers with their delicious produce.”
Sara Cunnew, buying manager at Oxfam, welcomed The Pantry Live opening up more opportunities for Oxfam buyers to source new products. “This year has been particularly challenging; all of our trade shows and press days have been cancelled.
“It’s so important for us to keep growing our retail business to contribute to Oxfam’s work and sourcing products online at The Pantry Live will support that aim.”
“The Pantry Live shows how we can adapt… We want to give brands the chance to be centre stage, wowing buyers with their produce.”
SIMON COYLE