SEVEN Somerset food and drink producers pitched their produce to Morrisons in a bid to gain a spot on the supermarket's shelves.

The supermarket giant met with 17 producers from across the UK at Mark Village Hall in Highbridge on April 26 and gave each producer the chance to pitch their products to Morrisons buyers, customers and staff as well as representatives from Somerset Women's Institute.

Richard Jones, food quality expert and development chef at Morrisons, said:“The South West has a long history of great, local food and the producers we’ve seen have been no exception.

"After seeing the quality of the food here in Somerset, we’re keen to put even more food made locally on our customers plates.”

The food producers were shortlisted after more than 60 producers applied to take part in a regional programme launched by the supermarket giant in February which aims to source more food from local communities.

Somerset foodmakers who attended the event included: Filberts Fine Foods, Gundenham Dairy, Harry’s Cider Company, Jon Thorners, The Sausage Shed, Cotleigh Brewery and Fussels Fine Foods.

Sam King from Jon Thorners, a farm shop based in Shepton Mallet, said: "Gaining a listing in Morrisons would be a substantial boost.

"Our giant pasty is already famous in Somerset and it was amazing to meet Morrisons customers and get their feedback on all our products."

Harry Fry from Harry's Cider Company based near Langport said: "It's been great to meet Morrisons and to speak to so many interested customers.

"There's been a real buzz about the place and we're looking forward to hearing the results."

Representatives from the Somerset Women's Institute helped with the judging and praised the producers on their pitches.

Julia Statton, chairman of the Somerset Women's Institute, said: "We're looking for those products that use fresh, local ingredients with sensible packaging and of course food that tastes amazing.

"We saw some promising products today and are looking forward to seeing some of them in Morrisons stores soon."

Morrisons buyers will now meet to decide which suppliers will be invited to a final round at the supermarket's head office in Bradford.