SALSA Members Take Flight at London Gatwick

A number of SALSA Approved producers were among the 35 suppliers taking part in London Gatwick’s ‘Meet the Local Producer’. The event celebrated the region’s outstanding food and drink businesses and showcased the importance of local supply chains.

Bringing together upcoming and established producers from across Sussex, Surrey and Kent, the event connected small businesses with airport retailers, hospitality partners and hotels, creating valuable growth opportunities.

For SALSA Approved suppliers, the event offered an ideal platform to showcase their products and their strong commitment to food safety and quality, qualities increasingly valued by large retailers and hospitality groups.

London Gatwick’s commitment to championing regional supply chains aligns closely with SALSA’s mission to help small and micro food producers access new markets. By promoting locally sourced goods through its sustainability strategy Decade of Change, and through initiatives such as the Sussex Six campaign, the airport is helping regional producers reach national and international audiences. Today, 32 Sussex-born products are available in Gatwick’s retail outlets, restaurants and bars, giving local businesses unprecedented visibility.

Richard Lennard, Economic Partnerships Manager at London Gatwick, said:

“Events like this are a powerful way to showcase the quality and creativity of our region while helping businesses spark long-term opportunities. Supporting local enterprise is a key part of our strategy and we’ll continue to explore new ways to champion the incredible producers on our doorstep.”

Barry Drennan, Sales Manager at SALSA Approved member Hepworth Brewery, added:

“Being at London Gatwick puts local producers on a national and international stage… What makes it even more valuable is being part of a collective – together we can raise visibility and show the strength of local businesses in one place.”

The event followed London Gatwick’s Economic Summit, which brought together more than 200 senior leaders from business, government and industry to explore how the region can drive sustainable growth and innovation. SALSA is proud to support members as they participate in these opportunities and to champion the vital role of safe, local supply chains in regional economic development. 

We’re excited to introduce a funding opportunity for Sussex-based small food and drink businesses. The ‘Support from the Start’ program, delivered by SALSA in collaboration with Horsham District Council and funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund. To find out more, visit https://bit.ly/SupportfromtheStart