Renewal Letter

Food Drink Devon is a Community Interest Company, which is run by a team of four and a Board of Directors. The Directors give their time for free and pay for their membership like yours.

Our aim: We will support and develop our food and drink community of purpose-led businesses, enabling and encouraging them to thrive, both independently and together. 

In these changing times, we will help to improve skills, to build resilience and collectively promote our outstanding produce and county wherever possible, underpinned by our pillars of Quality, Sustainability and Provenance.

We firmly believe that as a united voice we are all in a stronger position to make ourselves heard and make a difference. We’re continually working to enhance the promotional activities we offer you over a range of media platforms and always welcome your thoughts. 

Here’s the latest update: 

Monthly Payment Option - New

Listening to feedback we have introduced the option to pay your annual membership in monthly instalments.

Refer a Business and Save Money - New

A chance to save on next year’s fees. We have realised that our members are the best advocates for Food Drink Devon. To reward your passion, we will now be giving members 10% off their membership fees for every new member they introduce to us (up to a maximum of 50% off). The discount will apply to your next membership fees and the referral must be highlighted at the time of sign-up.

E-Marketing to Consumers

Inclusion in our monthly newsletter sent to over 21,000 foodie consumers - open rate is 29% industry average is 19%. If you send us your news, and events we will share it, this isn’t limited. 

Networking opportunities

Connecting with potential suppliers, and customers, encouraging collaborations and much more. We hold 5 a year in the different regions across Devon to help you connect with the wider Devon businesses. We usually have attendees of up to 100. 

Coffee Mornings - New

Informal meet-ups for members only, throughout Devon with a supporter member surgery corner to answer questions in their specialism. Smaller than then networking evenings with attendees of up to 45 members.

Awards

Free entry into our Awards | Food Drink Devon. You can take a look here to see who won the 2024 awards. 

Food & Drink Forum Events - New

Curated Informative events, with panel discussions to help inform and engage our members on useful topics.

Website Profile

A unique business profile searchable on our website map with links to your website/social pages. Over 80,000 unique visits per year at www.fooddrinkdevon.co.uk. A new consumer site is coming in the autumn with specially curated, SEO-targeted blogs to encourage consumer traffic.

Food Drink Devon Voucher Brilliance Platform

A chance to showcase a range of your foodie vouchers on the Food Drink voucher Platform with no cost to hosting and a minimal 10% fee on purchased items. 

Website Members Portal

Access to a password-protected portal with industry news, events, trends, and resources. 

B2B E-Marketing

Inclusion in our monthly members e-letter - get in front of our 370+ members, share industry news, and read the latest. 

Feature Opportunities

Chef of the Month and Spotlight Sustainability features to promote your business appear in the newsletter, on the website, and across social media. 

Social Media

Over 42,000+ followers on social media across all platforms - TAG US @Fooddrinkdevon and let us share your postings!

Workshops

Covering useful topics to help support the growth of your business and are free for members. 

Giveaways

Members who have run a competition have been able to grow their database with opt-in. Our most popular has seen 6,000 applicants, of which 4,000 opted in and 800 bought after this. You can apply to be in a Devon Life giveaway too.

Community

Private Members-Only Facebook and Instagram

Groups

Especially for you to engage with other FDD members, ask questions, and share news. Along with a community WhatsApp group to hear the latest events, news, etc.

Shows

We have a presence at several events throughout the year, from The Source Trade Show, Toby’s Garden Festival, Devon County Show, Love Local Festival and Dartmouth Food Festival to the Exeter Christmas Market. Brands can attend these in collaboration with FDD. We also have supporting engagement through our Green Heart trails and social media coverage when team members visit events throughout the year. 

Pop-Ups

Opportunity to showcase your business and sell in Exeter John Lewis Store. With possible future pop-ups outside of the county. 

A Voice of Devon

An annual trip to Parliament. A selection of the membership can showcase the ‘Best of Devon’ Full members can send questions to participate in a round table discussion with MPs and Ministers.

Add one more Devon Product Campaign

Be part of a FDD initiative to encourage consumers to add one more Devon Product to their basket to help the local economy.

PR opportunities

Access to seasonal press releases, presence at events in London, communications with the country’s leading journalists, and additional media opportunities (radio, television and print) throughout the year.

Supporter Member Offers

Access to offers on professional services from Food Drink Devon Supporter Members, from design, marketing, PR, photography, insurance, accountancy and a lot more.

Logo

Use the Food Drink Devon green heart logo representing quality, sustainability, and provenance.

Sponsorship

Opportunity to align your brand with FDD by sponsoring our Food Drink Devon Awards. The 2023 awards saw 444 people attend the prestigious ceremony at Sandy Park. This is a chance to get exposure for your brand across the Food and Drink industry in Devon. If you want to see the packages available please ask.

Discounts

Membership discounts include no admin fee when joining Too Good to Go, the app that helps you reduce food and drink waste, and a reduction in membership fee with the Devon Chamber of Commerce.

There is no limit to the amount of news, etc. you send us. The more we hear from you, the more we can shout about and promote your business!

Please check your profile page on our website to ensure your details are current. You can complete updates yourself, or you are welcome to send me the new information.

Act today, it’s time to renew your membership and stay in the Food Drink Devon community. We look forward to your  continued membership and being part of our community. Any suggestions on how we can improve our service and benefits for members is most welcome.

Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,
Kate Rippin
Membership & Events Manager
membership@fooddrinkdevon.co.uk