[Warhead]

My business is about connecting people - we put manufacturers in touch with distributors using our wide network of contacts. However, we specialise in a couple of fairly narrow fields, none particularly connected to food, so having been asked to get Italian foodstuffs into the UK supermarket arena, we're a touch daunted!

My client is involved as a controlling stakeholder of numerous Italian production companies. Products range from oil to wine, cheese to salami, pasta to sweets, etc etc. he has already a control in supplying all the Italian supermarkets and Auchan in france. His target is now the UK supermarket scene.

I have in the past penetrated Halfords successfully with a product, so I know the big high street guys can be got at, but I've heard that the supermarkets are notoriously difficult to get into if you're unknown.

So before the contract kicks off on Wednesday - is there any advice anyone can give on getting in, or is the old methods of just phoning in and seeing how high up the ladder you can get.

Likewise, I know nothing about food quality assurance, certification, testing etc - it sounds as if the client has all he needs, but I'm sure the UK supermarkets will be ensuring that everything is above board and I need to be ready with those answers.

Thanks in advance for any advice.