Q Guild members enjoyed a valuable day of insight, inspiration and networking at the Guild’s latest Product Demo and Shop Visit event, hosted by Innovative Food Ingredients Ltd and Fraser’s Butchers in Bolton.

The day began at Innovative Food Ingredients in Poulton-le-Fylde, where members took part in a product demonstration led by Senior Accounts Manager Peter Rushforth. Sessions focused on emerging flavour trends, premium sous vide concepts and innovative side dish ideas designed to help butchers increase both customer appeal and basket spend. Discussions around consumer trends and premiumisation provided members with plenty of practical ideas to take back to their own businesses. A big thank you to Chantelle, Peter and James from Innovative Food Ingredients Ltd for an extremely insightful presentation and a delicious lunch.

Following lunch, members travelled to Fraser’s Butchers in Bolton for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with Director Greg Hull. Although the shop is normally closed on Wednesday afternoons, Greg and his 23-strong team opened the premises especially for the visit, giving members the opportunity to see first-hand the operation behind the business’s renowned pie production. Members were able to explore the traditional family-run setup, discover more about Fraser’s locally sourced approach and exchange ideas with fellow Guild members throughout the afternoon. Thank you to Greg, Andy, Alison, Caroline, John and the Frasers Team.

The event once again highlighted the value of the Q Guild network, bringing members together to share knowledge, spark new ideas and celebrate excellence within the craft meat industry.