Thomas Ridley Foodservice, based near Bury St Edmunds, praises support for first ‘eat’ event

A Suffolk food and drink wholesaler has hailed its first event, aimed at bringing East Anglian suppliers and customers together, a huge success.

Thomas Ridley Foodservice, based at Rougham near Bury St Edmunds, held its ‘eat.’ trade show at Ipswich Town Football Club last month and saw more than 100 different food and drink trade stands spread out over three floors of the football ground.

Championing independent producers from the area, customers were treated to tasters from the likes of Stowmarket-based Good Vibes coffee, The Suffolk Salami Company and Maynard’s Orchard juices from Bradfield Combust.

Jon Matthews, sales director for Thomas Ridley, said: “The trade show was a great day and we were really pleased to see so many local customers, and many potential customers, take the time to come along and join us at this brand new event.

“There were a lot of happy people walking away from eat. with tangible insights and inspirations which they can quickly action to revamp their offering, reduce costs and stay ahead of the game.

“Here at Thomas Ridley, we are focused on being a partner for our customers and we are invested in doing everything that we can to help them succeed and delight their customers; we are all passionate about food and foodservice and providing a great customer experience.”

Thomas Ridley started in 1808 when fenland farmer Thomas Ridley bought his first grocery shop in Abbeygate Street in Bury St Edmunds – the company was acquired by the Caterfood Group earlier this year.