ESSEX’S food and drink producers are being invited to a workshop in Latchingdon to help overcome barriers to reaching new customers in wholesale, retail and hospitality.

The free event, at Clayhill Vineyard in Lower Burnham Road, is designed to help boost the local rural economy.

The workshop will cover key issues such as getting pricing right, what the retailer wants from a supplier and targeting the right market for the business.

The scheme is managed by Natural Partnerships.

Co-director Hilary Knight said: “Buying local produce becomes ever more popular as the environmentally-friendly choice as well as supporting the local economy and it was recognised by the group that producers need to clarify the provenance of their food and tell their story well.

“We will also be developing a ‘meet the buyer’ event early next year to help Essex producers showcase their produce to buyers from across the UK.”

The workshop is on November 4. To register, visit surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GFGEssex2.