Maloney’s Budgens of Shepperton recently hosted a Food Fair at the store to celebrate quality local foods.

Eight producers belonging to Quality from Small Producers, a brand that celebrates fabulous food produced by small, artisan, often family-run businesses came together over two days to offer sampling sessions to customers in store.

Customers turned out to meet the producers who were delighted with the positive feedback to their award-winning products. Vince Maloney, owner of the store, is a passionate supporter of quality products from small producers and he now stocks over 400 lines. The idea of a Food Fair stemmed from his desire to bring local people together in celebration of great food and this is now the third year he has held such an event.

Said Vince: “We received great feedback from customers who loved meeting the people behind these delicious foods and were keen to learn more about how the food is made using natural processes. These are unique products and are now easily available for customers to try. Sales have certainly increased and we will look to run another event later on in the year.”

Ascot Food Fair
Vince distributed a newsletter to 10,500 homes in Ascot on April 27th. He had a fantastic response to the small producers and the Food Fair that took place on Friday / Saturday. Thanks to all of you who attended.

It was poor weather which did not help the sales of BBQ products but the feedback was great. He will be planning one day fairs in Shepperton from now on and is looking to run a sampling programme twice a month with two producers max each time in both stores – Claire will be in touch with more news shortly.

Vince will be implementing a relay in Shepperton where many of the QSP products will be reallocated to more prominent space.

Let us know what else he can be doing to improve sales of your products in-store.

Caldesi Seasonal Lunch
Maloney’s Budgens of Ascot teams up with Caldesi in Campagna to host seasonal lunch.

Following the success of their last two lunches, Maloney’s Budgens of Ascot  teamed up again with top local restaurant, Caldesi in Campagna to host their  seasonal lunch on 3rd February 2012.

Caldesi in Campagna, owned by husband and wife team Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi created a delicious eight course taster menu with coffee for an inclusive set price of only £20, using local and seasonal ingredients from small producers of quality food, provided by Maloney’s Budgens of Ascot.

Said Vince Maloney, owner of Maloney’s Budgens of Ascot: “We wanted to showcase the great range we have as well as the fabulous local and quality small producers’ products available in Maloney’s Budgens. We could think of no better way than teaming up with a great local restaurant to promote these fantastic tasting products to customers at a heavily discounted price.”

Customer Bev Walton said of the first event:
“Please let us I know as soon as you know when the next lunch will be – we had a super time, with lovely food!”

The next lunch in set for Friday 14th September – do bring your friends!  See www.maloneysbudgens.com for more details.