Promoting excellence in fine food & drink

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Support bulletin: Receive information specially relevant to independent food retailers and the producers who supply them.

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Support during Covid-19

Map of available stock


Here at the Guild of Fine Food we have been supporting those who sell and make food for 40 years. Our industry faces an incredibly challenging time and we must ensure our own businesses survive, but it is in everyone’s interests to ensure that independent food retail is here in a year’s time.

There are huge demands on the sector, which are creating BOTH challenges and opportunities. There is also an awful lot of information circulating the internet and social media that generically helps business and individuals: all useful.

We are working hard to put together resources to support all those involved in our sector during this difficult time:

  • Make sure you are signed up for our support bulletin: sent out at least twice a week, full of information specifically relevant to independent food retailers and the producers who supply them. It will give you practical business support.
  • If you have or are looking for stock, check out the map below for the latest from the producers, distributors and retailers in our sector
  • Download helpful factsheets and printable signage for your business

In addition, the Guild of Fine Food is an affinity member of the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS). They are lobbying government on our behalf and have a large communications team constantly monitoring the situation.

We are constantly building on this dedicated – but simple – online presence that we hope is an invaluable tool for those in our trade during these times. A marketplace, a help desk, and a community: Many thanks to those who have taken the time to get in touch.

The Guild team have been on the phone speaking to retailers, producers, and wholesalers establishing what will immediately help their businesses. Please share any thoughts or ideas you have on how we can all survive the crisis via email support@gff.co.uk so that we can share the best with our community.

John Farrand
Managing director, Guild of Fine Food

Sign up to the support bulletin here

Map: stock available

As part of our commitment to supporting our community, we have started to gather information from producers, retailers and distributors who either have stock or need supplies.  You can search for information in the colour-coded map below.  Producers, distributors, and retailers are marked on the map and if you click on each marker, further information on products available, delivery options and other useful details will appear.  To see full size map click here.  In the full size map, there is a search option (look for the magnifying glass) where you can search for specific words, e.g. “pasta” or “cheese”.

If you have or are in need of stock and would like your business to appear on this map so that other industry colleagues can contact you, please complete the relevant form below:

Retailers needing supplies (this form can also be used by Producers looking for ingredients)
Producers with available product
Distributors with available stock
Independent food businesses needing staff or volunteers

Please note: this map will be updated regularly throughout the day.  If you have submitted a form, it may take a short time for you to appear on the map.  Rest assured, our team is working hard to get your information out to our community as soon as possible.

Factsheets from the Guild

We have disseminated much of the commercial advice that has become a little overwhelming, and made it relevant to you.  Download our latest support factsheets below:

Finance & cash flow support factsheet

Funding support factsheet

Keeping staff & customers safe factsheet

Customers and Community factsheet

Printable signage to keep staff & customers safe

Government guidelines on social distancing is due to be published shortly.  In the meantime, through our affinity partnership, you can use these ACS resources:

Printable signage to encourage 2 meter distancing at tills
Printable signage to encourage contactless payment & responsible tillpoint behaviour
Printable signage to encourage 2 meter distancing whilst queuing outside shop

The key rule is a 2 meter distance between each customer and between customers and your staff.  The best way to do this is with floor markings and signage.

Please also consider:

  • Number of people in store at busy periods
  • How you restock safely (consider closing aisles, closing store to restocking period, using bollards/markers to separate customers & staff)

The full government list of essential retail businesses can be found here. “Supermarkets and other food shops, petrol stations, corner shops, newsagents and post offices” can remain open as long as they adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Press Release - 25th March 2020

Guild of Fine Food calls for shoppers to support independent retailers and producers

The Guild of Fine Food, organisers of Great Taste, Shop of the Year and the World Cheese Awards, is calling for consumers across the UK and Ireland to get behind their local independents and has added an online resource to its existing website, to assist these retailers and producers following the government’s latest Covid-19 guidelines…

Read the Press Release in full here

Home delivery

Many retailers are turning to home delivery as an option to reach local customers in self-isolation or unable to travel to their local shop.

ACS have issued guidance for retailers on how to start a home delivery service.

Learn more >

Compensation for small businesses

Information for Business Rate Relief, Cash Grants, Loan Schemes, HMRC Payment Delay and Insurance Claims can be found on the dedicated government website and ACS fact sheet.

Learn more >

Latest updates affecting our sector

  • All non-essential shops must now close. The full government list of essential retail businesses can be found here. “Supermarkets and other food shops, petrol stations, corner shops, newsagents and post offices” can remain open as long as they adhere to social distancing guidelines.
  • The PM said we can turn the tide within the next 12 weeks, but only if we all take the steps government has outlined to reduce the peak of the virus.
  • Government is going to help pay wages through a retention scheme. Any employer is eligible and can apply for a grant to cover 80% of retained workers up to £2,500 per month. Initial three month period, with no limit on amount of funding available.
  • Extension of interest free period on loans: now 12 months (previously 6 months). Loans available from Monday 23 March.
  • Deferring on VAT payments: no business will pay VAT from now until end of June. We will then have until the end of the year to pay those bills.
  • Government is in negotiations to buy a so-called antibody test to determine if individuals have had the disease.

School closures and ‘key worker’ definition
The Cabinet Office has confirmed the definition of “key workers”, in relation to school closures, will include food retail, distribution, and manufacturing workers. This means that colleagues working in your business will be able to have their children remain in school. It will be the responsibility of schools to validate and implement the measure with the support of government guidance. Further information is expected soon.

Support Bulletins Digest

Missed one of our support bulletins? Click the links below to view. 

Saturday 21 March edition

Monday 23 March edition

Tuesday 24 March edition

Thursday 26 March edition 

Friday 27 March edition

How to contact the Guild

As per government advice, the Guild of Fine Food team are currently working from home.

Please contact the team via the following email addresses:

All inboxes are monitored Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm, with the exception of support@gff.co.uk, which is being monitored more frequently.

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