Food and drink businesses in Bolton could see their products on the shelves of supermarket giant Tesco thanks to a council scheme.

Producers could find themselves pitching their products to bosses from the supermarket after taking part in a series of seminars.

The three free seminars, organised by Bolton Council and Business Growth Hub, will take place in February and will give small companies the skills and confidence they need to break into new retail markets.

They will get advice on issues including pricing, insight about what major retailers expect and product development.

Those producers who are deemed “retail ready” at the end of the seminars could be given the chance to pitch their products to Tesco bosses.

A launch event for the initiative will be taking place tomorrow at the Bolton Whites Hotel between 8am and 10am.

This will provide those interested with the chance to hear from the workshop presenters and to find out more about what is involved.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Councillor Ebrahim Adia, said: “Supporting local producers is important for us which is why we were keen to work with the Hub in organising these workshops.

“We want to help local food and drink producers grow their businesses and one of the ways we already do this is with our very successful Food and Drink Festival, which last year welcomed more than 150,000 visitors.

“These seminars are designed to give small companies the skills and confidence they need to break into new retail markets. And at the end some of these businesses will have a great opportunity to pitch their product to a major supermarket.”

Director at Business Growth Hub, Richard Jeffery, added: “We’re incredibly pleased to be partnering with Bolton Council to provide local businesses with the opportunity to get their products on the shelves of some of the UK’s biggest retailers.

“We’re always committed to providing a platform for ambitious entrepreneurs to grow and are confident that these events will be a huge success and have a positive impact on the sector.”

The workshops are open to businesses in Greater Manchester. Places are limited, Bolton businesses will get preference and businesses must register for the launch and seminars.

Visit http://businessgrowthhub.com/events or call 0161 359 3050 to register/more information.