GroceryAid’s industry summer party, Barcode Festival, returned this year (September 2nd) to a new venue, Magazine London with a sell-out event that raised more than £750,000 for the charity.
Ticket sales for the festival hit were over 3,800 and a record 75 sponsors supported the event with many using it to launch new brands, making it the most successful event in the festival’s three-year history.
Barcode is a flagship fundraising event with companies using the festival to reward colleagues, showcase products and make new connections.
Steve Barnes, CEO of GroceryAid commented: “After the last 18 months, it was wonderful to bring the trade together with smiles on their faces at a unique industry event. Barcode Festival is something we are really proud to deliver for the industry. We anticipate it will sell out extremely quickly for 2022.”
“Not surprisingly, the demand for GroceryAid’s services has increased threefold since the pandemic began, which indicates our support is needed more than ever. The money raised by Barcode will help more colleagues in need.”
Entertainment for the evening was spread across three main stages. On the Skittles Stage guests enjoyed headline acts Rudimental with Ella Eyre, Example, Becky Hill, Scott Mills and Levi Roots.
Some of the UK’s best known celebrity chefs cooked for packed crowds from the Demo Kitchen Stage: Ainsley Harriott, Levi Roots, Briony May and Kenny Tutt all featured.
Outside, there was more entertainment to enjoy on the Volvic Variety Stage from British drag queen The Vivienne, who delighted fans with comedy cabaret.
Matt Glenn, Commercial Director UK, Campari said: “Fantastic to see Barcode go from strength to strength and raise even more awareness of GroceryAid and the vital role it plays in supporting the industry and its colleagues. It was great to have so many of our team together, letting their hair down and having fun after such a challenging year; we can’t wait for next year”.
As well as raising funds for GroceryAid, Barcode Festival also provides invaluable exposure for smaller brands who can access the event via ‘The Incubator’. It is designed to be accessible for start-up brands and provides a unique opportunity to connect and network with the UK’s top retailers and distributors.
Emily Gander, Head of Sustainability at TENZING, one of Barcode’s incubator brands said: “Barcode Festival was an epic way to get back into events after a tough 18 months for the Grocery world. We were able to showcase our lockdown innovations, network with fellow brands and lock in overdue face-time with industry contacts. We can’t wait to come back next year!“
The next Barcode Festival takes place on Thursday 7th July 2022. To find out how you can get involved or buy tickets, contact the team on events@groceryaid.org.uk.
For more information about GroceryAid, visit www.groceyaid.org.uk.
Comments are closed.