Food & Drink
Published: January 30, 2024 | Updated: 30th January 2024
Tasty food and drink from producers across the south will be showcased at a major trade show next week.
Business South is holding its Local Produce Trade Show 2024 at the Hilton at the Utilita Bowl, Southampton, on Tuesday February 6.
The aim is to highlight the very best locally produced food and drink to buyers from the cruise industry, hospitality and beyond.
More than 60 local producers will be taking part.
The ever-popular chef’s panel, with top names from the regional culinary scene, will also make a welcome return.
It will focus on issues affecting the hospitality industry and how local producers can get their items on the menus of leading hotels and restaurants.
In a bid to promote hospitality and catering as a chosen career path, a skills panel takes place in the afternoon.
Students from local further education colleges attending the session will also get to enjoy a kitchen tour at the Hilton and receive a goody bag.
Since it started in 2007, the show has generated many thousands of pounds of sales for local producers and also allowed buyers to proudly fly the flag for the region.
Leigh Sara Timberlake, Business South Group CEO, said: “The Local Produce Trade Show is a highlight of our year and we are proud to champion the important part our local producers play in the prosperity of the region.
“It has been gratifying to see business being done and everything from cheese and beer to locally smoked trout appearing on the menus of cruise ships and top local restaurants as a direct result of this show.”
Natasha Dochniak, Commercial Manager, Hampshire Fare, the county food, drink and craft group, said: “The Local Produce Trade Show is an essential date in our members’ diaries, kickstarting their year with vital connections being made between producers and buyers from the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors.
“This year Hampshire Fare not only assisted with putting together the chefs’ panel which covers a wide variety of hospitality venues, from city centre bistros to luxury hotels across the region, but we also established a new skills panel.
“The aim was to inspire those coming into the industry with a range of speakers and diverse experiences.
“The line-up includes a first-generation farmer and ranges from a young chef who appeared on the last series of MasterChef through to a retired Michelin starred chef.”
Organised by Business South, the Local Produce Trade Show is sponsored by Cavendish Ships Stores, Carnival UK, First Stop Catering and Hygiene Supplies, Hampshire Fare, Hilton at the Utilita Bowl, Southampton & Region Hoteliers Association, Alecta Technical Solutions, Enterprise South and Surrey Hills Enterprises.
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