The club will bring together 200 of the most senior procurement professionals to meet leading UK suppliers, network with their peers and attend exclusive educational sessions.
Being part of the HRC will allow buyers to taste, test and trial the latest product innovations before they enter the wider market and the first instalment will take place at The Professional Kitchen Show and The Foodservice Show ON 22-23 January 2019 at NEC Birmingham.
Ross Carter, Fresh Montgomery’s portfolio director, said: “The HRC 200 buyers club truly is one of a kind. With exclusive access to the must-have products of tomorrow, coupled with face-to-face networking and educational opportunities, there’s no better way to increase your knowledge and expertise. And, most importantly, it will help members start the relationships that will drive their business forward.
“Our Birmingham event is just the beginning. The HRC 200 will continue to run through the rest of 2019 and beyond across our entire suite of HRC (hospitality, restaurant and catering) events.”
The buyers club is the result of two years of research and investment in excess of £75,000.
Every member of the will commit to a minimum of eight prearranged face-to-face meetings, guaranteeing both buyers and suppliers get an audience with the industry names that can drive their business forward.
Buyers already confirmed include: Fullers, ABDA, Virgin Trains, Amadeus, Pizza Hut (Europe) Bartlett Mitchell, Bestway, Shine, Sodexo, Sprint Group, Vision, Loungers, Starboard Hotels and 28-50.
David Mulcahy, food development and innovation director at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “The HRC buyers club is a great idea, connecting procurement professionals to unique suppliers that would have otherwise probably not met.
“I am excited to see what opportunities come out of the club, not to mention the other networking events that have been arranged for members.
"Sodexo is always hunt for new and innovative suppliers that deliver the best for our clients and customers so I look forward to meeting lots of new people and creating new partnerships.”
Alongside meetings, the other benefits include:
- An invitation to the HRC 200 business breakfast: an insight-filled event hosted by business consultant, Lord Digby Jones
- Access to a bespoke web-based meeting tool: the software will let you arrange your eight meetings in advance of the show
- Exclusive entry to the HRC 200 street food festival: the invite-only networking party which will take place at Digbeth Dining Club
- Unlimited HRC club lounge access: a private meeting space with complimentary refreshments
- Free accommodation at the NEC for one night, complete with 48 hours parking
To become a member or find out more, visit: https://www.foodserviceshow.co.uk/the-buyers-club.