Two business owners have devised a way of counteracting the current crisis to support producers across Dorset.

Ian Tiffen from Tips & Leaves and Rob Wheeler from Kernel Cobs came up with the idea of the SNAFood Festival following the cancellations of the spring and summer shows.

Ian said: “For many of us, the show season is a huge part of our business and it allows us to showcase what we do, as well as to meet both new and repeat customers. Rob and I thought what better way to keep us all connected and hopefully surviving than by taking the shows to the public online.”

The pair have a created a fun and informal stream for producers with the aim of driving sales to their own websites and sales platforms. The preview will be on Friday, April 10 at 6pm with a live Q & A on Saturday, April 11 at 6pm.

Ian and Rob explain how it works: “All producers have to do is create a short video talking about their product as though they’re at a show, and then we’ll create a film that will be streamed on advertised days for the public to view. It’s a free service for producers and they’re applying every day, which is great.”

“Each stream will last around five minutes and will showcase three independent makers per stream. During the feed, we’ll also set up a live Q & A so the businesses can answer any questions and it can be as interactive as possible. We’re looking at upwards of 25-30 producers with more interested as we go along.”

“Each order the makers receive from the show will be despatched to the customer along with the names of all of the SNAFood exhibitors as well as a discount code for future purchases.” “It really is about supporting the producers in these uncertain times, and we’d like to do everything we can to stay connected with the public.”

The website at www.snafoodfestival.com will go live on Friday, April 10 and you can contact the organisers by emailing snafoodfestival@gmail.com.