Growing a Resilient Leeds Grenville Food Trade Network

Lansdowne – A new collaborative opportunity, exclusive to Leeds Grenville sellers and buyers, took place on Thursday at the Lansdowne Community Building.

Sellers showcased their local food and beverage offerings as buyers moved from table to table, sourcing new products for their restaurants and retail stores. Building strong local partnerships has never been more important. The event highlighted a range of products and created opportunities to discover new suppliers and explore locally sourced solutions.

What began as an idea to build local producers’ capacity to increase their sales has grown into a cooperative event designed to create the foundation for a local food business network, ultimately supporting and boosting the region’s economy.

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, Economic Development Manager Ann Weir, welcomed attending businesses. “Supporting local and growing local is what we are about and why we are here today,” she said. “We are discovering unique ways for retailers, restaurants, and other buyers to connect with Leeds Grenville food sellers, so together we can achieve more. There are opportunities to support growth, and the Economic Development Team is here to help,” she noted. Other major industry trade events could be the next step for local businesses expanding into larger markets.

Sean Lucey of Bridgeview Dockside Restaurant & Patio and Windmill Brewery, who participated as a seller, was impressed by the level of knowledge and commitment among attendees. “It was a great chance to meet local producers and see what’s being made right here in our region. I came away with a few solid leads and some fresh ideas,” he said.

Jeff Day, a buyer from Hotel Kenney in Jones Falls, was delighted by the array of offerings and appreciated sharing with other business owners. “This event made it easy to meet local sellers and learn about new products in the region. It’s a great step toward building stronger local connections in the food and beverage sector,” he said.

This event supported small businesses and new entrepreneurial growth. Facilitating business expansions is part of Counties Economic Development Strategic Initiatives. Increasing local food and beverage capacity is a key step in their development to future domestic and foreign export opportunities.