Morrisons and Tesco, two of the UK’s largest retailers are both looking for SALSA accredited businesses for expanding their local supplier base.
Underpinning their already strong position is Morrison’s new initiative, 'The Nation's Local Foodmakers' programme. Launched in February 2017, Morrisons aims to recruit over 200 new local and speciality suppliers across England, Scotland and Wales in the first year. Russell Haggata, Morrisons Technical Category Manager comments, ‘Morrisons uses the SALSA criteria as a guide when selecting small, local businesses to work with. When a local supplier is SALSA certified, it gives us the confidence that they will deliver safe, good quality local food for our customers.'
Tesco launched its 'BackIt' scheme in October 2016 as a way of helping small businesses raise additional finance using crowd funding schemes to help climb the ladder. Tesco BackIt is about a lot more than just crowdfunding. After running a successful campaign, your business will be entered into the Tesco BackIt mentoring programme, attend a meeting with the relevant category buyer and be invited to an Engagement Dayset up to give you an insight into what it takes to work with Tesco.
Currently, RETROCORN, a SALSA-Approved business has a campaign running through Tesco BackIt. Greg Taylor, Director at RETROCORN says, ‘Tesco BackIt campaign has given me the opportunity to promote my unique brand of popcorn. Being recognised by the UK's leading retailer, Tesco has helped RETROCORN receive some much-needed funding and awareness to support our growth plans for 2017.'
Christine McDowell, NFU Food Chain Adviser says, " The National Farmers Union are joint partners in the SALSA Scheme so we are proud that every year more and more small producers and customers are signing up. Buying locally produced British food really resonates with consumers, so the SALSA scheme offers small producers and retailers the ability to tap into this expanding market. It's really great news that another big retailer has joined the SALSA scheme."
What is SALSA?
More than just a standard, SALSA is a web-based scheme offering a package of resources and a strong support structure to take members though to approval in achievable and affordable steps.
The not-for-profit joint venture was set up by the four main trade association representing the UK’s food and drink industry; National Farmers Union, British Hospitality Association, Food and Drink Federation and the British Retail Consortium.
Certification is only granted to those members who can demonstrate they are able to produce safe and legal food or drink and have successfully undergone an independent audit.
Click here to read more about SALSA
- To join SALSA and start the steps to gaining Approval please click here or call the SALSA Helpline: 01295 724248.
For more information on Morrisons' Local Foodmakers programme, including dates and venues, visit www.morrisons.com/local
For more information on Tesco BackIt visit https://backit.tesco.com/