THE first of a series of workshops aimed at teaching small food businesses about their changing marketplace takes place tomorrow.

Regional food and drink group Taste North East has teamed up with the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) to help firms adapt to the economy and people’s different shopping habits.

Paul Mayfield, SAC’s food and drink rural business consultant, said: “For the first time since World War Two, people are spending a bigger percentage of their household budget on food.

“Consumers are shopping differently and buying different products, as they adapt to rising inflation and unemployment. Opportunities exist for local food and drink businesses if they are able to recognise these changing conditions and capitalise on prevailing market place trends.”

The courses – which will run until March and are partly subsidised – will look at product presentation, customers, market opportunities, and waste and efficiency in the industry.

They are particularly targeting food and drink businesses that have grown out of farm diversifications and other smaller manufacturers.

Tim Pain, chair of Taste North East said: “The objective of these workshops is to help producers to up their game and help them add value to their business.

“It is very easy for businesses, be they producers or retailers, to reach a plateau. Running these courses will, we hope, help them more forward as a result of specialist information and advice to progress to the next level, whether that is selling to the multiples or maximising their retail space.”

The following courses still have places available:

February 7 – Understanding and engaging with customers, Newcastle Falcons, Kingston Park.

February 21 – Market opportunities, Blackfriars Restaurant, Newcastle.

March 6 – Waste and business efficiency, Newcastle University, Cockle Park Farm, Morpeth.

To book a place, contact Taste North East on 0845 456 2340 or email enquiries@tastenortheast.co.uk