FOOD and drink makers from across Northumberland are vying for a chance to get their products on to the shelves at Morrisons.

The supermarket chain announced the search for local suppliers in February after research found that customers wanted to see more food and drink made and produced ‘just down the road’ from their communities.

More than 30 producers from across the North-East applied to take part in the regional programme, with the best 15 invited to Bowburn in County Durham last on May 3.

Staff from Allendale Brewery, the Tynedale-based Northumbrian Sausage Company, Haltwhistle’s Northumberland Honey Co and Marlish water, based near Morpeth, all pitched to Morrisons buyers, customers and store staff.

Richard Jones, Morrisons’ food quality expert and development chef, said: “The North-East has a long history of great local food and the producers we’ve seen here have been no exception.

“After seeing the quality of the food at our event, we’re keen to put even more food made locally on our customers’ plates.”

Members of the Women’s Institute were also at the event, using their local knowledge and expertise to help Morrisons select the best food and drink makers.

WI member Lyn Swift said: “We’re looking for those products that use fresh, local ingredients with sensible packaging and, of course, food that tastes amazing.

“We saw some promising products and are looking forward to seeing some of them in Morrisons stores soon.”

Tom Hick, who runs Allendale Brewery with wife Lucy, said: “It was a great event for small businesses to be part of.

“The chief executive was there and lots of other senior people, so to have the time in front of these decision makers was brilliant.”

The suppliers will find out over the next few weeks whether they have been invited to the final round of the local foodmakers event at the supermarket’s head office in Bradford.