Eat the Island has found the recipe for success as 40+ local food and drink businesses chip in

Dozens of local and regional food and drink businesses came together this week for Eat the Island, a food industry networking event organised by Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire Fare, Queens Hotel and University of Portsmouth.

The event also saw the launch of Southsea Festival 2024, which makes its return next month.

Producers like Portsmouth Distillery, Spice Island Chilli, Tea Mountain, Staggeringly Good Brewery and Mad K showcased their products to local hospitality venues and retailers, with the aim to grow a sustainable and thriving supply chain in Portsmouth.

Between tastings came a programme of short talks – including from Liam Coleman, founder of Spice Island Chilli, who shared his story from making sauce at his kitchen table to selling nationwide.

Natalie Brahma-Pearl, chief executive of Portsmouth City Council, said: “Building on the legacy of the Southsea Food Festival, Eat the Island fosters connections within our vibrant food and drink scene.

“By bringing together our food and drink businesses, we’re enabling greater opportunities to grow our local economy.”

Southsea Food Festival returns for its 16th year to start the summer holidays on 20 and 21 July, featuring more than 60 food and drink stalls.

• investportsmouth.co.uk/eat-the-island

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