February has been a month of progress, collaboration, and exciting opportunities at Tastebuds Collective. From launching a new online resource to supporting businesses and networking at key industry events, we’ve been busy laying the groundwork for future growth.
Here’s a look at what’s been happening behind the scenes.
Launching our online trade directory
One of our major milestones this month was the launch of our online trade directory. This platform is designed to connect food and drink businesses with valuable industry contacts, making it easier for local producers to access the resources they need to grow. The response so far has been fantastic, and we’re thrilled to see businesses already making connections and leveraging this tool. If you're interested in having an entry see more information here.
Student placements to support business growth via data
In February, we also opened up three-month placement opportunities for businesses interested in data analysis and business growth. These placements are a great way for students to gain hands-on experience while providing crucial support to businesses looking to refine their strategies, optimise their operations, and drive expansion. We’re excited to see how these collaborations unfold in the coming months! If you're interested in having a student on placement to support your business, find out more here and ensure to apply.
Networking at NCFC business event
We had the pleasure of attending a Norwich City Football Club (NCFC) Business Networking Event, where we connected with some outstanding professionals from various sectors. Networking is at the heart of what we do, and this event allowed us to build relationships that could lead to valuable partnerships for our community.
Shelf Life: food & drink branding and pitches
Branding is a crucial part of success in the food and drink industry, which is why we were delighted to host the Shelf Life event. This event showcased some incredible pitches from businesses looking to refine their brand identity and storytelling. We were honoured to support ten businesses with their presentations, helping them effectively communicate their vision to an audience of potential collaborators and buyers.
Supporting businesses with student engagement
Continuing our commitment to fostering collaboration between students and businesses, we facilitated presentations for three food and drink companies. These sessions helped open up branding support opportunities, allowing students to contribute fresh, innovative ideas while gaining real-world experience.
Exploring the future of protein
We wrapped up the month by attending an Explorer Forum Workshop focused on the benefits of using seed rape as a protein source. As sustainability and alternative protein sources continue to shape the future of food, this workshop provided valuable insights into how this versatile ingredient can be leveraged for both health and environmental benefits.
Looking Ahead
With so much accomplished in February, we’re excited to see what the coming months bring. From supporting businesses with student placements to exploring innovative food trends, we’re committed to driving positive change in the food and drink industry. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow, connect, and innovate!
If you're a business looking for support, a student seeking experience, or simply someone passionate about food and drink, we'd love to hear from you. Let’s build something amazing together!
Contact Alex to discover more about the collective and how you can become a part of its' community.
